Deck the Halls: Sarasota's Arts Scene in December

As December unfolds along Florida’s Cultural Coast®, Sarasota transforms into a winter destination full of holiday sparkle. From enchanting light gardens and interactive theater to downtown galleries and waterfront parks, our natural landscapes are as alive as our arts scene.

The Ringling's Holiday Splendor

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art presents its annual Holiday Splendor for two nights in December. On Thursday, Dec. 4 and Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, from 4:30-7:30 p.m., celebrate the giving season and help support the local U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots serving Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Admission to the event is free with one unwrapped toy per person, or regular admission applies without a toy donation.

There will be musical entertainment, art making and a book market, and the best part: All of The Ringling venues will be open for self-touring during the event, including the Museum of Art, Ca' d'Zan and the Circus Museum. Check names off your holiday gift list by purchasing something from the museum store, offering artworks and crafts by local artists—plus a selection of toys less than $20.

Lakewood Ranch's Holiday of the Arts

Do some holiday shopping for your loved ones—or for yourself—at Holiday of the Arts, offering original handmade works by artisans from across the country. Mark your calendar for Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6-7, 2025, when Lakewood Ranch Main Street transforms into an open-air gallery for the holidays, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

Stroll through rows of finely crafted art—paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photography, ceramics, mixed media and woodworking—and meet the creators behind each piece. Whether you’re browsing what's available or commissioning a custom work, you're sure to find something to add to the gift pile.

Sarasota Art Museum's Hands On for the Holidays

Sarasota Art Museum invites you and your loved ones to roll up your sleeves and get hands-on for the holidays, December 26-28, 2025. All three studios—Ceramics, Multimedia and Painting & Drawing—will be open for artist-led activities, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Materials are included, so just show up and get creative as you make themed art and memories with your kids. Admission is free for members or included with general museum entry.

Art Ovation's Holiday Art Mart

Head to downtown Sarasota on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, for a swanky art market in the lobby of Art Ovation Hotel. Discover artwork, jewelry, crafts, glass art, ceramics and more at this new Holiday Art Mart, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. You'll be able to meet local artists and see their items for sale. And who knows—you might even find the perfect gifts for your family and friends.

The hotel will be decorated as a festive wonderland to heighten the holiday spirit at this free event, and holiday-themed beverages will be available to keep spirits bright.

Holiday Shows Across Our Theaters

Many beloved holiday shows return for the month of December throughout Sarasota County—from Florida Studio Theatre's interactive family-fun sketches in Deck the Halls and The Venice Symphony's highly anticipated Sounds of the Season to The Sarasota Ballet's classical rendition of The Nutcracker and Venice Theatre's original musical version of Dickens' A Christmas Carol. 

Selby Gardens' Lights in Bloom

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens transforms its bayfront grounds into a shimmering wonderland during the holidays for its annual Lights in Bloom® event. The open-air light show features more than 2 million lights illuminating the beautiful botanical gardens and walkways—inviting photo moments, entertainment and tropical evening strolls. 

Lights in Bloom runs 6:30-9 p.m., December 6 – January 3. Advance tickets are recommended. You can purchase yours online here.

The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime's Limelight Market

The indoor indie market combines the beauty of outdoor spaces with the creative energy of Sarasota's artistic community, plus live music, animal adoptions and food trucks. The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime provides a delightful setting to browse and purchase artworks and wares from 70-plus local makers and artists every third Saturday of the month with its Limelight Market. 

On December 20, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., enjoy vendors selling holiday-themed items and Secret Santa gifts in the festive courtyard. You can also browse and shop the bazaar every Thursday to Saturday during the same hours if you can't make the Saturday market.

Wonderland Circus' Believe

An extraordinary circus spectacle for the holidays returns to University Town Center's decked-out and decorated Big Top in Wonderland Circus' Believe. The show runs through the month of December, with a finale on January 4, 2026, so there are dozens of chances to catch this electrifying performance. Each show promises a blend of thrilling circus arts, mesmerizing aerial performances and uplifting holiday storytelling. 

Atomic Holiday Bazaar

Get a jump on your holiday shopping at the annual Atomic Holiday Bazaar, set for Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6-7, 2025. From noon – 5 p.m. at the Robarts Arena, browse hundreds of indie-craft vendors—everything handmade, one-of-a-kind and far from big-box ordinary. Tree ornaments, art prints, ceramics, candles, vintage finds and quirky gifts await. 

Admission is $6 for adults, free for kids 12 and under. Bring cash (many vendors prefer it) and a bag. 

UTC Holiday Greeting Card Contest

‘Tis the season for heartwarming card art! UTC's annual Holiday Greeting Card Contest is now underway. Discover more than 50 delightful holiday card designs created by students from local elementary, middle and high schools and local organizations. 

Explore these festive creations along the east side of the Cattlemen Road corridor (from Buff City Soaps to Natuzzi Italia) and vote for your favorites now through December 31. You can also view the designs in each category here and cast your votes online.