WEC Winter Wonderland 2026
Over four million lights at World Equestrian Center Ocala, November 27 to December 23
WEC Winter Wonderland 2026 runs November 27 to December 23 at World Equestrian Center, 1750 NW 80th Ave., Ocala, open Wednesday through Sunday plus December 20-23, with lights on from 5 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $8 in advance on Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday and $14 in advance on Friday, Saturday and December 20-23 ($11 and $16 day of); children 4 and under are free. Santa is in Indoor Arena 2 and the Grinch in Indoor Arena 1, and new this year are virtual reality rides and line dancing lessons.
What Is WEC Winter Wonderland?
World Equestrian Center turns its Grand Plaza and two indoor arenas into a holiday light walk each year. For 2026, WEC says more than four million lights will be up, with Santa, the Grinch and seasonal shopping open Wednesday through Sunday evenings, and live entertainment, character performances and food on the plaza on Fridays and Saturdays.
Its opening weeks overlap with WEC's December hunter/jumper shows, which are free to watch. For other holiday lights around town, including the free Light Up Ocala on Nov. 21, see our Christmas lights in Ocala guide.
2026 Tickets and Hours
Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday
- Advance: $8 per person
- Day of: $11 per person
- Children 4 and under: free
Friday, Saturday, Dec. 20-23
- Advance: $14 per person
- Day of: $16 per person
- Children 4 and under: free
Admission is required on the plaza from 3 p.m.; lights turn on at 5 p.m. Tickets are date-specific and final sale, with no refunds or rain checks, and prices include tax and fees. Buy through the official Winter Wonderland page.
Event Schedule
| Activity | When | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday Lights | Wed-Sun and special event dates, 5-9 p.m. | Grand Plaza |
| Meet Santa | Wed-Sun and special event dates, 5-9 p.m. | Indoor Arena 2 |
| Greet the Grinch | Wed-Sun and special event dates, 5-9 p.m. | Indoor Arena 1 |
| Virtual Reality Rides (new, add-on) | Wed-Sun and special event dates, 5-9 p.m. | Indoor Arena 2 |
| Line Dancing Lessons (new) | Fri, Sat and special event dates, 5-9 p.m. | Outside Miss Tilly's Lollipops |
| Enchanted Entertainment | Fri, Sat and special event dates, 5-9 p.m. | Grand Plaza |
| Festive Fare | Fri, Sat and special event dates, 5-9 p.m. | Grand Plaza |
Holiday sweets are available daily through Dec. 31, and seasonal shopping is open daily with varying hours.
Special Holiday Events (Sold Separately)
Breakfast with Santa
Saturdays, 9-11 a.m., at The Equestrian Manor: breakfast, story time with Santa at 10 a.m., children's crafts, photos and a gift for each child.
Kids' Character Brunch
Sundays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., at The Equestrian Manor. Characters vary week to week.
Virtual Reality Rides
New for 2026, an add-on to admission: two VR adventures, Santa's Enchanted Express to the North Pole and a Magical Sleigh Ride, in Indoor Arena 2.
Holiday Movie Nights
Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 6:30 p.m. at The Equestrian Manor, with a beverage station included and snacks for purchase.
WEC also offers overnight Winter Wonderland stay packages at The Equestrian Hotel and The Riding Academy Hotel on select dates, which include admission, VR tickets and a dining credit.
Getting There and Parking
Location
World Equestrian Center, 1750 NW 80th Ave., Ocala, FL 34482. The event is on the Grand Plaza and in Indoor Arenas 1 and 2. Bus drop-off is between Indoor Arena 1 and Indoor Arena 2.
Parking
General parking is on grass lots. Accessible parking is at Indoor Arena 2. VIP parking near Indoor Arena 1 is sold in advance online. No personal golf carts on the plaza; weekend golf cart shuttles are available for guests who need help.
Save Money
Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday tickets bought in advance are the cheapest at $8. Buying ahead saves $2-$3 per person on every night.
Want Entertainment?
Live entertainment, line dancing and plaza food run only on Fridays, Saturdays and Dec. 20-23. Pick one of those nights if the shows matter more than the price.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is WEC Winter Wonderland 2026?
WEC Winter Wonderland runs November 27 to December 23, 2026, at World Equestrian Center in Ocala. It is open Wednesday through Sunday, plus the special event dates of December 20-23. Lights turn on at 5 p.m. and the event runs until 9 p.m.
How much are WEC Winter Wonderland tickets?
On Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday, tickets are $8 per person in advance or $11 the day of. On Friday, Saturday and December 20-23, tickets are $14 in advance or $16 the day of. Children 4 and under are free. Prices include tax and fees. Tickets are date-specific and final sale, with no refunds or rain checks.
Do you need a ticket to be on the WEC Grand Plaza during Winter Wonderland?
Yes. World Equestrian Center says Winter Wonderland admission is required for event entry starting at 3 p.m. on event days. The lights turn on at 5 p.m.
Where do you meet Santa at WEC Winter Wonderland?
Santa is in Indoor Arena 2 from 5 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays through Sundays and special event dates. The Grinch is in Indoor Arena 1 during the same hours.
Is there ice skating at WEC Winter Wonderland?
World Equestrian Center does not list ice skating on its 2026 Winter Wonderland schedule. The listed activities are the light displays, Santa, the Grinch, virtual reality rides, line dancing lessons, live entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays, holiday sweets and seasonal shopping.
Where do you park for WEC Winter Wonderland?
General parking is on grass lots and other areas of the property. Accessible parking is at Indoor Arena 2, and VIP parking near Indoor Arena 1 can be bought in advance. Personal golf carts are not allowed on the plaza; golf cart parking is along the west side of Indoor Arena 3.
Source: World Equestrian Center's official Winter Wonderland page, checked October 3, 2026.
WEC Winter Wonderland 2026 en Ocala
WEC Winter Wonderland se celebra del 27 de noviembre al 23 de diciembre de 2026 en el World Equestrian Center, 1750 NW 80th Ave., Ocala, de miércoles a domingo y también del 20 al 23 de diciembre, con luces de 5 a 9 p.m. Los boletos cuestan $8 por adelantado los domingos, miércoles y jueves, y $14 por adelantado los viernes, sábados y del 20 al 23 de diciembre ($11 y $16 el mismo día). La entrada es gratis para niños de 4 años o menos. Santa Claus está en la Indoor Arena 2 y el Grinch en la Indoor Arena 1.
More Holiday Fun in Ocala
Light Up Ocala, the Christmas Parade, holiday concerts and turkey trots are all on our holiday guides.