Light Up Ocala Hosts Its 40th Annual Celebration

The City of Ocala’s Light Up Ocala celebration will return for its 40^th year on Saturday, Nov. 23, from 3 to 8 p.m. This year’s theme, “Home for the Holidays,” captures the warmth and joy of the holiday season in the heart of historic downtown Ocala. The lighting ceremony will begin at 7 p.m.

Sponsored by local businesses, community partners, and media outlets, Light Up Ocala will host an evening of entertainment featuring three unique entertainment zones, 100+ vendors, and activities for all ages.

Entertainment Zones and Activities

• Stage One – Downtown Square (Sponsored by HCA Florida Healthcare)
• Location: One SE Broadway St.
• Time: 3:30 to 8 p.m.
• Entertainment: Live music by Stereo FM
• Lighting Ceremony will be held here at 7 p.m.
• Activities: Holiday tree photo opportunities

• Stage Two – Citizens’ Circle (Sponsored by Advent Health Ocala): 3 to 7 p.m.
• Location: 151 SE Osceola Ave.
• Time: 3 to 7 p.m.
• Entertainment: A community showcase with local dance and performance groups
• Activities: Meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus

• Midtown Street Party (Sponsored by Blue Gator)
• Location: In-between NE First St. and NE First Ave.
• Time: 3 to 7 p.m.
• Entertainment: Live DJ, Acrobatic Variety Show, and Jump Rope performances

Other attractions include the Punch and Judy Puppet Show on the corner of Fort King St. and Magnolia Ave., The Living Angels at Citizens’ Circle, and a Kids’ Zone located at the parking lot in the intersection of Silver Springs Blvd. and NE Osceola Ave.

Junior Sunshine Parade

The Junior Sunshine Parade will kick off the event at 3 p.m. Beginning at the corner of S Magnolia Ave. and E Fort King St., witness lively performances from local dance studios, Girl Scout Troops, and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Pipes and Drums Unit. Santa Claus will also be present in the parade.

Shuttle Services

Guests are encouraged to use one of the free shuttle services, running continuously from 2 to 9 p.m. from the following locations:

• Marion Technical Institute (1614 SE Fort King St.) – The shuttle drops off between SE Watula Ave. and SE Third St. and runs every 20 minutes.
• E.D. Croskey Recreation Center (1510 NW Fourth St.) – The shuttle drops off between N. Magnolia Ave. and NE Second St. and runs every 20 minutes.
• Ocala Skate Park (517 NE Ninth St.) – The shuttle drops off between NE Watula Ave. and State Road 40 and runs every 10 minutes.
• Discovery Center (701 NE Sanchez Ave.) – The shuttle drops off between NE Watula Ave. and State Road 40 and runs every 10 minutes.

Sponsors

Light Up Ocala is made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including:

Advent Health Ocala, Blue Gator, Bogin, Munns & Munns, Campus USA Credit Union, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Classic Hits 104.7 WITG, College of Central Florida, Cox Communications, Elite Medical Ocala, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Ocala, Florida Northern Railroad, Fun 4 Ocala Kids, FWH & Associates, Inc., HCA Florida Healthcare, Insight Credit Union, JVC Broadcasting, Loco Graphics, The Martial Arts Center, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, Ocala Electric Utility, Ocala Water Resources, Phillips Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, Rasmussen University, Shea Homes, and Sun Kool Air Conditioning, Inc.

For more information, visit www.ocalafl.gov/lightup or call our Recreation and Parks Department at 352-368-5517.