HITS Ocala Winter Circuit Horse Shows

HITS Post Time Farm 13710 US Highway 27, Ocala, FL, United States

This week opens the winter series that goes through January with weekly hunter-jumper shows, culminating in the show jumping Grand Prix on Sundays with grand prizes. Classes include youth riders, re-trained thoroughbreds, adult amateur riders and more. See hitsshows.com/ocala for more information.

Wildlife Wednesdays

Ocala Wetland Recharge Park 2105 NW 21st St, Ocala, Florida

Put your ranger hat on and join park staff for this educational presentation and weekly hike at an area park. Free to attend for all, this is a great way to learn about native animals and their distinct habitats here in Ocala. The topics and park locations vary; see the website for more information at […]

Phantasmagoria: A Most Haunted Victorian Christmas

Reilly Arts Center 500 NE 9th St., Ocala, FL, United States

2pm & 7pm - This unique holiday performance celebrates the ghostly side of Christmas with haunting tales and performances from storytellers, singers, dancers and more. Tickets are $25. See reillyartscenter.com for more information.

Park After Dark: Detroit

Sholom Park 7110 SW 80th Ave, Ocala, FL, United States

The park hosts the All-American Music Tour and features Detroit’s bassist Eddie Watkins Jr. with his funk-based sound and five-piece band. A food truck will offer lamb or chicken gyros, chips and baklava, or you’re welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drink, along with chairs and blankets. Tickets are $15 and $25 from […]

Santa on the Square

Ocala Downtown Square 1 SE Broadway St, Ocala, FL, United States

A special visit from Santa, Mrs. Claus and some holiday elves will make this a photo fest for families. The square is lighted for the holidays, and there is free parking in the municipal garage two blocks to the east. For more information, see bit.ly/47Thq7K

Dunnellon Depot Holiday Open House

Dunnellon Historical Society Train Depot 12061 S. Willliams St, Dunnellon, Florida

The Dunnellon Historical Society has an open house holiday party with a cookie exchange, festive decorations and more. Visit dunnellondepot.com for more information.

Community Holiday Sing-Along

Chelsea Art Center 3305 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, Florida

The Chelsea Square shopping center hosts a sing-along with live musicians, holiday treats, a raffle, an Ugly Sweater Contest and the shops will be open late. Donations to the Community Stages group are encouraged. For more information, visit communitystages.org

Master Gardener Plant Clinic

Belleview Public Library 13145 SE County Hwy 484, Ocala, FL, United States

The experts from the UF/IFAS Extension Service offer advice and expertise. Bring in a plant or photo for a diagnosis and learn more about your yard and ecosystem.

Better Together Parents’ Night Out

Oakcrest Baptist Church 1109 NE 28th ST, Ocala, FL, United States

The nonprofit hosts this free child care event to allow parents an evening out. For ages infant to 17 years old, dinner, games and fun for the kids let caregivers have a respite. To register, visit BetterTogetherUS.org/PNO-Registration or call (239)470-2733.

Oddities Market

Ocala Downtown Market 310 SE 3rd St, Ocala, FL, United States

One of the special events markets, this monthly gathering features taxidermy, quirky artwork, bug art, antiques, jewelry, body art and more. Visit ocalaodditiesmarket.com/about for more information.

Movies in the Park: “Home Alone”

Tuscawilla Park Oak Grove 829 NE Sanchez Ave, Ocala, Florida

The city hosts free movies after dark, and this week it’s the modern holiday classic “Home Alone.” Bring blankets, chairs and snacks. It’s free to attend for all, family-friendly and concessions will be available for purchase. For more information, see bit.ly/47Thq7K

South Bound 41

Charlie Horse 2426 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL, United States

Clan Kringle Scottish Athletic Games

Florida Horse Park 11008 South Hwy 475, Ocala, FL, United States

This competition features traditional Scottish games like Stone and Braemar, and Caber and Hammer, all to benefit the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association. Free to attend, there will be food options in the park. For more information, see flhorsepark.com

Drive-Thru Community Christmas Lunch

Kingdom Revival Church 3318 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL, United States

The church is offering free Christmas luncheons with “all the trimmings.” For information, call Rose at (352) 361-5044.

