Coffee and English

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

Join the English Language Learners group each Friday as they practice and improve their English in a fun, relaxed environment. This is a great opportunity to improve upon a second language while building new relationships. See ocalafl.gov/recpark for more information.

Blooming Violets of Marion County

Marion County Sheriff's South District Office 3260 SE 80th St., Ocala, Florida

The group meets monthly to celebrate and enjoy African violets. Includes refreshments, raffle, program and meeting. Contact Laura for more info, (352) 624-0116.

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.

Ocala Planning & Zoning Commission

City Hall - Ocala 110 SE Watula Ave, Ocala, Florida

Usually meets on the second Monday of the month. Agendas are usually posted the Thursday prior; agendas, minutes and video available from ocala.legistar.com/calendar.aspx

“Exciting Explorers” at Discovery Center

Discovery Center 701 NE Sanchez Ave, Ocala, FL, United States

The Discovery Center has opened its new exhibit, “Exciting Explorers.” Learn about archeologists and preserving ancient finds, figure out navigation routes and other hands-on science activities. Tickets are $8 per person for ages 3 and older, and $7 for seniors and veterans. See bit.ly/3ZHl029 for more information.

“Skylines to Hemlines: Art Deco Design”

Appleton Museum of Art 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL, United States

This new exhibit from the museum’s permanent collections brings together an overview of 20th Century art, design, fashion, jewelry and more, focused on the unique movement of Art Deco. The collections include antique clothing, designed items, sculpture, posters, photographs and other artwork. For more information, see appletonmuseum.org.

Belleview Planning & Zoning Board

City Hall - Belleview 5343 SE Abshier Blvd, Belleview, FL, United States

Meets the second Tuesday of the month; Belleview agendas, minutes and video available at belleviewfl.org/200/Agendas-Minutes  

Dunnellon Historic Preservation Board

City Hall - Dunnellon 20750 River Dr, Dunnellon, Florida

Normally meets the second Tuesday of the month; Dunnellon agendas, minutes and video available at dunnellon.org/89/agendas-minutes

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

Hunter/Jumper Show Series

World Equestrian Center 1390 NW 80th Ave, Ocala, FL

This winter series continues its two months of hunter/jumper shows with a variety of classes for amateurs and professionals. Classes will be held in both indoor and outdoor arenas. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit worldequestriancenter.com

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 […]

Dunnellon City Council Meeting

City Hall - Dunnellon 20750 River Dr, Dunnellon, Florida

Normally meets the second Wednesday of the month; Dunnellon agendas, minutes and video available at dunnellon.org/89/Agendas-Minutes

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.

Tyke Hike in the Parks

Location varies, see website - Ocala’s Recreations and Parks Department host these weekly explorations on Thursdays, taking place in various city parks to explore nature and learn about the area. Free to attend; the park site varies weekly. See ocalafl.gov/recpark for more information.

Tot Time

Silver Springs Shores Community Center 590 Silver Road, Ocala, FL

This free program for children ages 4 and under is designed to get kids interacting and playing with other kids. The activities will vary from inside play, pool time and playground time. The program is free to attend and meets weekly on Thursdays. See facebook.com/SilverSpringsShoresCC 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.

Coffee and English

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

Join the English Language Learners group each Friday as they practice and improve their English in a fun, relaxed environment. This is a great opportunity to improve upon a second language while building new relationships. See ocalafl.gov/recpark for more information.

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

“Exciting Explorers” at Discovery Center

Discovery Center 701 NE Sanchez Ave, Ocala, FL, United States

The Discovery Center has opened its new exhibit, “Exciting Explorers.” Learn about archeologists and preserving ancient finds, figure out navigation routes and other hands-on science activities. Tickets are $8 per person for ages 3 and older, and $7 for seniors and veterans. See bit.ly/3ZHl029 for more information.

“Skylines to Hemlines: Art Deco Design”

Appleton Museum of Art 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL, United States

This new exhibit from the museum’s permanent collections brings together an overview of 20th Century art, design, fashion, jewelry and more, focused on the unique movement of Art Deco. The collections include antique clothing, designed items, sculpture, posters, photographs and other artwork. For more information, see appletonmuseum.org.

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

Belleview City Commission Meeting

City Hall - Belleview 5343 SE Abshier Blvd, Belleview, FL, United States

The commission the first and third Tuesday of the month. Belleview government agendas, minutes and video are available at belleviewfl.org/200/Agendas-Minutes.

Tyke Hike in the Parks

Location varies, see website - Ocala’s Recreations and Parks Department host these weekly explorations on Thursdays, taking place in various city parks to explore nature and learn about the area. Free to attend; the park site varies weekly. See ocalafl.gov/recpark for more information.

Tot Time

Silver Springs Shores Community Center 590 Silver Road, Ocala, FL

This free program for children ages 4 and under is designed to get kids interacting and playing with other kids. The activities will vary from inside play, pool time and playground time. The program is free to attend and meets weekly on Thursdays. See facebook.com/SilverSpringsShoresCC for more information.

“Exciting Explorers” at Discovery Center

Discovery Center 701 NE Sanchez Ave, Ocala, FL, United States

The Discovery Center has opened its new exhibit, “Exciting Explorers.” Learn about archeologists and preserving ancient finds, figure out navigation routes and other hands-on science activities. Tickets are $8 per person for ages 3 and older, and $7 for seniors and veterans. See bit.ly/3ZHl029 for more information.

“Skylines to Hemlines: Art Deco Design”

Appleton Museum of Art 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL, United States

This new exhibit from the museum’s permanent collections brings together an overview of 20th Century art, design, fashion, jewelry and more, focused on the unique movement of Art Deco. The collections include antique clothing, designed items, sculpture, posters, photographs and other artwork. For more information, see appletonmuseum.org.

Tot Time

Silver Springs Shores Community Center 590 Silver Road, Ocala, FL

This free program for children ages 4 and under is designed to get kids interacting and playing with other kids. The activities will vary from inside play, pool time and playground time. The program is free to attend and meets weekly on Thursdays. See facebook.com/SilverSpringsShoresCC for more information.

“Exciting Explorers” at Discovery Center

Discovery Center 701 NE Sanchez Ave, Ocala, FL, United States

The Discovery Center has opened its new exhibit, “Exciting Explorers.” Learn about archeologists and preserving ancient finds, figure out navigation routes and other hands-on science activities. Tickets are $8 per person for ages 3 and older, and $7 for seniors and veterans. See bit.ly/3ZHl029 for more information.

“Skylines to Hemlines: Art Deco Design”

Appleton Museum of Art 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL, United States

This new exhibit from the museum’s permanent collections brings together an overview of 20th Century art, design, fashion, jewelry and more, focused on the unique movement of Art Deco. The collections include antique clothing, designed items, sculpture, posters, photographs and other artwork. For more information, see appletonmuseum.org.

First Friday Art Walk

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

The season continues with artists, performers and craftspeople. The square’s main stage will host music and there will be other entertainment on city streets. Food and drink will be available from vendors and restaurants. The event is free to attend. For more info, visit ocalafl.gov