It’s the most wonderful time of the year—particularly here in the 352. Gorgeous weather, vibrant culture and the perfect balance of downtown charm and wide-open spaces make our community its own unique winter wonderland. From beloved traditional events to unique opportunities and experiences, there’s never a lack of reasons to celebrate the season with friends and neighbors new and old. We’ve collected the best of those opportunities and experiences right here, but keep checking back—we’ll be adding more events, news and fun right through to 2026!

A white sign with blue accents reads, "294 Marion Oaks Community Center." In the background, bushes create a line separating a sidewalk and the community Center. Christmas decorations can be seen in front of the building.
Entertainment
5 hours ago
Light Up Marion Oaks: A Bright Event for a Small Community (SLIDESHOW)

The Marion Oaks Community Center illuminated the area in vibrant lights at Light Up Marion Oaks for a festive season.

A illuminated ceiling of Christmas lights hanging overhead.
Holiday Guide
8 hours ago
Holiday Magic Returns to World Equestrian Center’s Winter Wonderland

The World Equestrian Center’s Winter Wonderland brings holiday lights and activities back to WEC for the season–though some guests felt the event fell short for the price.

Holiday Guide
11 hours ago
Holiday Comedy ‘A Tuna Christmas’ is Back, Officially a Seasonal Tradition at Ocala Civic Theatre

OCALA, FL (352today.com) – If you missed it last year, “A Tuna Christmas”–the middle […]

A woman in a gold dress stands in the foreground while people in suits are blurred in the background.
Holiday Guide
2 days ago
Holiday Style in the 352: Where to Find Festive Formal Attire This Season

These local shops and boutiques are your one-stop-shop for holiday attire around the 352.

Community
4 days ago
Alachua County Animal Resources Hosts Whisker Wonderland Adoption Drive Dec. 5 & 6

Even if you can’t adopt a new furry family member, Alachua County Animal Resources encourages you to attend Whisker Wonderland Dec. 5 & 6 to spread a little holiday cheer at the shelter.

A white gazebo with a green-gray roof is decorated with a white wreath, garlands covered in Christmas bulbs and white icicle lights strung from the edges. In the foreground is a graphic with white and green text that reads, "Christmas Parades | Holiday Celebrations | ASL Santa Greeting. WEEKEND TOP PICKS. Events Coming this Weekend."
Entertainment
4 days ago
WEEKEND TOP PICKS: December Kicks off with a Bazaar, Boat Parade and More Holiday Fun

The first week of December is packed with family-friendly and free events for a festive start to the season.

Holiday Guide
5 days ago
Looking for the Most Unique Gift Options in the 352? Maybe an Auction is the Answer

If you’re looking for out-of-the-box gift ideas this holiday season, the monthly auction at Ocala’s Weeks Auction Co. just might be the place to find them.

Holiday Guide
5 days ago
Santa Claus to Appear at Ocala’s Market Street at Heath Brook for Pics and More Dec. 5

Santa and Mrs. Claus will drop by Ocala shopping destination Market Street at Heath Brook on Friday, Dec. 5 from 6-8 p.m.

Community
6 days ago
Alachua County Public Schools Seeking Donations for Annual Holiday Food Drive

Alachua County Public Schools is partnering with Food4Kids Florida through mid-December to help provide meal boxes for children who depend on school lunches.

Villages Elementary of Lady Lake students have blue bags of gifts in hands. They pose with Santa with the Town Hall Christmas tree they decorated behind them.
Holiday Guide
6 days ago
Villages Elementary of Lady Lake Students Decorate Town Hall Tree for 20th Year

A Lady Lake seasonal tradition celebrated its 20th year as Villages Elementary of Lady Lake students gathered to decorate the Town Hall Christmas tree.

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