Community events

» Friday: Weather permitting, the Ice Skating Rink will open at the Loy E. Harris Pavilion, 9201 Center St., Manassas.

» Dec. 1 at 5:30 p.m.: Larry J. Sabato will address the Prince William County-Greater Manassas Chamber of Commerce on gubernatorial, congressional and presidential races.

» Dec. 4 at 6 p.m.: Merry Old Town's annual Christmas Tree Lighting when Santa arrives at the Manassas Depot via VRE train and visits with children at the Harris Pavilion Gazebo.

»Dec. 5 at 10 a.m.: The 64th annual Manassas Christmas Parade will take place in Old town with floats, live performances, marching bands, equestrians, animated characters, giant balloons and Santa.

» Dec. 6: The merchants of Old Town will hold their annual Open House. Horse-drawn carriage rides will also be available.

» Dec. 6 at 2 p.m.: The Manassas Museum will host author Lynne Garvey-Hodge for her book signing "Images of Clifton."

» Dec. 19-20: The Manassas Ballet Theatre will present "The Nutcracker" at Stonewall Jackson Senior High School.