Photo by MAVEN Photo+Film.
Ocala, FL – Winter Wonderland is underway, bringing merriment and cheer to all from 5pm to 9pm through Saturday, December 23 in the lead-up to Christmas Eve. Families 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.
‘Tis the season for Breakfast with Santa, a magical part of Winter Wonderland beginning this Saturday, December 2 from 9am to 11am. Gather the family for an enchanting breakfast, featuring story time with Santa, children’s crafts and photo opportunities with the big man himself. Children will also receive a complimentary gift of Santa’s choosing! Visit showclix.com/event/winter-wonderland-2023 to explore tickets for December 2, 9, 16, 17 & 23.
Run, jog, walk or trot your way through the enchanting Tinsel Trot 5K Run and Walk on Saturday, December 2 during Winter Wonderland. Lace up your running shoes and don your brightest holiday gear for this evening run at 7pm as you take in the festive atmosphere during the scenic 3.1-mile loop around the WEC property. Register for the race at runsignup.com/Race/FL/Ocala/WECTinselTrot5KRunandWalk.
From December 1-3, in Indoor Arena 3 and the WEC Grand Arena, watch the Florida Paint Horse Club Holiday Classic Show. This event features classes for all breeds as well as classes specializing in the American Paint Horse. Spectators are welcome. Winter Wonderland parking fees apply. For more information about the event floridapainthorseclub.weebly.com.
*Please Note: There will be a $10 parking fee per vehicle from Monday through Thursday and a $30 parking fee per vehicle on Friday through Sunday, applicable from 3pm to 9pm during the Winter Wonderland event. Additional information can be found on wecwinterwonderland.com.
Holiday Sweets
Order something special and sweet to celebrate the season! Emma’s Patisserie at The Equestrian Hotel and Miss Tilly’s Lollipops on the Grand Plaza at WEC are offering a variety of specialty pies and pre-packaged holiday cookie boxes for the holidays. Order now to be the star of your holiday party or to share as a gift with those you love!
Upcoming Events!
WEC-Branded Breyer® Reveal Honoring Staff Sergeant Reckless with Special Guests
World Equestrian Center will unveil an exclusive-edition Breyer® Model Horse of Staff Sergeant Reckless in a World-Equestrian-Center-branded box on December 10, 2023 starting at 3:30pm on the Grand Plaza (Arena 4 side). As a collector’s item, to-date only 3,000 Breyer models made in the American war horses’ likeness are being re-released in WEC-branded boxes. Place your pre-sale order online via A Sudden Impulse Boutique.
The real horse, Staff Sergeant Reckless, is honored by World Equestrian Center with a bronze monument of the equine hero that welcomes guests and visitors on the Grand Plaza—one of just six sculptures in the world.
At 3:30pm and 5:30pm, bestselling Author Robin Hutton and sculpture artist Jocelyn Russell will each speak as experts during the free event about their work dedicated to celebrating the life and service of Staff Sergeant Reckless and the new Breyer release.
There will be a $10 parking fee per vehicle from Monday through Thursday and a $30 parking fee per vehicle on Friday through Sunday, applicable from 3pm to 9pm during the Winter Wonderland event. Additional information can be found on wecwinterwonderland.com.
Passport to Champagne | December 15 from 6:30pm to 9pm
Save the date for Passport to Champagne, the fourth and final event in the 2023 Stirrups Wine Series. Enjoy the tastes of France’s iconic Champagne region and sample sparkling wine from around the globe as we explore the cuisine and culture together on the terrace under the holiday lights.
Additional information and tickets available for advance purchase online at the button below!
Please note: Event is 21+. Advanced ticket holders for this event will be exempt from the Winter Wonderland parking fee. Please be prepared to show tickets at the gate.
8th Annual VOCAL Furball, Paws and Pearls presented by Lugano Diamonds
Save the date for the 8th Annual VOCAL Furball, Paws and Pearls presented by Lugano Diamonds on Friday, February 23, 2024. Visit https://vocalforpets.org to learn more about the organization and event.
