Greater Manassas Christmas Parade 2016: Route, Parking, More

MANASSAS, VA — When this parade made its debut, World War II had ended a few months earlier and the town was more than ready to celebrate the holiday season, among other things.

It hasn't stopped since, and the 71st annual Greater Manassas Christmas Parade renews itself 10 a.m. Saturday with the theme "Believe!"

And the Grand Marshall is none other than WWII veteran John O. Gregory, a lifelong Manassas resident who's the founder of the Gregory Construction Company.

The parade bills itself as the largest holiday parade in Northern Virginia, and more than 50,000 spectators are expected.

It begins on Mathis Avenue and continues through downtown.

Entertainment begins at 9:30 am at the intersection of Center Street and West Street, via the Osbourn High School Choir and the Bull Run Cloggers.

Handicap parking will be available in the Church Street parking lot located behind the 7-11 located at the corner of Grant and Center Street.

For a look at the parade route, click here.

Photos: Greater Manassas Christmas Parade