Manassas

Old Town Manassas is gearing up for one of its busiest and most festive weekends of the year as the city prepares to welcome thousands for the annual Santa Lights Manassas celebration and the 79th Annual Greater Manassas Christmas Parade.

Historic Manassas, Inc. Marketing and Communications Manager Darren Blevins joined Potomac Local News this week to preview the holiday lineup. A familiar face to many, Blevins previously operated the Shining Sol candle shop on Center Street and now owns Black Metal Mercantile across the street, offering unique gifts and a curated vinyl collection. He says this weekend marks the official start of the holiday season in the city.

If approved, the development would offer one- and two-bedroom apartments priced for households earning 40–70% of the area’s median income—currently about $114,750 for one person and $131,150 for two. Rents would range from $1,200 to $2,200 monthly, and leasing would prioritize essential workers. The three-acre site is city-owned, and Good Housing has offered to purchase it for $3 million.

City officials say the project would generate over $250,000 in new annual tax revenue and help replenish Manassas’ Housing Investment Fund if the city approves low-interest financing. No tax abatements or grants have been requested, but financial details would be reviewed during the FY 2027 budget process.

“This week officially kicks off the holiday shopping season for small businesses! We start with Pink Friday (Nov. 21), which is the shop small version of Black Friday,” Historic Manassas, Inc. stated. “Then the biggie of them all, Shop Small Saturday – the day where small businesses open their doors to the community and hope for your support on finding those perfect gifts for your friends, family, and yourself!”

“We hope you mark your calendars and give Old Town Manassas a visit this holiday season for all (or some) of your gift giving needs. The holidays are the biggest time of the year for small businesses so it means a lot when you choose to shop with them!”