WEEKEND TOP PICKS: Pack up the leftovers, it’s time for festive fun in North Central Florida

OCALA, FL (352today.com) – If your family is anything like mine, the Christmas music starts playing the moment the last pie plate is washed on Thanksgiving,

By Friday, we’re ready for all the festive fun, and so is the rest of North Central Florida.

So put on your best holly jolly spirit this weekend- no red suit required- and get into the holiday spirit with our top picks.

Cottom Farm’s Christmas Village: The lights at this Weirsdale Christmas Village shine bright starting Thanksgiving Night. On Friday, November 29 and Saturday, November 30 grab the family and enjoy the Christmas Cruise-In from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Admission is $5 per person, or $20 for a carload. The address is 4650 Marion County Road in Weirsdale.

Cut Your Own Christmas Tree: Ready to start decorating? Head to one of North Central Florida’s tree farms this weekend to cut your own Christmas tree. Options including the Ocala National Forest, Kandy Kane Christmas Treeland, and Gibbs Christmas Tree Farm will be open throughout the season. Hours and prices vary by location. Flchristmastrees.com has a great list of farms throughout the area, so you won’t have to drive far with your cargo in tow.

World Equestrian Center Winter Wonderland: This enchanting display kicks off this Friday, November 29 and Saturday, November 30 with a Christmas Market featuring holiday vendors and WEC retailers. The lights will run Wednesdays through Sundays from 5 to 9 p.m. until December 23. Parking starts at $10 per vehicle, rising to $30 on Fridays and Saturdays, and includes admission. The World Equestrian Center is located at 1750 NW 80^th Avenue in Ocala.

Kirby Family Farm Christmas Train: Hop aboard a 100-year-old locomotive for the 13th annual Christmas Train, featuring thousands of lights, festive attractions, and family-friendly fun. Activities include a carousel, antique Ferris wheel, magic shows, and a meet-and-greet with holiday characters, and more. The train runs this Friday, November 29 and Saturday, November 30 from 6 to 10 p.m. The experience will continue select dates through December. Tickets start at $19.99 online for adults and $12.99 for kids 3 to 9. Kirby Family Farm is located at 19650 NE 30^th Street in Williston.

Holly-Day Out: Start your gift shopping at this market with over 200 vendors, farm attractions, music, giveaways, Santa meet-and-greets, and more. The event is on Sunday, December 1 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. The market will be held at Brown & Brown Farms, located at 13940 US Highway 301 in Oxford.

Discover more things to do in North Central Florida by browsing the 352today events page.