Holidays are coming to Sarasota! The city is gearing up for the holidays with various events that will get everyone in the spirit.
Here are some of the highlights:
The Sarasota Christmas Parade will take place on December 8. This parade will feature marching bands, floats, and Santa Claus himself.
The Ringling Museum of Art will be hosting a Christmas Tree Lighting on December 8. This event will include live music, refreshments, and a visit from Santa Claus.
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art will also host a Trees Festival from December 1-23. This event will feature decorated trees from all over the world.
The Venice Christmas Boat Parade will take place on December 8. This parade will feature decorated boats of all shapes and sizes.
The Bradenton Christmas Parade will take place on December 1. This parade will feature marching bands, floats, and Santa Claus.
Hands-on Hanukkah, Dec. 18-23, at various Sarasota locations, including the Mall at University Town Center on the first night. This Hanukkah festival is presented by Temple Sinai in Sarasota and includes crafts, food, music, storytime, and candle lighting.
A Taste of Chanukah, Dec. 18, 4 to 6 p.m., at Phillippi Estate Park in Sarasota. Hosted by Chabad Lubavitch of Sarasota & Manatee Counties, this event includes a balloon menorah, live music, a trackless train, a 3-ton snow slide, kosher food, arts and crafts, and more. Chabad of Sarasota will also host menorah lightings during the holiday.
Christmas parades — often complete with Santa Claus, festively decorated floats, and marching bands — are a holiday tradition, both nationally and locally:
Several big parades are taking place this year.
They include:
Poinsettia Parade & Festival, Dec. 3, 5 p.m., in North Port. This year’s theme is “What a wonderful North Port life!” The parade travels from Sylvania Avenue down Sumter Boulevard and to the City Center Front Green.
Venice Christmas Boat Parade, Dec. 3, 6 p.m., along the Intracoastal Waterway in Venice. This boat parade travels south from just north of Albee Road Bridge ending just before the Circus Bridge.
Sarasota Holiday Parade, Dec. 3, 7 to 9 p.m., in downtown Sarasota. This year’s theme is “Winter Wonderland.”
Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, Dec. 10, on Sarasota Bay. This event is presented by Suncoast Charities for Children and Marina Jack. The best viewing is from downtown Bayfront Park.
Holiday lighting displays are another holiday favorite. Some to catch in Sarasota County are:
Toys for Tots fundraiser, Dec. 4, 5:30 to 9 p.m., at 1761 Bridge Street, Englewood. This home has more than 150,000 lights set to music. Bring an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots.
Enander’s Winter Wonderland, Dec. 10 – Jan. 1, 2281, Mission Valley Blvd., Nokomis. For more than 30 years, this family has opened its yard as a Christmas light display for the community. The display features more than 350,000 lights and 400 lit figures. Admission is free. The walking display is open from 6 to 10 p.m.
Lights in Bloom at Selby, select nights from Dec. 10 – Jan. 5, 6:30 to 9 p.m., at Selby Gardens’ downtown campus. More than 2 million lights illuminate the gardens and walkways.
Cedar Hollow Christmas Display, Bunyan Street, Sarasota. This neighborhood, drive-thru holiday display features a road covered with lit arches. The lights are on nightly from 5:30 to 1 a.m.
University Town Center, nightly light shows along Cattlemen Road in Sarasota from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Shows run every 30 minutes. Fireworks on Saturdays at 9 p.m.
The Sarasota Ballet will be performing The Nutcracker from December 14-23. This classic ballet tells the story of a young girl who dreams of a Christmas adventure. Sarasota will be alive with the sound of Christmas music this year.
The Sarasota Orchestra will be performing A Christmas Celebration on December 15.
The Ringling College of Art and Design Chorale will be performing A Christmas Concert on December 16.
And the Sarasota Youth Opera will be performing A Christmas Carol on December 16.
So mark your calendars and get ready for a Christmas celebration like no other!
Christmas is coming to Sarasota! The decorations are going up, the stores are stocking their shelves, and the elves are getting ready for the big day. Here are some things you can do to get into the Christmas spirit in Sarasota.
See the Lights.
One of the best things about Christmas is the lights. You can see them all over the city, from the big displays at the mall to the lights on people’s houses. Be sure to drive around and take in the sights.
Visit a Christmas Tree Farm
If you’re looking for a more traditional Christmas experience, visit a Christmas tree farm. You can pick out your tree, chop it down, and take it home with you. It’s a lot of fun and gets you into the Christmas spirit.
Visit a Winter Wonderland
If you’re looking for something a little more festive, head to a winter wonderland. These are usually set up in a park or at a fairground and have all sorts of Christmas-themed activities. You can go ice skating, see a Christmas show, and much more.
See a Christmas Play
If you’re looking for some family-friendly entertainment, head to a Christmas play. There are usually several plays to choose from, and they’re all a lot of fun. You’ll get into the Christmas spirit in no time.
Visit a Christmas Market
If you’re looking for some unique Christmas gifts, head to a Christmas market. These markets are usually set up in a park or at a fairground and have all sorts of Christmas-themed activities. You can go ice skating, see a Christmas show, and much more.
Attend a Holiday Concert
If you’re looking for some live music, head to a Holiday concert. These concerts are usually set up in a park or at a fairground and have all sorts of Holiday-themed activities. You can go ice skating, see a Christmas show, and much more.
Holidays are coming to Sarasota, and there’s no better place to celebrate than in the Sunshine State. Be sure to check out all the fun things to do in the city during the Holidays season in our calendar: https://sarasotaventscalendar.com