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!

Gourds sit in the background with dishes laid out in front.
Food & Drink
2 months ago
Here’s Who and What We Saw at World Equestrian Center’s Ocala Food & Wine Festival

Here’s a slideshow of great photos from the Ocala Equestrian Center’s Ocala Food and Wine Festival.

A long wooden table has a variety of fruits, cheese, vegetables, meats and other goods.
Food & Drink
2 months ago
Sip, Savor and Saddle Up: World Equestrian Center’s Ocala Food and Wine Festival

The World Equestrian Center of Ocala hosted its annual 2025 Ocala Food & Wine Festival.

A street view of the front entrance of the Marion Theatre is in the background. In the foreground is white and green text that reads, "Live Shows | Food & Wine | Festivals | Holiday Bazaar. WEEKEND TOP PICKS. Events Coming this Weekend." In front of the text is a small graphic of a wine glass and bottle on the left and a Christmas ornament on the right.
Entertainment
3 months ago
WEEKEND TOP PICKS NOV. 7-9: Festivals, Shows and Holiday Cheer are Here

From festivals and a holiday Bazaar to live performances, this weekend has something for everyone.

A graphic with a beige background, two trees in the upper corners with falling leaves, leaves toward the bottom and a pumpkin with vegetables around it in the center at the bottom. Toward the top center is a brown sign reading, "Harvest." Toward the bottom is a banner that reads, "and Community." In the center is a big hand giving vegetables to a small hand.
Holiday Guide
3 months ago
Marion County Food Drives to Support Families Through the Holidays

As the holiday season approaches, multiple organizations are coming together to support families in need.

Native Advertising
3 months ago
Sunshine State Stars Sister Hazel to Headline 7th Annual Florida Cracker Christmas Fundraiser

This year’s fundraiser for Operation HeartF.E.L.T. features “All for You” hitmakers Sister Hazel.

Holiday Guide
3 months ago
Light Up Ocala Celebration Returns to Downtown November 22

One of the city’s most popular holiday traditions, Light Up Ocala returns this year on November 22.

An exterior view of the Ocala Civic Theatre with trees in the background and bushes in front. The foreground has a graphic with theatre masks and a jack-o-lantern that reads, "Live Plays | Halloween Celebrations | Historical Reenactment. Weekend Top Picks. Events Coming this Weekend."
Entertainment
3 months ago
WEEKEND TOP PICKS: Events in the 352 to Kick Off the First Week of November

As Ocala begins to gear up for future holiday events and exhibitions, there are a variety of events to keep the weekend busy.

Community
3 months ago
Rotary Club of IMPACT Ocala Keeps the Spirit of Giving Alive with “Gobbler for Good” Fundraiser

You can help families in need this holiday season by ordering a turkey through the Rotary Club of IMPACT Tampa’s “Gobbler for Good” program.

Guests seated at round tables in a spacious, well-lit hall with white decor and soft purple lighting.
Food & Drink
3 months ago
Tickets on Sale for Fifth Annual Ocala Food & Wine Festival at World Equestrian Center

The World Equestrian Center in Ocala is preparing for its upcoming Ocala Food & Wine Festival, a three-day event of food-filled festivities.

Local
3 months ago
Scavenger Hunt Through Downtown Ocala to Benefit Domestic Violence Nonprofit CASA

OCALA, FL (352today.com) – A nonprofit organization dedicated to helping victims of domestic violence […]