Prince William County Gainesville District Supervisor Peter Candland says he wants to place a memorial for Kyle Wilson, the only county firefighter to die in the of service, in a more prominent place. 

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Mary Washington Hospital Auxiliary will hold a Tree of Lights Ceremony.

After two years of virtual celebrations, we are pleased to announce an outdoor gathering for the annual tree lighting. You can recognize a loved one by sponsoring a light on the tree this holiday season. Proceeds from the Annual Tree of Lights benefit programs and services within Mary Washington Healthcare’s Regional Cancer Center.


Fun Land in Central Park is on track to open two new rides.

Fun Land General Manager Clint Novak announced the park in Fredericksburg would build a 40-foot tall drop tower on its campus. The ride, called the “Patriot Plunge” seats up to 12 people.


Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative is collecting new or gently used winter coats, hats, scarves, and gloves for underprivileged children. In addition, NOVEC HELPS, a group of employee volunteers, is collecting new, unwrapped toys and gifts for children in homeless shelters.

“We’re asking Co-op customers and other residents to please donate toys and gifts for tots, tweens, and teens,” says Nan Musick, NOVEC HELPS board of directors chair. “We always collect a lot of toys for little ones, but older children and teenagers appreciate backpacks, board games, books, bath gift sets, hand-held electronics, and socks.”


The iconic 315-tall Eiffel Tower will be transformed into a 300-foot-tall Christmas tree, and the well-known International Street fountains will become a large, ice-skating plaza known as Snowflake Lake.

Each night of the event, the WinterFest Wonderland Parade will provide an experience brimming with displays, performances, and decorated holiday floats with themes such as gingerbread houses, wrapped gift boxes, and toy trains. More than 100 singers and dancers will join the procession to perform on the parade route, and Santa Claus will join the Christmas festivities.


Elected leaders and Central Rappahannock Libary officials gathered at Porter Branch Library in North Stafford to celebrate its 30th birthday.

The full-service library at 2001 Parkway Boulevard features a collection of books, films, and music, meeting rooms, a Makerlab, and weekly children’s activities and serves as a community gathering place.


Join us in the Town of Occoquan this Saturday, November 19, for our annual town tree lighting and shop late event. While you shop from 4:00 p.m. to 8 p.m. you will be able to enjoy an adult beverage from participating restaurants as you stroll the streets of town.

Occoquan will be decorated for the holidays, the New Dominion Choraliers will perform, and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. River Mill Park will host fire pits for roasting marshmallows, with s’more packets and hot cocoa also available for purchase. Of course, don’t forget to stop in front of Town Hall (314 Mill Street) at 6 p.m. (note the time change from prior years) for the annual lighting of the town tree.


The Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank will distribute food and toys for its second-annual Turkeys and Toys Food Drive.

The event takes place this Saturday, December 10, outside Fredericksburg Nationals / Virginia Credit Union Stadium in Fredericksburg. It’s a drive-through event that makes it easy for recipients to pick up items.


Potomac Mills mall is inviting families across the area to a host of holiday events at the shopping center this Christmas season.

Santa will land his sleigh at Potomac Mills on Friday, November 18. The mall will kick off its 2022 holiday festivities with the Santa Claus is Coming to Town Arrival Party from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. There will be special character appearances, a balloon artist, and giveaways. Santa will be available for photos each day from November 18 through December 24.


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