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!

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 months 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 months 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 months 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 months 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
2 months 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
2 months 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.

Santa's midsection shown against a light blue backdrop. He is holding lit Christmas lights in his hands.
Holiday Guide
2 months 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
2 months 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
2 months 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
2 months 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.