OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The Ocala Christmas Parade is one of the city’s most anticipated events, drawing large crowds for a nighttime spectacle. To help you plan your day, here’s what you need to know about road closures and detour routes.

Road Closures to Watch For

11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

  • SE 25th Avenue: From E Fort King Street to SE 14th Street

Detour Routes

  • Southbound: NE 25th Avenue to E Fort King Street → SE 22nd Avenue → SE 14th Street → back to SE 25th Avenue
  • Northbound: SE 25th Avenue to SE 14th Street → SE 30th Avenue → E Fort King Street → NE 36th Avenue → State Road 40 → State Road 492 → back to NE 25th Avenue

3 p.m. to Midnight

  • State Road 40: From NE Third Street to N Pine Avenue/US 441
  • SE/NE 25th Avenue: From SE 14th Street to State Road 492
  • E Fort King Street: From SE 30th Avenue to SE 22nd Avenue
  • NE Eighth Avenue: From State Road 40 to NE 14th Street/State Road 492

Detour Routes

  • State Road 40 (Eastbound): US 441 → NW/NE 14th Street/State Road 492 → back to State Road 40
  • State Road 40 (Westbound): NE Third Street → NE 25th Avenue → State Road 492 → US 441 → back to State Road 40
  • SE/NE 25th Avenue (Northbound): SE 14th Street → SE 30th Avenue → E Fort King Street → NE 36th Avenue → State Road 40 → back to NE 25th Avenue
  • SE/NE 25th Avenue (Southbound): State Road 492 → NE 36th Avenue → E Fort King Street → SE 30th Avenue → SE 14th Street → back to SE 25th Avenue
  • E Fort King Street (Westbound): SE 30th Avenue → SE 14th Street → SE 22nd Avenue → back to E Fort King Street
  • E Fort King Street (Eastbound): SE 22nd Avenue → SE 14th Street → SE 30th Avenue → back to E Fort King Street
  • NE Eighth Avenue (Southbound): State Road 492 → US 441 → State Road 40 (Westbound) or State Road 492 → State Road 40 (Eastbound)
Additional Tips
  • Ocala Police Department may implement additional minor road closures as needed.
  • Expect heavy traffic in the area—plan accordingly if you’re not attending the parade.