CHRISTMAS IN OCALA

If you’ve traveled through downtown Ocala in recent weeks, you have no doubt noticed the festive atmosphere. The trees and buildings areadorned with thousands of twinkling lights, and it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

// BY KARIN FABRY-CUSHENBERY

Ocala’s annual holiday kick-off event, Light Up Ocala, may have been canceled this year, but that doesn’t mean we are short on holiday cheer.

Ashley Dobbs, marketing and communications manager for the City of Ocala, invites everyone to check out what downtown Ocala has to offer this holiday season. A few favorites are back, plus some new offerings as well.

“We have a variety of events going on,” she says. “This year, instead of one or two larger events, we are hosting smaller, more spread out events. We take everyone’s health very seriously but also want families to be able to celebrate the season and experience some holiday joy. If we’re able to provide that, albeit a bit modified this year, then that’s important. It’s been a different year for sure, so we are excited to be able to offer our community a bit of holiday spirit and cheer that’s maybe been missing throughout the year.”

On Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, you can enjoy the lights downtown while listening to live holiday music. On Tuesday and Thursday evenings, Santa will be on the square to greet kids and their families.

“This year’s Santa on the Square will be done using a reservation system,” says Ashley. “Kids will get five minutes to interact with Santa and photos will be taken. Once the meet and greet is finished, the kids can pick up a prepackaged bag of holiday treats to enjoy.”

The reservation system was implemented to maintain social distancing and avoid overcrowding. Santa will be wearing a mask, and participants will be asked to wear a mask as well. To make your reservation, contact LaToya at lartis@ocalafl.org.

Santa Paws, benefiting the Humane Society of Marion County, will also return this year.

New this year are the photo ops, an addition Ashley is especially excited about.

“Throughout downtown we are offering life-sized photo ops where people can stop and take some great holiday shots with family and friends,” she says.

Look out for the giant candy canes and gingerbread men, a Whoville, a tropicalthemed holiday scene that includes lighted palm trees and Christmas flamingos, Santa’s sleigh and more.

Another new addition this year is holiday

Santa on the Square // Select HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS* nights between December 3-17

movies, which will take place at several locations. Titles are family-friendly favorites and include The Muppet Christmas Carol on December 4 at Citizens’ Circle, The Polar Express on December 11 at Tuscawilla Art Park and Elf on December 18 at Tuscawilla Oak Grove. All shows begin at 7pm and are free to attend.

“We will have large outdoor screens and will create lines on the ground that allow for families to sit together and keep socially distanced,” says Ashley. “There will also be a hot cocoa bar on a first-come, first-served basis. You can also bring your own snacks and drinks, plus blankets and chairs.”

There is no denying that 2020 has been a very weird year. And hopefully the traditions of the holidays can help bring about a little bit of normalcy.

“At the end of the day, it’s about spending time with family,” says Ashley. “That’s the most important thing.” Santa will be available for wish lists and photo opportunities on the downtown square on select Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Pre-registration is required and can be made by contacting

lartis@ocala .org.

Holiday Movie Series // Select Nights between December 4-18

Holiday movies are free to attend, and hot cocoa will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring your own blankets and chairs. Movie selections include The Muppet Christmas Carol at Citizens’ Circle on Dec. 4, The Polar Express at Tuscawilla Park on Dec. 11 and Elf at Tuscawilla Oak Grove on Dec. 18.

Senior Holiday Luncheon // December 10

Adults 50 and over can celebrate the season with an afternoon of food, fun, games and prizes at the Ocala Golf Club. The cost is $5 per person and pre-registration is required. Registration can be done at ocalafl.org/holidays.

Ocala Christmas Parade // December 12

The Ocala Christmas parade will go on as scheduled this year, albeit without school groups in the processional. The parade begins at the corner of Southeast 25th Avenue and ends at Tuscawilla CANCELED Park. The event kicks o at 5:30pm. ocalachristmasparade.org.

Santa Paws // December 16

Bring your pet to pose for a photo with Santa at Citizens’ Circle between 5-8pm on December 16. A $10 donation is required and will bene t the Humane Society of Marion County. Vendors and adoptable dogs will also be on hand. No registration required.

Live Music // Wednesdays through Sundays in December

Various bands, musical groups and performers will take to the downtown stage on the square and at Citizens’ Circle. The performances are free to attend.

For a complete list of holiday events downtown and details, visit ocalafl.org/holidays or call (352) 368-5517.