Last updated: November 11, 2024
Get set for a holiday adventure in Ocala with our guide. Discover all the top festive events and activities. From Ocala aficionados to curious cats, our guide illuminates the city's seasonal hotspots.
One highlight of the holiday season is the Ocala Christmas Parade, where the streets come alive with spectacular floats and festive music. Another charming attraction is the Winter Wonderland at World Equestrian Center, featuring beautiful lights and ice skating for all ages. And the Light Up Ocala is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a delightful evening of community festivities and merry celebrations. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Ocala Holiday Light Displays
Winter Wonderland at World Equestrian Center
- What to Expect
- One million twinkling lights transform the Grand Plaza into a dazzling holiday spectacle.
- Description
- At World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Winter Wonderland features over one million twinkling lights, creating a spectacular holiday display.
- Where
- Ocala | More Info : Winter Wonderland at World Equestrian Center
Ocala Holiday Markets and Shopping
Light Up Ocala
- What to Expect
- Interactive kids zone with live entertainment and Santa's special appearance.
- Description
- Light Up Ocala is a longstanding community tradition that attracts thousands to downtown Ocala with over 100 vendors offering crafts, art, and food options, along with live entertainment and an interactive kids zone.
- Where
- Ocala | More Info : Light Up Ocala
Ocala Holiday Craft Show
- What to Expect
- Unique handmade crafts and local talents.
- Description
- The Ocala Holiday Craft Show is a vibrant event featuring over 350 artisans showcasing handmade jewelry, artwork, home decor, and more. Each booth offers a new discovery, reflecting the soul of the community with intricate crafts and festive tunes.
- Where
- Ocala | More Info : Ocala Holiday Craft Show
Holiday Shopping at World Equestrian Center
- What to Expect
- Indoor holiday shopping extravaganza with diverse artisanal goods.
- Description
- The Second Annual Ocala Holiday Craft Show at the World Equestrian Center features over 375 talented artisans and crafters showcasing handmade gifts, decorations, and unique items for holiday shopping.
- Where
- Ocala | More Info : Holiday Shopping at World Equestrian Center
Ocala Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Symphony Under the Lights
- What to Expect
- Free outdoor concert featuring the Ocala Symphony and Youth Symphony.
- Description
- The Symphony Under the Lights is a free outdoor community concert presented by Jenkins Auto Group and supported by the City of Ocala. The Ocala Symphony and Ocala Youth Symphony bring this joyful annual event to Tuscawilla Park, featuring festive music under the incredible oaks.
- Where
- Ocala | More Info : Symphony Under the Lights
Pop Goes the Holidays
- What to Expect
- Annual holiday concert with the Ocala Symphony Orchestra.
- Description
- The Ocala Symphony Orchestra's annual holiday celebration, featuring exciting and touching tributes to the season, led by Maestro Matthew Wardell.
- Where
- Ocala | More Info : Pop Goes the Holidays
The Nutcracker at The Reilly
- What to Expect
- World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
- Description
- The Nutcracker at The Reilly features beautiful dancing, sets, and costumes in a timeless family favorite ballet.
- Where
- Ocala | More Info : The Nutcracker at The Reilly
Phantasmagoria: “A Most Haunted Victorian Christmas”
- What to Expect
- Haunted Victorian-themed storytelling with evocative performances.
- Description
- Join critically acclaimed Victorian Performance Troupe PHANTASMAGORIA for a journey through whimsical and haunted tales of the holidays. Follow evocative storytellers, dancers, and performers as they celebrate the rich tradition of telling Ghost Stories on Christmas Eve with tales of holiday haunts, ghostly mysteries, and whimsical spirits.
- Where
- Ocala | More Info : Phantasmagoria: “A Most Haunted Victorian Christmas”
The Edge Effect: “Under the Mistletoe”
- What to Expect
- Highly interactive holiday show with vocal performances.
- Description
- The Edge Effect presents an all-new, all-vocal celebration of the holiday season, featuring Christmas classics and holiday favorites performed in their own unique way using only the power of the human voice.
- Where
- Ocala | More Info : The Edge Effect: “Under the Mistletoe”
Ocala Christmas Parade
- What to Expect
- Traditional holiday parade with a Candy Land theme.
- Description
- The Ocala Christmas Parade is a community tradition featuring over 65 years of festive floats, marching units, and holiday spirit along a 2-mile route through downtown Ocala.
- Where
- Ocala | More Info : Ocala Christmas Parade
A Christmas Carol at Circle Square Cultural Center
- What to Expect
- Timeless adaptation with professional actors and stunning sets.
- Description
- A new adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic tale, featuring first-class professional actors, lush costumes, stunning sets, puppetry, song, and dance, with a heavy dose of humor and a timeless message.
- Where
- Ocala | More Info : A Christmas Carol at Circle Square Cultural Center
Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus on the Square
- What to Expect
- Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus in a historic setting.
- Description
- Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at the historic Marion Theatre for a festive meet and greet with photo opportunities.
- Where
- Ocala | More Info : Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus on the Square
Holiday Concerts at Tuscawilla Park
- What to Expect
- Live music performances in a scenic outdoor setting.
- Description
- Holiday Concerts at Tuscawilla Park feature live music performances in a scenic outdoor setting with botanical plants and public art.
- Where
- Ocala | More Info : Holiday Concerts at Tuscawilla Park
Downtown Ocala Christmas Golf Cart Parade
- What to Expect
- Features a parade of beautifully decorated golf carts celebrating the holiday spirit.
- Description
- A vibrant procession of creatively decorated golf carts lights up downtown Ocala, showcasing holiday cheer. Participants, including local businesses and community members, join in the festive fun, filling the streets with unique designs and delightful themes. Spectators can enjoy the lively atmosphere, complete with music and refreshments, making it a perfect gathering for families and friends during the holiday season.
- Where
- Ocala | More Info : Downtown Ocala Christmas Golf Cart Parade
Ocala Other Holiday Activities
Ocala Holiday Grinch Fest
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly event with over 90 holiday vendors and festive atmosphere.
- Description
- Meet the Grinch, Santa, and enjoy holiday music while eating from amazing food trucks and shopping with awesome holiday crafters and shopping vendors.
- Where
- Ocala | More Info : Ocala Holiday Grinch Fest
Ninja Mountain Bike Clinics
- What to Expect
- Personalized attention and guidance for all skill levels.
- Description
- Elevate your mountain biking skills with Ninja Mountain Bike Clinics, where expert instructors teach riders of all levels to ride with confidence and control.
- Where
- Santos | More Info : Ninja Mountain Bike Clinics