While the holidays may feel a little different in Florida, there is something to be said for not having to follow a snowplow in order to get where you’re going. If you plan to be in the Sarasota area for Christmas, Hanukkah, or New Year's Eve, you can plan on good weather, fun times, and plenty of great holiday choices for young and old alike. Here are our favorite 2022 holiday events in Sarasota.
Where: Hunsader Farms, 5500 C.R. 675, Bradenton, FL 34211
When: Dec. 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23
Website: https://www.hunsaderfarms.com/country-christmas
Country Christmas is the perfect way to catch the Christmas spirit with over 300,000 lights, hayrides, train rides, Christmas music, kiddie rides, a petting zoo, and much more at this annual family favorite. Parking is free and admission is $15 for ages 6 and up. Food and gift items are also available for purchase.
Where: First Baptist Church of Sarasota, 1661 Main street, Sarasota, FL 34236
When: December 2, 3 and 4
Website: https://www.firstsarasota.org/events
This annual tradition is spectacular to experience in person. The singing Christmas tree is 25 feet tall and has twelve levels that hold 130 choir members, and over 10,000 lights, and is accompanied by a live orchestra.
Where: UTC Mall, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, FL 34243
When: Dec. 1st – 19th
Website: https://www.gsgcf.org/en/events/GingerbreadFestival.html
For many, making gingerbread houses is a holiday tradition that is passed on from generation to generation. At the Gingerbread House Festival, families can view amazing, one-of-a-kind gingerbread houses created by troops, schools, non-profits, and businesses. It’s a great family outing that is loved by everyone.
Where: Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236
When: Various dates throughout December
Website: https://www.floridastudiotheatre.org/deck-halls-1
The Florida Studio Theatre presents its traditional Christmas play with new songs and sketches. Get ready to deck the palms and get into the holiday spirit – Florida style – with this interactive family show.
Where: Manatee Village, 1404 Manatee Ave. East, Bradenton, FL 34208
When: Dec. 10th, 10 am to 3 pm
Website: https://www.manateevillage.org/events
Experience an old-fashioned Florida holiday celebration with this free-admission event at the Manatee Village Historical Park. Guests can stroll through the village and see the buildings decked out in Victorian and Florida pioneer-inspired décor. The event also features music and handmade items for sale.
When: December 10th, 6 pm to 8 pm
Where: Various locations on Sarasota Bay
Website: https://www.escape-to-sarasota.com/sarasota-holiday-boat-parade.html
Presented by Suncoast Charities for Children and Marina Jack, this annual event features a parade of boats decorated for the holidays, each more beautiful than the previous one. Admission is free. The best area for viewing is Island Park. Guests are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy or book.
The holidays are here and it’s time for everyone to capture the magic of the season. These events in the Sarasota area are wonderful for families, couples, and friends to share and make memories that will last for years to come.
