'Tis the Season in Ocala/Marion

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 Ocala Holiday Craft Show

November 13-15, 2026 | Times Vary
World Equestrian Center | 1750 NW 80th Avenue

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. 13-15 at WEC – Expo Center 1. With over 300 handmade artisans and crafters, you’re bound to find something for everyone on your list.

For more shopping opportunities, visit our Shopping page for a list of local stores.

Light Up Ocala

November 21, 2026 | 3pm - 8pm
Downtown Ocala

The holiday season officially turns on with Light Up Ocala on Nov. 21, 2026, where you can explore the blocks around the downtown area, shop from more than 100 vendors, and watch as the town lights up the entire square.

Read our Light Up Ocala annual events page for information, tips, and more.

The Nutcracker Presented by the Ocala Metro Ballet

November 27 & 28, 2026 | Times Vary
College of Central Florida | 3001 SW College Road

The Ocala Metro Ballet presents its inaugural production of The Nutcracker in 3 shows at the College of Central Florida Dassance Fine Arts Center,3001 SW College Rd, Ocala, FL 34474.

Reserve your tickets on the Ocala Metro Ballet website.

Winter Wonderland

November 27-December 23, 2026 | Times Vary
World Equestrian Center | 1750 NW 80th Avenue

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 feet tall and more. The day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 27, 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, food, and more. Make sure to check out the World Equestrian Center's Winter Wonderland Event Page for all the festive details!

Symphony Under the Lights

December 4, 2026 | 7pm
Tuscawilla Park | 829 NE Sanchez Avenue

Join the community for Symphony Under the Lights, a complimentary holiday concert on Friday, Dec. 4, 2026, 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 holiday favorites and some surprises!

8th Annual Downtown Ocala Christmas Golf Cart Parade

December 5, 2026
Starting at City Hall | 110 SE Watula Avenue

On December 5th, head downtown to watch the 8th Annual Downtown Ocala Christmas Golf Cart Parade. The parade starts at City Hall. All proceeds benefit the Fostering Foundation of Florida.

Stay up to date on the latest for this event by following the Ocala Golf Cart Club Facebook page.

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

December 5, 2026 | 10am - 5pm
Appleton Museum of Art | 4333 E Silver Springs Boulevard

Revel in the magic of the holidays during this annual Family Day event from 10am - 5pm on Dec. 5, 2026, 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 on-site throughout the day. Review the Dickens Christmas Exhibition page for more information about the upcoming installation that will be open November 7, 2026 – January 10, 2027.

Pop! Goes the Holidays!

December 5-6, 2026 | Times Vary
The Reilly Arts Center | 500 NE 9th Street

Keep the love of Christmas classics going at The Reilly the next two days with Pop! Goes the Holidays! On Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5 & 6, join the Ocala Symphony Orchestra for a fun night of festive sing-alongs.

Ocala Christmas Market

December 6, 2026 | 11am-6pm
Ocala Downtown Market | 403 SE Ocala Avenue

Enjoy our Christmas market in the downtown area with free admission and plenty of gift ideas, local vendors, tasty treats, and even free pictures with Santa Claus! Bring the whole family for holiday shopping and Christmas fun.

Park After Dark - Rise of the Guardians

December 11, 2026 | 7:30pm
Tuscawilla Park | 829 NE Sanchez Avenue

The City of Ocala is offering a free Holiday showing as part of the Park After Dark program! Grab your chair and blanket and go enjoy a free movie and hot cocoa. The Rise of the Guardians will be showing at Tuscawilla Park on Dec. 11 at 7:30 pm.

The Nutcracker

December 11-14, 2026 | Times Vary
The Riley Arts Center | 500 NE 9th Street

The Nutcracker will be coming to Ocala on Dec. 11-14 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.

Ocala Christmas Parade

December 12, 2026 | Starts at 5:30pm
Silver Springs Boulevard

Continue holiday celebrations with a traditional Christmas parade, sure to spark the holiday spirit in guests of all ages. On December 12, 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, check out the Ocala Christmas Parade website.

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

Christmas With The Clydesdales

Multiple Dates | Times Vary
Grandview Clydesdale Farm | 10020 SW 125th Court Road

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

Book an evening tour of the farm on the Grandview Clydesdale Farm website.

Dunnellon Christmas Parade

December 5, 2026 | 6pm-9pm
12006 Cedar Street

Dunnellon's 2026 Small Town Christmas Parade, A Florida Christmas, will take place on December 5, 2026 from 6-9 pm at 12006 Cedar Street.

Light Up Lake Lillian

December 5, 2026 | 2pm - 7pm
Lake Lillian | SE Robinson Road

Kick off the first weekend of December (Dec. 5, 2026) with the Holiday spirit in Belleview at Light Up Lake Lillian! Start Christmas shopping with vendors, and the kids can visit with Santa and enjoy free cookie decorating and arts-and-crafts activities under the holiday lights. Food options will also be there!

Christmas Parade

December 6, 2026 | 2pm
Starts at Lake Lillian/Robinson Road

Keeping the holiday celebration going in the next day, Sunday, Dec. 6, with the Belleview Christmas Parade. The parade starts at 2 pm at Lake Lillian/Robinson Road and ends at 110th Street.

For more information, visit the official Belleview Christmas Parade website.

Cottom Farm Christmas Village

Fridays - Sundays | December 4 - 24, 2026 | 6pm - 9pm
Cotton Farm | 4650 Marion County Road

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. 12 from 9 am – 12:30 pm. Kids can get pictures with Santa and enjoy crafts with elves.

Reserve tickets in advance on the Wayside at Cotton Farm website.

Cut Down Your Own Christmas Tree

November 21, 2026 - December 25, 2026 | During daylight hours
Ocala National Forest

Looking for a truly authentic Christmas tradition to do with the family? You can actually cut down your very own Christmas tree in the Ocala National Forest. During daylight hours and anytime through Christmas Eve, put on your hiking boots, explore the Ocala National Forest, and pick out your favorite Christmas tree to bring home.

Prior to cutting down the tree, purchase a permit by visiting Recreation.gov. This page also offers tips on cutting and selecting your tree and a map of the areas where you can harvest a tree! Make sure to print and bring your permit and a map. *The use of chainsaws is not permitted.

Ocala is a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Lit up in stunning Christmas lights, decked out with local markets, and ready to transform your winter into a celebration you'll never forget. Don't miss out on all our holiday happenings by planning your stay. Use our Plan Your Visit tool to help with accommodations and more.