Happy Friday, The Villages. In today’s edition: Angel Tree gifts for kids, The Nutcracker, a lighted golf cart parade, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Community generosity on display: With Christmas approaching, the Ocala Police Department participated in the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program, delivering gifts to 22 children. Officers and staff pitched in donations to support families — read the full story.

Government gets whimsical: Sumter County commissioners embraced the holiday spirit at a meeting, arriving as Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, a reindeer, and a pink bunny, and later handed out candy at parades — read the full story.

City hall vote sparks debate: Wildwood commissioners approved parking two dragon boats at Lake Deaton. The decision drew cheers and pushback from locals. The plan includes student programs, practice limits, and a one-year review — see concerns and conditions.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Identity theft is up 25%: Last year, Americans lost $12.5 billion to ID theft & fraud, and the stories behind those numbers are brutal. My friend just told me his dad’s on his fourth replacement credit card. Other folks have woken up to empty bank accounts or their personal info dumped online after a breach. Aura catches these kinds of attacks early by monitoring for new accounts, weird money movements, leaked data, and other red flags so you’re alerted before things blow up — learn more about it here.

Highlights this week

• Girls’ night to sip and shop
• Experience Dolly’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol
• Spin the Wheel for cash and vacations
• Experience Clay Aiken at Savannah Center
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%
• A tiny hearing aid is taking the US by storm

🫶 We got your back

Aglow on San Pedro: Holiday spirit is alive in The Villages. Chris and Denise Fries have turned their home in the Village of Rio Grande into a full-on winter wonderland. The couple’s festive display is on view in photos, offering a cheerful look at their seasonal decor. See the festive photos.

City seeks parent feedback: Ocala is gearing up to offer free swim lessons for kids as part of a push to prevent drownings. Before setting the spring schedule, the city is asking families to complete a survey. If you’ve got little fish at home, weigh in to help shape class times. Take the city survey.

Hair day upgrade alert: Locally grown and women-owned since 1986, Salon Jaylee runs three locations in The Villages with a team obsessed with education. Expect thoughtful color, precision cuts, extensions, plus nails and waxing. When bangs, roots, or confidence need a reset, this spot makes it easy.

Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I decided to take Hers’ online quiz. They recommended a Biotin + Minoxidil green-apple gummy for regrowth and overall hair health. The whole thing was surprisingly easy: just verify who you are and a licensed provider signs off. Here’s the quiz if you want to check it out.

Makeup that actually works: My sister and I were talking the other day about how the makeup we used in our 20s… just doesn’t work now that we’re in our 30s and 40s. Laura Geller’s entire makeup line addresses this shift, with formulas that smooth, brighten, and actually stay put. If you’re in the same boat, their curated kits are worth a look.

📆 Around town this weekend

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

Today

✨ The Magic of Christmas @ The Orange Blossom Opry | Friday (12/12) at 7:00pm – If you want holiday cheer without the mall soundtrack, head to Orange Blossom Opry for The Magic of Christmas. Bobby Randall and the OBO Band, plus special guests, blend classic and contemporary tunes with big energy, warm nostalgia, and enough comedy to keep you smiling.

🩰 “The Nutcracker” by Dance Alive National Ballet @ Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center | Friday (12/12) at 7:00pm – Craving holiday magic without leaving The Villages? The Nutcracker pirouettes into the Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center with Dance Alive National Ballet, all twirl, sparkle, and zero shoveling. Park your cart, bring the grandkids, and let the Sugar Plum Fairy handle the nostalgia.

This weekend

🤝 Celebrate Differences M.O.R.E. Christmas Party @ Franklin Recreation Center | Saturday (12/13) at 9:30am – Morning cheer on tap at the M.O.R.E. Christmas Party, with holiday music, crafts, games, and treats that taste like nostalgia. Break out your finest ugly sweater, and prepare for heartfelt small-town magic, inclusive cheer, and zero reindeer drama. Village ID required.

🔫 Weirsdale Gun Show @ The Grand Oaks Resort | Saturday (12/13) at 9:00am – Browse a wide variety of gear, accessories, and outdoor-sport items at this buy-sell-trade weekend event—ideal for hobbyists and collectors. Expect a busy crowd, plenty of browsing opportunities, and on-site food and drinks to keep you going. Discounts are available for military, law enforcement, and fire personnel.

