For many reasons, 2020 will be a year that we will never forget. As we head into the last month of the calendar year, it’s time to make some good memories at these holiday events in Sarasota, and let December take some of the stress out of this challenging time.
While some of the annual holiday events may be canceled, the following events are still on as of this writing. If we ever needed some holiday cheer, it is now and while the Greater Sarasota area may have fewer than normal events this year, the following holiday events will surely put a smile on our faces and warmth in our hearts.
Please see the websites for full information as well as any updates on last minute cancellations or postponements.
St. Armands Holiday Night of Lights
When: Friday, December 4th, 5:30 pm to 9 pm
Where: St. Armands Circle
Kickoff the holiday season with this free event at St. Armands. Watch the lighting of the 55-foot tall Christmas tree and get your picture taken with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Holiday guests can enjoy live performances, special store promotions, and holiday specials at nearby shops and restaurants. This is an annual tradition that many locals and visitors look forward to.
Country Christmas at Hunsader Farms
When: December 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20 – 6pm to 10pm
Where: Hunsader Farms, 5500 C.R. 675, Bradenton, FL 34211
Experience an old fashioned country Christmas that’s perfect for the whole family. You will enjoy over 300,000 lights, hayrides, train rides, Christmas music, displays, a petting zoo, and even snow tubing. Of course, Santa will be on hand to visit with the children. Free parking. Admission is $10 per person. Kids 5 and under are free.
For more information, please visit https://www.hunsaderfarms.com/country-christmas.
Lights in Bloom at Selby Gardens
When: December 14th through January 2nd, 6pm to 9pm
Where: Selby Gardens, 1534 Mound Street, Sarasota, FL 34236
Prepare to be dazzled by more than two million lights illuminating the beautiful gardens and stroll through walkways that are transformed into sensory light tunnels. This open-air event is sure to create some magical holiday memories for you and your family.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit https://selby.org/dsc/dsc-special-events/lights-in-bloom/.
Showfolks Holiday Circus Festival
When: Saturday, Dec. 12th to Sunday, Dec. 13th – 10am to 6pm
Where: Sarasota County Fairgrounds & Robarts Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34237
Showfolks has modified their annual indoor tradition and are presenting an outdoor, open-air, walk-through circus festival for 2020. There will be dozens of local and international circus artists performing continuous acts for the weekend. Attendees will walk through the festival grounds and enjoy not only circus acts, but exhibits, food vendors, arts and crafts, pony rides, flea market booths, face painting, and family-friendly activities. The kids can also meet Santa and get a free picture with him.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://showfolks.com/.
Sarasota Christmas Glow Run
When: Saturday, December 19th, starts at 6 pm
Where: Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, FL 34235
This is a fun, family-friendly event featuring dozens of Christmas decorations at the start and finish line. Music will fill the air and help to start your holiday season off right. This professionally chip-timed night glow run has athletes running or walking the lakeside Christmas themed course at night.
Please visit https://www.runeliteevents.com/sarasota-christmas-glow-run-5k.html.
Because of COVID-19, there aren’t as many holiday events as usual, but the above events are perfect for anyone who needs some serious holiday fun. We hope to see you and your family at one or more of these magical events in 2020!
