Provided by City of Manassas Economic Development Department
Look Who’s Coming to Town!
For holiday cheer, mark your calendars for the first weekend in December! Festivities begin Friday, Dec. 4 with Santa Lights Manassas + Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Friday, Dec. 4, 2026:
4 to 8 p.m. | Holiday Market
Discover hand-crafted treasures from local artisans and grab delicious bites from vendors at the Manassas Railroad Depot parking lot. Plus, the Manassas Museum and gift shop will be open until 8 p.m.
5:15 p.m.| Holiday Entertainment
Live entertainment on Museum Lawn Stage. Warm up with hot chocolate, coffee, and other seasonal treats.
6:20 p.m.| Santa Arrives!
Listen for the whistle when Santa arrives on the VRE train!
6:30 p.m.| Tree Lighting Ceremony on Manassas Museum Lawn
Hitch a free wagon ride!
6:45 p.m.| Santa Meet & Greet in Manassas Railroad Depot
Bring the little ones for a special visit with Santa.
Lace up those skates! Harris Pavilion turns into a daily ice-skating rink (excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas) from Nov. 20, 2026 through Feb. 28, 2027.
Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026:
10 a.m. to 12 noon Greater Manassas Christmas Parade: 80 Years. Still Sleighin’!
Ice Skating General Admission & Group Tickets
Mark Your Calendar!
Mark Your Calendar! - Nov. 6 Flags for Heroes (on display through Nov. 14)
- Nov. 7 Northern Virginia Veterans Parade
- Nov. 20, 2026 to Feb. 28, 2027 Ice Skating at Harris Pavilion
- Dec. 4 Santa Lights Christmas & Holiday Market
- Dec. 5 Greater Manassas Christmas Parade
- Dec. 6, 13, 20 Christmas Carriage Rides
- Dec. 12 Santa Train Rides
- April 11 to Nov. 21 Farmers Market 2026 (Saturdays)
- Jan. 16 to March 20 Winter Market 2027 (Saturdays)
Heart Beat Gift Card
Stumped on holiday gift ideas?
Every first Saturday after Thanksgiving is Small Business Saturday, which this year is Nov. 28. Check a few gifts off your list while shopping local and supporting businesses at the same time!
The digital Heart Beat Gift Card is the perfect surprise for family, friends, colleagues, co-workers, teammates – anyone on your list – including you!
This card can be used at 30+ participating City of Manassas retailers including restaurants, shops, services, and entertainment venues.
Give the gift of choice.
Support local.
Shop small this holiday!
Heart Beat Gift Cards – a little something for everyone on your list! Purchase Heart Beat Gift Cards
Hints of History
As World War II was drawing to a close in 1945, American Legion Post 114 (officially named Paul W. Mitchell Jr.) emerged from the shared experiences and lasting bonds of Black veterans returning home to Manassas. Seeking fellowship with veterans who shared their common war experience and duty to national service, these veterans came together to build a community rooted in camaraderie and mutual support.
Due to Jim Crow segregation (1877-1964), these Virginian soldiers were not permitted to join veteran organizations with whites; in response,16 Manassas Black veterans, petitioned the National Headquarters of the American Legion. They were issued a temporary charter under the title: “Colored Post 114 of Manassas, VA.” A year later on June 7, 1946, the Department of Virginia issued a permanent charter, removing the words “Colored Post” and giving them their new designation as Post 114, which is located in Historic Downtown Manassas at 9511 Prince William St.
In 2002, Post 114 was named in honor of Paul W. Mitchell Jr. because of his contributions to the organization and the local veteran community. Although he was not one of the 16 original charter members, none of those founding members are still living today.
But their legacy lives on. Each year, Post 114 pays tribute to its 16 charter members who took the initiative to establish the Post during the Jim Crow era, overcoming racial barriers and exclusion. This annual recognition is held in conjunction with the Post’s fundraising luncheon each November, honoring these early pioneers while supporting the organization’s ongoing mission. The 2026 luncheon fundraiser will be held Nov. 14.
Membership today is comprised of men and women who participated in wars from World War II to Iraq and Afghanistan. The Post is represented by all five military services: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and the U.S. Coast Guard. Over 80 years later, their legacy endures.
As we reflect on Veterans Day on Nov. 11, 2026, let’s pause and thank all the courageous veterans of the U.S. forces for the freedoms we enjoy today.
Timeline of Paul W. Mitchell Jr. American Legion Post 114
