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


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

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

Wendell Carr
Nov 28, 2025
Stories, Spots & Sizzle from the Heart of Ocala |
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
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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) |
🎅 Cottom Farm’s Christmas Village (Weirsdale) |
🚗 Florida Horse Park Christmas Light Spectacular (Ocala) |
🌲 Cut-Your-Own Tree – Ocala National Forest |
🎩 A Dickens Christmas – Appleton Museum of Art (Ocala) |
🦌 Reindeer Run (Downtown Ocala) |
🎁 Ocala Christmas Parade |
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Families in Ocala received Thanksgiving turkeys and fixings from the local police department. 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. Read More... |
This Week | ||
Fun Holidays |
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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 Wed/Thu/Sun: advanced $5/person, day‑of $7/person Fri/Sat: advanced $10/person, day‑of $12/person |
The Nutcracker – Ocala Metro Ballet |
Dueling Pianos – Reilly Arts Center |
Lights of Love – Community Tree Lighting Ceremony📅 Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025 |
Holiday Charity Vehicle Show📅 Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025 |
November 28, 1955 – The very first Ocala Christmas Parade rolled down Silver Springs Boulevard, starting a 70-year tradition. |