City of Ocala to Host Annual Light Up Ocala Nov. 21

OCALA, Fla. (Nov. 2, 2026) - The City of Ocala will host its annual Light Up Ocala event Saturday, Nov. 21, from 3 to 8 p.m. in historic downtown Ocala. The free, family-friendly event will feature live entertainment, holiday activities, more than 100 vendors and the official lighting ceremony at approximately 6 p.m. on the Downtown Square.

The event will include three entertainment areas throughout downtown, offering live music, community performances and activities for all ages.

Entertainment Zones and Activities

• Stage One - Downtown Square (Sponsored by HCA Florida Healthcare)
  • Location: Between SE Broadway Street and Magnolia Avenue
  • Time: 3:30 to 8 p.m.
  • Entertainment: Live music by Audio Exchange
    • The lighting ceremony will be held here at 6 p.m.
  • Activities: Holiday tree photo opportunities and Smile Time photo booth

• Stage Two - Citizens' Circle (Sponsored by AdventHealth Ocala)
  • Location: Between Fort King Street and Osceola Avenue
  • 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 and the Living Angles

• Midtown Street Party
  • Location: Between NE First St. and NE First Ave.
  • Time: 3 to 7:30 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 Street and Magnolia Avenue and a Kids' Zone located at Parking Lot 5 near NE First Street and N. Magnolia Avenue.

Junior Sunshine Parade

The Junior Sunshine Parade will begin at 3 p.m. at the intersection of S. Magnolia Avenue and E. Fort King Street. The parade will travel through downtown and feature local dance studios, Girl Scout troops and an appearance by Santa Claus. The Ocala Police Department Mounted Unit will lead the procession.

Parking and Shuttle Services

The City of Ocala will provide free shuttle service from four designated parking locations between 2 and 9 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to use the following locations:

• Marion Technical Institute (1614 SE Fort King St.) - Shuttles will operate every 20 minutes, with drop-off near SE Watula Avenue and SE Third Street. This route is ADA-accessible.
  
• E.D. Croskey Recreation Center (1510 NW Fourth St.) - Shuttles will operate every 20 minutes, with drop-off near N. Magnolia Avenue and NE Second Street. This route is ADA-accessible.
• Ocala Skate Park (517 NE Ninth St.) - Shuttles will operate every 10 minutes, with drop-off near NE Watula Avenue and State Road 40.
  
• Discovery Center (701 NE Sanchez Ave.) - Shuttles will operate every 10 minutes, with drop-off near NE Watula Avenue and State Road 40.

Additional parking will be available at both downtown parking garages. Parking Garage One will allow entry and exit from E. Fort King Street only. Parking Garage Two will allow entry from SW Second Avenue and exit onto SW Third Avenue.

Event Sponsors

This year's event sponsors include:

AdventHealth Ocala, BJ's Wholesale Club, CAMPUS USA Credit Union, Classic Hits 104.7, College of Central Florida, Elite Medical Ocala, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Central Ocala, Florida Blue - FWH, Fun 4 Ocala Kids, HCA Florida Healthcare, Humana, Jack Rabbit, KFC, Martial Arts Center, Ocala Oaks Rehabilitation Center, Phillips Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, Rasmussen University, Renewal by Andersen, Suncoast Credit Union, Sun Kool Air Conditioning, Suwannee Sunshine Services, Total Family Solutions and West Shire Village.

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

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