WEC Winter Wonderland

Purchase Tickets (Coming Soon)

Winter Wonderland

Step into the magic of the season as over one million twinkling lights transform World Equestrian Center – Ocala into a dazzling Winter Wonderland! Join us Wednesday through Sunday for festive fun and holiday cheer.

Event Dates

November 27 – December 23

Open to the Public

Wednesday–Sunday, 5pm-9pm

Special Entertainment

Every Friday and Saturday plus Special Event Dates

Holiday Lights

Starting at 5pm

Logo with a gold horse head wearing a Santa hat, red text “Winter Wonderland,” green “World Equestrian Center,” and gold decorative scrollwork.

A Season of Cheer

From breathtaking decorations to festive family fun, this holiday tradition is guaranteed to fill your evenings with cheer. Meet Santa Claus in Indoor Arena 2, step inside the Grinch’s lair in Indoor Arena 1 and explore dazzling light displays throughout the Grand Plaza. 

On Fridays and Saturdays, the wonder grows with a full lineup of live holiday entertainment including a rotating cast of characters, interactive performances, line dancing, and festive bites. Don’t miss returning favorites like Breakfast with Santa on select dates, plus new experiences including a virtual reality train ride to the North Pole, Kids’ Character Brunch and magical Holiday Movie Nights at The Equestrian Manor. Select experiences sold separately. 

Families enjoy illuminated holiday decorations, including a golden carriage and Christmas trees, at the Winter Wonderland event, with event dates displayed: November 27 - December 23, 2026.
A child sits on Santa Claus’s lap, hugging him, with a decorated Christmas tree and festive ornaments in the background.
Children and adults watch as two women dressed in colorful costumes hold a limbo stick at an outdoor event in front of a lit building at night.

Admission Prices

Dates: Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday

Ticketed Entry Only: 3pm-9pm
  • Advanced Purchase: $8 per person
  • Day Of: $11 per person
  • Free for Children 4 and Under

*Tickets are date-specific: Valid on Sunday, Wednesday or Thursday. 
*Tickets are final sale. Refunds and rain checks are not available. 

Dates: Friday, Saturday and Special Event Dates

Ticketed Entry Only: 3pm-9pm
  • Advanced Purchase: $14 per person
  • Day Of: $16 per person
  • Free for Children 4 and Under

*Special event dates are December 20, 21, 22 and 23. 
*Tickets are date-specific: Valid on Friday, Saturday or December 20-23. 
*Tickets are final sale. Refunds and rain checks are not available. 

A large illuminated arena with decorated trees and holiday lights is shown at dusk, with a grand building in the background and the sky glowing orange and purple.

Advance Purchase Savings

Purchase tickets early to enjoy a discounted rate! Winter Wonderland admission is required for event entry starting at 3pm. Lights turn on at 5pm.

Event Schedule

Holiday Lights | Wednesdays-Sundays and Special Event Dates

5pm-9pm

Take pictures of holiday memories with friends and family at one of many show-stopping light displays throughout the Grand Plaza. Pose with a life-sized lighted horse and carriage, walk-through Christmas tree and so much more for the perfect backdrop.

Meet Santa | Wednesdays-Sundays and Special Event Dates

5pm-9pm in Indoor Arena 2

Have you been good this year? Santa is taking a special break from his workshop to visit Winter Wonderland. Capture the magical moment with a digital keepsake photo and write a letter to Santa.

Greet the Grinch | Wednesdays-Sundays and Special Event Dates

5pm-9pm in Indoor Arena 1

Step into Whoville for a photo opportunity with the Grinch! See Cindy Lou Who, Thing 1 and Thing 2, and Max as you explore the Grinch’s lair.

*New* Virtual Reality Rides | Wednesdays-Sundays and Special Event Dates

5pm-9pm, Indoor Arena 2

Embark on an immersive holiday experience with two festive virtual reality adventures. Journey to the North Pole aboard Santa’s Enchanted Express, then soar through the sky on a Magical Sleigh Ride. Along the way, enjoy entertaining performances from animated farmyard friends and playful penguins for an unforgettable adventure the whole family will love. Available as an add-on to Winter Wonderland admission.

*New* Line Dancing Lessons | Fridays, Saturdays and Special Event Dates

5pm-9pm, Outside Miss Tilly’s Lollipops

Step beneath the twinkling lights for festive line dancing lessons. Whether you’re learning the steps or showing off your moves, everyone is invited to join the fun.

Enchanted Entertainment | Fridays, Saturdays and Special Event Dates

5pm-9pm, WEC Grand Plaza

View Calendar

Holiday magic comes to life throughout the Grand Plaza with interactive performances and rotating appearances from your favorite princesses, superheroes and beloved WEC mascots. Be delighted by stilt walkers, acrobatics, cheerful elves and talented artists creating festive fun around every corner.

Holiday Sweets | Daily

Through December 31

Celebrate the sweetest season with festive treats! Pick up a holiday pie or Yule log from Emma’s Patisserie or stop by Miss Tilly’s Lollipops for a festive selection of Christmas treats, including holiday sugar cookie decorating kits.

Seasonal Shopping | Daily

Hours Vary

Cross everyone off your holiday gift list while exploring WEC’s boutiques and specialty shops. You’ll find something special for everyone, including yourself!

