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
- Time: 6–9 p.m.
- Location: Bayfront Drive
- Cost: Free
- Details: Watch festively decorated boats light up Sarasota Bay.
- Info: SuncoastCharitiesforChildren.org
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!
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