Upcoming Horse Shows
2023 December Show Series
Entries and stall reservations remain open for the World Equestrian Center – Ocala 2023 December Show Series featuring Premier Hunter/Level 6 Jumper competition and Fédération Equestre International (FEI) CSI3* from December 5-17 amid WEC – Ocala’s enchanted Winter Wonderland, a captivating festival with more than a million twinkling lights for the holiday season on full display from November 24-December 23, 2023.
2024 Winter Spectacular Show Series
World Equestrian Center – Ocala (WEC) presents the 2024 Winter Spectacular Show Series sanctioned by US Equestrian (USEF) held from January 2-March 24, 2024. WEC – Ocala is pleased to announce stalls/paddocks and entries are now OPEN for the 12-week hunter/jumper circuit featuring Premier Hunter/Level 6 Jumper competition and five-weeks of Fédération Equestre International (FEI) competition.
The circuit is slated to be the best yet with exciting additions to the schedule and facility, including a sixth climate-controlled indoor arena and seven additional outdoor arenas for schooling and exhibition. The five-weeks of FEI international show jumping competition will include three weeks of CSI3* competition from February 13-March 3, 2024 and a week of CSI2* and CSI4* competition during week X from March 5-10, 2024. The circuit will come to an exhilarating close with the Longines League of Nations™ qualifying event on March 19-23, 2024.
Join World Equestrian Center – Ocala on Saturday nights during the 2024 Winter Spectacular Show Series for The Grand Prix Dining Experience presented by Wheels Up.
With a table offering the most coveted view of the Grand Arena, you can enjoy top-level equestrian sport under the lights at The Equestrian Hotel. Indulge in a three-course chef’s dinner featuring complimentary beer and wine. A cash bar will be available for spirits and bottles of wine from the in-house master sommelier’s selections.
Circuit tables are available for purchase which includes 11 weeks of top equestrian sport. Weekly table sales available beginning November 15, 2023. Circuit Tables are available through January 4, 2024. Priority seating will be given to series table holders who book early.
Please note, week XII March 19-23 tickets will be sold separately at a later date.
Mark you calendars for the remaining World Equestrian Center Dressage events in 2023. Place your entries and reserve your stalls through eqentries.com.
December 7-10, 2023 – CDI-W and USEF/USDF competition
To view the prize lists, click HERE.
Worship
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.
Sunday Services
7am – English
10am – English
11am – Spanish
Wednesday Service
6:30pm – English
What To Do
Shopping
Visit all of the vendors at World Equestrian Center – Ocala to finish your holiday shopping and pick up that special something for that special someone. Find a gift for everyone on your list at our amazing retailers, listed below along with their locations:
The Equestrian Hotel:
- Lugano Diamonds
- The Debonair Collection
- Mr. Pickles & Sailor Bear Toy Shoppe
- Calluna Spa
- John Craig
- Equestrian Collection – Now Open!
CaptiveOne Advisors Arena – Indoor Arena 1:
- Ariat International
- Gordon Reiss Insurance
- Walden Performance and Recovery
- Upper Echelon Academy
- La Mundial Boots
UF Health Arena – Indoor Arena 2:
- Stellina LLC/Romitelli Boots
- Haala Fashion LLC
- Farmhouse Chiropractic
- Hats Off Boutique
- Main Street Travel
- Rough Cut Boutique
Indoor Arena 3:
- Exceptional Equestrian, Inc
- IDA Development, LLC
- I Love My Horse
- Le Mieux
- Parlanti
- Chi Rho Ranch
Indoor Arena 4:
- The Farm House, Inc.
- Odette, LLC
- Sudden Impulse Boutique
- AGM Beyond Leather
- Exceptional Equestrian, Inc
- Grey Fox Designs
UF Veterinary Hospital at World Equestrian Center – Ocala
The UF Veterinary Hospital at WEC offers leading-edge care to equine athletes on site as well as horses from the surrounding area. We offer personalized service as well as a range of treatments and aids to ensure your horse performs at its best.
