10 Sarasota Holiday Events You Won’t Want to Miss

From the decorated boats in Sarasota Bay to larger-than-life Christmas trees spread throughout the city, the Christmas spirit is already shining bright in Sarasota. Located in the heart of Florida’s Cultural Coast, this vibrant city is home to endless annual traditions and favored holiday events for all ages and lifestyles. Here are just a few of the area’s most anticipated holiday events.

December 1-19: The Gingerbread Festival

The Girl Scouts of Gulf Coast Florida art excited to present their 14th Annual Gingerbread Festival at Sarasota’s University Town Center. Various areas along the upper level of the mall have been transformed into winter wonderlands, with Christmas trees and gingerbread houses crafted by local schools, youth groups, businesses, and non-profit organizations.

December 1-31: Sarasota Trolley’s Holiday Lights Tour

Every year, the city of Sarasota lights up bigger and brighter for the holiday season. Sarasota Trolley’s Holiday Lights Tour is the perfect place to see them all in just one night. Throughout December, this classic open-air trolley will guide guests through a cheerful tour of the best Christmas displays.

December 3: Sarasota Holiday Parade

The 26th Annual Sarasota Holiday Parade is the perfect way to kick off an exciting season of holiday events. Decorated floats under this year’s theme of “Winter Wonderland,” live marching bands, and even St. Nick himself come out to parade down Main Street Sarasota and spread the holiday cheer.

December 10: Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade

A cherished tradition since 1986, the Annual Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights invited boats of all sizes to join a beautifully decorated holiday regatta along Sarasota Bay. Guests are also encouraged to bring an unwrapped book or toy which will be distributed by Suncoast Charities for Children to spread holiday cheer amongst children in need.

December 10: The Nutcracker

A treasured holiday classic, The Nutcracker has returned to the Sarasota Opera House for its 20th year. Presented by the Diane Partington Studio of Classical Ballet, this enchanting production is an annual favorite, where the entire family can enjoy the adventures of young Clara as she explores a magical holiday world.

December 11- January 5: Lights in Bloom

More than two million lights will illuminate the Marine Selby Gardens at the 19th annual Lights in Bloom celebration. Guests can walk through the gardens to explore life-sized garden-themed holiday lights that transform the area into a tropical winter wonderland.

December 17: Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland

Presented at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, the Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland is a musical journey that transports audiences to a magical land. The show will combine world-class acrobatics and daredevil stunts with timeless seasonal classics to create an unforgettable holiday experience.

December 17: Christmas Glow Run 5k

Surrounded by Christmas lights and festive décor, the Christmas Glow 5k invites participants to walk or run through a lakeside course at night. Athletes add to the illuminating atmosphere at Nathan Benderson Park with complimentary glow products, and all will enjoy a snowy surprise that awaits at the finish line.

December 18: A Taste of Chanukah

Hosted by Chabad of Sarasota, the 11th Annual Taste of Chanukah Food & Music Festival hours of entertainment and activities for the whole family. This celebration of Jewish culture features catered kosher food, a helicopter that rains gelt, a three-ton snow slide, live music, menorahs, and much more.

December 22: A Very Merry Christmas

Jim Brickman, a multiple Grammy-nominated songwriter and piano sensation, is back at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall for his annual holiday tour, A Very Merry Christmas. This magical evening brings families and friends together for a joyous concert experience that blends yuletide memories and holiday favorites with his own hit songs.

A Private Sanctuary Near the Heart of Sarasota

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