Merry Old Town is a fun filled holiday evening consisting of a Holiday Market, wagon rides, ice skating, entertainment, a tree lighting ceremony, shopping, dining, and of course the highlight of the evening... Santa arriving on the VRE train with Mrs. Claus! Not only are they arriving, they will greet everyone from the main stage, and then after the tree lighting, they will head over to the TD Bank Santa Tent to greet children attending the event. The Manassas Museum is also open for visitors on this evening.

Merry Old town is always a fantastic time, and it all takes place on December 5, 2025, with the market opening at 4pm and closing at 8pm. Other times include:
5:15pm Entertainment begins on West Street and Museum Lawn Stage
6:19pm Santa arrives on the VRE train at the Manassas Depot
6:30pm The tree lighting ceremony begins
6:45pm Santa heads to greet children at the TD Bank Santa Tent

For complete details, and frequently asked questions, please visit the official site for Santa Lights.

CARRIAGE RIDES:

Step into a horse-drawn carriage for a free magical ride through Downtown Manassas the first three Sundays in December 2025 (Dec. 7, 14, 21) from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. These rides start at the Manassas Railroad Depot and trot around the holiday-decorated City! Unlike past years, we are using a carriage ride company so that you can reserve your carriage ride times early and in advance without having to wait in line as in prior years.

To reserve your carriage ride and secure tickets (at no charge), click here.

SANTA TRAINS:

Tickets for the Virginia Railway Express Santa Trains are on sale NOW (12/1/25) at the Manassas Train Station / Visitor Center from 10am-12pm. Starting 12/2/25, you can purchase remaining tickets on VRE's website starting at 10am (until sold out). Tickets are $5 in person, and $6 online. Please note that per VRE, all passengers - regardless of age - require a ticket, and tickets are non-refundable. For more information click here. 🎅🚂

Join us in Historic Downtown Manassas and get a jump on your Holiday shopping! Beginning at 4:00 pm at the Manassas Train Depot lot we will be featuring vendors offering handmade gifts and other unique items where you will find the perfect gift for that hard-to-buy-for family member.

Hot chocolate, coffee and sweet treats will be available for both kids and adults. Downtown restaurants and many of our shops and destinations will be open later than normal on this evening.

For complete details and frequently asked questions, please visit the official Santa Lights website.

ROAD CLOSURES
Roads into Old Town Manassas will close at 3:00 pm. Road closures include Prince William Street from West Street to the entrance of the Parking Garage, West Street from Center Street to Prince William Street and Battle Street from Center Street to Prince William Street.

PARKING
Handicap parking is available in the Water Tower Lot located at 9116 Prince William Street. General Parking will be available at the city Parking Garage located at 9102 Prince William Street. In addition to parking being restricted on the roads that are closed to traffic, parking will also be prohibited in the Manassas Museum Lot and the in the spaces in front of the Museum.