The Ocala Christmas Parade will make its return next weekend after a year hiatus on account of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The parade, which is hosted each year by the Friends of the Christmas Parade, will take place on Saturday, December 11 at 5:30 p.m.
The theme for the 2021 Ocala Christmas Parade is “A Heroes’ Christmas.”
Ben Marciano, owner of Zone Health & Fitness, is the 2021 Grand Marshal. The parade host recognized Marciano for his volunteering and support of local organizations including Arnette House and United Way, among others.
Celebrating its 65th year as a community tradition, the parade draws thousands of visitors each year. This year’s parade will take place just over a year after the 2020 Ocala Christmas Parade was cancelled by the Ocala City Council amid concerns of the spread of COVID-19.
For more information on this year’s parade, visit the Ocala Christmas Parade website.