Get ready for a month filled with holiday cheer and Sarasota’s most festive events! From dazzling light displays and charming holiday parades to unique experiences like Breakfast with the Grinch and a Pineapple Drop to ring in the New Year, December has something for everyone. Whether you're looking to meet Santa or enjoy a cozy night under the stars, there's no shortage of ways to celebrate the season. Read on for the ultimate guide to Sarasota’s December events!

December 1 - 17, 2024: UTC Festival of Trees
Enjoy beautifully decorated holiday trees in a showcase and silent auction benefiting local charities. View the trees during mall hours at the Mall at UTC.
Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, FL.

December 1 - 22, 2024: North Pole Express
Take a magical train ride to meet Santa at the North Pole, complete with entertainment, activities, hot chocolate, and cookies.
Florida Railroad Museum, 12210 83rd Street East, Parrish, FL. Tickets required. Various times/prices.

December 1 - 31, 2024: Festival of Lights
Admire over one million holiday lights and decorations at Fisherman's Village.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL. Free.

December 1, 2024 - January 5, 2025: Wonderland Illuminate
Experience a dazzling holiday circus production featuring Nik Wallenda and thrilling performances under the big top.
Circus Sarasota Big Top, 195 UTC Dr., Sarasota, FL. Tickets: $35–$100.

December 1, 2024 - January 5, 2025: Ice Skating at UTC
Skate on a real ice rink at the UTC West District.
Tickets $17 (includes skate rental). Hours vary. Reservations required.

December 5, 2024: Annual Christmas Walk
Shop late, enjoy treats, and soak in the holiday vibes with live music in downtown Venice.
5 p.m. - 8 p.m., Downtown Venice, FL. Free.

December 5, 2024: Holiday Celebration with Santa
Visit Main Street at Lakewood Ranch for festive displays and photos with Santa.
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Main Street, Lakewood Ranch, FL. Free.

December 5 - 8, 2024: 50th Annual Singing Christmas Tree Spectacular
Marvel at a 25-foot-tall tree with a 115-member choir performing holiday classics.
First Baptist Church of Sarasota, 1661 Main St, Sarasota, FL. Tickets: $20 adults, $15 children.

December 6, 2024: Downtown Sarasota Sip & Shop
Enjoy live music, wine tastings, and boutique shopping along Main Street and Palm Avenue.
4 p.m. - 7 p.m., Sarasota, FL. Free.

December 6, 2024: North Jetty Food Truck Rally
Savor food truck eats and games at this family-friendly beach event.
5 p.m. - 9 p.m., North Jetty Park, Nokomis, FL.

December 6, 2024: Holiday Night of Lights
Kick off the holiday season with carols, Santa’s arrival, and a tree lighting ceremony.
6 p.m. - 9 p.m., St. Armand's Circle, Sarasota, FL.

December 6 - 7, 2024: Holly Jolly Village Christmas
Explore decorated shops, enjoy live music, and meet Santa in Bradenton’s Village of the Arts.
Various times, Village of the Arts, Bradenton, FL. Free.

December 6 - 7, 2024: Balloon Glow and Laser Show
Witness a magical hot air balloon glow and laser light show with food, rides, and live music.
5 p.m. - 10 p.m., Sarasota County Fairgrounds. Tickets $10–$45.

December 7, 2024: 27th Annual Jingle & Jog 5K Run/Walk
Support The Haven with this scenic run under oak canopies. Registration includes a t-shirt, food, and swag.
7 a.m. check-in, race starts at 8 a.m. Registration $40. Haven Campus, 4405 DeSoto Rd, Sarasota, FL.

December 7, 2024: Annual Christmas Jeep Convoy
Deck out your Jeep for this festive parade through Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, and more.
5 p.m. meet-up, 7 p.m. start. DeSoto Square Mall, 303 301 Blvd W, Bradenton, FL.

December 7, 2024: 28th Annual Sarasota Holiday Parade
Celebrate with festive floats, marching bands, and Santa Claus in downtown Sarasota.
7 p.m. parade start. Main Street, Sarasota, FL.

December 8, 2024: 6th Annual Caddy Carts Golf Cart Parade of Lights
Decorate your golf cart for a fun parade through Wellen Park, followed by live music and drinks.
3:30 p.m. decorating, 5:30 p.m. parade. CoolToday Park, 18800 S. West Villages Pkwy, Venice, FL. Free.

December 12, 2024: Holiday Celebration with Santa
Enjoy holiday lights and free Santa photos on Lakewood Ranch’s Main Street.
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Main Street, Lakewood Ranch, FL. Free.

