Light Up Ocala 2026
The City of Ocala's free downtown celebration opens the holiday season for the 42nd year, with the lighting of downtown Ocala at about 6 p.m.
Light Up Ocala 2026 at a Glance
Date
Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026
Time
3 to 8 p.m.; Junior Sunshine Parade at 3 p.m.; lighting ceremony at about 6 p.m.
Where
Downtown Ocala, centered on the Downtown Ocala Square, 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala, FL 34471
Cost
Free; free shuttles run 2 to 9 p.m.
What Happens at Light Up Ocala?
According to the City of Ocala's Nov. 2 announcement, the free, family-friendly event features live entertainment, holiday activities, more than 100 vendors and the official lighting ceremony at approximately 6 p.m. on the Downtown Square. The City's Light Up Ocala page calls it a longstanding tradition that attracts thousands to downtown Ocala, and 2026 marks its 42nd year. Sponsorships keep the celebration free for the public.
Junior Sunshine Parade. The parade begins at 3 p.m. at the intersection of S. Magnolia Avenue and E. Fort King Street and travels through downtown, led by the Ocala Police Department Mounted Unit. Local dance studios, Girl Scout troops and an appearance by Santa Claus are featured. Applications for 2026 parade entries and vendors are closed.
Stages and Program Areas
- Stage One, Downtown Square (between SE Broadway Street and Magnolia Avenue; sponsored by HCA Florida Healthcare): 3:30 to 8 p.m., with live music by Audio Exchange, holiday tree photo opportunities and a Smile Time photo booth. The lighting ceremony is held here at 6 p.m.
- Stage Two, Citizens' Circle (between Fort King Street and Osceola Avenue; sponsored by AdventHealth Ocala): 3 to 7 p.m., with a community showcase of local dance and performance groups and a meet and greet with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Living Angels.
- Midtown Street Party (between NE First Street and NE First Avenue): 3 to 7:30 p.m., with a live DJ, an Acrobatic Variety Show and jump rope performances.
Other attractions include the Punch and Judy Puppet Show at the corner of Fort King Street and Magnolia Avenue and a Kids' Zone at Parking Lot 5, near NE First Street and N. Magnolia Avenue.
Where Are the Downtown Ocala Lights?
The historic Downtown Ocala Square is the hub of Light Up Ocala and the site of its first stage. Designated a public square in Ocala's original 1846 plat, the block was the site of Marion County's first permanent courthouse in 1851 and of courthouses built in 1884 and 1906; the domed 1906 courthouse was demolished in 1965, and the county later gave the site to the City as a park, according to the Florida Historical Marker for the Old Courthouse Square. More about the square is in our Downtown Ocala Square guide.
For light displays elsewhere in Marion County, including World Equestrian Center's ticketed WEC Winter Wonderland and the Ocala Christmas Light Spectacular at its new home at St. John Lutheran Church and School, see Christmas lights in Ocala. Belleview holds its own lighting at Light Up Lake Lillian on Saturday, Dec. 5.
Where Do You Park for Light Up Ocala?
The City of Ocala provides free shuttle service from four designated lots between 2 and 9 p.m. Additional parking is available at both downtown garages: Parking Garage One allows entry and exit from E. Fort King Street only, and Parking Garage Two allows entry from SW Second Avenue and exit onto SW Third Avenue.
Marion Technical Institute, 1614 SE Fort King St.
Drop-off near SE Watula Avenue and SE Third Street; every 20 minutes; ADA accessible.
E.D. Croskey Recreation Center, 1510 NW Fourth St.
Drop-off near N. Magnolia Avenue and NE Second Street; every 20 minutes; ADA accessible.
Ocala Skate Park, 517 NE Ninth St.
Drop-off near NE Watula Avenue and State Road 40; every 10 minutes.
Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave.
Drop-off near NE Watula Avenue and State Road 40; every 10 minutes.
Shuttle lots, intervals and drop-off points are from the City of Ocala's Nov. 2, 2026 announcement. Questions: City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department, 352-368-5517.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Light Up Ocala 2026?
Light Up Ocala 2026 is Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 3 to 8 p.m. in historic downtown Ocala. The official lighting ceremony is at approximately 6 p.m. on the Downtown Square. The Junior Sunshine Parade steps off at 3 p.m.
Is Light Up Ocala free?
Yes. The City of Ocala says sponsorships keep Light Up Ocala free for the public.
What happens at Light Up Ocala?
The City of Ocala lists more than 100 vendors, three entertainment areas (Stage One on the Downtown Square, Stage Two at Citizens’ Circle and the Midtown Street Party), a Punch and Judy puppet show, a Kids’ Zone at Parking Lot 5, photo opportunities, a meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus and the Junior Sunshine Parade, ending with the lighting of downtown Ocala. 2026 marks the event’s 42nd year.
Where should I park for Light Up Ocala?
The City provides free shuttles from 2 to 9 p.m. from Marion Technical Institute (1614 SE Fort King St.), the E.D. Croskey Recreation Center (1510 NW Fourth St.), the Ocala Skate Park (517 NE Ninth St.) and the Discovery Center (701 NE Sanchez Ave.). Additional parking is in the two downtown garages: Garage One allows entry and exit from E. Fort King Street only, and Garage Two allows entry from SW Second Avenue and exit onto SW Third Avenue.
Is Light Up Ocala the same as the Ocala Christmas Parade?
No. Light Up Ocala is the City of Ocala’s downtown celebration and lighting on November 21, 2026, and includes the Junior Sunshine Parade. The Ocala Christmas Parade, produced by Friends of the Christmas Parade, is three weeks later, on Saturday, December 12, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.
How long do the downtown Ocala holiday lights stay up?
The City of Ocala does not publish a take-down date for the downtown holiday decorations. Its Light Up Ocala page covers only the November 21 lighting.
More Holiday Planning
Christmas events in Ocala 2026
Every dated holiday concert, show, parade and market
Christmas lights in Ocala
Light displays, dates and prices
Ocala Christmas Parade
Sat., Dec. 12, 2026, 5:30 p.m.
Marion County Christmas parades
Light Up Ocala, Dunnellon, Belleview, Ocala and McIntosh
Light Up Ocala news
The 42nd year, from the City of Ocala
Santa photos in Ocala
Dated Santa visits from mid-November to Christmas Eve
Christmas trees in Ocala
Tree farms, lots, forest permits and recycling
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Sources: City of Ocala news release, Nov. 2, 2026 (date, times, stages, parade, shuttles, parking); City of Ocala, Light Up Ocala (42nd anniversary, sponsorships, closed applications); Florida Historical Marker, The Old Courthouse Square (square history). See our editorial guidelines. Checked Nov. 4, 2026.
Light Up Ocala 2026
La Ciudad de Ocala celebra Light Up Ocala el sábado 21 de noviembre de 2026, de 3 a 8 p.m. en el centro de Ocala, y el encendido de luces es a las 6 p.m. aproximadamente. La entrada es gratis. El evento, que cumple 42 años, incluye más de 100 vendedores, tres áreas de entretenimiento, una zona para niños y el desfile Junior Sunshine, que sale a las 3 p.m. de S. Magnolia Ave. y E. Fort King St. con la visita de Santa Claus. Hay autobuses de enlace gratuitos de 2 a 9 p.m. desde cuatro estacionamientos. La plaza principal es Downtown Ocala Square, 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala, FL 34471.