One of Ocala’s most beloved holiday traditions is back, adorning the first floor of the museum in full holiday cheer. “A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition” is the private collection of Dr. Paul and Joyce Urban and their daughters Katie, Kristie, Kassie and Karlie, who have lived in Ocala since 1989.
Joyce Urban’s love of Christmas began when she was a child in the city of Philadelphia. Every year she would go see the elaborate decorations at the department stores set up along the path she walked as she went to see Santa. This wonder of Christmas has stayed with her through the years. She began publicly displaying her collection in 1989 because she wanted to provide a place for children of all ages to come experience what she did as a child. Over the years her Christmas Tour has raised money for many local charities including Harvest International, Interfaith, Pilot Club, Women’s Pregnancy Center and the Counseling Resource Center where she worked as a counselor. In 2012, Joyce opened Urban Counseling where she continues her legacy of helping others.
The Urban Family is honored to loan a portion of their Christmas collection to the Appleton during the holiday season. Visitors can look forward to beautifully themed trees, the popular Dickens Village, an extensive nutcracker collection from around the world, and much more. The display is different every year!
Holiday Community Tree Display
Visit the second floor to see our annual display of trees decorated by community groups, businesses and organizations. The 2024 participants include: Appleton Artspace, Better Together, Bridge to Hope, CAMPUS USA Credit Union, College of Central Florida, East Marion Elementary, Hands Up Communications with LN Signs and Greater Marion County Association of the Deaf (GMCAD), Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, Humane Society of Marion County, North Central Florida Media and Urban Counseling.
Holiday Community Day
Saturday, December 7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Visit on the December 7 Free First Saturday for the annual Holiday Community Day, sponsored by Dr. Paul and Joyce Urban. Enjoy free admission all day to see “A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family’s Holiday Collection,” as well as other holiday displays and special exhibitions. Make festive crafts in the Artspace, get your face painted and have your photo taken with Santa. Learn more