Light Up Ocala returns Nov. 21 with parades and holiday festivities

The City of Ocala will kick off the holiday season with its annual Light Up Ocala celebration on Saturday, Nov. 21, bringing live entertainment, holiday activities and more than 100 vendors to historic downtown Ocala.The free, family-friendly event will run from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., with the official lighting ceremony scheduled for approximately 6 p.m. on the Downtown Square.Holiday entertainment throughout downtown OcalaThe Junior Sunshine Parade will begin at 3 p.m. at South Magnolia Avenue and East Fort King Street. Led by the Ocala Police Department Mounted Unit, the parade will travel through downtown and feature local dance studios, Girl Scout troops and Santa Claus.Stage One on the Downtown Square will feature performances from 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., including live music by Audio Exchange and the 6 p.m. lighting ceremony. Visitors can also find holiday tree photo opportunities and a photo booth.Stage Two at Citizens’ Circle will run from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. with local dance and performa