Light Up Ocala 2026
The City of Ocala's free downtown celebration opens the holiday season for the 42nd year, with the lighting of downtown Ocala at 6 p.m.
Light Up Ocala 2026 at a Glance
Date
Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026
Time
3 to 8 p.m.; lighting ceremony at 6 p.m.
Where
Downtown Ocala, centered on the Downtown Ocala Square, 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala, FL 34471
Cost
Free; sponsorships keep it free for the public
What Happens at Light Up Ocala?
According to the City of Ocala's Light Up Ocala page, the event is a longstanding tradition that attracts thousands to downtown Ocala, and 2026 marks its 42nd year. The City lists more than 100 vendors selling crafts, art and food, live entertainment and an interactive kids' zone. Everything builds to the finale: lighting up downtown Ocala at 6 p.m.
Junior Sunshine Parade. School bands, dance studios, Scouts and other youth and community groups march in the Junior Sunshine Parade, which winds through downtown, includes a special appearance by Santa and leads up to the lighting ceremony. Applications for 2026 parade entries and vendors are closed.
Stages and Program Areas
The City lists two stages: stage one on the Downtown Square and stage two at Citizens' Circle, where the community showcase of holiday-themed choirs, dance teams and acoustic or classical ensembles performs. It also lists a Midtown Street Party, a Punch and Judy puppet show, the Living Angel and the Kids' Zone.
The City had not posted 2026 lineups or times for any stage or program area when this page was checked on Oct. 22, 2026.
Where Are the Downtown Ocala Lights?
The historic Downtown Ocala Square is the hub of Light Up Ocala and the site of its first stage. Designated a public square in Ocala's original 1846 plat, the block was the site of Marion County's first permanent courthouse in 1851 and of courthouses built in 1884 and 1906; the domed 1906 courthouse was demolished in 1965, and the county later gave the site to the City as a park, according to the Florida Historical Marker for the Old Courthouse Square. More about the square is in our Downtown Ocala Square guide.
For light displays elsewhere in Marion County, including World Equestrian Center's ticketed WEC Winter Wonderland and the Ocala Christmas Light Spectacular at its new home at St. John Lutheran Church and School, see Christmas lights in Ocala. Belleview holds its own lighting at Light Up Lake Lillian on Saturday, Dec. 5.
Where Do You Park for Light Up Ocala?
The City's page says 2026 shuttle details are coming. In 2025, free shuttles ran from 2 to 9 p.m. from the four lots below. Downtown, the City has opened Parking Garage No. 2, with access from SW Second Avenue and SW Third Avenue.
Marion Technical Institute, 1614 SE Fort King St.
Drops off between SE Watula Avenue and SE Third Street; every 20 minutes; ADA accessible.
E.D. Croskey Recreation Center, 1510 NW Fourth St.
Drops off between N. Magnolia Avenue and NE Second Street; every 20 minutes; ADA accessible.
Ocala Skate Park, 517 NE Ninth St.
Drops off between NE Watula Avenue and State Road 40; every 10 minutes.
Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave.
Drops off between NE Watula Avenue and State Road 40; every 10 minutes.
2025 shuttle lots shown for planning; check the City's page the week of the event for 2026 locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Light Up Ocala 2026?
Light Up Ocala 2026 is Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 3 to 8 p.m. in downtown Ocala. The lighting ceremony begins at 6 p.m.
Is Light Up Ocala free?
Yes. The City of Ocala says sponsorships keep Light Up Ocala free for the public.
What happens at Light Up Ocala?
The City of Ocala lists more than 100 vendors selling crafts, art and food, live entertainment, an interactive kids’ zone and the Junior Sunshine holiday parade with a special appearance by Santa, ending with the lighting of downtown Ocala. 2026 marks the event’s 42nd year.
Where should I park for Light Up Ocala?
The City ran free shuttles from four outlying lots in 2025 and says 2026 shuttle details are coming. Downtown, the City has opened Parking Garage No. 2, with access from SW Second Avenue and SW Third Avenue.
Is Light Up Ocala the same as the Ocala Christmas Parade?
No. Light Up Ocala is the City of Ocala’s downtown celebration and lighting on November 21, 2026, and includes the Junior Sunshine Parade. The Ocala Christmas Parade, produced by Friends of the Christmas Parade, is three weeks later, on Saturday, December 12, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.
How long do the downtown Ocala holiday lights stay up?
The City of Ocala does not publish a take-down date for the downtown holiday decorations. Its Light Up Ocala page covers only the November 21 lighting.
Content Freshness
Information verified through our 7-step process.See our standards →
Sources: City of Ocala, Light Up Ocala (date, times, vendors, parade, stages, program areas, 2025 shuttles; the City's site banner announces Parking Garage No. 2); Florida Historical Marker, The Old Courthouse Square (square history). See our editorial guidelines. Checked Oct. 22, 2026.
Light Up Ocala 2026
La Ciudad de Ocala celebra Light Up Ocala el sábado 21 de noviembre de 2026, de 3 a 8 p.m. en el centro de Ocala, y el encendido de luces comienza a las 6 p.m. La entrada es gratis. El evento, que cumple 42 años, incluye más de 100 vendedores de artesanías, arte y comida, entretenimiento en vivo, una zona para niños y el desfile Junior Sunshine con la visita de Santa Claus. La plaza principal es Downtown Ocala Square, 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala, FL 34471.