Step into a Holiday Wonderland in Historic Occoquan!
- Visit Occoquan
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 18, 2025
(Occoquan, VA) — Celebrate the season in charming, historic Occoquan! Our riverfront town transforms into a festive wonderland, sparkling with holiday décor that feels straight out of a Hallmark movie. Kick things off at the Annual Tree Lighting, and then explore the Holiday Artisan Market, sing along with Santa, enjoy Shop Late nights, and discover unique gifts in our boutiques. With plenty of shopping, entertainment, and family fun, Occoquan is the perfect place to make holiday memories. For event details and schedules, visit visitoccoquanva.com/events.
ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING
Saturday, November 22
Occoquan Town Hall
Join us in front of Town Hall for our annual holiday tree lighting! Mayor Earnie Porta will officiate this time-honored tradition as Occoquan residents and visitors gather to kick off the holiday season. Enjoy the warmth and cheer of the evening with roaming carolers filling the air with festive tunes. Take a relaxing break on either end of town beside a crackling fire pit and roast a few marshmallows. You can also treat yourself to a hot drink from Tembo Coffee and something sweet from Funnel Cake Cafe. This is a great little spot to take a quick break while shopping our small businesses! Sponsored in part by Westminster of Lake Ridge. Learn more at visitoccoquanva.com/holiday.
SHOP, DINE & WIN HOLIDAY CONTEST
November 22 – December 7
Shop and dine at your favorite Occoquan businesses for a chance to win $2,000 in Occoquan business gift cards! Occoquan merchants have unique offerings of home decor, clothing, gourmet food, fine art, beauty, chocolates, jewelry, stationery, and gifts for all ages. See a list of participating businesses and rules for play at visitoccoquanva.com/shopdinewin.
Occoquan Gives Back
November 22 – December 10
This season, we’re proud to pa
rtner with Volunteer Prince William to bring joy to seniors in our community through the Senior Basket Program. From November 22 to December 10, the community is invited to donate items to fill festive baskets for local seniors.
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Items can be delivered to Town Hall on weekdays between 9:00am and 4:00pm on Nov. 24-25, Dec. 1-5 and Dec. 8-10. Learn more at visitoccoquanva.com/giveback.
SHOP SMALL WEEKEND
November 28-30
Get a jump on (or finish up) your holiday shopping at the best #shopsmall boutiques and retailers in the area! Occoquan merchants will have unique offerings of home decor, clothing, gourmet food, fine art, beauty, chocolates, jewelry, stationery, and of course gifts for all ages. See of list of town businesses here!
HOLIDAY ARTISAN MARKET
December 6 from 12pm – 8pm
December 7 from 11am – 4pm
Get ready for a festive weekend of great shopping and small-town holiday vibes! The Holiday Artisan Market is back this year in historic Occoquan, taking place in the heart of the historic district on Union and Commerce Streets.
Take a break at Fireside with Friends in the Market Square. Warm up near the fire, grab a hot drink from the Tembo Coffee Truck, warm roasted nuts from Totally Nutz, or roast a marshmallow or two! Bench seating, blankets, and fire pits will be available on a first come, first served basis. FREE marshmallows, s'mores & glow sticks, as supplies last! Sponsored by Westminster of Lake Ridge. Learn more at visitoccoquanva.com/artisanmarket.
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Santa Comes to Occoquan
December 6
The big guy heads into Occoquan by boat on Saturday, December 6. Watch him float into town at the town dock around 11:30am, then parade up to the opening of the market at 12:00pm, where he will invite families to do a sing-a-long in the middle of our festive Artisan Market (corner of Commerce & Union Streets). Santa will head to Town Hall from 1:00-2:00pm to meet with kids one-on-one! He will greet and take photos with his favorite people at Occoquan Town Hall (314 Mill Street).
Letters to Santa
November 22 – December 15
Write a letter to Santa and drop it in our North Pole Express mailboxes at Occoquan Town Hall (314 Mill Street) and Hitchcock Paper Co (125 Mill Street) between Saturday, November 22 and Monday, December 15.​ Include an address and Santa will write you back!​​ Design and write your own or draw one with us during the Holiday Artisan Market on Saturday, December 6 from 12-8pm and Sunday, December 7 from 11am-4pm.
HOLIDAY SHOP LATE NIGHTS
November 22 until 8pm
December 6 until 8pm
Need a little extra time to get all that #shopsmall holiday shopping done? Select businesses will be open until 8:00pm or later on Friday nights in December, giving you more time to get the good stuff. See a list of participating businesses at visitoccoquanva.com/shoplate.
For updates or to learn more about holiday events in Occoquan, go to visitoccoquanva.com/holiday.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Tammy Hassett
Events Director
Town of Occoquan
(703) 491-1918