250th Anniversary of the Boston Tea Party

Headquarters - Ocala Public Library 2720 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL, United States

The Ocala chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution celebrates the Boston Tea Party with a winter bazaar and family-friendly fun. Games, crafts, readers, tea and a book giveaway are planned. The event is free to attend for all.

Grande Liberte Equestrian Theater

Grande Liberté Farm 18550 NE 81st St, Williston, Florida

Weekend days through December, former Ringling and Cavalia star Sylvia Zerbini will perform with over 20 horses in this show. Tickets are $35 -$60 and available at bit.ly/3TaAwSF.

KennaDee

District Bar & Kitchen 110 SW Broadway St, Ocala, Florida

Bag O Bones

Charlie Horse 2426 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL, United States

Breakfast with Santa

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place 1812 NW 21st Avenue, Ocala, Florida

Visit with Santa at this special meal for all ages. Tickets are $10 and registration is required. Visit bit.ly/47Thq7K for registration.

Holiday Music Brunch Gala

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place 1812 NW 21st Avenue, Ocala, Florida

This holiday lunch is a fundraiser for the Ocala Steel Orchestra and helps celebrate the season with special guest speakers Ruth Ford Reed and Mary Sue Rich. Early bird tickets are $35; after Dec. 11 tickets are $45. Visit ocalasteelorchestra.org/events for more information and tickets.

Dance Alive Nutcracker Ballet

Reilly Arts Center 500 NE 9th St., Ocala, FL, United States

This holiday favorite has three performances by the Dance Alive National Ballet. The classic tale of Clara and the Nutcracker Prince comes to life. Tickets are $10 for students, and $15-$35 for adults. See reillyartscenter.com for more information and tickets.

Marion County Board of County Commissioners Meeting

McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala, FL, United States

The commission meets the first and third Tuesday of the month. The zoning portion starts at 2pm. Agendas, minutes and video are available at marionfl.legistar.com/calendar.aspx

Marion County Board of County Commissioners Meeting

McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala, FL, United States

The commission meets the first and third Tuesday of the month. The zoning portion starts at 2pm. Agendas, minutes and video are available at marionfl.legistar.com/calendar.aspx

Brown’s Junk in the Trunk

Brown's Country Market 13940 US-301, Oxford, Florida

This monthly yard sale involves dozens of private vendors. Visit brownandbrownfarms.com/attractions/junk-in-the-trunk for more information.

First Saturday Market in the Park

Ernie Mills Park Bostick St, Dunnellon, FL, United States

A variety of vendors set up their booths at Ernie Mills Park. Many Dunnellon stores also offer Saturday Specials. See dunnellonchamber.com/event/first-saturday-market-in-the-park for more information.

Red Sand Project

Ocala Downtown Square 1 SE Broadway St, Ocala, FL, United States

The Marion County Human Trafficking Task Force, in partnership with the Lisa Irwin Legacy for Arts and Culture (LILAC) and Grace Episcopal Church, will host the Red Sand Project, a participatory art project bringing people together to raise awareness about human trafficking. The seams in the sidewalks will be filled with red sand in recognition […]

Compassion Hills United Methodist Church Block Party

Former Druid Hills United Methodist Church site 1712 SE Lake Weir Ave, Ocala, Florida

The church celebrates its opening block party with guest speakers including Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano, Mark Imes, June Edwards, Rondo Fernandez, Kendall Lane, Betti Jefferson and others. A bounce, food trucks, games, face painters and pony rides will be part of the festivities. The church house plans a holistic residential housing program for women and […]

Jubilee Program NAACP

Mount Zion AME Church 623 S Magnolia, Ocala, Florida

The Marion County NAACP hosts Bishop Frank Madison III, who will speak to recognize the signing of the proclamation to end slavery. Donations are welcome. Email marioncountyflnaacp@gmail.com for more information.

