OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The Appleton Museum of Art in Ocala is welcoming visitors to its annual holiday exhibition, “A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition,” running from November 2 through January 12.

The display features the Christmas collection of Ocala cardiologist Dr. Paul Urban and his family, including themed trees, the Dickens Village miniature display, nutcrackers, and handmade Santas from around the world. Joyce Urban, who started publicly displaying her collection in 1989, was inspired by childhood memories of Philadelphia’s holiday decorations.

The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition is a popular display at the Appleton Museum each year. Courtesy: The Appleton Museum of Art

The museum’s second floor showcases additional trees decorated by local community groups, including the College of Central Florida, East Marion Elementary, the Humane Society of Marion County, and 352today’s parent company, North Central Florida Media.

When you visit the Appleton Museum, you will see North Central Florida Media’s tree. Courtesy: Whitney Zarder/352today
352today’s ornament on the North Central Florida Media Christmas tree at the Appleton Museum of Art. Courtesy: Kathy Dugan/352today

A special Holiday Community Day will be held on December 7, offering free admission from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can enjoy crafts, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, face painting, and food trucks. The event is sponsored by the Urban family, CAMPUS USA Credit Union, Marion Cultural Alliance, and National Endowment for the Arts.

The Appleton Museum of Art is part of the College of Central Florida. For more information about the exhibition and Community Day activities, visitors can contact the museum directly.