Features - Page 4 of 137 - Potomac Local News

VRE announces date and ticket sales details for 2025 Santa Trains

Published December 1, 2025 at 11:06AM

“VRE’s biggest day of the year is back on Saturday, December 13, 2025,” Virginia Railway Express announced. “In-person tickets will go on sale Monday, December 1, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at designated vendor locations.” “Online tickets will be available starting Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. through Eventbrite, until sold out.”

All passengers must have a ticket regardless of age, and tickets are non-refundable. Additional details are available through VRE’s ticket sales information.

Holidays Through the Ages Tours Begin December 5

By Potomac Local News

Published December 1, 2025 at 10:43AM

“Don’t forget that Holidays Through the Ages tours begin Friday, December 5th,” Prince William County Parks announced. “Come experience the Christmas holiday as it was from the 18th Century through to the 20th Century.”

“Houses are due December 5th and voting will end December 12th,” the department added regarding its Gingerbread House competition.

Meet Prince William: Q+A with Christina Winn, Economic Development Director

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published November 25, 2025 at 1:00PM

Welcome back to a Potomac Local News series, “Meet Prince William.”

We’ve started this series so Prince William County residents can get to know the important people working behind the scenes to make the county run smoothly and efficiently. This is an opportunity to learn from experts on the county. Potomac Local has asked each leader the same questions in bold, and their respective answers will be found below.

Holiday market coming to Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center

By Potomac Local News

Published November 18, 2025 at 2:34PM

A new outdoor Holiday Market is coming to Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center in Woodbridge on December 4 and 11, offering handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, and winter produce from local vendors.

Organized by Long Family Markets, the market will run from 2 to 7 p.m. both Thursdays in the hospital’s main parking lot at 2300 Opitz Boulevard. The event aims to support small businesses across the region and foster a festive community atmosphere.

Riverside Center’s White Christmas Brings the Holiday Spirit Home

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 13, 2025 at 3:43PM | Updated November 13, 2025 at 4:29PM

Martha Watson (played by Kathy Halenda), Judy Haynes (played by Sarah Mae Andersen), and Phil Davis (played by Jordan Thomas Burnett) share a festive moment in *Irving Berlin’s White Christmas* at the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts in Fredericksburg. [Suzanne Carr Rossi]

When my wife and I walked into the lobby, the holiday spirit hit us right away. The halls are decked, a big Christmas tree shines in the center, and the sound of carols fills the room. As we sat down to dinner, she looked around and said, “This just feels like Christmas.” And she was right — it did.

If you’ve seen the 1954 movie, you’ll recognize the story. Bob Wallace and Phil Davis are Army buddies turned entertainers who cross paths with the Haynes sisters, Betty and Judy. There’s romance, comedy, and plenty of old-fashioned charm as the two acts head north to put on a show — and maybe fall in love along the way.

Downtown Fredericksburg Welcomes the Holidays With Lights, Music, and Family Fun

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 12, 2025 at 9:54AM

“The most magical & festive time of the year is here in Downtown Fredericksburg!” Fredericksburg Main Street announced. “From twinkling lights to festive events and family fun, there’s something for everyone in downtown Fredericksburg.”

The holiday season kicks off November 15 and 16 with the Holiday Open House Weekend, featuring festive shop specials, holiday treats, and the start of the Window Wonderland Riddle Contest. The Fredericksburg Tree Lighting follows on Saturday, November 15, at 4 p.m. in Riverfront Park, with live performances, food vendors, and photos with Santa.

Spotsylvania Teen Honored with National Young Marines Award in Washington, D.C.

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 11, 2025 at 4:35PM

“Young Marine Sgt. Clevenger represents the very best of today’s youth,” Col. William P. Davis, USMC (Ret.), national executive director and CEO of the Young Marines, said. “She combines humility with drive, leadership with compassion, and discipline with service. Faith has made her family, her unit, and the entire Young Marines organization proud.”

“As a proud member of the Young Marines, I’ve grown not only in self-discipline and leadership, but also in my ability to serve others through storytelling and design,” said Sgt. Faith Clevenger of Spotsylvania. “These experiences have shaped my passion for communication and creative service—skills I hope to carry forward into my professional journey.”

House of Mercy Hosts Annual “Stuff the Truck” Toy Drive in Manassas on November 15

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 11, 2025 at 4:14PM

“Grow Your Own Vegetable Garden” free class will be at House of Mercy Tuesday November 17, 7-9pm. You must register for this class. Dinner will be served.

“Join us for the annual Stuff the Truck Toy Drive and help bring the magic of Christmas to life!” House of Mercy announced. “Your donation of a new, unwrapped toy makes a meaningful impact, ensuring a happy holiday for a child in need.”

The event supports the organization’s Christmas with Mercy program, which last year provided more than 6,000 new toys to over 1,300 local children. This year’s drive is a simple, drive-up, drop-off event taking place Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 8170 Flannery Court in Manassas.

Germanna Students Provide Free Dental Care at Piedmont Smiles Mission of Mercy

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 9, 2025 at 9:33AM

“We’re so proud of our Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene students who joined faculty members Stephanie Bettis and Ariyana Canty to provide patient care at this year’s Piedmont Smiles Mission of Mercy project,” Germanna Community College shared. “Together with volunteers statewide, they helped deliver 1,311 procedures for 259 patients—totaling more than $122,000 in free dental care.”

Piedmont Smiles held its fourth annual free dental clinic on October 18, 2025, at Liberty High School in Bealeton, providing essential services such as cleanings, extractions, and X-rays to more than 280 patients. The event is organized through a partnership among the Virginia Dental Association Foundation’s Missions of Mercy program, the Fauquier Free Clinic, and community volunteers.

Prince William Little Theatre brings “It’s a Wonderful Life” to life as a 1940s radio play this December

By Potomac Local News

Published November 7, 2025 at 3:00PM | Updated November 7, 2025 at 11:49PM

The Prince William Little Theatre will bring one of America’s most cherished Christmas stories to the stage this December — not as a traditional play, but as a live 1940s-style radio broadcast.

From December 12 through 21, 2025, audiences at the Gregory Family Theater inside the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas will step back in time for It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play by Joe Landry. The show reimagines Frank Capra’s beloved holiday classic through the lens of a vintage radio studio, complete with actors at standing microphones, an “On Air” sign, and a live Foley artist creating real-time sound effects.