Unite in festive spirit with the Ocala community! Discover all the events in our holiday guide. For Ocala connoisseurs and newcomers alike, our guide is your ticket to unforgettable holiday experiences.
Kick off the season with Light Up Ocala, a dazzling display of holiday lights that transforms Downtown Ocala into a winter wonderland. Embrace the hometown pride and traditions that come alive with the iconic Ocala Christmas Parade, featuring an array of floats, marching bands, and Santa himself! And Holiday Happenings at The Appleton Museum offers an artistic twist with festive exhibits and activities. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Ocala
- Light Up Ocala
- Ocala Christmas Parade
- Holiday Happenings at The Appleton Museum
- Ocala Civic Theatre Christmas Production
- Downtown Ocala Holiday Ice Skating Rink
- Winter Wonderland at the World Equestrian Center
- The Nutcracker by Dance Alive National Ballet
Ocala Holiday Light Displays
Light Up Ocala
What to Expect:
Massive tree lighting ceremony in historic downtown square
Description:
Ocala's historic downtown square transforms into a dazzling spectacle during Light Up Ocala. The centerpiece of this beloved tradition is the lighting of a towering Christmas tree, surrounded by thousands of twinkling lights adorning nearby buildings. Visitors can stroll through the illuminated streets, enjoying live music performances and browsing local vendor stalls. This event, dating back to 1983, has become a cherished community gathering, symbolizing the start of the holiday season in Marion County.
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Ocala Holiday Markets and Shopping
Winter Wonderland at the World Equestrian Center
What to Expect:
Luxury holiday experience at a world-class equestrian facility
Description:
The World Equestrian Center transforms into a sophisticated holiday destination, blending equestrian elegance with seasonal splendor. This upscale event features gourmet dining experiences, high-end shopping, and exclusive entertainment set against the backdrop of state-of-the-art equestrian facilities. Visitors can indulge in a horse-drawn carriage ride through the beautifully decorated grounds. The center, opened in 2021, represents Ocala's commitment to maintaining its status as a premier equestrian destination while embracing new traditions.
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Winter Wonderland at the World Equestrian Center
Ocala Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Ocala Civic Theatre Christmas Production
What to Expect:
Community-driven theatrical performance with local talent
Description:
The Ocala Civic Theatre brings holiday stories to life with its annual Christmas production, showcasing the talents of local performers. This community-driven show captivates audiences with its heartwarming narratives and impressive stagecraft. Theatergoers can immerse themselves in the performance, enhanced by elaborate costumes and set designs. The theatre, established in 1950, has been a cornerstone of Ocala's cultural scene, nurturing local talent and bringing quality productions to the community for over seven decades.
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Ocala Civic Theatre Christmas Production
The Nutcracker by Dance Alive National Ballet
What to Expect:
Professional ballet performance of a holiday classic in a historic venue
Description:
Dance Alive National Ballet brings Tchaikovsky's timeless classic to life on the stage of Ocala's historic Reilly Arts Center. This professional production dazzles with its intricate choreography, lavish costumes, and stunning set designs. Audience members can marvel at the graceful movements of skilled dancers as they tell the beloved story of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince. The performance, held in a venue dating back to 1940, continues a long-standing tradition of bringing world-class ballet to Ocala during the holiday season.
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The Nutcracker by Dance Alive National Ballet
Ocala Other Holiday Activities
Ocala Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Equestrian-themed floats showcasing Ocala's horse country heritage
Description:
The Ocala Christmas Parade gallops through the streets, celebrating the city's rich equestrian heritage. Unique to this procession are the horse-drawn carriages and equestrian-themed floats, paying homage to Ocala's status as the "Horse Capital of the World." The parade features over 100 units, including marching bands, dancers, and decorated vehicles. You'll hear the clip-clop of hooves mingling with holiday tunes as the parade winds its way through downtown. This annual tradition has been delighting spectators since 1955.
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Holiday Happenings at The Appleton Museum
What to Expect:
Art-inspired holiday activities in a world-class museum setting
Description:
The Appleton Museum of Art elevates holiday celebrations with its unique blend of fine art and seasonal cheer. This event series transforms the museum into a cultural holiday hub, offering art-inspired activities for all ages. Visitors can create their own masterpieces in holiday-themed workshops or admire specially curated exhibits showcasing winter scenes from the museum's collection. The Appleton, founded in 1987, continues to enrich Ocala's cultural landscape with its diverse array of global art and artifacts.
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Holiday Happenings at The Appleton Museum
Downtown Ocala Holiday Ice Skating Rink
What to Expect:
Outdoor ice skating experience in Florida's warm climate
Description:
Downtown Ocala defies its warm climate by hosting a genuine outdoor ice skating rink during the holiday season. This unexpected winter attraction allows Floridians and visitors to glide across real ice under the warm sun or starry night sky. Skaters can experience the unique sensation of cold ice beneath their blades while palm trees sway nearby. The rink, a relatively new addition to Ocala's holiday offerings, has quickly become a popular destination, bringing a touch of northern winter to the heart of Florida.
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Downtown Ocala Holiday Ice Skating Rink