Introduction

Every winter, Manassas hosts holiday celebrations, parades, markets, and community traditions throughout the city. The exact dates may change from year to year, but most of these events return during the same general season.

As someone who was raised in this area, left, and later returned with a child, I have a newfound appreciation for these annual events. We have attended many of them and always had a great time.

This guide will be updated each year as winter events are added, removed, or changed. Whether you are new to Manassas or simply looking for something seasonal to do, this guide covers the recurring winter and holiday events held throughout the city.

Winter Events in Manassas at a Glance

• Location: Manassas, Virginia
• Main event areas: Historic Downtown Manassas, Harris Pavilion, Manassas Museum Lawn and Liberia House
• Best for: Families, local history, food, live music, cultural festivals and seasonal activities
• Cost: Many events are free, although food, merchandise and certain activities may cost extra
• When to Visit: Winter events generally begin in late November and continue through March
• Before You Go: Always confirm the current date, time, location, parking information, and weather policy through the official event organizer.

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Winter Events In Manassas

The Winter Market gives residents a chance to continue shopping from local farms, food producers, artists, and small businesses during the colder months. Vendors typically sell items such as meat, baked goods, preserves, prepared foods, crafts, and handmade products.

The market is held on Saturdays in the Water Tower Lot beside the Historic Manassas Train Depot. The exact opening and closing dates may change, but it generally runs from January through March.

Ice Skating at the Harris Pavilion

Each winter, the Harris Pavilion transforms from an outdoor event space into an ice-skating rink in the center of Historic Downtown Manassas. Skating under the pavilion is one of the area’s most recognizable seasonal activities and can easily be combined with dinner, shopping, or a walk through downtown.

The rink usually opens in November and remains open through early January. Admission and skate rentals require separate fees, and reservations may be available for specific skating sessions. 

Usually Held: November through early January
Location: Harris Pavilion, 9201 Center Street
Cost: Admission and skate-rental fees apply
Good For: Families, date nights, beginners, and holiday outings
Official Information: City of Manassas- Parks, Culture and Recreation

Santa Lights Manassas and the Downtown Tree Lighting

Santa Lights Manassas officially begins the holiday season in Historic Downtown Manassas. The evening typically includes holiday performances, Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving by VRE train, and the lighting of the downtown Christmas tree.

The celebration is held on the first Friday in December, the evening before the Greater Manassas Christmas Parade. It has been a Manassas tradition for more than 30 years. 

Usually Held: First Friday in December
Location: Historic Downtown Manassas, near the Manassas Railroad Depot and Museum Lawn
Cost: Free
Good For: Families, holiday lights, live entertainment, and seeing Santa
Official Information: Historic Manassas and Visit Manassas

Holiday Market

The Holiday Market takes place alongside Santa Lights Manassas and gives visitors a chance to shop from local artisans, food vendors, producers, and small businesses.

The market is usually set up near the Manassas Train Depot, making it easy to browse while waiting for Santa’s arrival and the tree-lighting ceremony. Offerings vary each year but often include handmade gifts, seasonal treats, hot drinks, and locally produced goods. 

Usually Held: First Friday in December
Location: Manassas Train Depot parking lot
Cost: Free admission; purchases cost extra
Good For: Holiday shopping, local vendors, families, and seasonal treats
Official Information: Historic Manassas and Visit Manassas

Greater Manassas Christmas Parade

The Greater Manassas Christmas Parade is one of the city’s longest-running annual traditions. Marching bands, decorated floats, dancers, community organizations, balloons, and holiday characters travel through Historic Downtown Manassas.

The parade is traditionally held on the first Saturday in December, following Santa Lights Manassas the night before. The 2026 event will mark the parade’s 80th year. 

Usually Held: First Saturday in December
Location: Historic Downtown Manassas
Cost: Free
Good For: Families, holiday traditions, marching bands, and parade lovers
Official Information: Greater Manassas Christmas Parade and Visit Manassas

Old Town Manassas Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show

The Old Town Manassas Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show brings seasonal vendors, food, music, and family activities to the Manassas Museum Lawn. Visitors can shop from local artists and crafters selling handmade gifts, decorations, and other holiday items.

The event is usually held around the beginning of the holiday season and is separate from the Holiday Market that takes place during Santa Lights Manassas. 

Usually Held: Late November or early December
Location: Manassas Museum Lawn, 9101 Prince William Street
Cost: Free admission; food and purchases cost extra
Good For: Holiday shopping, handmade gifts, families, and supporting local vendors
Official Information: Visit Manassas and the event organizer

Holiday Carriage Rides

Holiday Carriage Rides offer a festive way to see the lights and decorations throughout Historic Downtown Manassas. The horse-drawn rides begin near the Manassas Railroad Depot and travel through the decorated downtown area.

