OCALA, FL (352today.com) – One of the City of Ocala’s most venerable and beloved holiday-season traditions returns when Light Up Ocala bathes downtown in its festive annual glow for the 41st time on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025.
In addition to the traditional lighting ceremony in Downtown Square, this year’s event will feature more than 100 vendors and all manner of family-friendly entertainment, located in three areas around downtown.
Entertainment zones and activities
Stage One: Downtown Square (Lighting Ceremony)
- When: 3:30-8 p.m.
- Where: Between SE Broadway St. and Magnolia Ave.
- What: Live music by Audio Exchange, with lighting ceremony at 6 p.m.
Stage Two: Citizens’ Circle
- When: 3-7 p.m.
- Where: Between Fort King St. and Osceola Ave.
- What: Local dance and performances, meet-and-greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus
Midtown Street Party
- When: 3-7:30 p.m.
- Where: Between NE First St. and NE First Ave.
- What: Live DJ, acrobatic variety show, jump rope performances
There will be plenty of other activities and performances as well, including the Junior Sunshine Parade (which begins at 3 p.m. at S Magnolia Ave. and E Fort King St., and features local danced studios, Girl Scouts and Santa himself as it winds through downtown), a Punch and Judy puppet show at Fort King St. and Magnolia Ave., and a Kids’ Zone located at Parking Lot 5.
Parking and shuttle
Shuttle service is free and will run from four locations between 2 and 9 p.m.:
- Marion Technical Institute (every 20 mins, ADA accessible)
- E.D. Crosley Recreation Center (every 20 mins, ADA accessible)
- Ocala Skate Park (every 10 minutes)
- Discovery Center (every 10 minutes)
For more information, visit the city’s Light Up page or call the Parks and Recreation Department at 352-368-5517.