⛳ Middleton Lighted Golf Cart Parade| Saturday (12/13) at 5:00pm – Patio weather calls for a lighted golf cart parade through Middleton, weaving the neighborhoods and Downtown. Bring your decorated golf cart, holiday tunes, and festive spirit. Non-residents, you’re invited, RSVP.

🎶 Free Christmas Concert Choir @ North Lake Presbyterian Church | Sunday (12/14) at 2:00pm – Settle in for an hour of timeless Christmas canticles, from the Magnificat to the Gloria in Excelsis. It’s a beautiful, contemplative break from the holiday rush—no tickets, no fuss, just rich choral harmonies filling the room. If you’re craving a little sacred-season sparkle, this is your moment.

🚂 A Christmas Journey @ Encounter Church | Sunday (12/14) at 6:00pm – Encounter Church’s EC Tent is hosting a full Christmas celebration, and it’s completely free. Enjoy a living nativity, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, dinner, elves, hot chocolate, a dessert bar, and a wrapped toy giveaway. It’s a warm, family-friendly evening that feels like stepping into a holiday special.

🕺 Yule Sing & Dance @ Savannah Center | Sunday (12/14) at 6:30pm – Holiday cheer with a purpose. Belt a carol, shake a leg, and skip the cover charge, just bring a donation if you can for Wildwood Soup Kitchen. Festive, neighborly, and far superior to pretending you enjoy store-bought fruitcake.

Next week

🎹 Johnny Nick’s Dueling Pianos For Grown-Ups @ Old Mill Theater | Tuesday (12/16) at 6:30pm – Call the sitter and warm up your vocal cords for Johnny Nick’s Dueling Pianos for Grown-Ups at The Old Mill Playhouse. Two maestros trading barbs and crowd-pleasers, you supply the questionable requests. High-energy sing-alongs, cold drinks, and the kind of laughter you feel tomorrow.

🎻 The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra Holiday Celebration @ Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center | Tuesday (12/16) at 7:00pm – Holiday cheer with actual strings attached, not twinkle lights. The Villages Philharmonic fills The Sharon with classic carols, big symphonic moments, and that goosebumps finale that always earns a big, warm finish. Dress festive, bring your favorite neighbor, and let someone else handle the sleigh bells.

🔮 Matt Fraser – America’s Top Medium @ Savannah Center | Tuesday (12/16) at 7:00pm – If you like your evenings an emotional and engaging evening, Matt Fraser is bringing his live psychic readings to Savannah Center. Expect heartfelt messages, big feelings, and personal stories, audience messages, and heartfelt moments.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/12 Double M Big Band @ Leesburg Library – 1 pm
• 12/13 TBJ @ Brownwood Paddock Square – 5 pm
• 12/14 Kansas @ The Tracy Performing Arts Center – 7 pm
• 12/16 The Christmas Gift @ Live Oaks Community Church – 4:30 pm
• 12/17 Jingle Bell Ruckus @ Grand Oaks Resort – 6 pm
• 12/18 A Beautiful Christmas @ Celebration Baptist Church of Leesburg – 6 pm
• 12/19 Elvis Forever @ Savannah Center – 4 pm
• 12/19 Christmas Rave @ Lady Lake Library – 5:30 pm
• 12/20 Crimson Sunset @ Edna’s on the Green – 4 pm
• 12/21 Clay Aiken @ Savannah Center – 7 pm

🏠️ Price is right – The Villages edition

How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).

Listed by: Sally Love (SALLY LOVE REAL ESTATE)

Custom 4700+ square foot Grandview Premier on nearly an acre in the Village of Lake Deaton, wrapped in wooded privacy. Leaded glass entry, acacia floors, crown molding, and a butler’s pantry frame a cherry granite kitchen with KitchenAid appliances, double wall ovens, and a gas fireplace.

Sliders open to a party-ready pool and spa, summer kitchen, gas fireplace, firepit, and multiple lounge zones. Split plan with guest wing and a pool-access bedroom, tray-ceiling primary suite, anything-goes bonus room, and an 1100+ sf garage for four cars and a cart. Minutes to Evans Prairie, Eisenhower Rec Center, and Brownwood Square.

Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →