What's Going On Around Town
Welcome to What's Going On Around Town, my rolling guide to the community events that make Northern and Central Virginia such a great place to live. I refresh this page monthly so it always shows current, upcoming events across the nine communities I know best: Spotsylvania, Stafford, Orange, Prince William, Caroline, Culpeper, Fairfax, Fredericksburg, and King George. Whether you are a longtime resident or a buyer scouting an area, these festivals, farmers markets, fairs, holiday parades, and seasonal highlights are the fastest way to feel the character of a town. Each week I also highlight five free things to do in and around Fredericksburg for the weekend ahead, so check the picks below to plan a no-cost weekend.
Events change: dates, times, and details can shift, so please confirm with the organizer or venue before you go. New-construction community grand openings and model-home events are added here as soon as builders confirm dates in the area.
Free Things to Do This Weekend in Fredericksburg
My five favorite free things to do in Fredericksburg this weekend, all of them in or just off the downtown historic district. Every pick below is free to attend, and each listing includes the date, time, location, and a link to the organizer's page. Times can shift, so confirm with the source before you head out.
Holiday Open House Weekend in Downtown Fredericksburg
Saturday, Nov 14 and Sunday, Nov 15, 2026 · storefront hours vary · free to attend
Venue: Downtown Fredericksburg shops, galleries, and museums, along Caroline and Sophia streets
The official holiday kickoff in the historic district pairs decorated storefronts with boutique and gallery strolls, live music, Santa appearances, and special offers from downtown merchants. Free to attend all weekend long. FXBG Holiday Open House Weekend
Fredericksburg Farmers Market at Hurkamp Park
Saturday, Nov 14, 2026 · 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. · free
Venue: Hurkamp Park, 500 William Street, downtown Fredericksburg
The city's weekly market brings local produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, and fall finds to Hurkamp Park, a free morning stroll on the edge of downtown. City of Fredericksburg Farmers Market
Holidays in Fredericksburg Tree Lighting at Riverfront Park
Saturday, Nov 14, 2026 · 4 to 7 p.m. · tree lighting around 6:45 p.m. · free
Venue: Riverfront Park, 701 Sophia Street, Fredericksburg
A free community celebration along the Rappahannock: live holiday music, food trucks, local vendors, and crafts and activities, with the community tree lit at dusk to launch the season. FXBG Tree Lighting
Fredericksburg Area Museum: Free Admission All Weekend
Friday, Nov 13 through Sunday, Nov 15, 2026 · 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. · free admission
Venue: 907 Princess Anne Street, Fredericksburg
Admission to the Fredericksburg Area Museum is free for all of 2026, so the weekend is a perfect time to explore its exhibitions on the city's history, art, and culture in the historic district. Fredericksburg Area Museum
Free Concert: Vox Humana at St. George's Episcopal Church
Sunday, Nov 15, 2026 · 3 p.m. · free, donations welcome
Venue: St. George's Episcopal Church, 905 Princess Anne Street, Fredericksburg
A free Sunday afternoon choral performance in one of downtown Fredericksburg's historic churches, part of the church's concert series. Donations are optional. St. George's concert page
All five picks are free to attend. Details were verified with official organizer and tourism sources as of November 11, 2026; dates and times can change, so check the links before heading out.
Spotsylvania VA
Spotsylvania Farmers Market
Sundays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. · Spotsylvania High School parking lot, 6975 Courthouse Road, through Dec 20; Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (9 a.m. to 1 p.m. later in fall) · Route 3 and Gordon Road commuter lot, through December; Wednesdays, 2 to 6 p.m. · Spotsylvania Courthouse, through Nov 18
Local produce, baked goods, and handmade goods across three weekly market stops. County farmers market page
49th Annual Spotsylvania Christmas Parade
Saturday, Dec 5, 2026 · Historic Courthouse District, Spotsylvania · free to attend
Venue: Historic Courthouse District, 9015 Courthouse Road, Spotsylvania
The county's signature holiday tradition returns with the theme "Red, White & Merry Christmas" celebrating 250 years of American Spirit: festive floats, music, performances, and Santa. Parade entry is free, with a registration deadline of November 9, 2026. County parade page · Full parade guide
New Construction This Season in Spotsylvania
Ongoing · model homes and new phases across the county
Builders across Spotsylvania are releasing new phases and quick move-ins this fall and winter. See the newest communities, floor plans, and builder incentives before you visit a model home. New construction in Spotsylvania County
For the full month-by-month schedule, see the Spotsylvania County events calendar.
