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 warm holiday scene with a steaming simmer pot filled with sliced oranges, cinnamon sticks, and star anise on a wooden surface, surrounded by spices, a lit tealight candle, and a ladle, with a banner reading “A Fresh Twist of Holiday Warmth.”
Holiday Guide
2 weeks ago
A Little Piece of Sunshine: Why Citrus Still Finds a Place at the Holiday Table

A longstanding holiday tradition, fresh citrus continues to brighten Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations with its historic symbolism, seasonal flavor and simple, nostalgic charm.

An open pavilion with lamp posts along a paved walkway leading toward it has Christmas decorations around it. The decorations include candy canes, wreaths snowman and deflated inflatable characters.
Holiday Guide
2 weeks ago
Marion Oaks Hosts Holiday Extravaganza for a Festive Start to the Season

Marion Oaks hosts the Annual Holiday Extravaganza to light up the community in a festive display of lights and Christmas decorations.

A Thanksgiving table filled with budget-friendly holiday foods, including a roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, vegetables, salad, cranberries, pie, pumpkins and apples, with a large white plate in the center displaying the text “Thanksgiving on a Budget.”
Holiday Guide
2 weeks ago
So You Waited ’til the Last Minute: Low-Budget Ways to Pull Off a Thanksgiving Meal

Even if you’re short on time or ingredients, a budget-friendly Thanksgiving meal can come together quickly with ready-made poultry, frozen sides, canned staples and simple last-minute desserts.

A crowd of people gather around a brightly lit Christmas tree and light display in a town square.
Holiday Guide
2 weeks ago
Light Up Ocala: Historic Downtown Gets its Traditional Seasonal Shimmer

Light Up Ocala illuminated local businesses, performers and the community during the tree lighting ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025.

Two dogs wearing soft, antler-shaped headbands sit indoors on a patterned rug, looking up attentively; one is a tan-and-white dog and the other is a larger brindle dog whose face is close to the camera.
Holiday Guide
2 weeks ago
Which Thanksgiving Foods Are Safe–and Which are Dangerous–for Pets

As families prepare their holiday feasts, veterinarians are urging pet owners to be cautious, noting that while a few plain Thanksgiving ingredients are safe for dogs, many popular dishes can cause serious–even life-threatening–health issues.

Lucas donation w-CEO: Early Learning Coalition of Marion County CEO LaTrisha Sims, Tayler Croom-Perez (Lucas’s mom), Parent Education Coordinator Ruth Velez, and Lucas Perez with the donations Lucas bought to help babies
Community
2 weeks ago
Five-Year-Old Pays It Forward to Early Learning Coalition of Marion County’s Holiday Diaper Drive

Lucas Perez donated diapers, wipes, and baby supplies to the Early Learning Coalition of Marion County.

Food ingredients and cooking utensils resting on a wooden surface.
Holiday Guide
2 weeks ago
Festive Flavors: Easy Holiday Recipes to Elevate the Table

Enjoy these quick and easy recipes to add spice to your holiday menu.

Holiday Guide
2 weeks ago
City of Belleview Announces “Light Up Belleview: The Mayor’s Christmas Decorating Contest”

Belleview Mayor Christine Dubkowski is inviting residents and local businesses to do it up for the holidays and express their community spirit.

A green background with light red, light blue and white snowflakes has a red bow and green and red pearls in front. The graphic has a white banner that reads, "Holiday Season New and Classic Films" with a gold Christmas bulb hanging from it.
Holiday Guide
3 weeks ago
New Movies and Classic Rewatches for Holiday Fun

Theatres are coming out with highly anticipated movies by fans of different genres as well as Christmas classics for the season ahead.

A decoration of a polar bear climbing a yellow latter and put a bright yellow star on a Christmas tree is surrounded by more Christmas decorations. In the foreground is a graphic with a green border and white and green text reads, "Markets, Geek Fest, Light Up Ocala, Light Up Lady Lake. WEEKEND TOP PICKS. Events Coming this Weekend." The graphic has a red Christmas tree bulb in the top left and a pumpkin in the top right.
Entertainment
3 weeks ago
WEEKEND TOP PICKS: Light Up Events Transform the Community for Festive Fun

Fall markets and light up events mark the transition from fall to the start of the holiday season.