Do you enjoy viewing lighted displays, drinking hot chocolate and singing carols? Then you won't want to miss Sarasota during the holiday season. Here a just a few of the festive events that take place during December:
Selby Gardens will host their annual "Lights in Bloom" event, December 16th to December 30th, 2016 from 6 pm to 9 pm. Half a million lights will illuminate the gardens with displays at some of the garden's most iconic locations. There will be traditional holiday music, photo opportunities and food and drink available from Michael's On East. Please note: the event does not occur on December 24th and 25th.
Celebrate Chanukah in Sarasota on December 26th from 4 pm to 6 pm at the Sarasota Fairgrounds. Bands, kosher food, inflatables, a petting zoo, carnival games, ice menorah and a giant dreidel are just some of the things to look forward to at the 6th annual Taste of Chanukah.
The classic Nutcracker Ballet, performed by the The Moscow Ballet, will run on December 29th, 2016 at the Van Wezel. With a 60-foot growing Christmas tree; hand-made costumes and stunning, hand-painted sets designed by an Academy Award nominee, Sarasota audiences are sure to be delighted. Tickets are available online.
The Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade is a dazzling light show on water. Boats of every size are decked out in creative displays of holiday fun. If you are planning to attend the parade, please keep in mind that the best locations for viewing are Marina Jack, City Island and Centennial Park.
The Sailor Circus Holiday Spectacular runs from December 26 to December 29th, with eight shows in all. The thrilling performances feature students ages 8-18. Don't miss the country's oldest running youth circus as they delight audiences of all ages.
Situated on the same property as the Ringling Museum, Holiday Nights at the Ca' d'Zan is free with museum admission. Festive fireplace mantels, decorative doors and a brilliantly lit 10 ft tree give the mansion a holiday make-over that will fill visitors with the holiday spirit.
The parade is one of Sarasota's most anticipated events and will be held on Saturday, December 3rd. Illuminated floats, marching bands, musical performances and the arrival of Santa Claus are just a few of of the highlights as the parade moves down Main Street in front of a cheering crowd. One of the largest and best known holiday parades along the Sun Coast.
Now in its 38th year, the Holiday Night of Lights on St. Armand's Circle is a holiday tradition. The festivities includes caroling, photo opportunities with Santa, musical performances and a tree-lighting ceremony. The event takes place on December 2nd from 5:30 pm to 9 pm.
The Pineapple Drop is a Sarasota New Year's Eve tradition, signifying the tail-end of the holiday season and the prospects of a new year. If you'll be staying at the Inn On Siesta Key on December 31st, ring in 2017 with us in downtown Sarasota. It's a great way to celebrate New Year's Eve.
This holiday season is jam packed with festive events. Sarasota has plenty to do and see this holiday season. We hope that you will celebrate the holidays with us this year. Happy holidays from your friends at the Inn on Siesta Key!
