Last updated: November 22, 2024
Welcome to your ultimate guide for holiday fun in The Villages! Discover all the best festive events and attractions. For The Villages natives and holiday travelers, our guide ensures everyone enjoys the season's best.
This holiday season, the Ocala Christmas Parade is a cherished highlight, featuring beautifully decorated floats and spirited marching bands that bring the community together. Another notable event is Light Up Ocala, where the town glows with twinkling lights, creating a magical atmosphere. And don't forget about The Nutcracker, a beloved ballet performance that captures the joy of the holidays. Be sure to check out the rest of the page for more festive happenings!
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The Villages Holiday Light Displays
Light Up Ocala
- What to Expect
- Interactive kids zone with live entertainment and festive activities.
- Description
- Light Up Ocala is a beloved community tradition that kicks off the holiday season in downtown Ocala with over 100 vendors, live entertainment, and an interactive kids zone.
- Where
- Ocala | More Info : Light Up Ocala
Cottom Farm Christmas Village
- What to Expect
- Hayrides and festive light display.
- Description
- Cottom Farm's Christmas Village in Weirsdale, FL, features a festive light display, hayrides, and various holiday activities.
- Where
- Weirsdale | More Info : Cottom Farm Christmas Village
The Villages Holiday Markets and Shopping
Light Up Lake Lillian
- What to Expect
- Free family-friendly activities including Santa visits and holiday crafts.
- Description
- Join us for Light Up Lake Lillian on December 7th from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Lake Lillian in Belleview, Florida. Enjoy local food trucks, over 50 craft and business vendors, and free family-friendly activities like Santa visits, cookie decorating, bounce houses, and holiday face painting.
- Where
- Belleview | More Info : Light Up Lake Lillian
The Villages Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Winter Garden Christmas Extravaganza
- What to Expect
- Community-driven celebration with local vendors and entertainment in a charming downtown setting.
- Description
- A vibrant celebration in Winter Garden, the event features a dazzling display of lights, musical performances, and a variety of local vendors. Families can enjoy delicious food, themed activities, and the warm spirit of the season throughout the downtown area. Special appearances from festive characters add to the joy of this community gathering.
- Where
- Winter Garden | More Info : Winter Garden Christmas Extravaganza
Ocala Christmas Parade
- What to Expect
- Over 65 years of community tradition.
- Description
- The Ocala Christmas Parade is a beloved community tradition featuring a Candy Land Christmas theme, with participants and spectators alike enjoying the festive atmosphere along the parade route.
- Where
- Ocala | More Info : Ocala Christmas Parade
Symphony Under the Lights
- What to Expect
- Free outdoor community concert featuring the Ocala Symphony and Ocala Youth Symphony.
- Description
- The Ocala Symphony and members of the Ocala Youth Symphony bring this joyful annual free concert to the community under the incredible oaks of Tuscawilla Park.
- Where
- Ocala | More Info : Symphony Under the Lights
Pop Goes the Holidays
- What to Expect
- Annual holiday concert with classic and new interpretations.
- Description
- The Ocala Symphony's annual holiday concert, Pops Goes the Holidays, features beloved music from Mannheim Steamroller, Home Alone, and The Nutcracker, led by Maestro Matthew Wardell.
- Where
- Ocala | More Info : Pop Goes the Holidays
The Nutcracker
- What to Expect
- World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
- Description
- The Nutcracker, presented by Dance Alive National Ballet and PNC Foundation, features beautiful dancing, sets, and costumes in a timeless story of Clara saving the Nutcracker Prince and their magical journey to the Kingdom of the Sweets.
- Where
- Ocala | More Info : The Nutcracker
The Villages Other Holiday Activities
A Dickens Christmas At Appleton Museum Of Art
- What to Expect
- "Unique Victorian-themed holiday display with community-decorated trees."
- Description
- "A Dickens Christmas at Appleton Museum of Art features a private collection of Dr. Paul and Joyce Urban, including themed trees, Dickens Village, and nutcrackers."
- Where
- Ocala | More Info : A Dickens Christmas At Appleton Museum Of Art
Belleview Christmas Parade
- What to Expect
- Traditional holiday parade with a Candy Land Christmas theme.
- Description
- The Belleview Christmas Parade is a cherished annual event that takes place on December 8, 2024, starting at Lake Lillian and Robinson Road, ending at 110th Street. This year's parade features a Candy Land Christmas theme with vibrant floats and community participation.
- Where
- Belleview | More Info : Belleview Christmas Parade