“Kick off the New Year on the right foot with a First Day Hike,” City of Fredericksburg announced. “Motts Run Reservoir will be open special for the occasion on Thursday, January 1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.”
“Create your own hike or join one of the three guided hikes throughout the day,” the city added, highlighting the Sensory Stroll at 10 a.m., Storybook Trail at 11:30 a.m., and Hidden Creek Hike at 12:30 p.m.
“New this year, DCR will be hosting a few guided hikes at natural area preserves, which are managed by the Virginia Natural Heritage Program,” DCR stated. “Visit the special event website for more information on how to reserve your spot for this unique way to kick off the new year.”
Virginia State Parks will offer a wide range of First Day Hike activities on January 1, including midnight hikes at Pocahontas and Lake Anna, sunrise hikes at parks such as Widewater and Sky Meadows, wildlife and history-themed hikes, and special dog-friendly programs at select locations. Visitors will receive a commemorative sticker while supplies last, and most parks will host multiple guided hikes and programs throughout the day. A full list of hikes and details is available on the DCR website.
The annual Stafford Christmas Parade returns to Pratt Park on Saturday, December 20, 2025, bringing holiday cheer, festive floats, and community spirit to the heart of Stafford County.
Presented by Stafford Fair, the parade will step off at 3 p.m. Organizers encourage spectators to arrive early to secure parking, grab food, and claim the best viewing spots.
“A special visitor showed up at Neabsco Regional Park, a wild turkey wandering through its natural habitat,” PWCParks announced. “With a rich diversity of bird species, the park is always full of life.” “Reminder: Enjoy from a distance and don’t feed the wildlife, they thrive best on their natural diets.”
Neabsco Regional Park, located at 15125 Blackburn Road in Woodbridge, is known for its wetlands, boardwalk, and abundant birdlife, making wildlife sightings like this a common treat for visitors.
“Community support was tremendous! We appreciate every individual and business who contributed,” Prince William County Parks Foundation announced. “Major support came from several organizations: Branscome Paving provided asphalt, Vulcan Materials donated a huge amount of stone, the Brentsville Supervisor’s office surprised us with a significant needed resources and STACK Infrastructure was our High Roller Champion sponsor.”
“Thank you to the Parks Foundation, our Parks Department and all those who contributed to the pump track. It shows just how great our community is and how, when we come together, we can achieve something great for our residents,” Supervisor Tom Gordy said. Prince William County Parks Director Seth Hendler-Voss added, “We’re grateful for the Parks Foundation who made this project possible by rallying together park advocates and the business community to achieve a common goal of providing the best possible recreation opportunities for our community.”
“We sincerely thank all our wonderful players, amazing parents, and fantastic volunteers for their participation and support in 2025,” The Miracle League of Prince William County stated. “In 2026, we will be celebrating five years of the Miracle League program and are excited about what the future of the program holds.”
Board members are currently collecting donations and developing sponsorships for the league, with more updates expected after the start of 2026. The organization also announced it will again partner with the Washington Nationals Baseball Club’s Team Up Program. Opening Day for the 2026 Spring Miracle League season is Saturday, April 11, with two games each Saturday—8:45 to 9:45 a.m. and 10 to 11 a.m.—through May 16. Player registration begins in December.
Guests can sip on coffee, hot chocolate, and enjoy pastries available for purchase while taking in the crisp autumn air and colorful foliage around the park. The free rides will be held at Signal Hill Park in Manassas Park.
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“This program is an investment in the future of Virginia State Parks and in the people who will carry forward our commitment to conservation, recreation and education,” Virginia State Parks Director Dr. Melissa Baker said. “Ranger Conservation Corps will prepare the next generation of leaders while positively benefiting our parks and visitors.”
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and Virginia State Parks announced the creation of the Ranger Conservation Corps (RCC), a new internship program designed to build career pathways in outdoor recreation and conservation while strengthening park operations across the commonwealth. The program combines elements from past successful initiatives — the Virginia Service and Conservation Corps and the Park Ranger Career Development Program — offering immersive, hands-on training across multiple park operations and career tracks.
“Join us in celebrating the opening of our new pump track,” Prince William County Parks, Recreation & Tourism announced. “Drinks and donuts for early birds! See you out there.”
Brentsville District Supervisor Tom Gordy previously said the long-discussed project “is going to provide a completely different type of recreational activity for the Brentsville District specifically, but for Prince William as a whole.”
“Do you want to show off your gingerbread architect skills?” the Prince William Office of Historic Preservation announced. “Enter the First Annual Rippon Lodge Gingerbread House Contest and celebrate the holidays by creating a gingerbread masterpiece for all to see.”
The contest features Amateur, Family, and Professional categories, with winners chosen by popular vote. Entry forms are due by December 5, and houses must be dropped off at Rippon Lodge by December 8 for display during the Holidays Through the Ages event. Winners will be announced December 12, and entry is free.
