DECEMBER 8, 2025 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kevin Christian, APR, CPRC, Director of Public Relations
352.671.7734 w ◊ 352.840.3265 c
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70TH ANNUAL OCALA CHRISTMAS PARADE
SET FOR THIS SATURDAY
Viewing Available In-Person and Online
MARION COUNTY – Marion County Public Schools is pleased to broadcast the 70th annual Ocala Christmas Parade live on its YouTube channel this Saturday, Dec. 13, starting at 5:30 p.m.
The event usually attracts more than 60,000 spectators who line both sides of East Silver Springs Boulevard, many reserving spots along the two-mile parade route days in advance. Online viewing is available at www.youtube.com/marioncountyk12.
The parade, this year themed as “Christmas Through the Decades,” remains the largest nighttime Christmas parade in the state of Florida. Thousands of MCPS students are involved, including those in middle and high school marching band and dance groups, Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) programs, community sports leagues, and more.
On-air commentators this year include MCPS veteran Kevin Christian, celebrating his 25th parade this year. Joining him are Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Danielle Brewer and Wantanisha Morant, executive director of Human Resources for MCPS.
The family-friendly parade is made possible by the cooperation of donors, community organizations, and the Ocala Police Department, and is organized by Friends of the Christmas Parade volunteers.
This year’s grand marshal is Ocala’s own Bernadette Castro, the daughter of
Italian immigrants who founded the iconic Castro Convertible sofa bed brand. Once dubbed “the most televised child in America” because she starred in the company’s television commercials, Castro is revitalizing and relaunching the family brand after serving in the public sector as Commissioner of the New York Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Her family’s vision and philanthropy helped shape Ocala’s cultural, civic, and equestrian life over the last six decades.
More than 125 parade units including floats, marching bands, dance troupes, baton twirling groups, motorcycle units, equine entries, and more are taking part this year. The line-up also includes local elected officials, military units, business owners, dozens of other community groups, and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus.
For more information on this year’s Ocala Christmas Parade, visit https://ocalachristmasparade.org/.
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