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"OPD Gives Back, Movie Marathon Madness, Night Owl Bakery Delights, & Angel Tree Charity Spotlight!"

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The Ocala Sizzle

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"OPD Gives Back, Movie Marathon Madness, Night Owl Bakery Delights, & Angel Tree Charity Spotlight!"

"OPD Gives Back, Movie Marathon Madness, Night Owl Bakery Delights, & Angel Tree Charity Spotlight!"
Get ready for a festive film marathon, sweet treats from Night Owl Bakery, and Thanksgiving meals for families in need in this week's Ocala Sizzle Podcast Show Notes! Featured Charity: Marion County Angel Tree - spread the joy this holiday season!

Wendell Carr

Nov 28, 2025

Stories, Spots & Sizzle from the Heart of Ocala 
For the week Of November 28, 2025

Want to see your photo on our newsletter, please share your photos with us and we'll pick one each week to feature!   Send photos to theocalasizzle@gmail.com

 

Still recovering from Thanksgiving turkey? Skip the shopping crowds and join me for a tour of Ocala’s most magical local holiday traditions—light shows, tree farms, and parades that turn leftovers into memories.

 Bonus Bites with Kevin...

🎆  Winter Wonderland at World Equestrian Center (Ocala)
What to Expect: Over a million lights, a 60-foot tree, and horse-drawn carriage rides.
Vibe: Luxury meets holiday cheer.
Bonus Bite: Bring cocoa and your camera—this one’s Instagram gold.

🎅 Cottom Farm’s Christmas Village (Weirsdale)
What to Expect: Drive-through light show, hayrides, pancakes, and Santa.
Vibe: Country charm and family warmth.
Bonus Bite: Arrive early for the pancake breakfast—it’s a local favorite.

🚗 Florida Horse Park Christmas Light Spectacular (Ocala)
What to Expect: Two-mile drive-through with music and lights.
Vibe: Cozy carload fun.
Bonus Bite: Tune to their radio station for synchronized music during the drive!

🌲 Cut-Your-Own Tree – Ocala National Forest
What to Expect: U.S. Forest Service permits for Sand Pine trees.
Vibe: Rustic and unforgettable.
Bonus Bite: Bring twine and gloves—real trees mean real adventure!

🎩 A Dickens Christmas – Appleton Museum of Art (Ocala)
What to Expect: Victorian décor, model villages, and classical music.
Vibe: Elegant, calm, and beautifully festive.
Bonus Bite: Great for families needing a peaceful holiday outing.

🦌 Reindeer Run (Downtown Ocala)
What to Expect: Fun run before the parade—antlers encouraged!
Vibe: Jingle-bell joy for all ages.
Bonus Bite: Runners finish just in time for the parade kickoff.

🎁 Ocala Christmas Parade
What to Expect: Florida’s largest nighttime parade celebrating “Christmas Through the Decades.”
Vibe: The pinnacle of Ocala holiday spirit.
Bonus Bite: Arrive early for curbside seats—it fills up fast!

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Families in Ocala received Thanksgiving turkeys and fixings from the local police department.

This initiative aimed to help families in need during the holiday season by providing them with a traditional Thanksgiving meal.

The police department partnered with local organizations and businesses to make this possible, showing their commitment to serving the community beyond law enforcement.

Overall, the event was a success and brought joy and gratitude to many families in Ocala.


Read More...
Get in the holiday spirit with a mix of new releases and classic films.

Stream "Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey" on Netflix for a heartwarming adventure, or catch "Happiest Season" on Hulu for a festive romantic comedy.

If you're in the mood for a throwback, enjoy classics like "Home Alone" and "Elf" to bring back nostalgic memories.

Whether you're looking for something fresh or familiar, there are plenty of options to enjoy this holiday season from the comfort of your own home.

Read More...

A new bakery in downtown Ocala is making a splash with their delicious baked goods and late-night delivery service.

Night Owl offers a variety of pastries, cookies, and other treats that are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

With a focus on quality ingredients and unique flavors, this bakery is quickly becoming a favorite among locals.

Their convenient delivery service makes it easy to enjoy their goodies any time of day or night.

Whether you're in the mood for a decadent dessert or a savory snack, Night Owl has you covered.


Read More...

This Week

Fun Holidays

Featured Charity of the Week: Marion County Angel Tree

 

 

The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program is one of Marion County’s most heart-warming traditions. Each year, local families facing financial hardship can register their children to receive Christmas gifts—ensuring every child in our community has something special waiting under the tree.

 

Angel tags with a child’s age, clothing needs, and wish-list items are displayed throughout the community. Donors “adopt” an angel, purchase the requested gifts, and return them for distribution. It’s a simple act that creates enormous joy—last year alone, more than 800 Marion County children received gifts thanks to generous neighbors just like you.

This program doesn’t just deliver toys—it delivers hope, dignity, and a memorable Christmas morning for families who truly need the help.

 


🎄 Want to Get Involved?

Adopt an angel, donate, or learn how to volunteer here:

Winter Wonderland at World Equestrian Center – Ocala
📅 Date: Friday, November 28, 2025 (and runs through December 23) 
🕒 Time: Wednesday through Sunday, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (lights turn on nightly at 5 PM) 
📍 Location: 1750 NW 80th Ave, Ocala, FL 34482
🎟️ Admission:

Wed/Thu/Sun: advanced $5/person, day‑of $7/person 

Fri/Sat: advanced $10/person, day‑of $12/person 
📄 Details: A holiday lights and family‑fest event with over one million lights, meet‑Santa experiences, The Grinch photo‑ops, fun touches for kids and families. Great for a festive outing.

The Nutcracker – Ocala Metro Ballet
📅 Date: Friday, November 28, 2025
🕒 Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM 
📍 Location: Dassance Fine Arts Center, 3001 SW College Rd, Ocala, FL 34474
🎟️ Admission: ~$25 (+ small ticket fee)
📄 Details: A classic ballet production perfect for families and lovers of the arts. Presented by Ocala Metro Ballet Theatre.

Dueling Pianos – Reilly Arts Center
📅 Date: Friday, November 28, 2025 
🕒 Time: 6:00 PM (General) & 9:00 PM (Adults‐Only “Uncensored”)
📍 Location: 500 NE 9th Street, Ocala, FL 34470 
🎟️ Admission: (Check site for ticket pricing)
📄 Details: A high‑energy, interactive music event with a sing‑along format and dueling piano performers — good for adult groups or a fun evening out.

Lights of Love – Community Tree Lighting Ceremony

📅 Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025
🕒 Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Location: 3231 SW 34th Ave Ocala, FL 34474
🎟️ Admission: Free / community event
📄 Details: A community  holiday tree‑lighting and gathering, perfect for families and local engagement.

Holiday Charity Vehicle Show

📅 Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025 
🕒 Time: Gates open at 8:00 AM
📍 Location: Hwy 441, Belleview, FL 34420
🎟️ Admission: Free to view (vehicles registration fees)
📄 Details: A community vehicle show (jeeps, trucks, off‑road) tied to a holiday charity release, in Belleview. Good for families and car‑enthusiasts.

November 28, 1955 – The very first Ocala Christmas Parade rolled down Silver Springs Boulevard, starting a 70-year tradition.

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The Ocala Sizzle is your go-to guide for everything happening in Ocala and The Villages. From neighborhood news and standout events to restaurant picks, local gems, and fresh stories from the community, we bring the heat and the heart of Central Florida straight to your inbox. Whether you're a lifelong local or just settling in, The Ocala Sizzle keeps you connected to the buzz and beauty of life in horse country.

© 2026 The Ocala Sizzle.