Light Up Ocala

Light Up Ocala
Saturday, Nov 22, 2025
Downtown Ocala

About Light Up Ocala

Light Up Ocala is a longstanding community tradition to kick off the holidays that attracts thousands to downtown Ocala. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the holiday merry making event!

Light Up Ocala will have over 100 vendors including crafts, art and plenty of food options to choose from! Live entertainment will fill the air with festive sounds and an interactive kids zone will keep the whole family entertained. You won't want to miss the Junior Sunshine holiday parade with a special appearance by Santa. All of which culminates in the most exciting part of the event: lighting up downtown Ocala!

Entertainment Zones and Activities:

Stage One – Downtown Square (Sponsored by HCA Florida Healthcare)
Location: In-between SE Broadway Street and Magnolia Avenue
Time: 3:30 to 8 p.m.
Entertainment: Live music by Audio Exchange
Lighting Ceremony will be held here at 6 p.m.
Activities: Holiday tree photo opportunities

Stage Two – Citizens’ Circle (Sponsored by Advent Health Ocala)
Location: In-between Fort King Street and Osceola Avenue
Time: 3 to 7 p.m.
Entertainment: A community showcase with local dance and performance groups
Activities: Meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus


Midtown Street Party
Location: In-between NE First St. and NE First Ave.
Time: 3 to 7:30 p.m.
Entertainment: Live DJ, Acrobatic Variety Show, and Jump Rope performances

Other attractions include the Punch and Judy Puppet Show on the corner of Fort King Street and Magnolia Avenue, The Living Angels at Citizens’ Circle, and a Kids’ Zone located at Parking Lot 5 near NE First Street and N. Magnolia Avenue.

Junior Sunshine Parade
The Junior Sunshine Parade begins at 3 p.m. at the corner of S. Magnolia Avenue and E Fort King Street. The parade will travel through downtown and feature local dance studios, Girl Scout troops and a special appearance by Santa. The Ocala Police Department Mounted Unit will lead the procession.

Shuttle Services
Free shuttle service will be available from four locations between 2 and 9 p.m. Guests are encouraged to park at one of the following lots:

Marion Technical Institute (1614 SE Fort King St.) – The shuttle drops off between SE Watula Avenue and SE Third Street and runs every 20 minutes and is ADA accessible.

E.D. Croskey Recreation Center (1510 NW Fourth St.) – The shuttle drops off between N. Magnolia Avenue and NE Second Street and runs every 20 minutes and is ADA accessible.

Ocala Skate Park (517 NE Ninth St.) – The shuttle drops off between NE Watula Avenue and State Road 40 and runs every 10 minutes.

Discovery Center (701 NE Sanchez Ave.) – The shuttle drops off between NE Watula Avenue and State Road 40 and runs every 10 minutes.