MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – As the holiday season gets into full swing, local shops are beginning to prepare, stocking their shelves with themed items and Christmas goods. Savvy, local-minded shoppers in the 352 can get their gift-shopping fix for family and friends before the holiday season and bulk Black Friday deals hit the markets this year.
Agapanthus
Agapanthus is a retail shop that sells trinkets, clothes, jewelry, fragrance items, alcoholic beverages, home decorations and more. They now have a Christmas collection of items for tree and home decorations as well as items to purchase as gifts for friends and family. With brands such as Disney, Marvel, Pandora, Longchamp and more, they have a variety of items prepared for the season. The Historic Downtown Ocala location at 18 SW Broadway St. is open Monday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday from 12-4 p.m. 352-401-0800
Brown’s Christmas Market
Brown’s Adventure Farms & Country Store is hosting a Christmas market with holiday décor, unique gifts, crafts, baked goods and more from 100 vendors to find Christmas for the whole family. The event will feature food and drinks available for purchase around the market to keep the shopping going. The market will be held at Brown and Brown Farms & Country Store at 13940 US-301, Oxford on Sunday, Nov. 23 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 352-748-2085
A Christmas Extravaganza Market
DJ Matt Gray presents the Christmas Extravaganza Market with 60 vendors selling Christmas items, snow flurries and Christmas music for family shopping and gift hunting. The event will also feature a free first digital picture opportunity with Santa Claus at first come first serve. The market will be held at the Ocala Downtown Market at 403 SE Osceola Ave. on Sunday, Dec. 7 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Grandpa Joe’s
For friends and family with a sweet tooth and love for the holiday season, Grandpa Joe’s is bringing in a Christmas collection of unique items and treats. From candy canes and themed chocolate to unique toys and items, Grandpa Joe’s is a good place to visit when looking for Christmas gifts. There is a location in the Historic Downtown Ocala at 20 SE Broadway St. with hours Sunday-Thursday from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-11 p.m. 352-421-5542
Karishma Boutique
Those looking for high-quality fashion as a gift for the season, the Karishma Boutique has a variety of dresses, tops, jumpsuits, shoes, accessories and more. With the recent drop in weather, they’re featuring new additions of sweaters and sweatshirts. The Historic Downtown Ocala location at 56 SE 1st Ave. is open Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday by appointment only. 352-312-1217
Mr. Pickles and Sailor Bear Toy Shoppe
The World Equestrian features a toy shop in The Equestrian Hotel featuring a variety of high-end toys from plush animals to limited feature items such as “Wednesday” and “Wicked.” Now, they have holiday displays with children’s outfits, Christmas-themed toys and more items perfect for early gifts. The shop is at The World Equestrian Center at 8510 NW 17th Ln. and is open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 352-414-7949