I hope your Thanksgiving was filled with joy, gratitude, and connection with loved ones. As we transition into December, our community is brimming with the spirit of celebration.
This month, we honor and embrace the many diverse holiday traditions that make Prince William County so vibrant. There are countless ways to come together and celebrate the festive season, from Christmas to Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and other cherished holidays.
I wish you all a joyous end of the year!
Preparing for the 2025 Session
As Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, I hosted our annual committee retreat in Abingdon, Virginia, from November 18th to 20th. The retreat featured a full agenda to prepare members for the 2025 budget process and included several meaningful site visits.
We explored the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center and Marketplace, visited the Mended Women Lifestyle Recovery Center, toured the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, and made our last stop at the new Bristol Hard Rock Casino. Each stop offered valuable perspectives on the region’s culture, initiatives, history, and economic development.
The first step in the 2025 budget process is Governor Youngkin’s presentation to the Joint Money Committee on December 18th. He will have the opportunity to present his amendments to the current budget and his outlook for Virginia’s economy. Many members, leaders, and Virginians will travel to Richmond to learn what the governor has included in the budget. You can watch the Governor’s Address here.
You may also be interested in the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission’s (JLARC) upcoming meeting on December 9th. This meeting will feature important presentations from data centers, broadband deployment, and JLARC’s legislative recommendations for the 2025 General Assembly. The full agenda is linked here, and I encourage you to tune in to stay informed.
District Survey
The Virginia General Assembly will convene on Wednesday, January 8th, 2024, for a 45-day session. The House of Delegates and state Senate will consider legislation and revise the Commonwealth’s operating budget.
In preparation, please fill out my annual Constituent Survey to share what is important to you during this upcoming session.
If you have ideas for legislation that will help the people of Prince William County, please feel free to contact my office to share your legislative and spending priorities: info@delegatetorian.com.
Winter Reading
Reading a book is a great way to escape the cold weather over the next few months. Prince William is hosting the Winter Reading from December 1st –January 31st. You can do this by picking up a bookmark or tracking your progress on the Beanstack Tracker app on your smartphone. Complete 10 activities or read 10 books before January 31 to get a prize and be entered into a drawing.
2024 Dale City Holiday Market
Come support Prince William County local businesses and start the holiday season off right this year at the Holiday Market today!
The 2024 Holiday Market will be held at the Dale City Farmer’s Market (14050 Gemini Way, Dale City, VA) from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Here, you will find the perfect books, jewelry, leather goods, wreaths, holiday items, crochet items, and more. You can also browse their wide selection of handcrafted goods, children’s clothing, and more from your favorite vendors—old and new!
Holiday Walk of Lights
Experience the magic of the season at the 3rd Annual Holiday Walk of Lights at Neabsco Regional Park and Boardwalk (15125 Blackburn Rd Woodbridge, VA 22191)! This year, holiday enthusiasts can stroll through a sparkling winter wonderland filled with thousands of twinkling lights with returning displays and new additions this year, holiday-themed characters, a holiday market, and joyful holiday music.
Enjoy hot cocoa, seasonal treats, food vendors, and unique photo ops along the illuminated paths, perfect for families, friends, and holiday lovers of all ages. Make memories and feel the holiday spirit come alive at this enchanting, light-filled event!
The Holiday Walk of Lights runs through December 27th on select nights. To find hours of operations, please click HERE.
Toys for Tots
Toys for Tots is a national charity program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve. Toys are collected and distributed to less fortunate children whose parents may be struggling financially and unable to purchase gifts during the traditional Christmas Holiday Season.
Please drop off your new and unwrapped toy at any Prince William County, City of Manassas Park, or Manassas City fire station, Prince William County Public Safety Training Center in Nokesville, or the lobby at the McCoart Government Center in Woodbridge. Clothes and used toys cannot be accepted. Please consider donating used toys and clothing to churches and shelters in your neighborhood.
If you are interested in finding more things to do around the county, please visit the County’s Calendar!