The rides are typically offered on select Sundays in December. They are free, but reservations are required and often fill quickly. 

Usually Held: Select Sundays in December
Location: Manassas Railroad Depot, 9431 West Street
Cost: Free; advance reservations required
Good For: Families, couples, holiday lights, and a seasonal downtown outing
Official Information: Historic Manassas and Visit Manassas

VRE Santa Train

The Virginia Railway Express Santa Train gives children and their families a chance to ride a VRE train with Santa and his helpers. Along with the holiday activities, the event teaches children about railroad safety through Operation Lifesaver’s “Look, Listen and Live” campaign.

The Santa Train usually departs from Manassas on one Saturday shortly before Christmas. Tickets are limited, required for every passenger, and often sell out soon after they are released. The event also supports the Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign. 

Usually Held: One Saturday in December
Location: Manassas VRE Station, 9451 West Street
Cost: Ticket required; prices and purchasing details vary
Good For: Young children, train rides, meeting Santa, and holiday traditions
Official Information: Virginia Railway Express

Holiday Train Show

The Holiday Train Show features operating model-train displays and railroad-themed activities for visitors of all ages. It is another reflection of the important role railroad history continues to play in Manassas.

The show is generally held over a weekend in December at the City of Manassas Community Center. Admission is free. 

Usually Held: December
Location: City of Manassas Community Center, 8750 Sudley Road
Cost: Free
Good For: Families, children, model-train enthusiasts, and indoor holiday activities
Official Information: City of Manassas Parks, Culture and Recreation

Winter Market

The Winter Market gives residents a chance to continue shopping from regional farms, food producers, artists, and small businesses after the regular farmers-market season ends. Vendors typically offer meats, baked goods, preserves, crafts, and other locally made products.

The market is held on Saturdays in the Water Tower Lot and generally runs from January through March. 

Usually Held: Saturdays from January through March
Location: Water Tower Lot, 9116 Prince William Street
Cost: Free admission
Good For: Local food, handmade products, and supporting small businesses
Official Information: Historic Manassas

First Fridays

First Fridays return to Historic Downtown Manassas in February and continue through November. Each month includes a different theme, along with live entertainment, restaurant specials, shopping, and activities offered by participating downtown businesses.

The February event often has a winter theme and serves as the beginning of the annual First Friday season.

Usually Held: First Friday of each month from February through November
Location: Historic Downtown Manassas
Cost: Free admission; food, drinks, and purchases cost extra
Good For: Dining, shopping, live entertainment, and evenings downtown
Official Information: Historic Manassas

Greater Manassas St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The Greater Manassas St. Patrick’s Day Parade brings pipe bands, Irish dancers, community groups, and other parade participants to Center Street in Historic Downtown Manassas.

Although it takes place close to the beginning of spring, the parade is usually held in mid-March and fits naturally at the end of the winter section. Visitors often arrive early to find a spot along the parade route.

Usually Held: March
Location: Center Street in Historic Downtown Manassas
Cost: Free
Good For: Families, Irish culture, music, and community traditions
Official Information: Greater Manassas St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Visit Manassas

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Which Winter Event Should You Choose?

The best winter event in Manassas depends on the type of experience you are looking for.

For a classic holiday tradition, the Greater Manassas Christmas Parade and Santa Lights Manassas are the strongest choices. Families with young children may also enjoy the VRE Santa Train, Holiday Train Show, and ice skating at the Harris Pavilion.

The Holiday Market, Christmas Market, and Winter Market are better for shopping locally and supporting small businesses. Holiday Carriage Rides offer a quieter way to experience the downtown decorations, while First Fridays are a good option for dining, shopping, and spending an evening downtown.

For a community celebration after the holiday season ends, the Greater Manassas St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the largest winter events held in Historic Downtown Manassas.

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Final Thoughts

Winter in Manassas offers more than just holiday events. The season begins with some of the city’s biggest traditions, including Santa Lights Manassas, the Greater Manassas Christmas Parade, and ice skating at the Harris Pavilion, then continues into the new year with markets, First Fridays, and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Many of these events are free, family-friendly, and held within walking distance of the shops and restaurants in Historic Downtown Manassas. Exact dates and details may change each year, so be sure to check the official event page before attending.

This guide will continue to be updated as events are added, changed, or removed.

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• Summer Events in Manassas
• Fall Events in Manassas