Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 20th of November.
Good morning, Ocala.
🏘️ Community
Ocala Fire Rescue is accepting donations for the 2025 Holiday Drive to support local food pantries and families in need.
The drive accepts food, non-perishable items and new, unwrapped toys at any station until December 12 and benefits organizations through the Bring Harvest Home initiative.
💼 Business
Paddock Mall in Ocala will be open from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Black Friday with anchor stores Belk, JCPenney & Macy's ready for shoppers.
Local customers should plan their holiday visit to take advantage of the extended hours.
🎭 Culture
The 2025 holiday season in Ocala and Marion County will feature a full schedule of events including Light Up Ocala on Nov.
22, Handel’s Messiah at the Reilly Arts Center on Nov. 23, and Winter Wonderland at the World Equestrian Center running from Nov. 28 to Dec. 23 plus parades, concerts, and exhibits extending through Dec. 31.
🎓 Education
Pace Center for Girls in Marion County will close its Ocala facility on December 19 due to unsustainable operating challenges—enrollment, staffing, and financial issues.
The center, which has supported at-risk girls for over 24 years, will assist students in transitioning to local schools after winter break.
🎉 Ocala Events
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Paso Fino Fall Festival
8 AM – 11 PM — Florida Horse Park — Admission details not provided — Experience an exciting day of Paso Fino horse shows with food, music, and family fun.
Brown's Christmas Market 2025
10 AM – 4 PM — Brown & Brown Farms and Country Store — Free park and shop — Enjoy a festive market filled with unique gifts, crafts, and fun activities for kids.
A Tuna Christmas Live Performance
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Ocala Civic Theatre, Inc. — Ticket information available — Experience the festive comedy that brings laughter to the holiday season.
Symphony Under the Lights
7:30 p.m. — Reilly Arts Center — Free entry — Enjoy a joyful outdoor concert performed by the Ocala Symphony and Youth Symphony under festive lights.
Ocala Holiday Market & Food Festival
11 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Southeastern Livestock Pavilion — Free entry — Enjoy a festive day filled with unique crafts, delicious food, and fun activities for the whole family.
A Tuna Christmas
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Ocala Civic Theatre, Inc. — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a hilarious holiday celebration with beloved characters returning to spread joy.
9th Annual Florida Thoroughbred Transformation Expo
7 a.m. - 7 p.m. — Florida Horse Park — $25 entry — Discover diverse equine talents at a weekend filled with competitions and prizes for thoroughbreds.
The Nutcracker Ballet
7-8:30 p.m. — Reilly Arts Center — Family-friendly event — Experience the enchanting story of Clara and the Nutcracker in a magical ballet performance.
Free Movie: Wicked for Good
2-5 p.m. — Epic Theatres of Ocala — Free entry — Experience the magic of Oz in the beloved story of friendship and courage.
The Nutcracker Ballet
2-4 p.m. — Ocala Civic Theatre, Inc. — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical holiday classic brought to life by the Sheila Ruotolo Dance Company.
🏠 Ocala Real Estate
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📣 Ocala Announcements
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