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Your Ultimate Guide to Sarasota's Holiday Happenings

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Your Ultimate Guide to Sarasota's Holiday Happenings

Thursday, Dec. 5 to Sunday, Dec. 8
Singing Christmas Tree Spectacular at First Sarasota

  • Time: 7 p.m.
  • Location: First Sarasota, 1661 Main St.
  • Cost: $10-$20
  • Details: Celebrate the 50th anniversary of this holiday tradition with performances by the First Sarasota Choir and Orchestra, Broadway’s J. Mark McVey (Les Misérables), and a live Nativity scene with camels.
  • Info: FirstSarasota.org

Thursday, Dec. 5 & Thursday, Dec. 12
Holiday Splendor at The Ringling

  • Time: 5 p.m.
  • Location: The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road
  • Cost: $15; children $5; free with unwrapped toy donation
  • Details: Enjoy festive performances by local schools while supporting Toys for Tots.
  • Info: Ringling.org

Friday, Dec. 6
Fresh Fridays: Light Up The Night

  • Time: 7–10 p.m.
  • Location: Selby Five Points Park, 100 N. Pineapple Ave.
  • Cost: Free
  • Details: Groove to live music by The Rockefellers and celebrate the Downtown Improvement District’s new holiday tree lighting.
  • Info: DowntownSarasotaDID.com

Friday, Dec. 6 to Wednesday, Jan. 1
Lights in Bloom

  • Time: 6:30–9 p.m.; early entry at 5:30 p.m.
  • Location: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound St.
  • Cost: $19-$44; all-inclusive $75-$225; children 4 and under free
  • Details: Stroll through a dazzling display of over 2 million lights in this nationally acclaimed holiday tradition.
  • Info: Selby.org

Saturday, Dec. 7
Sarasota Holiday Parade

  • Time: 7 p.m.
  • Location: Main St.
  • Cost: Free
  • Details: See lighted floats, marching bands, and Santa himself at this family-favorite annual event.
  • Info: SarasotaHolidayParade.com

Tuesday, Dec. 10
Kwanzaa Community Celebration

  • Time: 5–7:30 p.m.
  • Location: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Public Library, 2801 Newtown Blvd.
  • Cost: Free
  • Details: Celebrate with poetry, music, dancing, and a traditional Kwanzaa meal.
  • Info: BettyJJohnsonFriends.org

Saturday, Dec. 14
Sandy Claws Beach Run

  • Time: 8 a.m.
  • Location: Siesta Key Beach, 948 Beach Road
  • Cost: $25-$40
  • Details: Join a festive 5K or fun run along the beautiful beach, followed by music, food, and prizes.
  • Info: RunSignUp.com

Winter Wonderland

  • Time: 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
  • Location: Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 John Rivers St.
  • Cost: Free
  • Details: Enjoy crafts, cookie decorating, toy giveaways, and a visit from Santa.

Holiday Boat Parade of Lights


Sunday, Dec. 15
Brunch with Santa

  • Time: 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
  • Location: Arts & Central, 611 Central Ave.
  • Cost: Price based on menu
  • Details: Snap photos with Santa and enjoy a special brunch menu.

Friday, Dec. 20
Breakfast with the Grinch

  • Time: 7:30–9:30 a.m.
  • Location: Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex, 2650 Waldemere St.
  • Cost: $10 per plate
  • Details: A festive morning with pancakes, games, crafts, and Grinchy fun.

Shabbat Hanukkah Dinner

  • Time: 5:45 p.m.
  • Location: Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road
  • Cost: $36; children $10
  • Details: Celebrate with a menorah lighting and traditional holiday foods.

Sunday, Dec. 31
New Year’s Eve Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular

  • Time: 11:45 p.m.–12:01 a.m.
  • Location: Island Park, 5 Bayfront Drive
  • Cost: Free
  • Details: Ring in the New Year with a breathtaking fireworks display over Sarasota Bay.

With so many exciting events, Sarasota is the place to be this holiday season!