Celebrate the holidays at World Equestrian Center – Ocala! Winter Wonderland is underway bringing merriment and cheer to all. With twinkling lights, a glittering 40-foot Christmas tree and a giant polar bear, World Equestrian Center – Ocala is the perfect destination to ring-in the holidays. Winter Wonderland offers multiple free events and special ticketed events. Winter Wonderland will be held December 19 – December 24 and December 26 from 5pm-8pm. On December 25, Winter Wonderland will be closed. Parking and general admission is FREE for the final week of Winter Wonderland! To see what Winter Wonderland events are scheduled visit wecwinterwonderland.com. Photos courtesy of Maven Photo & Film.
Looking for some thrilling entertainment this New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day? Join us at World Equestrian Center – Ocala to watch some of the best cowboys compete for $100,000 in the Ultimate Bull Riding Team Challenge. The event will be held in Arena 5 from 7pm-10pm. Click here to purchase tickets today!
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 – Indoor 1:
- Ariat
- Ocala Shoe Shack division of Tack Shack of Ocala
Arena 2:
- Stellina LLC/Romitelli Boots
- Haala Fashion LLC
- Farmhouse Chiropractic
- Hats Off Boutique
- Kelsey’s Rhinestones
- The Farm House, Inc.
Arena 3:
- Exceptional Equestrian, Inc
- IDA Development, LLC
- I Love My Horse
- Basic Equine Health, LLC
- Beachwood Investments 5, LLC
- Everleigh Collection LLC
Arena 4:
- The Farm House, Inc.
- Odette, LLC
- Sudden Impulse Boutique
- AGM Beyond Leather
- Exceptional Equestrian, Inc
- Grey Fox Designs
Entertainment
Each week The Yellow Pony Pub & Garden located within The Equestrian Hotel hosts live entertainment from 6:30pm-10pm. Here is the entertainment lineup for this week:
Wednesday, December 22 | Melissa Lee
Thursday, December 23 | Zach Maruniak
Day at the Spa
Treat yourself this holiday season to a relaxing day at Calluna Spa. Located on the second floor of The Equestrian Hotel, Calluna Spa offers multiple massage treatments, body wraps, facials, manicures, pedicures and hair salon for men and women. Book an appointment by calling 352.414.7862. Book an appointment by calling 352.414.7862.
Calluna Spa is open from Monday – Saturday from 9am-7pm and on Sunday from 10am-5pm. Click here to learn more.
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
Holiday Hours:
Christmas Eve | Breakfast, 6:30am-1pm Brunch | Dinner, 5pm-10pm
Christmas Day | Breakfast, 6:30am-1pm Brunch | Dinner 5pm-8pm (8pm last seating)
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
Holiday Hours:
Christmas Eve | 11am-10pm
Christmas Day | 11am-8pm (Kitchen & Bar)
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: 6:30am-8pm
352.414.7866
Holiday Hours:
Christmas Eve | 6am-6pm
Christmas Day | 6am-5pm
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
Holiday Hours:
Christmas Eve | Normal Hours
Christmas Day | 11am-5pm
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-11am
Lunch/Dinner: 11am-9pm
352.414.7875
Holiday Hours:
Christmas Eve | Normal Hours
Christmas Day | Closed
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
Holiday Hours:
Christmas Eve | Normal Hours
Christmas Day | 11am-5pm
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:
Breakfast: 6am-11am
Lunch/Dinner: 11am-9pm
352.414.7876
Holiday Hours:
Christmas Eve | Normal Hours
Christmas Day | Closed
2022 Winter Spectacular Show Series
VIP Viewing & Dining Circuit Tables
Enjoy Saturday night Grands Prix and the *Premier Equitation Cup Championship during the 2022 Winter Spectacular Show Series from the terrace of The Equestrian Hotel. The VIP viewing and dining experience will include a 3-course Chef’s dinner, along with complementary beer and wine, courtesy of Stirrups Restaurant.
VIP Circuit Table reservations end on December 27, 2021.
Weekly table pricing will open on December 28, 2021.
Click HERE purchase your 2022 Saturday Night Grand Prix Circuit Table.
*The Premier Equitation Cup Championship will be held during Week VI.
World Equestrian Center – Ocala 2022 Winter Spectacular
World Equestrian Center – Ocala is excited to announce that entries are NOW OPEN for the Winter Spectacular 2022 Show Series featuring National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) sanctioned hunter/jumper competition. The 12-week show series will begin January 5, 2022 and offer all levels of competition. Highlights include feature classes such as the popular weekly Saturday night Grand Prix in the Grand Arena, Friday Hunter Derby day in the WEC Stadium and the prestigious Premier Equitation Cup Championship.
Click here to view the prize list, schedule and much more!
Premier Equitation Cup Championship
World Equestrian Center – Ocala is proud to announce that entries are now open for the World Equestrian Center Premier Equitation Cup Championship. The Premier Equitation Cup Championships will take place Saturday, February 12, 2022, during Week VI of the 2022 Winter Spectacular Show Series. The Premier Equitation Cup Championship will feature three phases: jumping, flat and a test. The winner of the Premier Equitation Cup Championship will claim the ultimate prize of a brand NEW car. All entries must be placed by February 2, 2022 through Show Management System. For full class specifications, click HERE.
2022 World Equestrian Center Horse Shows
A Sudden Impulse NSBA & Futurity Horse Show
Save the date for the A Sudden Impulse NSBA and Futurity, April 21-30, 2022 at World Equestrian Center – Ocala. A Sudden Impulse NSBA and Futurity horse show is managed by An Equine Production and sanctioned by the National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA). Click here for more information.
2022 Dressage Show Dates
World Equestrian Center – Ocala is excited to announce nine dates for dressage competition in 2022 presented by Hampton Green Farm and Discover Dressage. The events will span the year from January through December and include USEF/USDF nationally-rated competition. Click here for more information.