December Celebrations | Upcoming Family Events in Ocala

Dec 12, 2019

Tis’ the season to be jolly in the Horse Capital of the World™.  At Showcase, we love the holidays especially in downtown Ocala where the streets twinkle with lights from last month’s celebrations. Grab a hot cocoa and stroll throughout for an unforgettable photo or choose from the flowing list of events available to you and your little ones. From carriage rides to cookies with Santa, there’s a local happening for the whole family to enjoy.

December 1st

  • 9th Annual Wreath of Hope | The night of the Live Auction/Gala please come by The Bridge at Ocala and bid on uniquely decorated wreaths donated by individuals, local businesses and organizations! All proceeds go to the Humane Society of Marion County. Please join us for a night of fun & fundraising. $10 admission for the night of the live auction/gala unless you are an active volunteer or current employee. Admission includes two free beverage tickets & a night of FUN! Silent Auction is DEC 1st – 5th, the Gala will be the night of DEC 5th at 6:30 PM.

  • Sensitive Santa at the Paddock Mall | Santa is for everyone. But for children and families with special needs, seeing Santa can bring on stress, anxiety and even panic. For those on the autism spectrum and those with related sensory sensitivities, a Santa visit can mean crowded spaces, long lines and a swirl of competing noise that can create an overstimulating and upsetting environment. That’s why we’ve created a sensory-friendly experience that welcomes guests with all types of special needs to enjoy a magical morning with Santa before regular center activities begin.

    Reservations are required for this event. To reserve your space, visit sensitivesantapaddock.eventbrite.com.

  • Paws & Claus | Bring your pet to Paddock Mall Sunday, Dec. 1 from 4 to 6 p.m. for a dose of holiday cuteness at Paws & Claus! Mix and mingle with other pet lovers while your furry friend takes a paw-satively adorable photo with Santa. See you there!

 

 

December 3rd

  • Santa on the Square | A favorite family holiday program which includes a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, music and goodie bags every Tuesdays and Thursdays during the month of December  through Dec. 19, 2019.  For additional information, please contact Carla Chindamo of Ocala Recreation and Parks at 352.401.3918.
  • Equine Gastric Seminar | Ocala Breeders’ Feed and Supply will host an Equine Gastric Care Seminar. This event is on December 3, 2019, at 5:30 pm., at the Highway 27 location. The guest speaker is Stephanie McLean with Purina Animal Nutrition. https://bit.ly/2pw1zg2   

December 4th

  • Polar Express | Don your pajamas and hop aboard “The Polar Express” for a fun-filled night of stories, crafts and more based on the classic Chris Van Alsburg title at the Marion County Public Library Headquarters. Co-sponsored by Heart of Florida Health Center.

 

December 5th

  • YPO Ugly Sweater Party | Eat, Drink, and be Tacky!! Join Young Professionals Ocala at one of our favorite annual events, our Ugly Sweater Party!! It’s time to dust off those ugly sweaters and celebrate with YPO! The fun begins at 5:30pm at The Mojo Grill & Catering on SR-40 East! We’ll have drinks provided by TriEagle Sales, our YPO sponsor, and some appetizers from our host! We’ll launch into our Christmas trivia at 6:15pm – prizes to the winners! Stay tuned for more details, and be sure to RSVP today by emailing andrea@ocalacep.com!

 

December 6th

    • First Friday Art Walk | Every year, the First Friday Art Walk occurs from 6 PM-9 PM on the first Friday of every month from September until May. Located within Ocala’s historic downtown, event festivities include over 40 artist’s displays, acoustic entertainment, free family art activities, and extended shopping hours.
    • Kirby Family Farm’s Christmas Train | Kirby Family Farm’s Christmas train offers a 20-minute journey around the Kirby Family Farm property on the authentic, narrow-gauge historic locomotive.The highlight of the evening is a featured train ride through thousands and thousands of Christmas lights pulled by our old-fashioned locomotive, one of only three in operation around the world! Happening select days through Dec. 30th.
    • Coffee with a Cop | Starbucks will be hosting members of the Ocala Police Department so that citizens can get to know more about law enforcement in Ocala by enjoying a cup of coffee together.
    • Symphony Under the Lights | Join us in Tuscawilla Park at the Reilly’s outdoor stage, the Jenkins Open Air Theatre, for a free and open holiday concert event! 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! This year we are introducing a few fun additions! We will have Curbside Cuisine Food Truck, and Holiday Cheer beer & wine stations! Sponsored by Jenkins Auto Group, this is a family-favorite and a tradition here in Ocala.
    • Bring the Harvest Home | It’s time again for the annual food drive to help local food pantries restock their shelves. Bring the Harvest Home benefits Brother’s Keeper, Interfaith Emergency Services and The Salvation Army – Ocala, Florida. Join us at the Ocala Downtown Square on Dec. 6! -Dry foods and complementary goods (rice, pasta, pasta sauce, cereal, crackers, peanut butter, jelly) *Plastic containers preferred. -Canned meats (corned beef, chicken, ham, tuna) -Canned vegetables and fruits -Baby items (baby cereal, diapers, lotion, wipes) -Toiletries (soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper).

