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THINGS TO DO IN THE 352 : CHRISTMAS EDITION
KIRBY FAMILY FARM CHRISTMAS TRAIN // THROUGH DECEMBER 27
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Located in nearby Williston, this annual Christmas train is a holiday tradition for many. The 20-minute train journey explores the surrounding farmland and lights. This year’s festivities will include a visit with St. Nick (Please note there will be no sitting on Santa’s lap this year.), a Christmas Buddies character experience, the manger babies petting zoo, tractor ride, an antique Ferris wheel, an Italian carousel, rides, a secret elf shop and more. On select nights through December the gates open at 6pm, and the light ride gets underway at 9:30pm. Gates close at 10pm. The farm asks for a $15.99 contribution per person in advance for those ages 10 and up. $20 at the gate. Children ages 3-9 are $10.99 in advance and $15 at the gate if available. Kids ages 2 and under are free. If you can’t afford a ticket, a day’s worth of volunteering will earn a free ticket. Admission tickets include all activities. After December 25, the ticket will no longer include Santa, the Elf Shoppe or the live manger scene. For details and to order tickets, visit kirbyfarm.com.
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THE NUTCRACKER // DECEMBER 17-20 REINDEER RUN 5K // DECEMBER 12
COVID can’t stop this annual holiday race from happening. The 41st annual Reindeer Run, hosted by CenterState Bank and the Ocala Runner’s Club, will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Marion County. The race starts at 3pm, and participants will receive a race shirt and a finisher medal. There is also a virtual option to the race. Dress in your favorite holiday gear, lace up your running shoes and hit the pavement. Register for the race at runsignup.com.
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The music, the dancing, the costumes—it just isn’t Christmas without sweet Clara saving the Nutcracker prince. This year’s Dance Alive National Ballet production will have the Sugar Plum Fairy dancing through the Kingdom of the Sweets on the mainstage at the Phillips Center in Gainesville. Shows take place at 7:30pm daily and a 2pm matinée will be offered on December 19 and 20. For performance information, including any COVID-19 guidelines in place, and to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL // THROUGH DECEMBER 20 This holiday classic will once again make a return to the Ocala Civic Theatre stage. This five-week run will include an inventive adaptation of this beloved story. Adult tickets are $30, and ages 18 and under are $15. Performance times are Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30pm, plus Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm. To purchase tickets and select seats, contact the box office at (352) 236-2274 or visit ocalacivictheatre.com.
