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"Santa Paws, Police Recognitions, Christmas Golf Cart Parade, and 1800s Festival - Ocala's Sizzling Highlights!"

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The Ocala Sizzle

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"Santa Paws, Police Recognitions, Christmas Golf Cart Parade, and 1800s Festival - Ocala's Sizzling Highlights!"

"Santa Paws, Police Recognitions, Christmas Golf Cart Parade, and 1800s Festival - Ocala's Sizzling Highlights!"
Ocala Sizzle: Santa Paws, PD Excellence, Christmas Parade & Fort King Festival! Get the scoop now! 🔥🐾🚔🎄🏰 #ShareTheSizzle

Wendell Carr

Dec 5, 2025

Stories, Spots & Sizzle from the Heart of Ocala 
For the week Of December 5, 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

 

Ready to hit the road hungry? This week I’m diving into Marion County’s mobile food scene—from smoky BBQ sliders and fusion tacos to churros as long as your forearm. Join me as we explore some of Ocala and The Villages’ most flavorful food trucks, carts, and pop-ups. If it rolls and serves good food, I’m probably already in line.

Trivia Question❓

What is the name of the annual event in Ocala, Florida that features live music, food vendors, and a parade, all in celebration of the city's rich history and culture?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

 Bonus Bites with Kevin...

🍔 Cora’s Kitchen (Ocala)

What to Expect: Pulled pork sandwiches, fish tacos, mozzarella-pepperoni poppers.
Vibe: Comfort food classics crafted into perfect handhelds.
Kevin’s Bite: Those poppers… addictive enough to make you nostalgic.

🌮 The Secret Kitchen Latin Fusion (Ocala)

What to Expect: Creative fusion tacos and bold, vibrant seasoning.
Vibe: Unexpected flavor twists with a Latin heartbeat.
Kevin’s Bite: Their Latin fusion tacos—spicy, surprising, and unforgettable.

🌯 Poppy’s Food Truck (The Villages)

What to Expect: Burritos, quesadillas, and jumbo churros.
Vibe: Fun, upbeat, and portion-heavy plates worth the trip.
Kevin’s Bite: The churros—crispy, warm, and cinnamon-perfect.


🌮 Taqueria Santa Lucia (Lady Lake area)

What to Expect: Authentic Mexican tacos and street-food platters.
Vibe: Clean, lively, welcoming—feels “special” for a food truck.
Kevin’s Bite: Tacos al pastor—juicy, bright, and downright craveable.


🥖 Eric’s Steaks (Wildwood)

What to Expect: Classic cheesesteaks with melty cheese and crusty bread.
Vibe: A Northeast staple reimagined for Florida food truck culture.
Kevin’s Bite: The classic cheesesteak—worth the line every time.


🍱 Royal Hibachi (Wildwood)

What to Expect: Hibachi-style stir fry cooked right in front of you.
Vibe: Sizzling spectacle + bold Asian fusion flavor.
Kevin’s Bite: Hibachi chicken & fried rice—hot, hearty, and full of flair.


🍕 Edna’s on the Green (The Villages)

What to Expect: Rotating food trucks, flatbreads, wine, and music under the mossy oaks.
Vibe: Outdoor oasis where great food meets live entertainment.
Kevin’s Bite: Grab whatever’s fresh—flatbread + wine under the trees hits the soul.


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Get ready for the holiday season with "Here Comes Santa Paws," an event where pets can meet Santa Claus across the 352 area.

From dog-friendly shopping centers to photo ops with Santa, there are plenty of opportunities for your furry friends to get in on the festive fun.

Make sure to check out the schedule to see when and where these events will be taking place so you can bring your pet for a visit with Santa.

This is a great way to create lasting memories and spread some holiday cheer with your beloved pets in tow.

Read More...
The Belleview Police Department recently celebrated officer milestones and promotions, recognizing their dedication and hard work in serving the community.

Several officers were honored for their years of service and commitment to keeping Belleview safe.

The department congratulated those who were promoted to new positions, highlighting their leadership and excellence in their roles.

This recognition reflects the strong teamwork and professionalism within the Belleview Police Department, demonstrating their ongoing efforts to protect and serve the residents of Belleview.

Read More...
This weekend, Ocala is bringing back the popular Christmas Golf Cart Parade, where festively decorated golf carts will parade through downtown.

The event is a fun and unique way to spread holiday cheer and bring the community together.

Participants are encouraged to get creative with their decorations and costumes to make the parade even more lively and spirited.

This family-friendly event is a great way to kick off the holiday season and enjoy the festive atmosphere in Ocala.

Don't miss out on this exciting tradition happening this weekend!

Read More...
This weekend, a 1800s-themed festival will be held at Fort King in Ocala.

The event will feature historical reenactments, music, food, and vendors selling period-appropriate goods.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the past while learning about the history of the area.

The festival is a fun and educational experience for all ages, with activities and entertainment that will transport attendees back in time to the 19th century.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to step back in time and experience a taste of life in Florida during the 1800s.

Read More...

This Week

Fun Holidays

Festival at Fort King

  • 📅 Date: Saturday, December 6 & Sunday, December 7, 2025

  • 🕒 Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM each day

  • 📍 Location: Fort King National Historic Landmark, 3925 E. Fort King St., Ocala, FL

  • 🎟️ Admission: Free

  • 📄 Details: Step back in time to 1800s Florida — the festival includes historic‑themed crafts and games, living‑history demonstrations, artisan vendors, food trucks, hand‑to‑hand combat and musket firing demos, heritage talks, and a re‑enactment of the attack that ignited the Second Seminole War.

Holiday Community Day at Appleton Museum of Art

  • 📅 Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025

  • 🕒 Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  • 📍 Location: Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL

  • 🎟️ Admission: Free

  • 📄 Details: Free holiday‑themed community day including the museum’s “A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition,” community tree display, seasonal crafts, face painting, Santa & Mrs. Claus photos (with free printed + digital copy), holiday performances, food trucks, and local nonprofit booths.

Winter Wonderland at World Equestrian Center – Ocala

  • 📅 Date: Wednesday–Sunday, through Dec 23, 2025)

  • 🕒 Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

  • 📍 Location: World Equestrian Center – Ocala

  • 🎟️ Admission: Open to the public (check venue site for any fees — many holiday lighting events have car or parking fees)

  • 📄 Details: The venue will be lit up for the holidays — enjoy festive lights, seasonal ambiance, and special entertainment on weekends. Great for families or a night out.

Santa On the Square (Downtown Ocala)

  • 📅 Dates: Tuesday, December 9 & Thursday, December 11, 2025

  • 🕒 Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

  • 📍 Location: Downtown Square, Ocala, FL

  • 🎟️ Admission: Free for all agesc

  • 📄 Details: Holiday gathering downtown — likely featuring festive decorations, community atmosphere, and maybe visits with Santa. Great chance to enjoy some holiday spirit in town.

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:
The Ocala Harvest Festival.
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The Ocala Sizzle

© 2026 The Ocala Sizzle.

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.