Light Up Ocala
Embrace the holiday season with twinkling lights, scrumptious food, vibrant performances, engaging activities, and more.
Every year, downtown Ocala transforms into a festive wonderland with breathtaking string lights and holiday decorations. The 42nd Annual Light Up Ocala celebrates the start of the holiday season and offers a variety of activities, featuring local businesses and a selection of mouthwatering treats. Whether you’re shopping for Christmas gifts or planning a family-friendly outing, Light Up Ocala features merry fun for all ages.
When & Where
Date & Time
November 21, 2026 | 3pm - 8pm
Location
Ocala Historic Downtown Square | 1 SE Broadway Street, Ocala, FL 34471
Admission
Free!
2026 Event Highlights
Junior Sunshine Parade
Leading up to the Christmas lights ceremony, Light Up Ocala hosts a Junior Sunshine Parade at 3 pm. The procession starts in our historic downtown area and ends at the Historic Downtown Square. Line the streets before the big ceremony and cheer on Ocala's youngest talents - our local youth groups performing dance and music - with a special guest: Santa Claus!
Light Up Ceremony
The biggest event of the night is Light Up Ocala's Light Up Ceremony. The event kicks off the holiday season with an awe-filled spectacle as the lights are switched on in the town square. An experience you won't want to miss, the ceremony is an exciting moment that'll fill you with holiday spirit.
Community Showcase
In addition to the puppet shows and live music, Light Up Ocala welcomes local performers to the Citizens' Circle stage. Gather around as local musicians, vocalists, and choirs give 15-minute performances inspired by the evening's themes of the holiday season.
Local Tip: Light Up Ocala is a beloved, long-standing tradition, so it gets crowded. Bring earplugs for the noise level, and if you have young kids, consider bringing an umbrella stroller to keep them close at all times.
2026 Event Details
Parking and Transportation Information
Guests are encouraged to park close to the pickup/drop-off points of the event's shuttles. Keep in mind the shuttle service is only available between 2 pm and 9 pm. Please note that this schedule is subject to change. Review the details on the City of Ocala government website prior to attending the event.
Below are the shuttle pickup/drop-off points for the holiday extravaganza:
- Marion Technical Institute | 1614 SE Fort King St.
- E.D. Croskey Recreation Center | 1510 NW Fourth St.
- Ocala Skate Park | 517 NE Ninth St.
- Discovery Center | 701 NE Sanchez Ave.
These locations have parking lots available to Light Up Ocala guests. The Marion Technical Institute and E.D. Croskey Recreation Center shuttles run every 20 minutes, while the Ocala Skate Park and Discovery Center shuttles run every 10 minutes.
Local Tip: Parking is limited, and the event gets crowded. Consider taking the orange or purple line of the SunTran to avoid the hassle of finding a parking spot.
Nearby Activities
Enhance your festive outing with thrilling activities in the downtown area. Film aficionados will enjoy catching a classic movie at the Marion Theatre before or after enjoying Light Up Ocala.
For a kid-friendly adventure before this event, wander to Tuscawilla Park and explore fascinating exhibits at the Discovery Center, an interactive, science-focused institution.
Arrive early and take a Historic Downtown Ocala Walking Tour to learn more about the area before the hustle and bustle of the lively Light Up Ocala event.
Stay up late with a nightcap at a local bar. Our blog, "Your Go-To Guide to Downtown Ocala Bars," is the ultimate collection of bars in the downtown area that you can swing by after checking out the Christmas lights in the square.
Looking for something else? Read our "Explore Charming Downtown Ocala" for even more suggestions on how to experience the historic area!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my dog to Light Up Ocala?
Yes, Light Up Ocala allows dogs. A small local tip: this event can get crowded and loud. So, if your pet does not handle crowded events or loud noises well, please consider leaving your furry friend at home for this event.
Is this event accessible?
Yes. In previous years, the Light Up Ocala event has established ADA-compliant parking in a portion of its parking lots, which includes shuttles that provide ADA support for those who need it.
Is the event free admission?
Yes! Light Up Ocala is a free event!
When is the Light Up Ceremony?
The Light Up Ceremony starts at approximately 6 pm.
What should I wear to Light Up Ocala?
Prepare layers for the event. Though the day will be warm enough for a light jacket or sweater, when the sun goes down, it will get cooler, and you may want to have something heavier to keep you warm.
Is Light Up Ocala a kid-friendly event?
Yes! Light Up Ocala is extremely kid-friendly and family oriented.
How long do the lights stay up in the downtown square?
The Christmas lights stay up through the end of November, through all of December, and into the new year. The festival itself is only one night, but the lights are viewable throughout the holiday season.
Who organizes the Light Up Ocala event?
The Ocala Parks and Recreation department are in charge of the event.
Our calendar is always packed with the best happenings in town. From trivia nights to happy hours, don't miss out on a fun night out in Ocala/Marion County- visit our Events page. But if you want a taste of our bigger festivals and events, we've got you covered. Head to our Annual Events page and review our large-scale annual happenings that transform our town into all-out celebrations.
