352 WEEKEND TOP PICKS DEC. 19-21: Unique Holiday Crafts and Events

Festive Christmas celebrations are filling this weekend for jolly holiday cheer.

By Amber Battillo December 18, 2025 3:00 pm

A light pole has green decorations wrapped around it with a sparkling red bow at the top. In the background are trees and powerlines. In the foreground is a graphic that reads, "The Nutcracker | Holiday Market | Photos with Santa | Trains. WEEKEND TOP PICKS. Events Coming this Weekend." Christmas lights hang from the top of the graphic with Santa on the right and a small train on the left. — 352todayAmber Battillo/352todayThis weekend is host to plenty of festive fun with a train display, holiday market and photos with Santa.

OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Here are festive, local and fun events to get your pre-Christmas shopping, entertainment and photos before the big day arrives. From tree decorating and trains to “The Nutcracker” ballet performance and holiday markets, this weekend has plenty of holiday fun to offer the community in the 352.

Gingerbread Tree Decorating

What: Whether new to decorating or a pro, locals can decorate gingerbread trees for festive fun to make it unique and bring anyone’s vision to life.
When: Friday, Dec. 19 starting at 6 p.m.
Where: Hammer and Stain, 6158 SW State Rd., Ocala.
Cost: $25 to register.

Learn more here.

Movie at Midtown Station

What: Midtown Station will be hosting their final screening of the holiday season with “Elf.” The event will feature restaurants in the food hall that guests can grab food and drinks at while enjoying the classic Christmas movie.
When: Saturday, Dec. 20 starting at 8 p.m.
Where: Midtown Station, 235 NE Watula Ave., Ocala.
Cost: Free to attend.

Learn more here.

The Nutcracker

What: “The Nutcracker” is a well-known and beloved Christmas book that was adapted into a ballet. Now, the classic story is being brought to the Ocala Civic Theatre for a night of family tradition and Christmas delight.
When: Saturday, Dec. 20 with one showing from 2-4 p.m. and another from 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Where: The Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala.
Cost: $15 for 18 and under and $20 for adults.

Learn more here.

Winter Wonderland Holiday Market

What: Vendors with holiday crafts, food trucks with seasonal food and treats, live music, carolers, a festive kids’ zone and photo opportunities with Santa, Grinch and elves in front of themed background and more are coming to the Ocala Downtown Market for a jolly evening of Christmas shopping and holiday cheer.
When: Sunday, Dec. 21 from 12-4 p.m.
Where: Ocala Downtown Market, 403 SE Osceola Ave., Ocala.
Cost: Free to attend.

Learn more here.

Free Photos with Santa

What: Santa is joining the community at Pointe Grand Brick City for warm cookies, milk, a home tour and festive pictures. This event is open to the public for anyone to get pictures with Santa and enjoy cookies.
When: Sunday, Dec. 21 from 2-4 p.m.
Where: Pointe Grand Brick City, 6150 SW 60th Ave., Ocala.
Cost: Free to attend.

Learn more here.

30th Annual Trains at the Holidays

What: The Ocala Model Railroaders are hosting the annual “Trains at the Holidays” exhibit for another season of train displays. This is the opening weekend of the display for kids and adults alike to check out detailed and decorated trains and their stations.
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 19-21 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: The Webber Gallery, 3001 SW College Rd., Ocala.
Cost: Free to attend.

Learn more here.