Marion County Development Review Committee

Office of the County Engineer 412 SE 25th Ave, Ocala, Florida

The first step for new development projects, the committee reviews and votes on waiver requests to the Land Development Code, major site plans and subdivision plans. The committee meets weekly on Mondays. See marionfl.legistar.com/calendar.aspx for agendas and minutes.

Dunnellon Planning Commission Meeting

City Hall - Dunnellon 20750 River Dr, Dunnellon, Florida

Agendas, minutes and video are available at dunnellon.org/government/agendas-minutes

Online Medicare Classes

Online Online

Topics are: Medicare Basics on Jan. 10 at 2pm; Medicare Part C on Jan. 11 at 10am; and Prescription Drug Coverage on Jan 11 at 12:30 pm. Visit agingresources.org or call (352) 692-5209 to register.

Houston Keen

The Yellow Pony at The World Equestrian Center 1390 NW 80th Ave, Ocala, FL

Tyke Hike in the Parks

Tuscawilla Park 825 NE Watula Ave., Ocala, FL, United States

The topics and locations vary; this week is all about fish. Designed for kids ages 4 and younger, these hikes enrich and educate children about the environments in our city parks. Visit ocalafl.gov/recpark for details, dates and locations.

OTOW Farmers Market

The Ranch Fitness Center 8385 SW 80th St, Ocala, Florida

Note the new temporary location for this month. Browse local farmers’ goods with fresh seasonal produce as well as baked goods, plants, handmade soaps and more. The market recurs every Thursday. Visit circlesquarecommons.com for more information.

Online Medicare Classes

Online Online

Topics are: Medicare Basics on Jan. 10 at 2pm; Medicare Part C on Jan. 11 at 10am; and Prescription Drug Coverage on Jan 11 at 12:30 pm. Visit agingresources.org or call (352) 692-5209 to register.

Jeff Jarrett

The Yellow Pony at The World Equestrian Center 1390 NW 80th Ave, Ocala, FL

Mike Smithson

Charlie Horse 2426 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL, United States

“A Cracker at the Ritz”

Reilly Arts Center 500 NE 9th St., Ocala, FL, United States

The two-act social satire skewers Florida living when Earlene, a true Florida cracker, rants, raves and sings about living in this crazy state. Tickets are $35. See reillyartscenter.com for more information.

Charity Cox

The Yellow Pony at The World Equestrian Center 1390 NW 80th Ave, Ocala, FL

Kenny & the Heads

Charlie Horse 2426 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL, United States

Prayer Breakfast & Youth Day

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place 1812 NW 21st Avenue, Ocala, Florida

To honor Martin Luther King Jr., a prayer breakfast will begin at 9am, and a ticket is required; free youth activities are slated to start at 1pm. Call Dwanette Dilworth at (352) 207-6036 for more information.

Beginner Bird Walk

Tuscawilla Park 825 NE Watula Ave., Ocala, FL, United States

Join Marion Audubon on a free bird walk. This location is ideal for birders of all levels, especially for beginners and wildlife photographers. Bring binoculars if you have them. RSVP (not required but preferred) at meetu.ps/e/ML67S/zncng/I For more information, visit marionaudubon.org/events

Wreath Laying

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park 500 SW Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Ocala, FL, United States

A wreath-laying ceremony will honor the legacy of Dr. King. The event is free and open to the public.

Prayer Breakfast & Youth Day

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place 1812 NW 21st Avenue, Ocala, Florida

To honor Martin Luther King Jr., a prayer breakfast will begin at 9am, and a ticket is required; free youth activities are slated to start at 1pm. Call Dwanette Dilworth at (352) 207-6036 for more information.

The Grass Roots

Orange Blossom Opry 16439 SE 138th Ter., Weirsdale, Florida

Dive back into the ‘60s. Tickets are $34-$49. Check out obopry.com for more information.

The Mudds

The Yellow Pony at The World Equestrian Center 1390 NW 80th Ave, Ocala, FL

Still Kickin

Charlie Horse 2426 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL, United States

The Grass Roots

Orange Blossom Opry 16439 SE 138th Ter., Weirsdale, Florida

Dive back into the ‘60s. Tickets are $34-$49. Check out obopry.com for more information.