Santa Claus Is Coming To Manassas: Where To See Him

MANASSAS, VA — Visits and pictures with Santa Claus are treasured traditions for many Manassas families. In Manassas, kids have several chances to see jolly old St. Nick in person.

Here are the details:

Santa Train

Santa Train is returning to the rails on Dec. 14, according to the Virginia Railway Express. Each year, families can ride a VRE train to meet Santa and his friends. Santa and his helpers will hand out candy canes and coloring books while sharing rail safety and the Operation Lifesaver’s “Look, Listen and Live” campaign. Trains leave from the Manassas, Burke Centre, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania and Woodbridge stations.

Tickets will go on sale in person on Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at five vendor locations. Tickets are $5 by cash or check and $6 by credit card and are available until sold out. Online tickets will be available through Eventbrite until sold out starting at 10 a.m. on Dec. 3.

Locations to buy tickets in person are:

• Spotsylvania Visitors Center, 4704 Southpoint Parkway, Fredericksburg, VA 22407
• Fredericksburg Visitors Center, 601 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
• Woodbridge Station, 1040 Express Way, Woodbridge, VA 22194
• Manassas Visitors Center, 9431 West Street, Manassas, VA 20110
• Supervisor James Walkinshaw’s Office, 9002 Burke Lake Road, Burke, VA 22015

Santa Lights

The Santa Lights Manassas event is the annual tree lighting tradition before the annual Christmas Parade. This year's event will be held Dec. 6 from 5:15 p.m. to 7 p.m. Expect holiday musical performances, Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving at the Manassas Railroad Depot on the VRE train shortly after 6 p.m., a tree lighting, and Santa and Mrs. Claus greeting children at the Santa Tent. Free wagon rides will be offered, and downtown shops and restaurants will be open.

Greater Manassas Christmas Parade

Another chance to see Santa is the 77th annual Greater Manassas Christmas Parade. The parade is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Dec. 7 with a theme of Christmas in Candyland. Over 100 marching units and floats participate in the parade. The route runs along Mathis Avenue, Sudley Road/Prescott Avenue, Center Street and Peabody Street in downtown Manassas.

Manassas Volunteer Fire Company Breakfast with Santa

Join the volunteer fire company for an all-you-can-eat breakfast and visits with Santa on Dec. 14 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Pictures with Santa are free with each adult ticket.

Santa is also holding court at several shopping malls in the local area, including:

Manassas Mall

Photos with Santa: Nov. 27 to Dec. 24

Pet Photos with Santa: Dec. 2 and 3

Sensory Santa: Dec. 8