Stafford VA
Stafford County Holiday Market and Tree Lighting
Saturday, Nov 21, 2026 · 4 to 8 p.m. · free
Venue: George L. Gordon Jr. Government Center, 1300 Courthouse Road, Stafford
The county's holiday kickoff: a vendor market, food trucks, live music, Santa, and the community tree lighting on the government center grounds. Stafford County special events
Stafford County Farmers' Market
Saturdays and Sundays, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. · year-round
Venue: Staffordboro Commuter Parking Lot, Staffordboro Boulevard (Route 684)
The county's year-round market with local produce and seasonal goods. Virginia.org listing
Ruby Meadows: New Models Ready This Season
December 2026 to January 2027 · Hour Homes Inc., Stafford
Venue: 1935 Garrisonville Road, Stafford
Barbara toured the Lee and Hawthorne Deluxe 1 models at Ruby Meadows while they were under construction. The Hawthorne Deluxe 1 is tentatively scheduled to be ready around December 2026 and the Lee around January 2027. Ruby Meadows walkthrough
Orange VA
Orange County Farmers Market: Winter Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon · November through May
Venue: Historic Orange Train Station & Visitor Center, 122 E. Main Street, Orange
The market moves indoors for the winter at the historic train station with local produce, foods, crafts, and more. Visit Orange County Virginia
Rotary Club of Orange Christmas Parade & Memorial Tree
Saturday, Dec 5, 2026 · 4:30 p.m. · rain or shine
Venue: Downtown Orange, route from Madison Road to East Main to Caroline Street
The town's holiday parade with the theme "Tell Me A Christmas Story," followed by the community memorial tree lighting. Orange Christmas Parade
Orange County Tacky Lights Tour
Nightly 7 to 9 p.m. · mid-December through Dec 31 · free
Venue: Self-guided driving tour of decorated homes across Orange County
A free family tradition: a mapped driving route past the county's most festively decorated homes. Orange County Tacky Lights brochure
New Construction This Season in Orange County
Ongoing · new homes and land communities across the county
Orange County's new-construction market offers everything from country estates on acreage to new subdivisions near downtown. Tour the latest communities and floor plans. New construction in Orange County
Prince William VA
Holiday Market & Santa Lights
Friday, Dec 4, 2026 · 4 to 8 p.m. · tree lighting ceremony at 6:30 p.m.
Venue: Manassas Train Depot parking lot, 9431 West Street, Manassas
The City of Manassas holiday market with vendors, live music, and the community tree lighting, with Santa arriving by VRE train. Visit Manassas
80th Greater Manassas Christmas Parade
Saturday, Dec 5, 2026 · 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. · theme "80 Years. Still Sleighin.'"
Venue: Route from Mathis Avenue onto Sudley Road, Prescott Avenue, and Center Street through Historic Downtown Manassas, ending near the Courthouse
The region's grand holiday parade with floats, bands, and community groups. Visit Manassas
Manassas Park Light Parade
Saturday, Dec 5, 2026 · 5 to 9 p.m.
Venue: Manassas Drive and Park Central Plaza, Manassas Park
A community light parade with floats and holiday displays, plus a tree lighting ceremony, holiday movie, food trucks, and Santa. Manassas Park Community Center
Dale City Farmers Market
Sundays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. · through November; winter hours 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. December through March
Venue: 14050 Gemini Way, Dale City
A year-round community market, rain or shine, with local produce and vendors. PWC Parks & Recreation
Historic Manassas Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Venue: 9024 Prince William Street, Historic Manassas
Local produce and vendors with live music on market days in the historic district. Historic Manassas market page
Holiday Walk of Lights at Neabsco Regional Park
Returns this December · 2026 opening date to be announced · free
Venue: Neabsco Regional Park & Boardwalk, 15125 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge
The county has confirmed its fourth annual free light display along the Neabsco boardwalk will return this season, with dates posted on the parks calendar. Prince William County Parks
Hoadly Falls: Grand Opening & Model Opening
Ongoing · K. Hovnanian Homes, Woodbridge
Venue: 5401 Cross Lane, Woodbridge
New single-family homes in grand opening and model opening with quick move-ins available. Four floor plans run about 3,542 to 4,294 square feet with homes priced from about $1,079,990. New construction in Prince William County
Caroline County VA
2026 Bowling Green Holiday Parade
Saturday, Dec 12, 2026 · evening parade (the 2025 edition ran 5:30 to 7 p.m.)
