OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Downtown Ocala came alive on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, during the annual Light Up Ocala event, marking the official start of the holiday season.

An estimated 20,000 people gathered to enjoy entertainment, festive vendors, and the Sunshine Junior Christmas Parade, which included the West Port High School Honor Guard, Sheila Ruotolo Dance Company, Sunrise Elementary dance team, Girl Scout Troop 4003, Santa, Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano, and more.

The West Port Honor Guard performs in the Junior Sunshine Parade during the 40th Light Up Ocala. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Brownies were part of the Junior Sunshine Christmas Parade. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Children march in the Junior Sunshine Parade. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
The Sheila Ruotolo Dance Company’s ballerinas from The Nutcracker wait to march in the Junior Sunshine Parade. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
4-H marches in the Junior Sunshine Parade. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Santa waves to spectators at the Junior Sunshine Christmas Parade. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Friends and family cheer on the marchers in the Junior Sunshine Parade. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano rides in the Junior Sunshine Parade. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Girl Scout Troupe 4003 marches in the Junior Sunshine parade. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
The Sunrise Elementary dance team warms up for the Junior Sunshine Parade. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Was Santa pointing at you? Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
More than 20,000 people descended on Downtown Ocala on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, to enjoy the Junior Sunshine Christmas Parade and Light Up Ocala. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Clubs march in the Junior Sunshine Christmas Parade. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
The Junior Sunshine Parade is a longstanding tradition as part of Light Up Ocala. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today

The parade was led by the Ocala Police Department’s mounted unit, featuring Officer Eddy Leedy on Lancelot and Det. Cheyenne Boyer on Merci May.

The Ocala Police Department’s mounted unit can be seen patrolling downtown during special events. Officer Eddie Leedy on Lancelot and Det. Cheyenne Boyer on Merci May lead the Junior Sunshine Parade. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
The Ocala Police Department’s mounted unit, Officer Eddie Leedy on Lancelot and Det. Cheyenne Boyer on Merci May, lead the Junior Sunshine Parade. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Sirius Carlisle, 5, waits for the horses during the 40th Light Up Ocala. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Officer Eddie Leedy on Lancelot and Det. Cheyenne Boyer on Merci May, the Ocala Police Department’s newly re-installed mounted unit. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
The Ocala Police Department’s mounted unit leads the Junior Sunshine Parade. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today

Attendees Tammy and Mark Houle shared their tradition of attending the event. “I’ve lived here my whole life,” said Mark. “We really enjoy it. We like walking around and visiting all the vendors,” Tammy added.

Mayor Marciano emphasized community and gratitude during his speech. “One of the things I want to encourage you is that you take time with family and just be present, but also serve your community,” he said.

Professor DeWitt introduces Punch and Judy, a puppet show for all ages. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Friends and family watch the Junior Sunshine Parade. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Friends pose by the big Christmas tree during the 40th Light Up Ocala in Downtown Ocala. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Chris and Stereo FM entertain during Light Up Ocala. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Britt and Stereo FM entertain the crowd at Light Up Ocala. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Stereo FM entertains during Light Up Ocala. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Chris and Britt with Stereo FM belt out a tune. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Visitors rock out to the band Stereo FM during the 40th Light Up Ocala. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Santa talked with kids during the 40th Light Up Ocala. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today

A surprise appearance by The Grinch entertained the crowd before the Herrera family, honored guests, flipped the switch to light up the Downtown Square.

The Grinch pulled the plug for a few minutes, but the lights eventually went on during the 40th Light Up Ocala. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
The Herrera Family throws the switch to turn on the lights during the 40th Light Up Ocala. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Ryan Daniels and his one-year-old sone enjoy the music during the 40th Light Up Ocala. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Children admire the lights during the 40th Light Up Ocala. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Kids get a better view from the shoulders during the 40th Light Up Ocala. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Chole Warren and Brooklyn Simon enjoy the music during the 40th Light Up Ocala. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today

Visitors can enjoy the dazzling lights throughout the season and meet Santa on Dec. 12, 17, and 19 from 6–8 p.m. in the gazebo.