The City of Ocala's Pop Up Holiday Displays are a Seasonal Favorite.
Light Up Ocala is the official kickoff to the holiday season and the November 18th event drew a huge crowd, as usual. But the fun didn’t stop there.
Throughout December and even into early January, visitors to downtown Ocala can stroll among the millions of twinkling lights and take advantage of the highly popular Holiday Pop Ups that can be found all around the square, and which provide great photo ops.
“The holiday photo ops have become part of the holiday season within the city. Visitors to the downtown area look forward to snapping pictures for their greeting cards or to share with loved ones on social media,” offers Ashley Dobbs, the city’s marketing and communications manager. “Having the Holiday Pop Ups throughout the downtown area allows for a festive touch as guests walk through the streets viewing the lights, visiting shops and enjoying restaurants. Not only are they a part of Light Up Ocala, they become part of the December First Friday Art Walk and decorate downtown throughout the holiday season.”
Visitors can find the Toy Soldier Pop Ups in the courtyard area outside Sayulita Taqueria, the Grinch, Cindy Lou Who and Max at the Marion Theatre, the giant Christmas tree on the square, the Snowmen Family and Tropical Holiday at Citizens’ Circle and Santa’s Workshop with several mischevious elves and Holiday Treats at the Customer Service Office across from the Downtown Market.
“Each photo op has a different look and feel to it, so it’s hard to pick a favorite,” notes Dobbs. “During the holiday season, however, it doesn’t get more iconic than the giant holiday tree next to the gazebo.”
The city would love for those who upload photos to share them to @ocalarecpark and use the hashtag #spiritofdowntown.
The city’s recreation and parks department offers other seasonal activities as well, such as Santa On The Square, a Senior Holiday Luncheon, a Holiday Movie Showing and Breakfast With Santa. OS
To learn more, go to ocalafl.gov/government/city-departments-i-z/recreation-parks/recreation/holidays
