Light Up the Holidays: Parades, Fireworks & Festive Events Across Sarasota

Make this holiday season on Florida's Cultural Coast® one to remember with these holly jolly events—from boat parades and outdoor movie nights to a 5K "glow run," photos with Santa and ice-skating under the stars. 

'Tis the season for bright lights, fireworks and festivities, and there's no better place to enjoy the most wonderful time of year than someplace you can soak up warm winter magic from day into night.

Holidays at UTC

The highly anticipated Holidays at UTC are back! Every year, University Town Center (UTC) lights up in spectacular fashion and hosts activities and events all the way to the new year. Snuggle up this season with your loved ones and catch a flick on the big projector for an outdoor movie night. Classic holiday films under the stars include Frozen, The Santa Clause, The Polar Express, Elf and Home Alone. Grab a bite beforehand from the many eateries around UTC and enjoy special character visits and on-site concessions. It's recommended to bring a lawn or beach chair, blanket or truck bed for seating (Fridays and Saturdays, 7 p.m.). 

Afterward, just a short stroll away, lace up your skates for more wintertime fun at The Rink (4-10 p.m.), or catch a horse-drawn carriage ride (6-10 p.m.) around the spectacular light display coordinated to Christmas music. And every Saturday immediately following the 9 p.m. light show, catch picture-worthy fireworks viewable from all UTC districts.

Holiday activities happen daily, November 9, 2025–January 5, 2026. Check online for specific event details, dates, times and an area map showing locations of festivities.

Venice Christmas Boat Parade

Pull up a chair and watch festively decorated boats float along the Intracoastal Waterway at this cherished annual event in Venice. Lauded for how 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; boats set sail from Venice Waterfront on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, at 6 p.m.

Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

Sarasota has 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 bedecked boats glide across the water, blasting your favorite Christmas tunes in their wake.

The Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights route goes from Lido Key's City Island to Sarasota Bayfront Park. Bring folding chairs and find your spot along the water for a fabulous evening by the water. Guests are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy or book to be distributed by local nonprofits. 

Lights in Bloom® at Selby Gardens

Experience the enchanting sight of over 2 million twinkling lights covering trees and lighting pathways through Selby Gardens. The family 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 Wellen Park

South of Sarasota, head to North Port's Downtown Wellen Park to celebrate the most wonderful time of year with a lovely lineup of holiday sights and sounds. From choir performances, photo ops with Santa and a golf-cart parade to a Glow Bike Ride, Snow Party for Kids and festivities around the greatly lit Christmas tree, Wellen Wonderland is the place to be for families and loved ones. Dine at one of the restaurants in the outdoor plaza, then stroll the lakefront for some winter evening magic. 

Winter Wonderland will be held December 4–7, 2025, at Downtown Wellen Park.

Holiday Night of Lights at St. Armands Circle

Kick off the holiday season and stroll through dazzling displays at Holiday Night of Lights. Lido Key's iconic St. Armands Circle comes to life with a towering 60-foot Christmas tree full of colorful lights and ornaments—located right in the middle of the action. Once you've seen the annual tree-lighting ceremony, shop and dine under the night sky for holiday gifts and seasonal refreshments at the shops and restaurants around the Circle, many of which offer special store promotions for the event. 

Photos with Santa at Waterside Place

Photo courtesy of Lakewood Ranch

Head to Waterside Place for special moments for the kids to share their wish lists with Santa Claus. Wear your matching holiday jammies or dress in your holiday best and have your photos taken with ol' St. Nick. The beautiful lakeside entertainment district will have its annual tree lighting as well as host seasonal events such as outdoor movie nights, live music in the plaza and its coveted Ranch Nites market with fantastic food trucks and cornhole tournaments.

Check its website for event dates and information. 

Sarasota Christmas Glow Run 5K

This family-friendly event features miles of Christmas decorations and music that creates a fun and active atmosphere that will get the whole crew feeling merry and bright! This timed glow run is a memorable nighttime experience like no other. 

Run or walk the lakeside Christmas-themed course of Nathan Benderson Park with thousands of lights and lighted characters along the way. Runners and walkers are welcome to add to the atmosphere with complimentary glow products included with registration—and there's a 100% chance of "snowfall" at the finish! Sign up to participate for the Christmas Glow Run 5K here.

The run takes place Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, with a start time of 5:45 p.m.

LECOM presents Wonderland: Believe

Photo courtesy of Wonderland

Ready for an awe-inspiring performance full of holiday cheer and larger-than-life performers lighting up the arena? Wonderland: Believe is back with a jaw-dropping production that promises to take audiences on a heartwarming and visually stunning journey, weaving in the enchantment of the winter holidays and traditions from around the world. Witness high-flying acrobatics and enchanting tight-rope artistry featuring Nik Wallenda (aka King of the Hire Wire).

Showtimes run November 21, 2025–January 4, 2026 inside a climate-controlled Big Top at University Town Center. Ticket prices vary and can be purchased online.

Holiday Festival of the Arts at Lakewood Ranch 

Shop for beautiful arts and crafts at Downtown Lakewood Ranch during the Holiday Festival of the Arts. The quaint area transforms into a wonderland of original art and holiday sparkle during this boutique festival featuring local artisans and their handmade paintings, jewelry, ceramics, woodwork, photography and more. Stroll through booths, meet creators, pick up one-of-a-kind gifts or even commission something custom, all amid a festive community atmosphere.

The holiday festival is scheduled for December 6–7, 2025, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. both days, on Lakewood Ranch Main Street. Admission is free.