Fun Things to Do and See in Sarasota!
December 2024

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR

December 24 | Christmas Eve

December 25 | Christmas Day

December 25 | Hanukkah

December 31 | New Year’s Eve

Through December 22

North Pole Express - Parrish, FL

Enjoy a festive 35-minute train ride from Parrish, FL, to the North Pole. Upon arrival, guests will meet Santa and enjoy entertainment. Additional food and beverages are available for purchase at the North Pole station.

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December 2 - 3

Wintergreen Weekend at the Point

Celebrate the holiday season at the scenic Historic Spanish Point campus with cherished traditions, including "reindeer" pony rides, holiday storytelling, handbell performances, and many more festive activities.

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December 5

Christmas Walk 2024 Venice Main Street

Stroll along downtown avenues and enjoy extended shop hours, holiday treats, live music, and the glow of festive lights on decorated trees. Admire the charming holiday displays in illuminated storefront windows.

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December 6 - January 1

Lights in Bloom - Selby Gardens

Experience a tropical winter wonderland at Sarasota’s Downtown campus, where Lights in Bloom® illuminates gardens and walkways with over two million lights. Enjoy festive photo spots, activities, and entertainment for all ages.

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December 7

Holiday Vendor & Craft Fair

Mark your calendar for the 3rd Annual Holiday Vendor & Craft Fair on Saturday, December 7, from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Maxine Barritt Park in Venice. Enjoy vendors, crafts, art, food trucks, and more at this family-friendly event.

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December 7

Poinsettias in Paradise - North Port

The City of North Port’s annual Poinsettia Parade & Festival is set. The Festival is held at City Center Front Green from 3:00–7:00 p.m. The Poinsettia Parade begins at 5:00 p.m., ending at the festival site. Free shuttle service available.

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December 7

Christmas Boat Parade - Venice

Venice's miles of intracoastal waterways make it ideal for enjoying the Christmas Boat Parade of Lights up close. Celebrate the season with festive lights, palm trees, and holiday spirit. Boat owners are invited to decorate, join the fun, and give back to the community in this holiday tradition.

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December 7

Sarasota Holiday Parade - Downtown

The 28th Annual Sarasota Holiday Parade lights up downtown Sarasota on December 7. Starting at 7:00 p.m., the parade features decorated floats, live marching bands, and concludes with Santa Claus. Running along Main Street, this festive event is a holiday "must-see" for all.

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December 13

Jingle 5K Run/Walk - Lakewood Ranch

The Publix Jingle 5K is a festive holiday event for the whole family! This 3.1-mile evening course is lit with street and portable lights, snow machines, and holiday music. After the race, enjoy a lively post-race party.

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December 13 & 14

The Nutcracker - Venice Performing Arts

The Sarasota Ballet School, Venice Symphony, and Venice Institute for the Performing Arts present The Nutcracker, featuring Tchaikovsky’s score, stunning sets, and costumes by famed designer Peter Farmer.

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December 14

Sandy Claws Beach Run - Siesta Beach Park

The 48th Annual Sandy Claws Beach Run takes place at Siesta Key Beach, rated the #1 beach in the USA. Hosted by Sarasota County Parks, this event includes a 5K and 1-mile fun run, open to all ages. Join the holiday costume contest. Registration begins at 7:00 a.m.

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December 14

Boat Parade of Lights - Marina Jack

Watch a festive parade of holiday-decorated boats on Sarasota Bay, presented by Suncoast Charities for Children and Marina Jack. Free to attend, the parade begins at 6:00 p.m. from City Island, with the best viewing spots at City Island and Bayfront Park/Marina Jack in downtown Sarasota.

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December 14

Winter Wonderland - Old Main St Bradenton

The 2024 Winter Wonderland event will take place on Saturday, December 14, from 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. on Old Main Street, Bradenton. Families can enjoy photos with Santa, festive performances, street entertainers, a free winter carnival, make-and-take crafts, and holiday shopping amid magical falling snow.

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December 14

Holiday Boat Parade - Manatee River

The Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade, the county's largest holiday event, features a fleet of decorated vessels competing for prizes as spectators gather along the river to enjoy the festivities. This annual nonprofit event brings holiday spirit and fosters community traditions.

