“The annual Stafford County Tree Lighting is making its way into town,” Stafford County announced. “Mark your calendars for Friday, December 5 when Stafford County kicks off the season with lights, music, food trucks, vendors, and a little holiday magic at the Stafford County Tree Lighting.”
Festivities will begin at 6 p.m. at the Stafford County Government Center. Parking will be available at the VDOT Courthouse Road Commuter Lot, with shuttle service provided to and from the event.
More than two dozen small businesses braved temperatures in the high 30s on Saturday for the Long Family Christmas Market at the Staffordboro Boulevard commuter lot in North Stafford, kicking off the holiday season with a community-focused showcase of local makers, bakers, and entrepreneurs.
The special market, held two days after Thanksgiving, brought together vendors from across Stafford County, Fredericksburg, and Northern Virginia for a Shop Small-style holiday event organized by Long Family Markets.
A new mural inside District Hemp Botanicals in Old Town Manassas aims to do more than decorate—it’s designed to guide and inspire. Unveiled during a community gathering on November 21, the “Old Town Manassas Map Mural” highlights the city’s downtown area and encourages both locals and visitors to explore its small businesses and cultural spots.
Barbara Biddle, founder of District Hemp Botanicals, commissioned the mural to mark her store’s 8th anniversary. Located at 9417 Main Street, the artwork reflects the store’s mission of fostering wellness and community. “Our hope is that the mural will help transform a walk in Manassas into an experience,” Biddle said during the event, which included remarks from Manassas Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger and representatives from the Prince William Chamber of Commerce.
While canvassing the neighborhood, officers recovered one of the motorcycles with minor damage. The other three motorcycles and the generator remain missing. Authorities are seeking information from the public to assist in the investigation.
Here’s the full press release:
Black Friday crowds, early-morning bargain hunters, and plenty of folks who stayed home instead — how did you tackle this year’s shopping rush? Vote in our quick poll and let us know whether you braved the stores before sunrise, waited it out, or clicked your way through the sales online.
“The black-box theater awaits student thespians, their lines memorized, spouting high school drama,” Fredericksburg Free Press reported. “And the band and locker rooms stand ready for the sounds of Friday night football victories.” “Hartwood High School, one of three new schools Stafford is opening next fall, is coming along, on schedule and within budget,” the publication added.
The update came during a recent media tour and a presentation to the Stafford County Board of Supervisors, where officials said the school remains on track to open for students next year.
“A newly introduced bill for Virginia’s 2026 legislative session would prohibit most law-enforcement officers from wearing facial coverings while performing official duties,” 13NewsNow reported. The bill defines “facial covering” broadly — including opaque masks, balaclavas, tactical or ski masks, gaiters or any item concealing a substantial portion of the face — and bans them unless one of several narrow exceptions applies.
Under HB 7, officers who violate the prohibition could face serious consequences. The bill authorizes disciplinary action (including dismissal, suspension, demotion, transfer, or decertification), establishes a Class 1 misdemeanor for unauthorized face-covering use (unless the employing agency has a written policy allowing it), and enables civil lawsuits — allowing a person injured by misconduct of an officer knowingly wearing a prohibited covering to sue for damages, with sovereign immunity waived.