Festive Fare | Fridays, Saturdays and Special Event Dates

5pm-9pm, WEC Grand Plaza

Savor seasonal flavors on the Grand Plaza with Wondrous Hot Cocoa, seasonal bites and sweet treats. Adults can also enjoy festive beverages and spirits at designated cash bars. Don’t miss Emma’s Sweet Spot, where holiday goodies will be available for purchase.

People gather at a festive outdoor Winter Wonderland event at night, featuring illuminated decorations, Christmas trees, and a golden carriage under a starry sky.

Stay Enchanted

Make the holidays magical when you stay on-site at World Equestrian Center. Reserve a Winter Wonderland stay package for an enchanted experience for the whole family at The Equestrian Hotel or The Riding Academy Hotel. Available on select dates Wednesday through Sunday. Package pricing is based on occupancy.

Winter Wonderland Packages Include:

  • Admission to WEC Winter Wonderland plus complimentary virtual reality add-on
  • One commemorative WEC holiday ornament per room, per stay
  • $100 dining credit per room, per stay
  • 15% off coupon at A Sudden Impulse boutique in Indoor Arena 4
  • An in-room teepee camp experience including an advent calendar, holiday stocking, sherpa blanket, plush pals and coloring book for kids

Special Holiday Events

A child sits on Santa’s lap, both smiling, surrounded by Christmas decorations. A sign reads, “Breakfast with Santa, Saturdays through Dec. 23.”.

Breakfast with Santa | Saturdays

Gather for a magical breakfast at The Equestrian Manor including story time with Santa, children’s crafts and photo opportunities. Children will receive a complimentary gift of Santa’s choosing! Sold separately.

9am-11am, Connor’s Meeting Room at The Equestrian Manor

9am | Breakfast with Santa
10am | Santa Storytime
10:15am | Photos with Santa & Gift Giving

Purchase Tickets (Coming Soon)
A woman in a princess costume poses with a smiling child holding a Cookie Monster toy. Another person takes their photo. Text advertises “Kids’ Character Brunch” on Sundays through Dec. 23.

Kids’ Character Brunch | Sundays

Enjoy an exciting brunch at The Equestrian Manor alongside some of your favorite characters! Character appearances vary weekly.

Sold separately.

11am-1pm, Connor’s Meeting Room at The Equestrian Manor

Purchase Tickets (Coming Soon)

Virtual Reality Rides | Wednesdays-Sundays and Special Event Dates

Embark on an immersive holiday experience with two festive virtual reality adventures. Journey to the North Pole aboard Santa’s Enchanted Express, then soar through the sky on a Magical Sleigh Ride. Along the way, enjoy entertaining performances from animated farmyard friends and playful penguins for an unforgettable adventure the whole family will love.

Available as an add-on to Winter Wonderland admission. 

Purchase Tickets (Coming Soon)
A green Christmas tree with film reels as ornaments next to text reading “Holiday Movie Nights” and event dates, on a purple background.

Holiday Movie Nights | Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays

Create a new holiday tradition with a cozy movie night at The Equestrian Manor. Enjoy a family-friendly holiday classic in a comfortable theater setting with an included beverage station. Enhance your movie experience with snack boards, personal pizzas, candy and blankets available for purchase. Sold separately.

6:30pm, Connor’s Meeting Room at The Equestrian Manor

Purchase Tickets (Coming Soon)
Two performers on stilts dressed as a Christmas tree and a toy soldier stand in a festive outdoor area with people and holiday lights in the background.

Corporate Winter Wonderland Buyout

This holiday season, the WEC Grand Plaza can be yours alone! Bring your group to a private experience of Winter Wonderland presented by AdventHealth with over a million dazzling lights. Celebrate with festive entertainment, magical photo moments and visits from Santa and the Grinch. Perfect for corporate parties, holiday gatherings, and year-end celebrations.

Bring Your Group (Coming Soon)

Parking & Transportation

  • General parking is on grass lots and other property areas where space allows. 
  • Bus parking is available on-site. Drop-off location is between Indoor Arena 1 and Indoor Arena 2. 
  • Upgrade to VIP parking for $28 per vehicle. 
  • Accessible parking is available at Indoor Arena 2. 
  • Personal golf carts are not allowed on the plaza during Winter Wonderland. Golf cart parking is available along the west side of the Indoor Arena 3. 
  • Weekend golf cart shuttles are available for those who require assistance. 

Venue Access

Aerial view of a brightly lit complex with holiday decorations at dusk, featuring a large central building and an outdoor plaza under a colorful sunset sky.

Steps From The Fun

Upgrade to VIP parking close to the event at Indoor Arena 1 for per vehicle, available for advance purchase online.

Winter Wonderland Highlights

Two large decorated Christmas trees with lights stand in a plaza at night, with people gathered around and flags flying in the background.
A boy in a red shirt poses with Santa Claus on a golden throne, surrounded by decorated Christmas trees and stuffed animals, as someone takes their photo.
Three kids pose for a photo with a person in a Grinch costume dressed as Santa, while another person takes their picture in a room lit with green light.
A group poses in front of a decorated Christmas tree, including people in costumes resembling characters from "Frozen" and a woman holding a child.
Four people wearing virtual reality headsets sit in a row, reaching forward and pointing, appearing to interact with a virtual environment.
A group of people wearing cowboy boots perform a coordinated dance, lifting one leg in unison on an outdoor pavement.
A person dressed as Santa Claus sits on a throne, speaking to a large group of children gathered in front, with festive decorations and a Christmas tree in the background.

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