World Equestrian Center – Ocala presents the monthlong Winter Wonderland, returning for a third year to bring guests and visitors an enchanted celebration of the holiday season.
Over one million twinkling lights will illuminate the WEC Grand Plaza, spreading holiday cheer daily from Friday, November 24 through Saturday, December 23, between 5pm and 9pm in the lead-up to Christmas Eve. Families will can bask in the magic of the holidays with festive lights throughout the week and weekends full of special holiday entertainment. To find out all the details this holiday season, visit wecwinterwonderland.com.
Throughout Winter Wonderland, parking fees will be in place. There will be a $10 parking fee per vehicle from Monday through Thursday and a $30 parking fee per vehicle from Friday through Sunday, applicable from 3pm to 9pm. Guests can also purchase a monthly parking pass for $200 that will be valid for parking throughout the entire monthlong Winter Wonderland event.
Holiday Décor & Entertainment
Along with breathtaking holiday features and charming installations, including a magical 45-foot walk-through Christmas tree, a charming lighted carriage, and an array of delightful décor, families can plan to meet Santa Claus and even send letters to the North Pole.
The Winter Wonderland weekend lineup brings back an array of enchanting entertainment, featuring Toy Soldiers, circus performers and beloved princesses and superheroes. Be delighted by cheerful caricaturists, festive face painters, and skilled balloon artists stationed throughout the plaza, spreading joy and fun for all.
Festive Food
On weekends, the Grand Plaza will come to life with a North Pole Bakery, featuring sweets of the season, like gingerbread cookies, pumpkin bread and pies. Enjoy festive favorites, like wood-burning pizza, a French fry station and the over-the-top Wondrous Hot Chocolate, a delight exclusively available at Miss Tilly’s Lollipops.
Families can join in on a jolly experience with a ticketed breakfast on the terrace at The Equestrian Hotel on December 2, 9, 16, 17 and 23 for a heartwarming Breakfast with Santa. The scrumptious morning features French toast and buttermilk pancakes, a Santa-led storytime and a special gift from Santa himself.
Holiday Activities
In addition to the main events happening on the Grand Plaza, daily visitors can enjoy the lights, Christmas shopping throughout the many World Equestrian Center vendors and retailers and of course, place an order for holiday sweets and pies at Emma’s Patisserie and Miss Tilly’s Lollipops.
Other not-to-miss events include Ugly Sweater Contests at Yellow Pony Pub & Garden on Thursday evenings throughout Winter Wonderland with winners chosen at 8pm. Don’t forget to mark your calendar for December 2 to lace up your shoes and jingle all the way during our Tinsel Trot 5K Run and Walk starting at 7pm. No matter your pace, you can dress is your brightest holiday swag and stroll or spring around the WEC property for 3.1 miles during this evening holiday race.
Make memories and experience the holiday season in Ocala at World Equestrian Center’s Winter Wonderland. Stay up-to-date on all the enchanted details at wecwinterwonderland.com.