Winter Wonderland in Ocala

Winter Wonderland in Ocala refers to the collection of holiday events, light displays, and festive activities held throughout Ocala and Marion County during November and December. Events include holiday light shows at the World Equestrian Center, downtown Ocala holiday celebrations, Christmas parades, Santa visits, and special performances at venues like the Reilly Arts Center and Circle Square Cultural Center.

The best holiday light displays in Ocala include the World Equestrian Center Winter Wonderland light experience, downtown Ocala square decorations, On Top of the World community displays, and residential light tours in neighborhoods like SE Ocala and Silver Springs Shores. The WEC typically has the largest and most elaborate holiday light installation in the Ocala area.

Children can visit Santa Claus at several locations in Ocala during the holiday season. In 2026, Santa rides in the Junior Sunshine Parade at Light Up Ocala on November 21, is in Indoor Arena 2 at WEC Winter Wonderland every event night from November 27 to December 23, and visits the Appleton Museum of Art for the free, deaf-friendly Signing Santa on December 6. Malls, churches and libraries post their own Santa dates closer to the season.

No. WEC Winter Wonderland is ticketed. In 2026 it runs November 27 to December 23, Wednesday through Sunday plus December 20-23, from 5 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $8 in advance ($11 day of) on Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday and $14 in advance ($16 day of) on Friday, Saturday and December 20-23. Children 4 and under are free.

December 2026 in Ocala includes the Ocala Christmas Parade (Saturday, Dec. 12, 5:30 p.m.), the Ocala Symphony Orchestra's Symphony Under the Lights (Dec. 4), holiday concerts at the Reilly Arts Center and Circle Square Cultural Center, Light Up Ocala celebration, holiday markets and craft fairs, Nutcracker performances, New Year celebrations, and various church and community holiday events throughout Marion County.