OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Ocala’s beloved holiday event came back this December with “A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition,” a delightful showcase of holiday cheer and history.

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On December 7, many people visited the Appleton Museum of Art for the yearly Free First Saturday Holiday Community Day, taking part in fun activities, enjoying free entry, and soaking in the joy of the holiday season.

The main event of the day was the Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition, featuring the personal collection of Dr. Paul, Joyce Urban, and their daughters Katie, Kristie, Kassie, and Karlie. This collection showcases beautifully themed trees, a large Dickens Village, nutcrackers from various countries, and much more. The exhibition is cherished for its rotating displays and is a generous gift from the Urban Family, who have lived in Ocala since 1989.

Holiday Community Day Highlights

Throughout the day, families enjoyed a variety of festive activities, including:

  • Free admission to explore “A Dickens Christmas” and other exhibits.
  • Craft-making in the Appleton’s Artspace.
  • Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
  • Face painting by Tonya.
  • Delicious offerings from The Donut Express, Poppy’s Dogs, and Little Red’s Chicken & BBQ food trucks.
The Appleton Museum of Art in Ocala. Courtesy: Kathy Dugan/352today
Food trucks were on-site for snacks and meals including freshly-made donuts. Courtesy: Kathy Dugan/352today
Food trucks offered something for every taste at the Appleton Museum of Art’s Free First Saturday on Dec. 7, 2024. Courtesy: Kathy Dugan/352today
It was a beautiful day to eat outside at the Appleton Museum of Art. Courtesy: Kathy Dugan/352today
The Christmas tree outside the Appleton Museum is a popular photo spot. Courtesy: Kathy Dugan


Holiday Community Tree Display

Visitors also admired the museum’s second-floor Holiday Community Tree Display, a dazzling showcase of trees decorated by local businesses, community groups, and schools. This year’s participants included Appleton Artspace, Better Together, the College of Central Florida, and the Humane Society of Marion County, among others.

Campus USA Credit Union tree at the Appleton Museum of Art. Courtesy: Kathy Dugan/352today
College of Central Florida Christmas Tree on display at the Appleton Museum of Art. Courtesy: Kathy Dugan/352today
East Marion Elementary School Christmas Tree on display at the Appleton Museum of Art. Courtesy: Kathy Dugan/352today
Bridge to Hope Home Services Christmas Tree on display at the Appleton Museum of Art. Courtesy: Kathy Dugan/352today
Better Together Christmas Tree at the Appleton Museum of Art. Courtesy: Kathy Dugan/352today
North Central Florida Media Christmas Tree on display at the Appleton Museum of Art. Courtesy: Kathy Dugan/352today
Humane Society of Marion County Christmas Tree on display at the Appleton Museum of Art. Courtesy: Kathy Dugan/352today
Artspace Christmas Tree on display at the Appleton Museum of Art. Courtesy: Kathy Dugan/352today
Urban Counseling Christmas Tree on display at the Appleton Museum of Art. Courtesy: Kathy Dugan/352today
A Willie Wonka-themed display at the Appleton Museum of Art. Courtesy: Kathy Dugan/352today

For those who missed the Holiday Community Day, the magic isn’t over. “A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition” will remain on display throughout December. Don’t miss the opportunity to see this beloved Ocala tradition and experience the joy and beauty of the season.

The Appleton Museum of Art invites everyone to celebrate the holidays and create lasting memories with friends and family. For more information on upcoming events and exhibitions, visit appletonmuseum.org.