With its mix of culture and country, Ocala has a wide range of activities for couples to enjoy, especially around Christmas time. From attending a concert to horseback riding, there are plenty of romantic things to do during the holidays in Ocala.
Related Read: Romantic Things to Do During the Holidays in North Central Florida
Rekindle the Romance This Holiday Season in Ocala
Coming Back Like a Song Play
A night at the theater is always romantic, so take your date to see the famous musical drama at Ocala Civic Theatre this holiday season. It will be an intimate evening with America’s legendary composers Irving Berlin, Harold Arlen, and Jimmy Van Heusen. Sit there holding hands, dreaming in nostalgia, while these beloved songwriters share many martinis and their hopes, dreams, and concerns about the future of music. A round of touching tales and timeless tunes of the piano as Christmas knocks on your window is sure a romantic interlude.
Reserve your tickets at $30 per ticket for any day between Dec 1 to Dec 18. If you’re under 18, it costs $15. It will be a 1 hour 40 minutes theatrical show.
Need to get dinner before the show? Head to Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille just ten minutes away Downtown for upscale dining New Orleans-style.
Ocala Downtown Market
Another romantic thing to do during the holidays in Ocala is going to their weekly Downtown Market. Just a couple of blocks from the square, the market has a diverse array of farmers, artisans, craftspeople, and food trucks selling their goods under a comfortable pavilion. The holiday season is an especially good time to go to a market like this because you may find a Christmas gift or two.
The Ocala Downtown Market is open every Saturday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Horseback Riding
Ocala is known for its equestrian community, so take advantage of the cool weather and go on a romantic date with horseback riding in the country! Go through a company like Cactus Jack Trail Rides, which has experienced guides who will take you down shaded, scenic trails where you can experience Florida’s natural beauty firsthand.
Horseback rides start at $60 per person for one hour of riding, and they typically take people on rides from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM or 3:30 PM, depending on the day. Book your reservation this holiday season online at the Cactus Jack Trail Rides website.
Symphony Under the Lights
Hot chocolate, your date, and festive music in North Central Florida! Is it not a perfect romantic date night?
The Ocala Symphony and members of the Ocala Youth Symphony bring back the annual Symphony Under the Lights concert at Reilly Arts Center. Spend a cozy evening under the incredible oaks of Tuscawilla Park. All you have to bring is a blanket or a chair to enjoy the evening comfortably with your significant other.
The event will begin at 7:30 PM on Dec 2, Friday. It’s a free concert for everyone!
Candlelit Christmas Dinner
How does a starry candlelight Christmas dinner sound to you? Join The Carriage House at Vedder Farms for a magical evening celebrating the start of the holiday season. There will be cocktails, light bites, and live music on the terrace under the bistro light. The cherry on the cake will be the incredible views.
You can come to the venue on Dec 3 in cocktail attire by 5:30 PM to enjoy the scenic beauty with your date. Dinner will be served at 6:30 PM. The cost for one is $75.00 and $550 for a table.
For more romantic things to do during the holidays in Ocala, check out our holiday events page, and visit our Things to Do in Ocala page for date ideas year-round. Also, register on 352area and connect to events, sports, and more around Ocala. It's free!
