We’re getting our first look at Christmastime events in and around Manassas, and it’s shaping up to be a season full of festive fun for the whole family.

Manassas City has a lineup of holiday happenings in early December. On Friday night, December 6, at 5:15 p.m., the city will light up with Santa Lights Manassas. Santa will arrive to bring holiday cheer and officially kick off the season with the lighting ceremony. The celebrations continue with the 78th Greater Manassas Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 7, at 10 a.m. This year’s theme, Christmas in Candyland, promises a delightful parade filled with sweet surprises, from colorful floats to festive marching bands.


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According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, residents in Northern Virginia and surrounding areas saw their first raindrops in almost 40 days this Sunday. The raindrops offered much-needed relief from a prolonged dry spell that has placed the region under moderate to severe drought conditions.

The National Weather Service has classified parts of Prince William County, Stafford County, Fredericksburg, Manassas, Manassas Park, and Spotsylvania County as experiencing a D1 Moderate Drought. Meanwhile, Fairfax County, King George County, and the Northern Neck Peninsula are experiencing a D2 severe drought.


Following the Tuesday, November 5, 2025, General Election, Manassas Park will see a new mayor and a fresh face on the city council. Democrat Alanna M. Mensing, who ran unopposed, will assume the mayoral role, succeeding outgoing Mayor Jeanette Rishell. Mensing received 83.87% of the vote, marking a significant shift as Rishell, mayor since 2016, did not seek re-election this year.

Mensing, who has been involved in city government, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She has served as Vice Mayor from 2022 to 2024 and has been a city council member since 2019. Additionally, she sits on the Manassas Park Planning Commission and previously served a term on the city’s school board. Outside of her public service, Mensing is a self-employed music teacher, offering lessons to local children and teaching piano at the Manassas Park Community Center from 2015 to 2020. She has resided in Manassas Park since 2009.


Today, November 10, the National Museum of the Marine Corps honors the 249th birthday of the United States Marine Corps with special events and a live stream, allowing Marines and supporters worldwide to join in the celebration.

Since November 10, 1775, the Marine Corps has stood as a symbol of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. The museum at Quantico plays a vital role in preserving the Corps’ history and legacy, offering a space where Marines from all generations can reflect, remember, and inspire others.


A fire displaced four residents from their home on Tamar Creek Lane. Just before 8 a.m., Stafford County Fire and Rescue responded to a report of a structure fire in the 100 block of the street.

Crews arrived on the scene within five minutes and observed smoke emanating from the rear of a middle-row townhouse’s top floor. Upon further investigation, firefighters discovered a room ablaze on the top floor and quickly controlled the fire. The blaze was primarily confined to that room and its contents.


The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has lifted the harmful algae bloom (HAB) advisory for Lake Anna due to the end of the recreational season. HABs have affected various branches of Lake Anna since June, with advisories expanded in July to include additional areas. Recent samples from mid-October showed acceptable bacteria levels, meeting the criteria to lift the advisory, despite earlier September samples showing unsafe levels.

The Virginia Harmful Algal Bloom Task Force, which includes VDH and other state agencies, has suspended response sampling for the season. Although HABs may persist in some areas, the public is advised to avoid discolored or scummy water as it could contain toxins. Depending on weather conditions, the Task Force plans to resume monitoring in May 2025.


Prince William County Supervisor Andrea Bailey will speak at the Virginia Association of Counties annual conference on November 10 through 12.

The organization that supports county officials and advocates for the interests of local counties is holding its 90th annual conference. This year’s will be held at the Omni Homestead Resort in Bath County. The organization aims to discuss topics across Virginia’s various regions, such as education, health and human resources, agriculture, and more.


Travis Lane, 11/4, 9:25 p.m. Deputy J.J. Holetzky responded to an unknown problem. The caller advised there was a female sitting in the middle of the road. Deputy Holetzky located the suspect still sitting in the road as she displayed signs of intoxication. The suspect admitted to consuming multiple mixed drinks before arriving at this location. She was charged with public intoxication and held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.


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