Christmas events 2023 in Ocala: Your local guide to holiday fun
Appleton Museum of Art annual exhibition
“A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition” features themed trees and much more from the collection of the Urban family. Ornately decorated trees and the architecture, customs and history of Victorian England come alive in this popular miniature village, alongside an extensive collection of nutcrackers from around the world. On view Nov. 4-Jan. 7.
Saturday, Dec. 2, is the annual Holiday Community Day. There is free admission, sponsored by the Urban family. Visitors can view the Village as well as create holiday crafts in the Artspace and have photos taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Food trucks will be onsite 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
More at www.AppletonMuseum.org.
Christmas Light Spectacular
This show, created by St. John Lutheran Church and School, is hosted at the Florida Horse Park. It is a drive-thru light spectacular, held Nov. 24-Dec. 30. The park transforms into a colorful world of sparkle, music and festive spirit. The 1.8-mile light show is accompanied by music from K Country 93.7. Visitors can journey along the route in the comfort of their cars or visit the skate rink and walk-through displays. Food trucks on site. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.ocalachristmas.com
World Equestrian Center Winter Wonderland
The family friendly event is back for its third year. It will run Nov. 25-Dec. 23. The Grand Plaza will glow with more than 1 million bulbs and be festooned with enormous ornaments, garlands and a Christmas tree maze. Kids can meet Santa Claus, write a letter to the elves at the North Pole, and get tickets to enjoy breakfast with St. Nick at on-site restaurant Stirrups on select dates.
This is part of a holiday extravaganza, with entertainment for adults and kids. For full information, including dates and prices, visit www.wecwinterwonderland.com.
Symphony Under the Lights
This free event will be held at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 in Tuscawilla Park at the Reilly Arts Center's outdoor stage, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala. Bring chairs and blankets and enjoy the sounds of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra and Ocala Youth Symphony. More at www.reillyartscenter.com/events.
Light Up Marion Oaks
This event for all ages will be 5-8 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Marion Oaks Community Center, 294 Marion Oaks Lane. Music, food trucks, Santa and his friends, games and the Light Up ceremony. Free and open to the public. More at www.ocalamarion.com/events.
A Rockin’ Little Christmas
The Orange Blossom Opry hosts this holiday extravaganza at 7 p.m. Dec. 1 at the opry, 16439 SE 138 Terrace, Weirsdale. "Rockin' Little Christmas isn’t just about the music; it’s a celebration and the magic that surrounds the holiday season," organizers say. More at www.obopry.com.
Trains for Christmas 2023
The 13th annual “Trains for Christmas” is presented by the Meadowbrook Model Railroaders. This free train show runs Dec. 2 and 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy multiple layouts, a scavenger hunt, and prize raffle at Holy Faith Episcopal Church, 19924 W. Blue Cove Drive, Dunnellon. For more information, contact Bill Quast at 352-209-5422 or wmquast@gmail.com
Light Up Lake Lillian
This city of Belleview celebration will be from 2-7 p.m. Dec. 2 on Southeast Lillian Circle. The event features Santa, face painting, bounce houses, games, crafts, cookie decorating and vendors. More at www.ocalamarion.com/events.
Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band
The Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band, conducted by J. Craig Lilly, presents “The Joy of Christmas” in two live stage performances. The all-volunteer, non-profit orchestra plays at 2 p.m. Dec. 2 and 3 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Marion Technical Institute auditorium, 1614 E. Fort King St., Ocala. The performances are free and open to the public. More at www.kingdomofthesunband.org.
Pops! Goes the Holidays
Maestro Matthew Wardell begins the Christmas season with unforgettable productions of music and cheer with the Ocala Symphony Orchestra. The performances will be 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2 and 3 p.m. Dec. 3. "From beloved classics to fresh new interpretations, the annual holiday staple promises to be as much fun and entertaining as ever, with plenty of great music to get audiences in the spirit of the season," organizers say. More at www.reillyartscenter.com.
Fa la la la la At the Holidays Celebration
This popular, free community event is back Dec. 2 from 4-8 p.m. at the Town Square near Circle Square Commons, 8413 SW 80th St., Ocala. Live music, dancing, raffle, food and golf cart parade. More at https://www.circlesquarecommons.com/events/fa-la-la-la-la-at-the-holiday-celebration/
Dunnellon Christmas Parade
The Boomtown Pioneer Christmas parade begins at 6 p.m. Dec. 2 at Dunnellon Middle School, 21005 Chestnut St. Registration at www.DunnellonChamber.com, and volunteers are needed and welcome. More at https://www.facebook.com/dunnellonchristmasparade.
