Ocala, FL – World Equestrian Center – Ocala is showcasing a slew of top-level equestrian events this week including week II of the 2023 November & December Show Series, a Premier Hunter/Level 6 Jumper competition and the November Dressage CDI3* competition presented by Hampton Green Farms and Discover Dressage. The week also includes the 2023 Ocala Holiday Craft Show held November 18-19 in Expo 1.
The Ocala Holiday Craft Show will be held Saturday, November 18 from 9am-5pm and Sunday, November 19 from 9am-4pm in Expo 1. Start your holiday shopping early at the 2023 Ocala Holiday Craft Show. With more than 300 exhibitors, local and regional artisans will showcase unique handmade gifts for purchase, including holiday decorations, hand-blown glass, ceramics, jewelry, folk crafts, clothing, and more. The 2023 Ocala Holiday Craft Show is the best place to find that one-of-a-kind special gift for friends and family. Tickets are on sale now!
General Admission $7.00 | Senior Admission (60+) $6.00 | 12 and under are free.
Join us for the 2023 November & December Show Series from November 8-19 and December 6-17 for thrilling equestrian sport. Enjoy two exciting events held under the lights in the WEC Grand Arena at 7pm including the $15,000 Buckeye Nutrition Futures Prix on Friday and $100,000 Hampton Green Farms Grand Prix on Saturday night. There is no charge for admission or parking.
Come out to cheer on your favorite athletes and experience the equestrian sport. If you can’t make it, catch the events on live stream.
Visit HorseShowing.com to see the daily class schedule, estimated start times and results. View live scoring through Ryegate.Live.
For more information about the 2023 November & December Show Series, visit the button below.
The Grand Prix Dining Experience presented by Wheels UP
World Equestrian Center – Ocala invites equestrian fans to enjoy an exquisite dining experience under the stars every Saturday night at The Grand Prix Dining Experience presented by Wheels Up during the 2023 Ocala November and December Series.
Starting at 7 pm, savor the thrill of top-level show jumping action from the most exclusive seats in the house. Revel in the excitement of Saturday night grand prix events from the terrace of The Equestrian Hotel while delighting in a sumptuous three-course chef dinner, and enjoy complimentary beer and wine throughout the evening. Availability is limited, so click the button below to secure your table today!
International dressage competition returns to the WEC Stadium from November 16-19 during the November Dressage CDI3* competition presented by Hampton Green Farms and Discover Dressage. National competition will be held in Hunter 3 and Hunter 4 Friday through Sunday. Ride times and results can be found HERE.
Watch some of the world’s best dressage combinations dance under the lights of the WEC Stadium on Friday, November 17 for the Grand Prix Freestyle CDI3*. Spectators are welcome and encouraged to come cheer on their favorite pairs.
Enjoy the show with a special view with the Grand Prix Freestyle Reception presented by Wheels Up. Guests at the Grand Prix Freestyle Reception, which opens at 6:45pm, will experience all the action ringside while enjoying a buffet meal along with an open bar throughout the evening. Purchase your Grand Prix Freestyle tickets today!
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!
Thanksgiving 2023 To-Go Meals
Make more time for celebration with Thanksgiving dinner to go from our kitchen to yours. Pick up a traditional holiday meal on Thanksgiving Day and add on your holiday favorites like wine and charcuterie.
Pickup Location: WEC Exposition Center 1, NW 87th Ct Rd, Ocala, FL 34482
Pickup Window: Every 30 minutes from 11am-4pm
*$375 for a meal serving 6-8 people
*$525 for a meal serving 12-14 people
*Tax Additional; We are unable to accommodate allergens or customizations of any kind.
Winter Wonderland
This enchanting festival of lights returns to World Equestrian Center – Ocala for the holiday season.
With over one million twinkling lights, World Equestrian Center – Ocala Winter Wonderland promises to bring merriment and cheer to all. The halls of the WEC Grand Plaza will be decked with spectacular show-stopping features for the season, including a walk-through Christmas tree, lighted horse-drawn carriage, and plenty of splendid holiday décor. Meet the real Santa Claus at this family-friendly event and enjoy festive entertainment on the weekends, including a full rotation of singers, face painters, balloon artists and cheery caricaturists. Many special events are planned throughout the month-long celebration. Don’t miss the heartwarming and ever-popular breakfast with Santa event on the terrace, Tinsel Trot 5K run under the lights, and special holiday performances to get in the spirit of the season! Enjoy the lights every day throughout Winter Wonderland. Weekend entertainment and festivities are planned Friday through Sunday leading up to Christmas Eve.
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.
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 November & December Show Series
Entries and stall reservations remain open for the World Equestrian Center – Ocala 2023 November & December Show Series featuring four-weeks of Premier Hunter/Level 6 Jumper competition sanctioned by US Equestrian (USEF).
The series consists of two-weeks of national level hunter/jumper competition from November 8-19 and new for 2023, the December Series will host two weeks of 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 circuit 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 20-24, 2024.
Mark you calendars for the remaining World Equestrian Center Dressage events in 2023. Place your entries and reserve your stalls through eqentries.com.
November 16-19, 2023 – CDI3* and USEF/USDF competition
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 – Now Open!
CaptiveOne Advisors Arena – Arena 1:
- Ariat International
- Gordon Reiss Insurance
- Walden Performance and Recovery
- Upper Echelon Academy
- La Mundial Boots
UF Health Arena – Arena 2:
- Stellina LLC/Romitelli Boots
- Haala Fashion LLC
- Farmhouse Chiropractic
- Hats Off Boutique
- Main Street Travel
- Rough Cut Boutique
Arena 3:
- Exceptional Equestrian, Inc
- IDA Development, LLC
- I Love My Horse
- Le Mieux
- Parlanti
- Chi Rho Ranch
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
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 6pm-9:30pm. Here is the entertainment lineup for this week:
Wednesday, November 15 | Zach Maruniak
Thursday, November 16 | Jeff Jarrett
Friday, November 17 | Allison Asarch
Saturday, November 18 | Tipsy Sparrows
Calluna Spa
Indulge in our Autumn-inspired spa treatments, featuring our Butter Rum Wrap, Spiced Bourbon Pedicure and The Revived Rider massage. Available from October 1-November 20, 2023.
Hours:
Monday – Saturday, 9am-7pm
Sunday, 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
Brunch: Saturday – Sunday, 6:30am-1pm
Dinner: Sunday – Thursday, 5pm-9pm | Friday & Saturday, 5pm-10pm
Holiday Hours:
Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 23 | Breakfast: 6:30-11am | Buffet: 12pm-6:30pm
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.
October 22-November 23: Tuesday-Sunday, 11am-8pm | Closed Mondays
November 24-December 31: Tuesday-Sunday, 11am-9pm
Holiday Hours
Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 23, 11am-8pm
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
October 23: Monday, 7am-3pm
Holiday Hours
Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 23, 11am-6pm
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.
October 22-November 23: Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-8pm | Closed Monday & Tuesday
November 23-December 31: Monday & Tuesday, 3pm-9pm | Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-9pm
Holiday Hours
Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 23, 11am-8pm
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
Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 23, 11am-8pm
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