Spotsylvania Towne Centre is getting into the holiday spirit early this year, opening its doors at 6 a.m. on Black Friday, November 28, with giveaways, entertainment, and cheerful surprises for shoppers. The first 200 people through the door will receive free swag bags filled with goodies—including a chocolate bar that could win one lucky visitor a $500 gift card.

Shoppers can also stop by the mall’s holiday gift wrapping station, located near Pandora and hosted by the Chancellor High School Lightning Regiment Marching Band, to have their purchases wrapped for the season.


The Fredericksburg Area Metropolitan Planning Organization voted Monday to adopt the long-awaited Rappahannock River Crossing Parkway Alternatives Study, advancing “Option C,” a proposed new bridge and roadway linking Stafford County to the City of Fredericksburg west of Interstate 95.

The decision places the corridor into the region’s long-range transportation plan and moves the project toward the costly federal environmental review process needed before any construction can be approved.


“These volunteer opportunities are a great way to make a meaningful impact in our city,” the City of Fredericksburg announced. “City residency is required for most positions.”

“Memorials Advisory Commission – Seeking representatives from fields such as physical sciences, law, religion, business, education, and the arts. Board of Zoning Appeals – This board hears administrative appeals, grants variances, interprets zoning map boundaries, and reviews special exceptions,” the city stated.


A string of vehicle-related crimes and a variety of arrests were reported by Fredericksburg Police over the past few days.

On November 22 and 23, several vehicles were broken into or tampered with in the downtown area. Incidents included broken windows and stolen items, such as a wallet from an unlocked vehicle on Hanover Street and a laptop on Ashford Circle.


A Fredericksburg man will serve more than 13 years in state prison after pleading guilty to attempted rape, assault and battery, and violating felony probation. The charges stem from a September 10, 2024, incident near Double Drive and College Avenue, located on the University of Mary Washington campus.

Raymond Mungro III was sentenced on November 19, 2025, in Fredericksburg Circuit Court to 13 years and 4 months of active time. The court suspended an additional 10 years and 4 months, and imposed conditions including no contact with the victim, supervised probation after release, and compliance with sex offender registration laws.


The Publisher Hotel in Fredericksburg has named Cody DeRosett as its new executive chef, just in time for the holidays. DeRosett joins the Marriott Tribute Portfolio property with more than 10 years of culinary leadership at top restaurants and hotels nationwide.

Chef DeRosett will oversee the hotel’s signature restaurant, Five Chophouse, where he’s introducing seasonal menus inspired by local ingredients and personal stories. One standout dish, a Jerk Hen entrée, originated from a recipe he learned from a friend in Jamaica. His style blends creativity, comfort, and guest-centered hospitality.


“That allows us to expand from a fairly straightforward traditional deck replacement to a full superstructure replacement,” Fredericksburg Free Press reported. “It’s something that would add complexity significantly to the project.”

The Virginia Department of Transportation told Fredericksburg City Council that construction on the 1943 Falmouth Bridge will begin in 2030 and last three years, with the span remaining open but reduced to two southbound lanes and one northbound lane. The $160 million project includes a full superstructure replacement, a 14-foot shared-use path, a six-foot sidewalk, and 11-foot travel lanes.


“Tomorrow (11/21) is the Friday Before Thanksgiving Book Sale at the Friends of the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Center & Bookshop!” Central Rappahannock Regional Library announced. “One day only — get 25% off all purchases!”

The library noted that the Bookshop will offer gift books, holiday titles, and more, encouraging shoppers to “beat the holiday rush and shop early!” Special sale hours run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.


Two shootings in Fredericksburg over the past week left multiple people wounded and rattled residents in a city where such incidents are rare.

At the Express Food Mart on William Street—across from the apartments where the first shooting occurred—the store manager said her cashier heard someone yelling for help.


“Street closures and parking restrictions will be in place to keep everyone safe,” Fredericksburg Police Department announced. “Please be patient, obey traffic signage, and enjoy the holiday fun.”

Parking restrictions begin at 2 p.m. on multiple downtown streets, with closures taking effect at 3:30 p.m. The parade starts at 5:30 p.m., and streets are expected to reopen by 9 p.m. Additional details on closures, parking, and viewing areas are available at FredericksburgChristmasParade.com.


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