Ocala Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Ocala and surrounding areas
Ocala celebrates the Christmas season with bright Holiday lights across the Historic Ocala Square and festive events that showcase local culture. Popular happenings like the Ocala Christmas Parade, Light Up Ocala, and performances of The Nutcracker bring seasonal entertainment, market vendors, and family fun near downtown landmarks and the Silver Springs State Park corridor. Visitors can enjoy illuminated streets, community concerts, and holiday activities that combine outdoor lights, seasonal performances, and cozy local dining experiences.
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Christmas Lights
17 eventsAnnual holiday lighting ceremony and parade
Christmas Shows
5 eventsClassic Nutcracker ballet with live orchestra
Christmas Markets
5 eventsLocal artisans and holiday vendors
Other Christmas Activities
28 events70th anniversary of a beloved community Christmas parade
Editor's Picks (6)
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Ocala Christmas Parade
70th anniversary of a beloved community Christmas parade
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Light Up Ocala
Annual holiday lighting ceremony and parade
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The Nutcracker
(Gainesville)
Classic Nutcracker ballet with live orchestra
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The Nutcracker
Classic Nutcracker ballet performance
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Winter Garden Christmas Parade
(Winter Garden)
Annual holiday parade with Santa Claus
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Downtown Ocala Christmas Golf Cart Parade
Christmas golf cart parade
This Week / Coming Up (6)
Christmas Parties Near Ocala
Festive dining experiences, holiday parties, and Christmas-themed food and drink events in Ocala.
Cedar Key Santa Con
Cedar Key Santa Con is an annual bar crawl where participants don festive...
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Ocala Christmas FAQ
Major annual Christmas events in Ocala often include large-scale holiday light displays and popular Christmas markets. Community tree lighting ceremonies are also significant yearly traditions.
Ocala often embraces traditions like community-focused holiday parades and elaborate neighborhood light displays that become local talking points each year. The spirit of local businesses and artisans participating in markets is also a strong tradition.
While specific neighborhoods can vary in their displays year to year, driving through established residential areas often yields the best results for seeing decorated homes. Keep an eye out for local recommendations as the season approaches.
Christmas markets and local makers can typically be found at various community centers, public parks, and downtown event spaces throughout Ocala. Many markets are advertised locally as the holiday season begins.
Enjoying neighborhood Christmas lights, attending free tree lighting ceremonies, and exploring public spaces decorated for the holidays are excellent free options. Many Christmas markets also offer free admission.
Families with kids in Ocala can enjoy visiting Santa, attending festive shows at local theaters, and exploring Christmas markets with kid-friendly activities. Many light displays are also a big hit with children.