Ocala, FL – Winter Wonderland at World Equestrian Center – Ocala begins November 25! With millions of twinkling lights, Winter Wonderland promises to bring merriment and good cheer to all. The halls of the Grand Plaza will be decked with all of the traditional regalia of the season, along with larger-than-life ornaments and a Christmas tree maze, a glittering, 45-foot-tall walk-through Christmas tree, a giant polar bear and plentiful holiday décor.
Spend Black Friday enjoying selections from Washington’s 14 Hands Winery as you shop at World Equestrian Center. Visit over 30 retailers carrying everything from country-chic home goods to equestrian performance gear while you sample complimentary wine and enjoy the lights and entertainment of Winter Wonderland.
Wine samples are for guests 21+ with valid ID.
Special live holiday concerts will be held December 3 and December 10 starting at 7pm. $20 tickets are on sale now at www.showclix.com/event/winter-wonderland-2022.
12/3: Old-school Rock n’ Roll with Deas Guyz | Arena 2
12/10: Classic Rock n’ Roll with Rocky & the Rollers | Arena 1
Join us for the month-long event running Thursday through Sunday from 5pm to 9pm through December 24. Visit the WEC Winter Wonderland website to see the full holiday event schedule. Please Note: A $30 per vehicle parking fee will be in place Thursday through Sunday from 3pm-9pm starting November 25 through December 24 while WEC – Ocala hosts Winter Wonderland. Pay on-site or pre-pay for parking HERE.
World Equestrian Center – Ocala is also hosting numerous equestrian events this week including the 54th Annual Arabian and Half Arabian Holiday Festival Horse Show and the Fiddler’s Barrel Turkey Run.
The 54th Annual AHAF Holiday Festival Horse Show is held from November 24-27 in the UF Health Arena 2, Arena 3, Lugano Diamonds Schooling Arena and the WEC Grand Arena. Visit the prize list to view the schedule. During the AHAF Holiday Festival Horse Show, the Keystone Arabian Experience is showcasing a barn full of Arabian horse ambassadors. Visit Barn O on Friday, November 25 and Saturday, November 26 from 10am-5pm to meet the beautiful horses. Pre-register online here and bring your tickets to the barn to be entered to win prizes.
The 20th Annual Fiddler’s Barrel Turkey Run will be held from Thursday through Saturday in Arena 5. Click HERE to view the full competition schedule.
Please Note: A $30 per vehicle parking fee will be in place Thursday through Sunday from 3pm-9pm starting November 25 through December 24 while WEC – Ocala hosts Winter Wonderland. Pay on-site or pre-pay for parking HERE.
The 2022 USEF Fall Show Series will resume December 7 for another two-weeks of hunter/jumper sport before World Equestrian Center – Ocala kicks off the 12-week 2023 Winter Spectacular Show Series. During the two weeks in December, the show will host the $24,000 C. Jarvis Insurance Welcome Prix at 6pm (tentative) on December 8 and December 15. The $100,000 Grand Prix returns to the spotlight on December 10 and December 17 at 7pm in the WEC Grand Arena. Exhibitors, there is still time to book your stalls and place your entries. Click here to place your entries and view the December Prize List.
Please Note: A $30 per vehicle parking fee will be in place Thursday through Sunday from 3pm-9pm starting November 25 through December 24 while WEC – Ocala hosts Winter Wonderland. Pay on-site or pre-pay for parking HERE.
Enjoy Saturday night Grand Prix action from the terrace of The Equestrian Hotel with an exclusive VIP Viewing and Dining Experience courtesy of Stirrups Restaurant. Each private VIP table overlooking the WEC Grand Arena will include a 3-course Chef’s dinner with complimentary beer and wine. Cash bar available for spirts and bottles of wine from our sommelier’s selections.
A reception will be offered on Thursday, December 8 and December 15 during the $24,000 C. Jarvis Insurance Welcome Prix.
Make Plans for the Final Dressage Show in 2022 at World Equestrian Center – Ocala
World Equestrian Center – Ocala will host one more dressage competition in 2022 presented by Hampton Green Farm and Discover Dressage, on December 15-18, 2022.
Entries can be placed through Equestrian Entries | The fast, easy way to sign up for horse shows (eqentries.com). Entries close on December 7, 2022. Click here to view the prize list.
The remaining show is a qualifying competition for the Great American/USDF Regional Championships.
- Dressage V | 12/15/22 – 12/18/22
2023 USEF Winter Spectacular Show Series at World Equestrian Center – Ocala
Entries, weekly stalls and the prize list for the 2023 USEF Winter Spectacular Show Series are now available. The 12-week series is comprised of United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Premier Hunter/Level 6 Jumper competition running consecutively from January 4, 2023 through March 26, 2023. Week IX, February 28, 2023 through March 5, 2023 will showcase Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) CSI3* competition. The Premier Equitation Cup Championship returns to World Equestrian Center – Ocala on Saturday, February 11, 2023. Click here to place your entries and view the 2023 Winter Spectacular Prize List. Spectators are welcome and admission is free.
Chapel Services
World Equestrian Center – Ocala is now hosting Sunday Services with Chaplain Edwin in The Chapel. The Sunday Services are 20 minutes long and open to all. Attendees can park by Barns E & F. See the weekly Chapel Service schedule below.
