Merry Old Town, sponsored by Minnieland, spreads holiday cheer in Old Town Manassas, Va. with a series of celebrations from Friday, November 30^th through Sunday, December 2nd. Visitors can enjoy Christmas carolers, greet Santa, witness Santa light the Old Town Christmas tree at the Lighting Ceremony on the Museum lawn, visit the Manassas museum, see the Greater Manassas Christmas Parade and window shop during the Merchant’s Open House. Applications to participate in this year’s Christmas Parade are due October 13, 2012.  For more information about Merry Old Town or the Greater Manassas Christmas Parade, please log on to www.visitmanassas.org.

 

Holiday activities in Merry Old Town will include:
Fri., Nov. 30:
5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. - The Manassas Museum hosts their annual Holiday Open House with free admission and refreshments.

6 p.m. - Santa arrives at the Manassas train depot via the VRE (Virginia Railway Express) train. 

6:30 p.m. - Santa lights the Old Town Manassas Christmas tree Manassas Museum lawn. 

7 p.m. to 9 p.m. - Free hayrides through Old Town Manassas

7 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Caroling, ice Skating, and Santa visits to be held at Harris Pavilion Gazebo following the tree lighting ceremony.  

 

10 a.m. - The 67^th  Annual Greater Manassas Christmas Parade, sponsored by Northwest Federal Credit Union, begins onMathis Avenue and continue down Center Street in Old Town Manassas. The Manassas Christmas Parade has more than 2000 participants including floats, high-flying balloons and marching bands. To volunteer at the parade, visit www.gmchristmasparade.org.   

 

12 p.m. to 5 p.m. - Annual Merchants Open House – enjoy holiday shopping and vote for your favorite gingerbread house on display in the shops’ windows as part of the Annual Gingerbread House Contest. Votes are accepted in the store or on-line at www.visitmanassas.org.

1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. - Free horse-drawn carriage rides. Free horse-drawn carriages rides will also be available on December 9^th.

 

“Merry Old Town weekend offers a little something for everyone in the family, whether it’s enjoying the excitement of a festive parade, doing some Christmas shopping or stopping by to see Santa,” said Debbie Haight, Executive Director of Historic Manassas, Inc.

Established in 1985, Historic Manassas, Inc. (HMI) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization located at in Old Town Manassas, Va. Its mission is to revitalize, preserve and enhance the economic base that ensures the rich tradition, history and charm of Old Town Manassas, Va. HMI is 25-year accredited member of the Virginia Main Street program which encourages economic development and rejuvenation of old towns in Virginia. Included in Southern Living Magazine and Woman’s Day magazine for places to travel, Old Town Manassas was also listed by Washingtonian magazine as one of Washington, D.C.’s “best places to live.” For more information about Historic Manassas, Inc. and details on upcoming community events, visit their web site at www.visitmanassas.org or call 703-361-6599.