We offer ACVSMR performance evaluations and provide several rehabilitation modalities as well as state-of-the art diagnostic imaging. Our sports medicine specialists are supported by on-site board-certified veterinary radiologists with specialty certification in equine diagnostic imaging who provide real-time feedback on imaging and perform complicated imaging during your horse’s visit, ensuring that we provide the highest quality imaging for your horse. We offer standing CT scan, standing PET scan, standing MRI and high-powered X-ray equipment. To learn more about our offerings, visit hospitals.vetmed.ufl.edu/wec or contact us at (352) 414.3858 for information and appointments.
Hours of operation:
Equine Hospital
Mon-Sat, 8am-5pm
Small Animal Hospital
Mon-Sun, 8am-5pm
Shop at 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 Indoor 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.
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 6pm-9:30pm. Here is the entertainment lineup for this week:
Wednesday, November 29 | Peaches & Karim
Thursday, November 30 | Charity Cox
Friday, December 1 | Nate Mercado
Saturday, December 2 | Austin James
Ugly Sweater Contest
Break out your ugliest sweater and join us at Yellow Pony on Thursdays during Winter Wonderland. Enjoy dinner, signature drinks, and live music and stay until 8pm to see who we select as the ugliest of them all to win a gift card!
Calluna Spa
Find Holiday Bliss
Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with our new luxurious menu items, including the Saddle & Sage Massage, Energy of the Glaciers Facial, Sugar Cookie Pedicure, and Under the Lights at the Grand Prix spa package. Available November 21 – December 31, 2023. View the menu.
Hours:
Monday – Saturday, 9am-7pm
Sunday, 10am-5pm
Call 352.414.7862 to book your appointment.
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
Brunch: Saturday – Sunday, 6:30am-1pm
Dinner: Sunday – Thursday, 5pm-9pm | Friday & Saturday, 5pm-10pm
Holiday Hours:
Christmas Day: Monday, December 25 | Brunch: 11am-2pm | Dinner: 4pm-8pm
New Year’s Eve: Sunday, December 31 | Brunch: 6:30am-1pm | Dinner: 5pm-8pm
New Year’s Day: Monday, January 1 | Brunch 8am-2pm | Dinner 5pm-9pm
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 | Kitchen service complete one hour prior to close
Holiday Hours
Christmas Eve: Sunday, December 24, 11am-10pm
Christmas Day: Monday, December 25, 11am-8pm
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
Holiday Hours
Christmas Eve: Sunday, December 24, 6am-6pm
Christmas Day: Monday, December 25, 6am-6pm
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.
November 24-December 31: Tuesday-Sunday, 11am-9pm
Holiday Hours
Christmas Eve: Sunday, December 24, 11am-6pm
New Year’s Eve: Sunday, December 31, 11am-6pm
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.
October 22-December 31: Sunday-Thursday, 6:30am-6pm | Friday-Saturday, 6:30am-8pm | Closed Mondays
Holiday Hours
Christmas Eve: Sunday, December 24, 6:30am-6pm
New Year’s Eve: Sunday, December 31, 11am-6pm
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.
November 23-December 31: Monday & Tuesday, 3pm-9pm | Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-9pm
Holiday Hours
Christmas Eve: Sunday, December 24, 11am-9pm
Christmas Day: Monday, December 25, closed
New Year’s Eve: Sunday, December 31, 11am-6pm
New Year’s Day: Monday, January 1, closed
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.
October 22-December 31: Monday-Thursday, 11am-8pm | Friday-Saturday, 6:30am-8pm | Sunday, 6:30am-8pm
Holiday Hours
Christmas Eve: Sunday, December 24, 6:30am-6pm
New Years Eve: Sunday, December 31, 11am-6pm
352.414.7876
Skip the Line:
Want to save time and skip the line? Online ordering is now available from select property locations! Simply place your desired order online and customize the date and time you’d like to pick it up on-site. Receive 10% off your first online order when you enter the code “FIRST” at checkout. Learn more at orders.wec.net