Marvelous Markets: Where to Stroll & Shop this Holiday Season

There's no shortage of holiday shopping and fun in and around Sarasota. From cool neighborhoods where you'll find that next great gift to holiday-themed festivals, you'll feel the holiday spirit long after your visit...

Holiday Markets & Seasonal Events

Get ready to soak in all the holiday feels at these special events and seasonal markets around the Sarasota area.

First, Venice celebrates the holidays in all its seaside splendor with Christmas Walk 2025 on Thursday, Dec. 4, from 5 to 8 pm. In Downtown Venice, admire window displays and storefront decorated for Christmas. Retailers will stay open late during this event so visitors can enjoy treats, shopping, the twinkle of lights on decorated trees along the downtown avenues and live music from The Venice Chorale. Of course, you'll be able to see Santa, too!

St. Armands Circle Park

Next, bring the fam and friends on Friday, Dec. 5, to enjoy Holiday Night of Lights on St. Armands Circle, Sarasota's open-air, European-style shopping district where you can find everything from artisan teas and flavored hot sauces to marine artwork, high-end swimwear and headware. The Circle will feature a Christmas carol sing-along, a Santa parade and the lighting of the shopping area's 60-foot-high Christmas tree. Peruse nearby shops where you may just find a discount in honor of Holiday Night of Lights. Plus, get your picture with Mr. and Mrs. Claus!

Then, there's the supercool and much-anticipated Atomic Holiday Bazaar—taking place this year on Saturday, Dec. 6, and Sunday, Dec. 7 at Sarasota's Robarts Arena. This is the place to go for amusing, affordable and definitely one-of-a-kind gift items that won't be found in big box stores

Also on Saturday, Dec. 6, and Sunday, Dec. 7, Lakewood Ranch Main Street will host its Lakewood Ranch Holiday of the Arts, where you can find fine arts gifts for everyone on your list. Jewelry, photography, sculptures and lots more will be available from artisans around the U.S.

On Saturday, Dec. 13, and Sunday, Dec. 14, Wellen Park will host its first Holiday Festival of the Arts in its scenic Downtown Wellen Park area. Come check out all of the outdoor gallery featuring original works by artisans from across Florida and the U.S. The festival will showcase a diverse array of art forms, including paintings, sculptures, photography, glasswork, ceramics, wearable art, mixed-media creations, masterful woodworking and more!

Walkable Neighborhoods & Weekly Markets

If you’re looking to spend a whole day conquering your holiday gift list, then Downtown Sarasota should be your destination. Over several hip districts and artsy enclaves, you’ll find one-of-a-kind locally made items, high-end chains and, whenever you need it, excellent food and drink. Explore Sarasota's Main Street, Palm Avenue, State Street and Pineapple Avenue to discover what's on the walls and shelves of many art galleries, clothing boutiques, retailers and specialty merchants. 

Sarasota Farmers Market

If you time things right, you may also find something unexpected and interesting for a gift at the Sarasota Farmers Market, which takes place on Saturday mornings. This market's been around for decades and remains as popular as ever. Bonus: You can explore Sarasota's Main Street, Palm Avenue, State Street and Pineapple Avenue while also enjoying the market! These downtown streets encompass many art galleries, boutiques, retailers and merchants to find something unexpected and interesting for a gift!

Looking for a holiday shopping experience that genuinely feels local (and totally unique)? Head to The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime, Sarasota’s cozy indie market—showcasing 40+ makers, artists, curators and vintage vendors under one roof daily. With handcrafted jewelry, art, home décor, fashion treasures and pocket-friendly trinkets—it’s the kind of place where you’ll find gifts that don’t look mass-produced. Catch the next Limelight Pop-Up Market at The Bazaar, a series held every third Saturday of the month that rolls out deep deals, collectibles and limited-edition finds. Expect live music, rescue pups up for adoption and a cheerful market atmosphere leading right up to Christmas on Dec. 20. It’s a great last-minute-gift stop or a fun outing with friends while enjoying food at the courtyard food truck and a relaxed, artsy vibe. Who knows, maybe you'll bring home a furry new friend for an extra-special Christmas present!

Waterside Place, courtesy of Lakewood Ranch

Waterside Place offers open-air shopping and restaurants, where you can combine holiday shopping with a fun afternoon or evening night out enjoying holiday festivities such as musical performances, photos with Santa and outdoor holiday movie nights. Discover gourmet cooking tools and ingredients, coastal-chic apparel, jewelry, shoes and other accessories, then stroll down to the pavilion to take in the giant, lit Christmas tree by the lake. On Sundays, catch the Farmers' Market at Lakewood Ranch to find 100+ vendors that can help you cross off some unique stocking stuffers or Secret Santa gifts. 

Among the manicured sidewalks of nearby Lakewood Ranch Main Street, you’ll find boutiques worth browsing—from fine-wine sellers to contemporary jewelry and home décor. Then, there’s the ever-so-fun Main Street Market at LWR, a monthly gathering of artists and artisans and the fresh finds they offer. The market takes place monthly, from October to April. Catch the December 13 market for holiday-themed items and gift ideas!

It’s always fun to stroll through beachy, laid-back Siesta Key Village—whether you want a new pair of sandals, swimsuit or sunglasses, or even coastal décor for the beach lover in your life. If you're visiting on a Sunday, you’re in for a treat. Find packaged food items and lovingly handmade goods that make great gifts or souvenirs from the Siesta Key Farmers Market. 'Tis the season to stock up on yummies and sweets!

Venice MainStreet

Spending time in south Sarasota County? Move down your holiday shopping list on Venice MainStreet, where you'll find myriad boutiques lining streets like Venice Avenue and Miami Avenue. Time your visit for a Saturday to stroll at the Venice Florida Farmer’s Market, where you'll find vendors selling everything from handmade soaps and woven bags to flavored honey and seashell jewelry. Treat yourself or treat someone special in mind! 

Make your way further south of the county to Dearborn Street in Old Englewood Village—another walkable, tree-lined district packed with independent boutiques, artisan studios, antiques shops, coastal-inspired galleries and quirky mom-and-pop storefronts. Score everything from handmade jewelry to home décor, local art and Florida-crafted gifts. With festive lights, sidewalk displays and a small-town, Old-Florida feel, Dearborn Street makes holiday shopping feel warm, personal and refreshingly unhurried.