There’s always something fun to do in Sarasota, and when the holidays come around, there are even more things to do! Check out this list below so you can find and plan which festivities you want to attend. Weekend of December 6th Holiday Night on St. Armands St. Armands Circle proudly presents “Holiday Night of Lights”. St. Armands is THE holiday destination, on the Gulf Coast of Florida, as the Circle magically comes to light and life with grace and elegance. Lakewood Ranch Main Street The street is lined with food vendors, beer trucks, and sponsor booths, as well as rides and activities for the kids presented by Grace Community Church. Proceeds from the event will benefit a local non-profit organization each event. Downtown Sarasota Holiday Parade The Downtown Sarasota Holiday Parade is an tradition that draws an estimated 25,000 spectators. The parade includes more than a thousand participants, floats, and – in vintage Sarasota fashion – circus wagons! Santa and Mrs. Claus plan their annual beach vacation to coincide with the parade each year — so stick around to say hello to the parade's guests of honor from the North Pole! The parade kicks off at 7:00 p.m. at the east end of Main Street at Washington Blvd, and travels west to Gulf Stream Avenue, running approximately two hours. Lido Beach Holiday of the Arts Lido Beach transforms into an outdoor gallery of extraordinary original handmade fine art, created by the works of local, regional and national artisans. Explore a spectacular tapestry of art woven from creations in painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, glass, ceramics, fiber and wearable art, mixed-media, metalwork, woodworking and more. Holiday Market The markets will take over the parking lot with 50+ local makers on December 7-8th from 11 AM - 5 PM. Shop from handmade
There’s always something fun to do in Sarasota, and when the holidays come around, there are even more things to do! Check out this list below so you can find and plan which festivities you want to attend.
Weekend of December 6th
Holiday Night on St. Armands
St. Armands Circle proudly presents “Holiday Night of Lights”. St. Armands is THE holiday destination, on the Gulf Coast of Florida, as the Circle magically comes to light and life with grace and elegance.
Lakewood Ranch Main Street
The street is lined with food vendors, beer trucks, and sponsor booths, as well as rides and activities for the kids presented by Grace Community Church. Proceeds from the event will benefit a local non-profit organization each event.
Downtown Sarasota Holiday Parade
The Downtown Sarasota Holiday Parade is an tradition that draws an estimated 25,000 spectators. The parade includes more than a thousand participants, floats, and – in vintage Sarasota fashion – circus wagons! Santa and Mrs. Claus plan their annual beach vacation to coincide with the parade each year — so stick around to say hello to the parade’s guests of honor from the North Pole! The parade kicks off at 7:00 p.m. at the east end of Main Street at Washington Blvd, and travels west to Gulf Stream Avenue, running approximately two hours.
Lido Beach Holiday of the Arts
Lido Beach transforms into an outdoor gallery of extraordinary original handmade fine art, created by the works of local, regional and national artisans. Explore a spectacular tapestry of art woven from creations in painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, glass, ceramics, fiber and wearable art, mixed-media, metalwork, woodworking and more.
Holiday Market
The markets will take over the parking lot with 50+ local makers on December 7-8th from 11 AM – 5 PM. Shop from handmade jewelry, body products, candles, holiday decor, and more!
Weekend of December 13th
Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
The Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights (6:00 p.m.) is an annual tradition celebrating more than three decades of festive floatin’ on the waters of Sarasota Bay. An armada of approximately two-dozen brightly-lit boats, ranging from small water crafts to luxury yachts, set the bay a-twinkling with fun holiday decorations and seasonal tunes. Pull up a folding chair along the shore at Bayfront Park or Centennial Park and enjoy this aquatic-take on a holiday classic!
Weekend of December 20th
Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources is hosting the 15TH ANNUAL Breakfast with Santa!
This popular children’s event will include a breakfast buffet, holiday music, a toy giveaway, holiday crafts, a gift raffle and of course, a visit from Santa himself. (Parents or caregivers and families should accompany children.)
Thursdays in December
Deck the Halls of Ca D’Zan
Deck the Halls of Ca D’Zan is a special holiday edition of The Ringling’s year-round Art After Five offering (Thursdays, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.). Enjoy after-hours tours of the Ringling’s 1920s Ca D’Zan Mansion with its halls decked for the holidays.