Stafford
Stafford County has canceled its annual Christmas tree lighting, scheduled for Friday, December 5, 2025, due to winter weather moving into the region.
County officials announced the decision Friday, telling residents, “Due to inclement weather, the Stafford County Tree Lighting has been canceled. We thank you for your understanding. Please stay weather aware.” The announcement was shared on social media, including the county’s Facebook page.
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In Stafford County, a significant fraud incident occurred at Colonial Circuits Inc. on Warrenton Road. The business was deceived by an email from someone posing as an employee, providing false banking details for direct deposit. The scam was discovered only after the paycheck was deposited into the fraudulent account.
Another fraud case was reported on Greenridge Drive, where a victim’s personal information was used to open a fraudulent line of credit out-of-state. Additionally, on Le Way Drive, a victim found that their personal information was used to purchase two vehicles fraudulently.
A high-speed traffic stop on I-95 Northbound led to the arrest of a 36-year-old Alexandria man on multiple charges. The driver was caught traveling at 105 mph in a 65-mph zone and passing on the shoulder. Upon stopping the vehicle, officers found open alcohol containers and two firearms. The driver was charged with DUI (third offense), reckless driving, and weapons violations, and is being held without bond.
In another incident, a 70-year-old Stafford man was arrested for DUI after attempting to enter an ABC store while intoxicated. He was stopped by police on Deacon Road and failed field sobriety tests.
Stafford County officials will revisit their newly adopted data center regulations tonight, considering an ordinance that would exempt five previously approved developments from the stricter rules passed in October after a marathon joint hearing that stretched past 2:30 a.m.
On Tuesday, December 2, 2025, supervisors will weigh Ordinance O25-29(R). This revision would formally grandfather any data center project that had a rezoning, conditional use permit, or site plan approved on or before Oct. 21, 2025. County planners say the exemption was widely understood to be part of the board’s intent during the October vote but was never written into the final ordinance.
“First arriving crews confirmed heavy fire from a two-story, single-family residence [about five miles from Curtis Memorial Park],” Stafford County Fire and Rescue announced after the 4:45 a.m. dispatch. “All occupants were able to evacuate prior to the arrival of units, and no injuries were reported.”
Additional tankers were called in to support a rural water shuttle operation as crews worked to extinguish the fire and manage structural instability. The blaze was under control within about half an hour.
“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.