Light Up Ocala is a longstanding community tradition to kick off the holidays that attracts thousands to downtown Ocala. This year marks the 42nd anniversary of the holiday merry making event! 

Light Up Ocala will have over 100 vendors including crafts, art and plenty of food options to choose from! Live entertainment will fill the air with festive sounds and an interactive kids' zone will keep the whole family entertained. You won't want to miss the Junior Sunshine holiday parade with a special appearance by Santa. All of which culminates in the most exciting part of the event: lighting up downtown Ocala! 

Vendor Opportunities

Application deadline: July 22

Junior Sunshine Parade

The Junior Sunshine Parade is a beloved part of Ocala’s annual Light Up Ocala celebration, giving local youth and community groups a chance to showcase their holiday spirit. Featuring performances by school bands, dance studios, Scouts, and more, the parade winds through downtown and leads up to the grand holiday lighting ceremony.

Application deadline: Sept. 25.

Community Showcase 

The City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department is now accepting applications for the Light Up Ocala community showcase. 

• Performance groups may include choirs, choral groups, dance teams, and acoustic or classical ensembles.
• All performances must be holiday‑themed.
• Each group will have about 15 minutes; exceptions must be approved in advance.
• Application submission does not guarantee acceptance.
• Performances will take place on the Citizens’ Circle stage, which is approximately 25 feet wide and 15 feet deep. Groups must be able to perform within this space.
• Large groups may choose to divide into smaller groups and request multiple performance slots.

 Application deadline: Sept. 25.

Sponsorships

Sponsorship opportunities are now open for Light Up Ocala, and we invite local businesses and organizations to help make this beloved community tradition possible. Sponsors play a vital role in supporting event features, enhancing guest experiences, and keeping this celebration free for the public. To explore sponsorship levels, benefits, and visibility options, download the Sponsorship Guide. Join us in bringing holiday magic to downtown Ocala!