December 13, 2024: Sidewalk Astronomy
Stargaze through powerful telescopes and catch a planetarium show at The Bishop.
6 p.m. - 10 p.m. $3 planetarium admission. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W, Bradenton, FL.

December 13 - 14, 2024: Christmas Town
Celebrate with a light maze, snow machines, and festive treats at this free event.
5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Southside Baptist Church, 2035 Magnolia, Sarasota, FL.

December 13 - 14, 2024: The Nutcracker by Sarasota Ballet and Venice Symphony
Enjoy this classic holiday performance accompanied by a live orchestra.
December 13 at 7 p.m., December 14 at 3 p.m. Tickets $40–$85. Venice Performing Arts Center, One Indian Ave., Venice, FL.

December 14, 2024: An Old Florida Christmas
Step back in time with crafts, live music, and historic exhibits at Manatee Village.
10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Manatee Village Historical Park, 1404 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton, FL. Free.

December 14, 2024: Bradenton Winter Wonderland Celebration
Meet Santa, enjoy live performances, and shop local vendors on Old Main Street.
5 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Downtown Bradenton, FL.

December 14, 2024: Jingle All the Way Concert
Celebrate the season with holiday tunes from the Manatee Community Concert Band.
3 p.m. SCF Neel Performing Arts Center, 5840 26th St. W, Bradenton, FL.

December 14, 2024: 9th Annual Ugly Sweater Crawl
Show off your ugliest holiday sweater in this fun downtown Sarasota bar crawl.
3 p.m. - 10 p.m. Tickets $15–$36. Registration at Raffurty's, 1888 Main St., Sarasota, FL.

December 14, 2024: Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Catch this illuminated boat parade starting from City Island and cruising Sarasota Bay.
6 p.m. Downtown Sarasota, FL.

December 15, 2024: Taste of the Bay
Sample signature dishes from local restaurants while enjoying live music at this outdoor food festival.
Noon - 3 p.m. The Bay Park, 1055 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota, FL. Free entry. Food tickets $5.

December 17, 2024: Holiday Celebration with Santa
Celebrate the season with festive lights and free photos with Santa on Lakewood Ranch’s Main Street.
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Main Street, Lakewood Ranch, FL. Free.

December 20, 2024: Breakfast with the Grinch
Enjoy a hearty breakfast, crafts, games, and a photo opportunity with the Grinch himself.
7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex, 2650 Waldemere St., Sarasota, FL. $10 per plate.

December 21, 2024: Sarasota Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl
Show off your tackiest holiday sweater while enjoying drinks, contests, and prizes on this festive pub crawl.
4:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. Joe's On Main, 1448 Main St., Sarasota, FL.

December 21, 2024: Christmas on Main
Enjoy free games, rides, and attractions in this holiday event, capped off with a candlelight service.
4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Main Street, Lakewood Ranch, FL. Free.

December 23, 2024: Winterfest and Outdoor Candlelight Service
Celebrate with food trucks, inflatables, live music, and a candlelight service to cap off the evening.
3 p.m. - 7 p.m. South Shore Community Church, 1899 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota, FL.

December 25, 2024: Pinecraft Christmas Parade
Watch or join this charming parade in Sarasota’s Amish and Mennonite community.
3 p.m. Parade start. Pinecraft, near Bahia Vista Ave. and Beneva Rd., Sarasota, FL. Free.

December 31, 2024: Sarasota New Year’s Eve Pineapple Drop
Ring in 2025 with live music, a midnight pineapple drop, fireworks, and carnival fun.
1 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. Main Street and Lemon Ave., Downtown Sarasota, FL. Free.

December 31, 2024: New Year’s Eve at Waterside
Celebrate with live music, food, drinks, and a drone light show to welcome the new year.
6 p.m. - Midnight. Waterside Place, Island Cove Terrace, Sarasota, FL. Free.

December 31, 2024: UTC Family New Year’s Eve Party
Enjoy live entertainment, face painting, and a fireworks countdown at this family-friendly celebration.
7 p.m. - 9 p.m. University Town Center, 210 North Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota, FL. Free.

December 31, 2024: New Year’s Rooftop Soiree
Celebrate the new year with stunning views, a DJ, hors d'oeuvres, and a midnight champagne toast.
9 p.m. - 1 a.m. The Westin Sarasota Rooftop, 100 Marina View Dr., Sarasota, FL. $150 per person.

December 31, 2024: Fireworks on the Bay
Watch a dazzling midnight fireworks show over Sarasota Bay.
Midnight. Bayfront Park, Sarasota, FL. Free.