OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The 40th annual Light Up Ocala promises a magical start to the holiday season, drawing thousands to Downtown Ocala. With over 100 vendors, live entertainment, and fun-filled family activities, this cherished event is a must-visit.

Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss:
  • Vendor Village
    • Over 100 booths featuring crafts, art, and delicious food.
  • Entertainment Galore
    • Stage One (Downtown Square):
      • Live DJ
      • Acrobatic Variety Show
      • Jump Rope Performances
      • Time: 3 – 7 p.m.
    • Midtown Street Party:
      • Live music by Stereo FM
      • Time: 3:30 – 8 p.m.
  • Interactive Experiences
    • Punch and Judy Puppet Show: Corner of Fort King St. and Magnolia Ave.
    • The Living Angels: At Citizens’ Circle.
    • Kids’ Zone: Silver Springs Blvd. and NE Osceola Ave.
Don’t Miss the Junior Sunshine Parade

Kick-off at 3 p.m.
Watch vibrant performances and floats, featuring:

  • Ocala Police Department Mounted Unit
  • Sheila Ruotolo Dance Company
  • Extreme Taekwondo Center
  • Santa Claus with Ocala Electric Utility
The Grand Finale: Lighting Ceremony

The holiday lights officially brighten the city at 7 p.m. at Midtown, bringing the festive atmosphere to life.

Shuttle Services for Your Convenience

Free shuttles will operate from 2 to 9 p.m. from these locations:

  • Marion Technical Institute (every 20 minutes)
  • E.D. Croskey Recreation Center (every 20 minutes)
  • Ocala Skate Park (every 10 minutes)
  • Discovery Center (every 10 minutes)
Road Closures in Effect Saturday, Nov. 23, 7 a.m. to Midnight
  • NE/NW Second Street, from NE Watula Avenue to NW First Avenue
  • NE/NW First Street, from NE Watula Avenue to NW First Avenue
  • SE/SW Broadway Street, from SE Watula Avenue to SW First Avenue
  • SE/SW Fort King Street, from SE Watula Avenue to SW First Avenue
  • N/S Magnolia Avenue, from NE/NW Third Street to SE/SW Second Street
  • SE/NE First Avenue, from SE Second Street to NE Third Street
  • NE/SE Osceola Avenue, from NE Third Street to SE Fort King Street
  • SE Third Street, from Watula to SE Osceola (this closure is to accommodate the downtown Saturday market).
Road Closures in Effect Saturday, Nov. 23, Noon to Midnight
  • State Road 40, from NE Eighth Avenue to N Pine Avenue (US 441)

 Detour routes:

  • SR 40: N Pine Avenue to NW/NE 14th Street (SR 492) to NE Eighth Avenue, back to SR 40
  • NE/NW Second Street: NE Watula Avenue to NE/NW Third Street and to NW First Avenue
  • NE/NW First Street: NE Watula Avenue to NE/NW Third Street and to NW First Avenue
  • SE/SW Broadway Street: SE/NE Watula Avenue to NE/NW Third Street to NW/SW First Avenue, back to SW Broadway Street
  • SE/SW Fort King Street: SE/NE Watula Avenue to NE/NW Third Street to NW/SW First Avenue, back to SW Fort King Street
  • SW/SE Second Street: SW First Avenue to SW Fifth Street to SE Watula Avenue
  • N/S Magnolia Avenue (southbound): NW Third Street to NW/SW First Avenue to SW Third Street, back to S Magnolia Avenue
  • SE/NE First Avenue (northbound): SE Fifth Street to SE/NE Watula Avenue to NE Third Street, back to NE First Avenue
  • NE Osceola Avenue: NE/NW Third Street to NW/SW First Avenue to SW Fifth Street, back to SE Osceola Avenue
  • SE Osceola Avenue: SE Fifth Street to Watula Avenue to NE/NW Third Street, back to Osceola Avenue
Why Attend?

Whether you’re exploring vendor booths, enjoying live entertainment, or taking a family photo with the lit holiday tree, Light Up Ocala guarantees a festive day for all ages. Don’t forget to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at Citizens’ Circle.

Mark your calendar and join Ocala’s brightest holiday tradition.