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December 20 - 22

Home for the Holidays - Venice

Celebrate the season with family and friends at this annual musical event featuring Christmas carols and favorite holiday songs like The First Noel, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and Sleigh Ride. Key Chorale and guest vocalist Liz Callaway will fill the evening with joy and festive spirit at the Venice Performing Arts Center.

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December 26 - 29

Diamond Jubilee! Sailor Circus, Sarasota

The Sailor Circus 75th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee Holiday Spectacular features over 100 young performers in a thrilling holiday show! Families will enjoy dazzling aerial artistry, acrobatics, acrobatic roller skating, fast-paced juggling, and more. Multiple show times are available, with food and drinks for purchase.

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December 31

New Year’s Eve - Downtown Sarasota

Join the 25th Annual New Year's Eve Pineapple Drop in downtown Sarasota on December 31, 2024. Enjoy carnival rides, live performances from 9 PM, delicious festival food, and the iconic Pineapple Drop at midnight. Free admission. Parental supervision required for those under 18.

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December 31

New Year’s Eve - Waterside Place LWR

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Waterside Place Plaza with a dazzling Sky Elements Drone Light Show, presented by Waterside Place and Capstan Financial Consulting Group. Enjoy live music by DJ Truth, food trucks, desserts, drinks, games, and activities for all ages.

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LIVE

Local Theatre

Asolo Repertory Theatre

Running through January 5, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Carole King's journey, like her music, was remarkable. By eighteen, she wrote number-one hits for Aretha Franklin and The Drifters, and by twenty-nine, became the voice of a generation. This inspiring musical, featuring two decades of King’s hits, captures her path of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery.

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Florida Studio Theatre

Running through December 29, Waitress. Featuring music and lyrics by Grammy Award winner Sara Bareilles, this story follows Jenna, a waitress and expert pie maker, trapped in a loveless marriage. When a baking contest offers a chance at freedom, Jenna, with the support of her friends and a new romance, rediscovers her courage and dreams.

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Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe

Through January 5, A Motown Christmas. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe brings the holiday spirit, blending soulful Motown hits and beloved carols. Featuring classics by legends like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and The Jackson 5, this lively show combines festive favorites with WBTT’s signature energy, creating a joyful experience for all ages.

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Lemon Bay Playhouse

Beginning on December 4, Sleeping Indoors. When literary critic Paul and his wife Nora invite a homeless man, Dwain, for Christmas dinner, they’re captivated by his charm and astonished by his journal’s brilliance. But can Dwain, whose art flourishes in obscurity, be persuaded to exchange his way of life for the comfort of a home?

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Circus Arts Conservatory

Running through January 5, Wonderland returns with Illuminate, an all-new, dazzling production under the big top at UTC. Featuring fan favorites Johnny Rockett, Ty McFarlan, and Nik Wallenda, this heartwarming show combines thrilling circus acts, aerial performances, and enchanting holiday storytelling for all ages.

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Manatee Performing Arts Centre

Opening on December 5, The Wizard of Oz. Follow the yellow brick road to the Emerald City in this enchanting stage adaptation of L. Frank Baum's classic. Join a Kansas farm girl on her journey over the rainbow, discovering there's truly no place like home. Filled with beloved songs and timeless characters, it’s fun for all ages.

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Venice Theatre

December 6 – 22, Venice Theatre’s musical A Christmas Carol returns, filled with holiday cheer. Familiar faces, including Brad Wages as Scrooge, join new cast members to bring Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of redemption and renewal to life, celebrating the season with warmth and joy for all ages.

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Players Centre for Performing Arts

December 5 – 15, Little Women. Inspired by Louisa May Alcott's life, Little Women follows the March sisters—Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy—as they navigate growing up during the Civil War. Encouraged by her friend, Professor Bhaer, Jo begins to write from the heart, crafting a timeless story of sisterhood and resilience.

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McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre

December 29, Drag Queen Bingo. Join the fun at this glamorous cabaret featuring Tamiami Trails and special guest stars in a hilarious variety show. Enjoy live performances by the area's top Drag Queens and play three exciting rounds of Bingo. Laugh, celebrate, and let loose at this dazzling event.

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