Venue: Main Street, Bowling Green
A festive evening parade with floats, classic cars, first responders, and community groups, with winners announced at Town Hall. Town of Bowling Green
Historic Port Royal Museum
Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. · November 2026
Venue: Historic Port Royal, Port Royal
The 18th-century river town's museum and schoolhouse open for family-friendly Saturday visits, a great stop on a drive along the Rappahannock. Caroline County events calendar
Farmers Markets: Season Wrapped, Returns in Spring
Closed for the season · both county markets return next spring
Venue: Bowling Green Farmers' Market (Main Street) and Ladysmith Farmers' Market (Ladysmith Community Center, 7278 Ladysmith Road, Ruther Glen)
The Bowling Green market wrapped its 2026 season on October 10 and the Ladysmith market closed in September. Watch the county calendar for 2027 opening dates. Caroline County events calendar
Seasonal Highlights Across the County, Including Ruther Glen
Ongoing · as announced
Venue: Community events in the Ladysmith and Ruther Glen areas, plus Bowling Green
Community days and seasonal events in the Ladysmith and Ruther Glen areas are posted on the county calendar as they are announced. Caroline County events calendar
New Construction This Season in Caroline County
Ongoing · new communities near Ruther Glen and Ladysmith
Caroline County's growth corridor along Route 207 and I-95 keeps adding new communities, many priced for buyers trading up from the city. See the latest builders and floor plans. New construction in Caroline County
Culpeper VA
Culpeper Downtown Farmers Market
Saturdays, Nov 14 and 21 · 7:30 a.m. to noon
Venue: Culpeper Baptist Church parking lot, 318 S. West Street, Culpeper
Weekly market with local produce and vendors through November, with a holiday-season winter market announced for December (dates to be confirmed). Culpeper Renaissance
Culpeper Downtown Fall Restaurant Week
Nov 2-8, 2026 · downtown Culpeper
Venue: Participating restaurants across downtown Culpeper
A week of specials at downtown restaurants, a great reason to explore the Culpeper dining scene. Culpeper Renaissance
Pink Friday Holiday Shopping Kickoff
Friday, Nov 20, 2026 · downtown Culpeper
Venue: Downtown shops and merchants, Culpeper
Downtown merchants open the holiday shopping season with specials and festive deals. Culpeper Renaissance
Holiday Open House & Community Tree Lighting
Sunday, Nov 22, 2026 · all day
Venue: Downtown Culpeper, Depot District near the LOVE sign
An all-day celebration with crafts, vendors, music, and the downtown community tree lighting to open the holiday season. Culpeper Renaissance
Culpeper Christmas Parade
Sunday, Dec 6, 2026 · 5 to 7 p.m.
