MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – Kick off the holiday season with multiple seasonal events including the opening weekend of festive light showings, a Christmas concert, a holiday movie night and more. Come together with family and friends this season for a spectacular display of holiday cheer.
Winter Wonderland
- What: This weekend marks the beginning of WEC Ocala’s Winter Wonderland where families can go to look at bright lights and festive Christmas decorations. Anyone can meet Santa and the Grinch and indulge in a variety of interactive activities with ballon artists, face painters and a lineup of characters. There will also be a special selection of seasonal foods during Winter Wonderland or guests can have breakfast with Santa on select dates. Parking will be available at the new parking garage near The Riding Academy Hotel or guests can pay $25 for nearby entrance parking.
- When: Friday, Nov. 28-Sunday, Nov. 30 from 3-9 p.m. This event will take place every Wednesday-Sunday through Dec. 21 as well as the following Monday and Tuesday from Dec. 22-23.
- Where: The World Equestrian Center, 1750 NW 80th Ave., Ocala.
- Cost: Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday tickets are $5 in advance or $7 at the gate. Friday and Saturday tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the gate. Children 4 and under are free.
Learn more about Winter Wonderland here or Breakfast with Santa here.
Evergreen Express Tree Farm
- What: This weekend marks the opening weekend for Evergreen Express’ Christmas Tree Farm with live trees sourced from Oregon. The event will be host to photo ops, food trucks and more with complimentary cookies and lemonade. Locals can shop for Christmas trees in a spirited environment for festive fun.
- When: The grand opening will be Friday, Nov. 28 starting at 10 a.m.
- Where: Compassion United Methodist Church, 1712 SE Lake Weir Ave., Ocala.
- Cost: Free admission with purchasable Christmas trees.
Learn more here.
Kirby Family Farm’s Christmas Train
- What: It’s the opening weekend for the 14th annual Kirby Family Farm’s Christmas Train event. Families can take a ride on the farm’s antique train through thousands of Christmas lights or wait for a ride on the train by meeting with familiar Christmas characters and Saint Nick in Santa’s Cottage with free photo opportunities and a dance party. More activities and features of the event include a Christmas magic show at the train depot station, a tractor ride to a lost Christmas town while listening to a short Christmas story, a secret elf shoppe, an Italian carousel, an antique Ferris Wheel and entertaining rides.
- When: Friday, Nov. 28 and Saturday, Nov. 29 from 6-10 p.m. This event will take place every Friday and Saturday through Dec. 27 with Sunday-Tuesday available from Dec. 21-Dec. 23.
- Where: Kirby Family Farm, 19630 NE 30th St., Williston.
- Cost: Advanced adult tickets are $23.59, advanced children tickets are $15.33, adult gate tickets are $25, children’s gate tickets are $15 and children 2 and under are free.
Learn more here.
Johnny Wild Christmas Extravaganza
- What: Johnny Wild & The Delights will be bringing their Christmas Spectacular to Weirsdale for a festive retro holiday party. Classic Christmas tunes, a sock hop and guest appearances by Buddy Holiday and Big Bopper will keep the evening wildly entertaining.
- When: Saturday, Nov. 29 with one showing at 2:30 p.m. and another at 7 p.m.
- Where: The Orange Blossom Opry, 16439 SE 138th Ter., Weirsdale.
- Cost: $40-$57 including taxes and fees depending on seat placement.
Learn more here.
Tree Lighting Festival
- What: Spanish Springs Town Square is hosting their annual Tree Lighting Festival where families can take a look at festive lights with live entertainment. Guests can take a walk through the holiday market featuring seasonal treats by a variety of vendors, try out festive foods from one of the food trucks, visit Santa’s Corner to meet Santa Claus and pose for a photo opportunity and come together for a sing-along countdown with Billie Thatcher to the final lighting of the Christmas tree.
- When: Saturday, Nov. 29 from 4-9 p.m. The Tree Lighting Ceremony will begin at 8 p.m.
- Where: Spanish Springs Town Square, 1120 Main St., The Villages.
- Cost: Free admission.
Learn more here.
Movie Night at Midtown Station
- What: Midtown Station is hosting a holiday movie lineup with “Home Alone” kicking off the season. The event will feature the movie starting at 8 p.m. with festive drinks and foods from one of the onsite food hall businesses.
- When: Saturday, Nov. 29 from 8-11 p.m.
- Where: Midtown Station Ocala
- Cost: Free admission.