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!

Santa's midsection shown against a light blue backdrop. He is holding lit Christmas lights in his hands.
Holiday Guide
3 weeks ago
7 Dazzling Christmas Light Tours and Drive-Thru Experiences to Visit this Holiday Season

These seven holiday light displays deliver some of the brightest festive magic in the 352 area this season.

A plain, beige background has various snowflakes in different shades of gray. There is a red bow on the bottom left and green and red Christmas bulbs cover the sides. There is a large ribbon across the top with beige text that reads, "Holiday Season Shopping."
Holiday Guide
3 weeks ago
Decor the Halls: Where to Buy Holiday Decorations in the 352

Check out these stores for decorations and spirited Christmas home goods for the approaching holiday season.

The Ocala Fire Rescue is having their annual Holiday Drive from now until December 12th, 2025.
Holiday Guide
3 weeks ago
Ocala Fire Rescue Collecting Donations for 2025 Holiday Drives

Ocala Fire Rescue will be collecting food and other nonperishables to distribute to Ocala area food pantries and charitable organizations through Friday, Dec. 12.

Marion County fire engine parked in grass near wooded area
Holiday Guide
3 weeks ago
Marion County Fire Rescue Hosts Open House Food Drive Nov. 22

Marion County Fire Rescue is supporting the county’s Bring the Harvest Home food drive campaign with open houses across the region on Saturday, Nov. 22.

A Christmas tree with bright string lights, a bear ornament and other decorations is reflected in a window with rain falling against it.
Holiday Guide
3 weeks ago
‘Tis the Season for Family-Friendly Classic Christmas Cinema

Get together with the whole family this holiday season to rewatch classic Christmas movies in this list of nostalgic feel-good films.

A festive Thanksgiving table filled with traditional dishes like roast turkey, green beans, pie, and drinks, overlaid with the text “Thanksgiving Dining Around the 352 – Local Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving Dine-In and Takeout.”
Holiday Guide
3 weeks ago
Ocala Area Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving 2025 – Where to Eat or Order Out

From homestyle feasts to buffet dining, restaurants across our area are offering dine-in and takeout Thanksgiving meals so you can enjoy the holiday without the hassle of cooking.

Holiday Guide
3 weeks ago
National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child Begins Monday, Nov. 17

Operation Christmas Child collects shoeboxes full of gifts and needed items for children around the world during its collection week, which runs Nov. 17-24.

Holiday Guide
3 weeks ago
352today Holiday Guide: Here are the Biggest Events of the 2025 Season

Here’s 352Today’s rundown of the area’s biggest and most cherished annual holiday events.

A picture of the Discovery Center near Tuscawilla Park stands tall under a bright sky. In the foreground is a graphic with a green outline that reads, "Date Night | Collectorfest |Craft Show | Bar Crawl | More. WEEKEND TOP PICKS. Events Coming this Weekend." In the left corner of the graphic is a magnifying glass and in the right corner is two wine glasses with heart floating above them.
Entertainment
4 weeks ago
WEEKEND TOP PICKS: Date Night, Bar Crawl, Downtown Ocala Scavenger Hunt & More

This weekend is filled with family-friendly and adult-only events where kids can have fun during the day and adults can relax in the evening.

A black easel at Brown Dog Coffee House that has "Barista's Recommendation: Cookie Butter Caramel Hot or Iced Latte 10/10," "Ask about our Affogato & waffleato," "We will be open 9am-9pm for Light up Ocala," and "Murphy recommends The Brown Dog" written on it. Behind the easel there is a pastry case and the register.
Holiday Guide
4 weeks ago
Stop and Sip this Holiday Season at Local Ocala Coffee Shops Offering Seasonal Flavors

Taste the magic of the holidays with these drinks from local coffee shops in downtown Ocala.