Venue: Downtown Culpeper, floats line up at Piedmont Street and the parade travels down Main Street
A festive evening parade through downtown Culpeper with floats, bands, and community groups. Visit Culpeper
Holiday Sunday Funday
Sunday, Dec 6, 2026 · 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Venue: Downtown Culpeper
All-day, kid-friendly holiday activities with downtown merchants, a perfect pairing with the evening Christmas Parade. Culpeper Renaissance
New Construction This Season in Culpeper
Ongoing · new homes across the county
Culpeper County's new-construction market continues to grow with fresh communities and country lots. Tour the latest models and floor plans. New construction in Culpeper County
Fairfax VA
FRESHFARM Mosaic Market
Sundays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. · year-round
Venue: 2920 District Avenue, Mosaic District, Merrifield
A year-round producer-only market in the heart of the Mosaic District with local produce, meats, baked goods, and prepared foods. Fairfax County farmers markets
40th Annual Holiday Craft Show
Saturday, Nov 21 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and Sunday, Nov 22 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) · $5 one day, $8 both
Venue: Fairfax High School, 3501 Lion Run, Fairfax
A juried holiday craft show marking its 40th year, a favorite way to start the holiday shopping season. City of Fairfax special events
10th Annual Holiday Market
Dec 4-6 and Dec 11-13, 2026 · Friday 5 to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday hours per the city's schedule
Venue: Old Town Square, downtown Fairfax
Holiday shopping with rotating local artisans and live holiday entertainment in the heart of Old Town. City of Fairfax special events
Festival of Lights and Carols
Saturday, Dec 5, 2026 · noon to 6 p.m. · free
Venue: Town Square Park, 10415 North Street, downtown Fairfax
Tree lighting, live holiday music, s'mores, cider, and kids' crafts in Old Town, with Santa photos from 3 to 5 p.m. and the tree lighting ceremony and caroling at 5:30 p.m. City of Fairfax
Bull Run Festival of Lights & Holiday Village
Nov 14, 2026 through Jan 3, 2027 · Monday-Thursday 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., Friday-Sunday and holidays 5:30 to 10 p.m.
Venue: Bull Run Regional Park, 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville
A 2.5-mile drive-through holiday lights experience plus a holiday village, a favorite family tradition across the county. Advance tickets about $30 to $45 per vehicle. NOVA Parks
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens Winter Walk of Lights
Nov 11, 2026 through Jan 3, 2027 · nightly
Venue: Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna
A half-million-light walk through the botanical gardens, one of Northern Virginia's signature holiday light displays. NOVA Parks
New Construction This Season in Fairfax
Ongoing · townhomes and condos across the county
Fairfax County keeps adding boutique townhome and condo communities close to Metro and the region's best schools. See what is selling now and what is coming soon. New construction in Fairfax County
Fredericksburg VA
Fredericksburg Farmers Market at Hurkamp Park
Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. · through Dec 5; Winter Market Dec 12, 19, and 26 · 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; holiday editions: Merry Market Nov 21 and Mistletoe Market Nov 28 · 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Venue: Hurkamp Park, 500 William Street, downtown Fredericksburg
The city's downtown open-air market with 30-plus vendors selling produce, meats, baked goods, honey, plants, and local wine, plus special holiday market days in November and December. City of Fredericksburg market page
Holiday Open House Weekend
Saturday and Sunday, Nov 14-15, 2026 · downtown Fredericksburg
Venue: Downtown shops and businesses across Fredericksburg
The official kickoff to the holiday season: decorated storefronts, shopping specials, and festive events across downtown. FXBG Holiday Open House
Fredericksburg Tree Lighting at Riverfront Park
Saturday, Nov 14, 2026 · 4 to 7 p.m. · free
Venue: Riverfront Park, 701 Sophia Street, Fredericksburg
Live music, food trucks, and Santa at the park, with the community tree lighting around 6:45 p.m. FXBG Holiday Open House
Fredericksburg Christmas Parade
Saturday, Dec 5, 2026 · 5:30 p.m. · free, rain or shine
Venue: Caroline and Princess Anne Streets, downtown Fredericksburg
This year's theme is "A Timeless Christmas," with floats, bands, and holiday magic along the downtown route. City of Fredericksburg Christmas Parade
A Christmas Carol at Riverside Center
Nov 11, 2026 through Jan 3, 2027 · multiple performances
Venue: Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, 95 Riverside Parkway, Fredericksburg
The classic Dickens holiday story on stage, a Fredericksburg tradition for the whole family. FXBG events
56th Annual Christmas Candlelight Tour
Saturday, Dec 12 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) through Sunday, Dec 13 (noon to 4 p.m.), 2026 · ticketed
Venue: Historic homes across Fredericksburg, presented by the Historic Fredericksburg Foundation
Historic homes decorated for the holidays, a beloved regional tradition for more than five decades. Historic Fredericksburg Foundation
FAMFaire Holiday Market
Saturday, Dec 12, 2026 · 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Venue: FAM Market Square, 907 Princess Anne Street, Fredericksburg
The Fredericksburg Area Museum's holiday market with local makers, seasonal goods, and festive shopping in Market Square. Fredericksburg Area Museum
New Construction Grand Openings in Fredericksburg
Ongoing this season · model homes and new phases
Venue: Communities across the Fredericksburg area
Mary's Landing (DRB Homes) is a new Fredericksburg community marking its grand opening with homes from about $479,990, and Ryan Homes has new homes releasing this season at South Village and at the 55+ Havenwood Villas community. New construction in Fredericksburg · Ryan Homes Fredericksburg
Details checked as of November 11, 2026 with the City of Fredericksburg, FXBG, the Fredericksburg Area Museum, and the Historic Fredericksburg Foundation. Confirm dates and times with the organizers before you go.
