New Year's Eve in Manassas 2026: skating, lights, closures

Last checked Oct. 19, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. Sources: the City of Manassas ice skating page, trash and recycling pages and City Connection, NOVA Parks and the National Park Service. Restaurant plans are listed only when a restaurant announces them.

New Year’s Eve falls on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2026. The City of Manassas had not announced a countdown event or fireworks when we checked; the city’s fireworks night is the Fourth of July. What is open: the outdoor ice rink at the Harris Pavilion downtown and the Bull Run Festival of Lights in Centreville, both popular through the holiday week. On New Year’s Day, Friday, Jan. 1, there is no trash pickup.

What this means for you

• Trash: Friday, Jan. 1, collection moves to Saturday, Jan. 2.
• Schools: Manassas City Public Schools are on winter break through Friday, Jan. 1.
• Getting home: Manassas City Police non-emergency, 703-257-8000; emergency, 911.

Things to do on New Year’s Eve

Ice skating at the Harris Pavilion

The city’s outdoor rink at the Harris Pavilion, 9201 Center St., reopens in November. Last season, from Dec. 26 through Jan. 2, it ran extended holiday hours of noon to 9:30 p.m. every day, and it held a Glow Skate Night on Dec. 30 for the 8 to 9:30 p.m. session, with a free glow stick for every skater. The city had not posted 2026-27 holiday hours or theme nights when we checked.

• Admission: adults $10, children 12 and under $8; skate rental $7.
• Tickets: buy a session online.
• Phone: 703-403-8297.

Bull Run Festival of Lights

NOVA Parks keeps its 2.5-mile drive-through light show at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville open daily through Jan. 3, 2027. Friday to Sunday and holiday hours are 5:30 to 10 p.m.; Monday to Thursday, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are sold online by date, $30 to $45 a vehicle in advance.

Family events the week before

In 2025 the Manassas City Library held a bilingual Sing-Along with Gabo and Mate on Dec. 30 at 10:30 a.m., according to the city’s December 2025 City Connection. Library and city programs for winter break 2026 had not been posted when we checked. Our things to do this month page lists them as they are announced.

Restaurants and bars

No Manassas restaurant had announced a 2026 New Year’s Eve dinner or party when we checked. We will add announcements from restaurants’ own websites as they post them. Our live music and nightlife guide lists downtown bars and venues.

New Year’s Day: what is open and closed

Christmas trees are collected the first two weeks of January on your yard waste day. Remove all lights, decorations and stands, and do not bag the tree. Details: our trash and recycling guide.

First steps of the year

The Historic Manassas Winter Market runs Jan. 16 to March 20, 2027, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Water Tower lot by the train depot, 9116 Prince William St., according to Historic Manassas Inc.

Related: holiday lights and Christmas events, Christmas parade and tree lighting and parks and trails.

Frequently asked questions

Are there New Year’s Eve fireworks in Manassas?

The City of Manassas had not announced New Year’s Eve fireworks or a countdown event for 2026 when we checked. The city’s big fireworks show is on the Fourth of July.

Is there trash pickup in Manassas on New Year’s Day 2027?

No. There is no collection on Friday, Jan. 1, 2027. Friday pickup moves to Saturday, Jan. 2.

Is the Manassas ice rink open on New Year’s Eve?

Last season the Harris Pavilion rink was open from noon to 9:30 p.m. daily from Dec. 26 through Jan. 2. The city had not posted 2026-27 holiday hours when we checked; call 703-403-8297.

Is the Bull Run Festival of Lights open on New Year’s Eve?

Yes. It runs daily through Jan. 3, 2027, at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville. Holiday hours are 5:30 to 10 p.m., weather permitting.