Thanksgiving Services | Thursday, November 24
10am – English
11am – Spanish
Sunday Services
7am – English
10am – English
11am – Spanish
Wednesday Service
6:30pm – English
What To Do
Shopping
Many vendors at World Equestrian Center – Ocala have established storefront locations where they are open year-round. Below are our amazing retailers and their locations.
The Equestrian Hotel:
- Lugano Diamonds
- The Debonair Collection
- Mr. Pickles & Sailor Bear Toy Shoppe
- Calluna Spa
CaptiveOne Advisors Arena – Arena 1:
- Ariat
- Arista Equestrian
- Gordon Reiss Insurance
UF Health Arena – Arena 2:
- Stellina LLC/Romitelli Boots
- Haala Fashion LLC
- Farmhouse Chiropractic
- Hats Off Boutique
- Kelsey’s Rhinestones
- The Farm House, Inc.
- LM Boots
Arena 3:
- Exceptional Equestrian, Inc
- IDA Development, LLC
- I Love My Horse
- Basic Equine Health, LLC
- Everleigh Collection LLC
- Parlanti
Arena 4:
- The Farm House, Inc.
- Odette, LLC
- Sudden Impulse Boutique
- AGM Beyond Leather
- Exceptional Equestrian, Inc
- Grey Fox Designs
A Sudden Impulse Boutique
Stop by A Sudden Impulse Boutique for the latest and greatest World Equestrian Center branded merchandise. A Sudden Impulse is located in Arena 4, right behind Miss Tilly’s Lollipops. The boutique features a collection of jewelry, beautiful apparel and perfect gifts for your family and friends. A Sudden Impulse is also the exclusive shop for custom embroidery, engraving and printing at World Equestrian Center – Ocala.
Use code BLOG for 10% off online of purchases.
Visit A Sudden Impulse at WEC or purchase your items online at suddenimpulse.com.
Entertainment
Each week The Yellow Pony Pub & Garden located within The Equestrian Hotel hosts live entertainment from 6:00pm-9:30pm. Here is the entertainment lineup for this week:
Wednesday, November 23 | Zach Maruniak
Friday, November 25 | Sandra & Alex LeKid
Saturday, November 26 | Justin Lee Partin
Day at the Spa
Stop by Calluna Spa to shop luxurious products for those you love. Their holiday baskets are curated by expert staff to combine wellness, skincare and salon products in a gorgeous display – prefect for holiday gifting!
Mon – Sat: 9am – 7pm
Sun: 10am-5pm
Call 352.414.7862 to book your appointment or click here.
In Need of a Doctor Visit?
World Equestrian Center – Ocala would like to welcome LifeForce Healthcare, LLC as the facility’s personal on-call primary care service. LifeForce Healthcare will be available to the venue’s exhibitors, visitors, vendors and guests for on-call medical provider visits at and around the World Equestrian Center – Ocala facility. Call 352.873.3800 to book your on-call appointment today.
Where to Eat
Located Within The Equestrian Hotel:
Stirrups Restaurant
Prime steaks and chops, sustainable Florida seafood and southern inspired seasonal specialties, served in a refined dining room and terrace overlooking the Grand Outdoor Arena.
Breakfast: Monday – Friday: 6:30am-11am | Saturday – Sunday: 6:30am-1pm
Dinner: Sunday – Thursday, 5pm-9pm | Friday – Saturday, 5pm-10pm
352.414.7864
Yellow Pony Pub & Garden
Boasting an outdoor patio and fireplace, this lobby gastro lounge offers shareable starters, pub fare, traditional draft beers, bourbons and whiskeys.
Sunday – Thursday, 11am-12am | Friday – Saturday, 11am-1am
352.414.7865
Emma’s Patisserie
A blissful, freshly baked array of authentic French macarons and European-inspired pastries are served within an ambiance of old-world elegance at this very special shop located within the Equestrian Hotel.
Open daily: 6am-8pm
352.414.7866
Restaurants throughout the facility:
Viola & Dot’s Italian Kitchen & Pizzeria
Design your own salad or pasta masterpiece with an assortment of delicious meats and toppings. Viola & Dot’s features pizzas and calzones crafted with homemade dough, classic Italian entrees and decadent sweet desserts.
Open daily: 11am-9pm
352.414.7877
Ralph’s Burger & Sandwich Shop
A classic, diner-inspired menu with a few contemporary upgrades! Ralph’s invites you to enjoy signature burgers, salads and sandwiches topped off with a homemade milkshake. Open for lunch and dinner, start your day with a breakfast sandwich or enjoy an evening slice of pie.
Open daily:
Breakfast: 6am-11pm
Lunch/Dinner: 11am-9pm
352.414.7875
Miss Tilly’s Lollipops
Indulging is strongly encouraged at this unique sweet shop where specialty ice cream flavors and homemade fudge are the stars. With an array of chocolates, confections and coffees, Miss Tilly’s is the perfect place for a tasty treat.
Open daily: 11am-9pm
352.414.7878
Filo’s Mexican Cantina
Traditional Mexican flavors coupled with custom-made convenience. Filo’s serves up street tacos, burritos, quesadillas and much more in a vibrant dining room and open-air patio.
Open daily:
Lunch/Dinner: 11am-9pm
352.414.7876