King George VA
Veterans Day Salute to Service
Saturday, Nov 14, 2026 · King George
Venue: King George VFW Post 12202
A community salute honoring local veterans ahead of Veterans Day weekend. King George County events
Holiday Bazaar Craft Fair
Saturday, Nov 21, 2026 · 9 a.m.
Venue: King George Citizens Center, 8076 Kings Highway, King George
A holiday craft fair with local makers, a great early shopping stop for the season. King George County events
Christmas Open House
Saturday, Nov 21, 2026 · 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Venue: King George County
A countywide holiday open house with seasonal shopping and festivities. Visit King George events
King George Christmas Tree Lighting
Sunday, Dec 6, 2026 · 4 p.m. · free
Venue: Historic King George Courthouse, 10459 Courthouse Drive, King George
The county's traditional tree lighting with Santa, live music, s'mores, hot cocoa, and fire pits on the courthouse lawn. King George County events
Breakfast with Mr. & Mrs. Claus
Saturday, Dec 12, 2026 · King George Parks & Recreation
Venue: Check the county calendar for the venue and ticket details
A family holiday breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus, hosted by King George Parks & Recreation. King George County events
King George Farmers Market: Season Wrapped
Closed Oct 31, 2026 · returns next season
Venue: King George Middle School parking lot, 8246 Dahlgren Road, King George
The weekly market closed its 2026 season on the last Saturday of October. A Holly Day holiday market has been part of past seasons; watch the county calendar for any 2026 dates. King George Farmers Market
New Construction This Season in King George
Ongoing · new homes along the Dahlgren corridor
King George's new-construction market serves the Dahlgren workforce and commuters to Fredericksburg and Northern Virginia. See the newest communities and floor plans. New construction in King George County
Events change, so please confirm with the organizer or venue before you go. Listings above were checked as of November 11, 2026 from official county, town, tourism, and organizer sources; dates, times, and venues can shift, and some farmers markets wind down or adjust hours as the season turns.
Thinking About Making One of These Towns Home?
Whether you are relocating, buying a first home, or just exploring the area, I know these communities block by block and I am happy to walk you through them. Call Barbara at 540-840-1133 or book a free consultation below.
Book a ConsultationSources
Event details come from official and organizer sources, including the Spotsylvania County events calendar, Spotsylvania Farmers Market, Belvedere Plantation, the Spotsylvania Christmas Parade page, Tour Stafford, Stafford County special events, Virginia.org, Orange Christmas Parade, Visit Orange County Virginia, Orange County Tacky Lights Tour, Visit Manassas, Manassas Park Community Center, PWC Parks & Recreation, Historic Manassas, Town of Bowling Green, Caroline County calendar, Culpeper Renaissance Inc., Visit Culpeper, City of Fairfax special events, NOVA Parks, Fairfax County farmers markets, the City of Fredericksburg Farmers Market page, the City of Fredericksburg Christmas Parade page, FXBG, Visit Fredericksburg, Fredericksburg Area Museum, Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Fredericksburg SPCA, King George County events, Visit King George, King George Farmers Market, and Ryan Homes.
Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Dates, times, and venues can change without notice; always confirm with the organizer before heading out.
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