Happy Friday and happy Christmas eve - eve everyone! While there hasn't been any late December chill around Florida there are things going on around our area (besides shopping!) that will help you get in the mood.

Ocala's Silver Springs is one place to go to enjoy the holiday season. With the exception of Christmas Day, Silver Springs' Festival of Lights is underway every evening through New Years Eve. You can enjoy the display of over a million lights from dusk until 8 pm each day. There'll also be a lighted boat parade, in addition to story telling and the strolling Dickens Carolers who will entertain you with holiday favorites. The event is included with an all day general admission to the park, or you can come after 4 pm just for the Festival of Lights. Your text to link...

Also in Marion County, the Ocala Model Railroaders are holding their 16th Annual Trains at the Holidays event. You'll have a chance to enjoy several working model railroads on display. If you like trains, then this event is for you. Except for Christmas eve and Christmas day, you can check out Trains at the Holidays from 11 to 5 daily through December 30th at the Webber Center Gallery on the College of Central Florida's Ocala campus. Your text to link...

To the north in White Springs, The Stephen Foster State Park will be celebrating the holidays with it's Festival of Lights. How about four million lights! You can drive through the park to see holiday displays, visit the gingerbread village or take in the lights from a horse drawn wagon. The centerpiece of the park is the 200 foot tall Carillon Tower dressed from top to bottom in lights as it's bells play holiday music. The Festival of Lights runs through New Years Eve every evening until 9 pm. The park is closed Christmas day. For directions check the Weekend Planner link on wcjb.com. Your text to link...

Enjoy your weekend...and merry Christmas!