MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – The first week of December is jam-packed with holiday festivities for a spirited celebration of the season. With a lineup of holiday parades and markets, there is no end to seasonal cheer in Marion County. Here are some of the top events this weekend in the 352 that are family-friendly and free to all.

Silver Springs Shores Holiday Bazaar

  • What: Join Silver Springs Shores for a charitable evening of community and holiday fun. The event will feature food, local vendors, entertainment and door prizes for a family-friendly celebration. During the event, locals can help the community by bringing donations of nonperishable foods, warm clothes, blankets and toys for A Mother’s Love Ministry.
  • When: Friday, Dec. 5 from 5-7 p.m.
  • Where: Silver Springs Shores Community Center, 590 Silver Rd., Ocala.
  • Cost: Free to attend, however, donations are welcome.

Learn more here.

Holiday Celebration

  • What: The Town Square at Circle Square Commons will be decked out in festive lights and holiday fun with dancing, games, food trucks and vendors to explore gifts and seasonal crafts. The event will feature live music through Sugar Vibe and DJ Area 51 as well as a 50/50 raffle at 7 p.m. benefiting SPCA of Marion County. Horse-drawn carriage rides will be available throughout the evening.
  • When: Saturday, Dec. 6 from 4-8 p.m.
  • Where: Circle Square Commons, 8405 SW 80th St., Ocala.
  • Cost: Free to attend.

Learn more here.

Annual Lake Weir Christmas Boat Parade

  • What: Starting at Carney Island, locals can watch a parade of pontoon, power boats, sailing boats and more navigate Lake Weir, filling the area with festive lights for holiday cheer. Eaton’s Beach Sandbar & Grill will be host to a variety of festivities throughout the day before the boats take sail.
  • When: Saturday, Dec. 6 starting at 5 p.m.
  • Where: Eaton’s Beach Sandbar & Grill, 15790 SE 134th Ave., Weirsdale.
  • Cost: Free to attend.

Learn more here.

2025 Dunnellon Christmas Parade

  • What: The Dunnellon Chamber & Business Association invites everyone to the annual Dunnellon Christmas Parade where festive décor, holiday costumes and bright lights will fill the area for an illuminated celebration of the season.
  • When: Saturday, Dec. 6 starting at 6 p.m.
  • Where: The parade will begin at Dunnellon Middle School, 21005 Chestnut St., Dunnellon and end at Dunnellon Little Leage Field, 12214 Bridges Rd., Dunnellon.
  • Cost: Free to attend.

Learn more here.

A Christmas Extravaganza Market

  • What: DJ Matt Gray invites the community to a Christmas market with more than 60 vendors to explore Christmas gifts or unique crafts, food trucks, snow flurries for a festive atmosphere, Christmas music and a free photo opportunity with Santa.
  • When: Sunday, Dec. 7 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Where: Ocala Downtown Market, 403 SE Osceola Ave., Ocala.
  • Cost: Free to attend.

Learn more here.

Signing Santa: A Deaf-Friendly Holiday Event

  • What: Hands Up Communication and Marion County Association of the Deaf partnered with the Appleton Museum of Art for a holiday celebration accessible for all with an ASL experience with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Sensational Selfies will be at the event to capture holiday moments, and all guests will receive one free printed photo and a texted image.
  • When: Sunday, Dec. 7 from 12-2 p.m.
  • Where: The Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala.
  • Cost: Free to attend.

Learn more here.