Third annual Ocala Holiday Grinch Fest at Tuscawilla Park
This event will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 3 at Tuscawilla Park, 800 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala. Featuring the Grinch, Santa and elves, holiday vendors, food trucks and holiday music. Free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.ocalamarion.com/events.
Santa on the Square
Visit Santa Claus from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 5, 12 and 14 in Ocala’s Downtown Square gazebo. Free and open to the public. More at www.ocalamarion.com/events.
AdventHealth Ocala Foundation Presents: Mission and a Movie
This event will begin at 4 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Marion Theatre with Winter Wonderland activities, leading to a screening of the film "Elf” at 6 p.m. This family-centered event will include games, prizes, photo booth, ornament decorating and Buddy the Elf! Proceeds support Women’s and Children’s Services at AdventHealth Ocala. Single tickets $25; sponsorship opportunities are available. More at www.OcalaMissionAndAMovie.com
'Tinseltunes: A Holidazzled Cabaret'
This teen production will be onstage at the Ocala Civic Theatre Dec. 9-10, and cast members will help ring in 2024 downtown on New Year’s Eve. "The Academy at Ocala Civic Theatre is pleased to collaborate with the Brick City Cabaret Company in this program of fabulously festive favorites," organizers say. "Since 2006, BCCC has featured some of our region’s finest vocal talent. This fall, their seasoned singers have been teaching our students how to shine bright in the spotlight, performing in classic cabaret style." More at (352) 236-2274 or www.ocalacivictheatre.com. Tinseltunes will be part of Ocala Main Street’s First Night celebration, performing at 7 and 8 p.m. Dec. 31 at IHMC, 15 SE Osceola Ave.
Ocala Christmas Parade
This year's parade steps off at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at Southeast 25th Avenue and Fort King Street. It moves north to East Silver Springs Boulevard, then west onto the boulevard and north onto Northeast Eighth Avenue, ending at Northeast Third Street. More at https://ocalachristmasparade.org/
Central Florida Master Choir
The choir will present “Go Tell It On The Mountain!” featuring works by Gustav Holst, Vaughan Williams, Hector Berlioz, PDQ Bach, Josef Haydn, Harold McSwain, Mark Hayes and others, at 3 p.m. Dec. 10 at Countryside Presbyterian Church, 7768 SW State Road 200, Ocala; and 3 p.m. Dec. 17 at Dunnellon Presbyterian Church, 20641 Chestnut Street, Dunnellon. Free will offering.
The 27th annual 'Trains at the Holidays' exhibition
This holiday season classic will run Dec. 16-29 at the College of Central Florida Webber Gallery, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala. "The exhibit will feature model trains by the Ocala Model Railroaders’ Historic Preservation Society and is a family favorite, with moving train displays featuring holiday themes and local landmarks," CF said in a news release. The exhibition will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., except on Christmas day. On Christmas Eve, the exhibit will be open noon to 3 p.m. More at 352-854-2322, ext. 1664.
Phantasmagoria - A Most Victorian Christmas
The critically acclaimed Victorian Performance Troupe presents whimsical and spirited ghost tales for the holiday. The performances are 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 17. Tickets $25. More at www.reillyartscenter.com.
Holiday Market at Downtown Ocala Market
Join the bustling Downtown Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 20 and enjoy shopping with multiple vendors and food trucks. There will be entertainment and activities for children, with games, playground, and family fun. Pets are always welcome. Open to the public. More at Lynn@OcalaCEP.com or 352-629-8051.
'The Nutcracker'
This timeless, classic ballet is presented by Dance Alive National Ballet and the PNC Foundation from Dec. 18-20 at the Reilly Arts Center. More at www.reillyartscenter.com.
Ocala First Night
This family friendly New Year's Eve event includes access to more than 10 locations between 5 p.m. and midnight with the purchase of an event button. Activities, performances and exhibits take place around Tuscawilla Park and Historic Downtown Ocala. More at www.ocalamainstreet.org/firstnight.
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Christmas events 2023: What's scheduled in Ocala and Marion County?