 

 

December 7th

  • First Friday Art Walk | Every year, the First Friday Art Walk occurs from 6 PM-9 PM on the first Friday of every month from September until May. Located within Ocala’s historic downtown, event festivities include over 40 artist’s displays, acoustic entertainment, free family art activities, and extended shopping hours.
  • Kirby Family Farm’s Christmas Train | Kirby Family Farm’s Christmas train offers a 20-minute journey around the Kirby Family Farm property on the authentic, narrow-gauge historic locomotive.The highlight of the evening is a featured train ride through thousands and thousands of Christmas lights pulled by our old-fashioned locomotive, one of only three in operation around the world! Happening select days through Dec. 30th.
  • The Nutcracker | Marion Ballet Theatre invites you to celebrate the 38th annual Nutcracker! This magical production is a beloved Christmas tradition for the entire family. On Stage Dec 7th through the 16th.
  • After Dark in the Park Movie Series |Ocala Recreation and Parks will host an special screening of Edward Scissorhands at Citizens’ Circle from  7 – 9:00 PM. Popcorn and drinks available for a small fee. Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs and blankets!

 

December 8th

Doggie Bag Christmas Bazaar | Join us for a family friendly event at Kimberden Farm! Admission is FREE with a cat food or litter donation. There will be many prizes, auction items, & plenty of Christmas shopping. 

December 10th

The Nutcracker | Become entranced by the beauty of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her dazzling Court, enchanted by the swirling snowflakes and breathtaking snow, and cheer for the tiny toy soldiers and their leader, the handsome Nutcracker Prince. A sparkling production with beautiful costumes and sets, this is truly… ‘the all-time family favorite’. “Entrancing, enchanting and exciting, The Nutcracker is a ballet for the young at heart of all ages.” Shows will be December 10th & 11th at the Reilly Arts Center at 7:30PM. Purchase your tickets!

December 11th

The Edge Effect Holiday Concert | Featured at Walt Disney World’s “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party”, this holiday season The Edge Effect comes to Ocala for one night only at Ocala’s Marion Theatre! Benefitting The Cornerstone School Art Program, The Edge Effect’s Holiday Concert features a contemporary take on holiday classics, new spins on traditional favorites, and interactive sing-a-longs. It’s a high energy evening of music for the whole family! Come enjoy the magic of downtown Ocala and support The Cornerstone School.

December 13th

  • After Dark in the Park | NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION [PG-13] Let’s Skate Ocala! Rink | 825 NE Watula Ave.
    Friday | Dec. 13 | 7 p.m.
  • Dueling Pianos | Come join Jason & Dustin at The Lodge as they kick off the night. They’ll be playing from 8pm-11pm taking all your favorite song requests!
  • Hiatus Brewery Grand Opening | They opened their doors two months ago and have brewed and stockpiled their beer, added new menu items, and have put together a wide selection of Wines, Ciders, and other fermented malt beverages. Hiatus plans to have at least 6 of our brews on tap. We will have hourly door prizes consisting of hats, shirts, gift cards, and other merchandise. You can earn raffle tickets for the door prizes by checking in at the brewery on social media, liking and sharing posts, and earn tickets with in brewpub purchases. 

December 14th

  • 2019 Reindeer Run | Join us for the 42nd Annual Reindeer Run, hosted by CenterState Bank. The event is one of the oldest running 5k’s in the state! Sign up!
  • 64th Annual Christmas Parade | The Parade has been a community tradition since 1955 and is proudly produced by an all volunteer committee on the second Saturday of December. The parade will begin at 5:30PM and starts at NE 25th Ave to Silver Springs blvd ending on NE 8th Ave at Tuscawilla park.
  • 62nd Annual Kiwanis Pancake Day | All you can eat pancakes, sausage and beverage for $5.00! Help support Camp Kiwanis by enjoying a great breakfast at Eighth Street Elementary School.  Rumor has it that Santa will be visiting the breakfast too!Our 61st Annual Pancake Day allowed 100 children to attend camp, supplying clothing when needed and required.
  • National Remembrance Wreath Laying Ceremony | Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, the mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 1,600 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad. Join us for our local Remembrance Wreath Laying Ceremony on December 14, 2019 at Noon.

December 15th

Trains at the Holiday | The Webber Gallery at the College of Central Florida and the Ocala Model Railroaders’ Historic Preservation Society presents the 23rd annual exhibit “Trains at the Holidays.” The exhibit features modular train layouts and railroad memorabilia. Many of the layouts are inspired by historic Ocala landmarks, such as the Six-Gun Territory. The exhibition will open Saturday, Dec 15 – 30. Admission is free. “Trains at the Holidays” will be open daily during special gallery hours from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Dec. 30; it will be closed Dec. 24 and Dec. 25.

December 19th

  • Holiday Strings Under the Stars | Bring your chairs or a blanket and watch the stars dance in the sky to the sounds of the season with a string trio from a local orchestra. You can also enjoy some sweets of the season including a warm cup of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream. SOLD OUT

December 20th

  • A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas | Celebrate the 2019 Holiday Season as the Victorian Troupe, Phantasmagoria, returns to the stage with its own uniquely dark adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale “A Christmas Carol, A Ghost Story of Christmas”. This critically acclaimed Victorian performance troupe will bring its signature tapestry of movement, dance, puppetry, projections, music and storytelling to the stage as one of the most famous Ghost Stories of all times comes alive! A true tale of the past, present and future – with the glory of redemption! Dickens’ wonderful tableau will come to life with Phantasmagoria’s own unique aesthetic and performance style in a brand new adaptation of the classic work. The past two year’s performances sold fast so get your tickets now! This show is appropriate for ALL ages!