'Tis the Season in Ocala/Marion

The holidays are a special time of year and Ocala/Marion County offers ways to celebrate throughout the entire season.

From downtown lights and Christmas trees to parades and live performances, visitors and residents can drink in the Christmas spirit all month long. Here are some of the things to do in the area. For all the events happening in the area, check out our calendar.

Ocala

Downtown Ocala

The giant Christmas tree is just the start of Downtown Ocala’s holiday spirit. Throughout the season, the streets are alive with lights, live music and other holiday happenings. Families can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus on the Square leading up to Christmas. The holiday season officially turns on with Light Up Ocala on Nov. 22, 2025, where you can explore the blocks around the downtown area, shop more than 100 vendors and watch as the town lights up the entire square.

On December 6th, head downtown to watch the 7th Annual Downtown Ocala Christmas Golf Cart Parade. The parade starts at City Hall. All proceeds benefit Fostering Foundation of Florida. For more information, visit ocalamainstreet.org/parade.

painted horse statue under holiday lights in Downtown Ocala decorated for the holidays.

World Equestrian Center (WEC)

Do you have a holiday shopping list you want to get done all in one place or spruce up the house with unique holiday décor? Get it all done at The Ocala Holiday Craft Show from Nov. 14-16 at WEC – Expo Center 1. With over 300 handmade artisans and crafters, you’re bound to find something for everyone on your list.

Enter a world of holiday enchantment at the Winter Wonderland spectacular at the World Equestrian Center (WEC)! Holiday season spirit is taking over the Grand Plaza with more than a million Christmas lights, larger-than-life ornaments, a Christmas tree 60-foot tall and more. The day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 28 will be the lighting ceremony and the events will last through December 23. Bring the whole family to meet Santa, listen to carolers, enjoy the holiday décor and more.

There will be special holiday events, concerts, foods and more, so make sure to check out WecWinterWonderland.com for all the festive details!

People walk under an illuminated "Merry Christmas" arch display at WEC Winter Wonderland in Ocala, FL

Holidays At The Reilly

Join the community for Symphony Under the Lights, a complimentary holiday concert Friday, Dec. 5, 2025 at Tuscawilla Park next to the Reilly Arts Center! Bring chairs, a blanket, some hot chocolate and enjoy the sounds of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra, joined by the Ocala Youth Symphony, for a holiday favorites and some surprises!!

Keep the love of Christmas classics going at The Reilly the next two days with Pop! Goes the Holidays! On Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6 & 7, join the Ocala Symphony Orchestra for a fun night of festive sing-alongs.

The Nutcracker will be coming to Ocala on Dec. 13-15 at The Reilly! See a magical performance of the Christmas classic by Dance Alive National Ballet at 7:00 pm. Beautiful dancing, music, costumes and, of course, the Sugar Plum Fairy are all promised.

Dancers perform the Nutcracker on stage at Reilly Art Center in Ocala, Florida.

Ocala Christmas Parade

Continue holiday celebrations with a traditional Christmas parade, sure to spark the holiday spirit in guests of all ages. On December 13, more than 60,000 people line Silver Springs Boulevard for the Ocala Christmas Parade beginning at 5:30 pm. An Ocala tradition for more than 60 years, no holiday season would be complete without a visit to this parade, but be sure to arrive early as the best spots on the route fill up fast. For more information, click HERE.

The Urban Family Day Event-a Dickens Christmas At Appleton Museum Of Art

Revel in the magic of the holidays during this annual Family Day event from 10am - 5pm on Dec. 6, 2025 at the Appleton Museum of Art. Enjoy free admission to see the Urban's beloved, decorated trees and holiday collections, take photos with Santa and do holiday art projects in the Artspace. There will also be trees decorated by community groups, a dickens miniature village, nutcrackers and more. Food trucks will be onsite throughout the day. A Dickens Christmas Exhibition will be open November 1, 2025 – January 11, 2026.

The Nutcracker Presented by the Ocala Metro Ballet

The Ocala Metro Ballet is presenting their inaugural production of the Nutcracker during 3 shows held at the College of Central Florida - Dassance Fine Arts Center, located at 3001 SW College Rd, Ocala, FL 34474.

For times and tickets, click HERE.

Close up of a snowy Christmas village display at Appleton Museum of Art in Ocala, Florida

Dunnellon

Southern Living featured Dunnellon in 2020 as a must visit for Christmas time.

Christmas With The Clydesdales

During the holiday season, Grandview Clydesdale Farm, located in Dunnellon, decorates with Christmas elegance equal to that of the Clydesdales. Book an evening tour to experience the stunning farm light up at night with Christmas lights, trees, cookies, and feeding sessions with the horses.

Couple holds each other and poses for a photo in front of holiday decorations at Grandview Clydesdale Farm

Dunnellon Christmas Parade

Dunnellon's 2025 Small Town Christmas Parade, A Florida Christmas, will take place on December 6, 2025 from 6-9 pm at 12006 Cedar Street. Click HERE for more information.

Belleview

Light Up Lake Lillian

Kick off the first weekend of December (Dec. 6, 2025) with the Holiday spirit the in Belleview at Light Up Lake Lillian! Start on the Christmas shopping with vendors, and the kids can visit with Santa and enjoy free cookie decorating and arts and craft activities under the holiday lights. Food options will also be there!

Christmas Parade

Keeping the holiday celebration going in the next day, Sunday, Dec. 7, with the Belleview Christmas Parade. The parade starts at 2 pm at Lake Lillian/Robinson Road and ends at 110th Street. Click HERE for more information.

Weirsdale

Cottom Farm Christmas Village

Throughout the Holiday season, Cotton Farm in Weirsdale is transforming into Cottom Farm’s Christmas Village. Treat your little ones to a pancake breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 8 am – 11 am. Kids can get pictures with Santa and enjoy crafts with elves. Tickets must be purchased in advance on the Wayside at Cotton Farm website.

Stone and wood sign for the Ocala National Forest surrounded by lush, green trees

WEC Winter Wonderland

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Light Up Ocala

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Christmas Tree Farms

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Ring in the New Year in Ocala/Marion County

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Ocala/Marion County
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Ocala/Marion County
Florida's Natural Wonder
The Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau is the county’s official resource for vacation and meeting planning information. We are dedicated to increasing tourism and economic growth within our beautiful county.

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