Christmas Market 

World Equestrian Center – Ocala (WEC) invites families to experience the magic of its annual Winter Wonderland, running from November 28 – December 23. Nestled in the heart of the festivities, The Equestrian Hotel offers luxury inspired accommodations allowing families to stay steps away from over one million twinkling lights, immersive décor and holiday experiences. Guests can enjoy meet-and-greets with Santa and the Grinch in the indoor arenas, weekend entertainment every Friday and Saturday featuring live holiday performances, face painters, balloon artists, and seasonal food favorites on the plaza such as Wondrous Hot Cocoa and festive treats. Families can also enjoy Breakfast with Santa on select dates, explore seasonal shopping from more than 30 boutique retailers and vendors, and make their holiday escape complete with a stay at The Equestrian Hotel, WEC’s luxury European-inspired property in the heart of Winter Wonderland. With luxury accommodations, immersive holiday décor, and endless experiences for all ages, WEC transforms into a dazzling, one-of-a-kind holiday destination where unforgettable memories are made. Open to the public: Wednesday – Sunday, 5pm – 9pm. Ticketed entry begins at 3pm. 

Admission Prices: 

Sunday, Wednesday Thursday: $5 per person (advanced purchase) / $7 per person day of 

Friday, Saturday and December 21-23: $10 per person (advanced purchase) $12 per person day of

This week’s showtimes!  

Homemade, Handmade, the Natural: The Transformative Nature of Fiber Art” opens on Friday, December 5th at The Brick Gallery in downtown Ocala during First Friday Art Walk (6-8pm), with a special holiday MCA members reception from 5-6pm (with RSVP). The exhibit will be on Display at The Brick from December 5, 2025 – January 3, 2026.

CALL TO ARTISTS!!! (click the event link for more)
Marion Cultural Alliance (MCA) invites local, regional, and national artists to submit works for our upcoming juried exhibition Homemade, Handmade, the Natural: The Transformative Nature of Fiber Art, organized and curated by David Campo III.

This exhibition will showcase the versatility and beauty of fiber art in both functional and non-functional forms. We are seeking 2D and 3D works created with fiber, fabrics, and filaments — whether rooted in tradition or pushing the boundaries of innovation.

Guest Curator: David Campo III

Eligibility & Mediums:
Open to artists working in all fiber-based media, including but not limited to weaving, quilting, embroidery, felt, mixed media, sculpture, installation, and experimental fiber processes.

Submission Guidelines:
~Entries are to be submitted digitally to https://decfiberarts2025.artcall.org/ no later than midnight on Monday, November 10, 2025. No physical or mailed submissions will be accepted. Artists must follow the online application process.
~Each artist may submit three (3) pieces for consideration. All work must be original; no giclee or reproductions. Only entries which adhere to the theme will be accepted. Suggested size per piece is up to 50“in any direction. Other restrictions apply. Please read our complete Submission Guidelines on the next page before entering!
~Entry fee is $20 for one (1) piece, $35 for two (2) or $50 for three (3)

For more information on our exhibition guidelines, requirements and how to submit, please visit decfiberarts2025.artcall.org or contact MCA at gallery@mcaocala.org

Over 90 vendors weekly, starting on SE 3rd St and going down the sidewalk towards Citizens’ Circle as well under the Ocala Downtown Market Pavilion…
Produce, beef, pork, chicken, goat milk products, eggs, microgreens, hydroponic produce, cheesecakes, fresh baked breads, pies, cupcakes, cookies, 18+olive oils & 30+basalmic vinegar’s, pickles, seasonings, honey, art, leather, jewelry, face & body lotions & scrubs, bath salts, toners and creams, candles, so many home made items and healthy life items. Too many to mention

Visit the Appleton for Free First Saturday! Enjoy free admission all day to see our permanent collection, special exhibitions, or to make art in the Artspace.

Saturday hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free First Saturdays are sponsored in part by Marion Cultural Alliance, National Endowment for the Arts and CAMPUS USA Credit Union.

Join us for the annual Holiday Community Day, held on Free First Saturday and generously sponsored by Dr. Paul and Joyce Urban.

Admission is free all day to enjoy “A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition,” the Community Tree Display and other special exhibitions, and to make seasonal crafts in the Artspace.

From 10 a.m.-3 p.m., enjoy Face Painting by Tonya.

Also from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Sensational Selfies is back this year to capture your photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Receive one free printed photo and a texted image.

At 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., enjoy short holiday performances in the auditorium by Devotions Dance Company.

All activities are free!

Donut Express, Casita Luna, Brew Hope and Tasty Pot Island food trucks will be on-site throughout the day, along with El Bell’s Flowers, Humane Society of Marion County and Friends of Silver Springs.

The annual Holiday Community Day is sponsored by Dr. Paul and Joyce Urban, with additional support from CAMPUS USA Credit Union

¡Feliz Navidad, Ocala! Navidad Latin Fest brings its inaugural event to the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion on December 6, 2025. Beginning at 11 a.m., come dressed in your favorite Christmas attire for a fa-la-la day of live music, food trucks, artisans, vendors, and fun for ALL ages.

*FREE admission and parking*

DREAMING OF OWNING YOUR FIRST HOME,  BUT NOT SURE WHERE TO START? 

Join us for an engaging and informative First-Time Homebuyer Class designed
to help you understand the homebuying process from start to finish.

          WHEN:  December 6, 2025 / 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

          WHERE: Keller Williams Cornerstone Realty, 1918 SW 17 Street, Ocala, Fl 34471

          * * * RSVP: Patricia Moste (954) 709-8762 or Sophia Solvalu (352) 777-0925 * * *

You’ll learn:

• How to get pre-approved for a
  mortgage

• What lenders look for in a
  borrower

• How to improve your credit and
  buying power

• Step-by-step guidance through the
  purchase process

• Special programs and down payment
  assistance available in Florida

This class is perfect for anyone thinking about buying their first home —
whether you’re just starting to explore your options or ready to take action.

There it is, shining like the very first Christmas.”

Y’alltide greetings! Last season’s hilarious holiday hit returns for a second helping of peace on earth, goodwill to everybody. Two versatile actors, David Atkinson and Scott Fitzgerald, play all the unforgettable residents of quirky little Tuna, Texas, with character changes faster than a tumbleweed in a tornado. This wild ride of a Christmas comedy is as broad as the Rio Grande and as festive as tinsel in your hair. It’s the gift that keeps on giving!

LIVE ON STAGE December 3-14
Performances Wednesdays through Sundays

Tickets on sale November 3
$35-$40 for adults / $17-$20 for ages 18 and younger
Rated PG

By Ed Howard, Joe Sears, and Jaston Williams

COMMUNITY PARTNERS: Dave Schlenker Photography • Ocala Electric Utility • Telknight • 352 Today