Get ready, Ocala, because holiday season is officially here. December brings plenty of entertainment options and holiday fun, and the first December weekend is full of festivities.
This Saturday, Ocala Symphony Orchestra's annual holiday subscription-series concerts begin at 7:30 PM and again at 3 PM on Sunday at the Reilly Arts Center. "The Snowman," an Oscar-nominated animated short film provides the inspiration for the first half of the show, which will feature its music as well as the movie itself projected on a large screen above the orchestra. Holiday pop tunes will be featured in the second half of the orchestra's performance.
Another favorite holiday tradition in Ocala is the HOPS Christmas candlelight tour, which showcases historic Ocala homes elaborately decorated for Christmas. The tour will also feature refreshments, live music, Santa Claus appearances, wine tasting and more. The event takes place from 4:30 to 8 PM and begins at the Bryant House at 712 SE Fort King Street, and tickets can be purchased in advance or on the night of the tour, and you can visit historicocala.org for more information.
The Dunellon Christmas Parade and Party also takes place this weekend and will include Christmas carols, parade floats, live music, marching bands, bounce houses, games, a snowslide and so much more. The event begins at 5:30 PM on Saturday and the parade will run from State Road 40 and Cedar Street south to Pennsylvania Avenue.
This is just a small sampling of the holiday-inspired festivities that Ocala residents and visitors alike can take advantage of this weekend. For more entertainment options for this weekend and those to follow, be sure to visit Ocala.com.
