'Tis the Season for Outdoor Holiday Events Around Sarasota

Make this holiday season on the Suncoast one to remember with these holly jolly al fresco events – from captivating boat parades, family-fun movie nights and a 5K "glow run" to photos with Santa at the farmers' market and ice-skating under the warm starlit sky. 'Tis the season for bright lights and festivities – and there's no better place to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year than where you can wear a light jacket in Florida's "winter" weather.

Festive Photos with Santa at Waterside Place

Photo courtesy of Lakewood Ranch

Head to the Waterside Place Plaza for some special moments with Santa Claus. Wear your matching holiday jammies or dress in your holiday best, and have your photos taken with ol' St. Nick before your children can tell him their Christmas wish list. You will have two ops to catch Santa: on Sunday December 8th, 10am-12pm at the Lakewood Ranch Farmers Market and on Wednesday, December 11th, 6pm-9pm during Ranch Nites. Both events will include live music, fantastic food trucks and cornhole.

Holiday Movies Under the Stars at the UTC

Snuggle up this season with your loved ones and catch a flick on the big screen – outside! The University Town Center (UTC) will be showing classic holiday films under the stars on a giant projector screen. The movie lineup includes: Frozen, The Santa Clause, The Polar Express, Elf, Eight Crazy Nights and more. Grab a bite beforehand from the many eateries around UTC and enjoy special character visits and onsite concessions. It's recommended to bring a lawn or beach chair, blanket or truck bed to enjoy seating. 

Afterward, just a short stroll away, lace up your skates for some more wintertime fun at The Rink (4pm-10pm), or catch a horse-drawn carriage ride (6pm-10pm) around the spectacular light display coordinated to Christmas music all around the UTC.

Fridays and Saturdays for the month of December, starting at 6pm, in the parking lot near Ford's Garage at University Town Center, free for the public.

Annual Venice Christmas Boat Parade

Pull up a chair and watch festive boats float by along the Intracoastal Waterway at this cherished local event of Venice. Lauded for how up-close spectators can get to the action and that "no boat is too small," it's a can't-miss holiday spectacle that'll surely get you in the holiday spirit, Florida-style. Visit Venice Christmas Boat Parade for a route map and more information. 

The Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

Further north, Sarasota does its own annual boat parade tradition (since 1986!) that brings decked-out vessels of every size to downtown Sarasota's bayfront for a night of all-ages fun and festivities. Line the shores with thousands of other spectators and watch intricately bedecked boats glide across the water, blasting your favorite Christmas tunes along the wake. The route goes from City Island across Sarasota Bay to Centennial Park, then heads south to Bayfront Park. Bring folding chairs and find your spot along the water for a most fabulous evening by the water. Guests are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy or book which will be distributed by local nonprofits. 

Lights in Bloom® at Selby Gardens

Experience the enchanting sight of over two million twinkling lights covering trees and lighting up pathways in Selby Garden's tropical setting. Attendees can look forward to illuminating entertainment, children’s activities, plenty of photo ops and delectable food available for purchase. Lights in Bloom® is proudly ranked #6 in USA Today's 10Best Readers’ Choice contest for Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights in the country!

Wellen Wonderland at Downtown Wellen Park

Further south of Sarasota, head down to North Port's newest downtown, Wellen Park to celebrate the season with a lovely lineup of holiday sights and sounds! From choir performances and photo ops with Santa to live music on the Solis Hall stage and festivities around the greatly lit Christmas tree, Wellen Wonderland is a great place to grab a bite to eat at one of the surrounding restaurants and then stroll for some winter evening magic. 

Thursday, December 5th – December 12th, 6pm, Downtown Wellen Park 

Tree Lighting Ceremony on St. Armand’s Circle

Stroll through dazzling displays as Lido Key's iconic St. Armands Circle magically comes to life with a towering 60-ft Christmas tree full of colorful lights and ornaments, located right in the middle of all the surrounding action of the Circle. Once you've witnessed the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, shop and dine under the night sky for holiday gifts and seasonal refreshments at the many shops and restaurants. 

Sarasota Christmas Glow Run 5K

This family-friendly, festive event features miles of Christmas decorations and music that creates a fun and active atmosphere that will get you feeling merry and bright! This professionally chip-timed night glow run will be a memorable experience like no other. Athletes can run or walk the lakeside Christmas-themed course of Nathan Benderson Park with thousands of lights and lighted characters at night. Runners are welcomed to add to the atmosphere with their complimentary glow products that are included with registration and there is a 100% chance of pretty "snowfall" at the finish! Sign up to participate for the Christmas Glow Run 5K here!

Saturday, December 14th, start time 5:45pm, Nathan Benderson Park

Wintergreen Weekend at the Point

The holiday spirit takes over at this two-day, Victorian-inspired celebration of timeless holiday activities among the moss-draped oaks of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens' Historic Spanish Point campus in Osprey. Expect hours of cheerful songs, Asolo Repertory yuletide readings and storytelling, handbell performances and “reindeer” pony rides; all that’s missing are the snow flurries! Learn more about Wintergreen Weekend. 

Holiday Splendor at The Ringling 

Celebrate the holiday season and help support the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots, serving Sarasota and Manatee counties. Local schools will provide musical entertainment at The Ringling's beautiful Museum of Art Courtyard while the rest of the museum exhibits will be open for self-touring – including the Museum of Art, Ca' d'Zan and the Circus Museum. Admission to this event is free with one unwrapped toy per person (Tip: a large selection of toys under $20 are available for purchase at the Museum gift shop!). Check out the performance schedule for Holiday Splendor.

Thursdays, December 5th and 12th, 5pm-8pm, The Ringling Museum of Art, regular admission will apply without a toy donation

Holiday Art Festival at Art Center Sarasota

Come shop for beautiful arts and crafts by the Sarasota Bayfront at the Holiday Art Festival, hosted by local art gallery, Art Center Sarasota. Showcasing original, handmade artwork by artists of all disciplines from around the area, this outdoor gallery is the perfect way to find some one-of-a-kind gifts!

Saturday, December 14 & Sunday, December 15, 12pm–5pm, The Sam & Sally Shapiro Sculpture Garden at Art Center Sarasota