OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The inescapable Christmas music in every store this time of year means one thing: the holidays are fast approaching.

This weekend is a great time to make memories with the family at local annual traditions. Or beat the crowds and wrap up your holiday shopping by finding the perfect give at a local market. Check out our top picks for festive fun this weekend.

St. John’s Nights of Lights: This light display, formerly held at the Florida Horse Park, features walk-through displays with thousands of lights and dozens of trees synchronized to music. There will also be live music, train rides, food trucks, and an appearance from Santa Claus. The lights will be on display each night this weekend from 6 to 9 p.m. at 1915 SE Lake Weir Avenue in Ocala. The display is free to enjoy.

Girls Holiday Night Out: Get some holiday shopping done for the family- or yourself- at this market with 100 local female-owner vendors offering everything from clothes to sweets to services. Food trucks and entertainment will also be onsite. This event is free to attend and will run from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, December 14. It will be at the Ocala Downtown Market, located at 360 SE 3rd Avenue in Ocala.

Reindeer Run: Prepping for the holiday meals? The 47th annual Reindeer Run is this Saturday, December 14. Registration is still open at $40 per runner. Runners will start at 4:20 p.m. from 512 East Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala.

Ocala Christmas Parade: The second Saturday in December sees this return of a 65-year tradition in Ocala. The parade kicks off at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 14 from the intersections of SE 25th Avenue and Fort King Street and will march west down Silver Springs Boulevard until reaching Tuscawilla Park. Viewing is free along the route.

|TRAFFIC ALERT: Road closures and detour info for Ocala’s Christmas Parade

Santa Paws: Is your fur baby on Santa’s nice list? Bring them to Downtown Ocala on December 13 from 5 to 8 p.m. for pictures with Santa, vendors, auctions, entertainment, and more. The event is held at Citizens Circle, located 151 SE Osceola Avenue in Ocala. The event is free to attend, and photo tickets with prints, keychains, and magnets can be purchased starting at $5.

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