Top Holiday Events in Sarasota & Beyond

On Florida’s Gulf Coast, we don’t typically see ice, sleet, or snow (unless you include December 24^th, 1989 when it flurried and I grabbed icicles off the roof and put them in the freezer as proof that it really happened). Nonetheless, when December comes, nothing says the holidays are here like twinkling lights, jolly festivals, and well, boat parades! Watch this week’s "Saunders in 60" to see the Michael Saunders & Company top choice of holiday events in Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte County. And read on below for more information and a number of other recommendations. Holidays Around the Ranch Friday, December 11 on Lakewood Ranch Main Street from 6-9pm Plenty of festive cheer for the whole family will be on display in Lakewood Ranch. Visit with Santa Claus, experience an outdoor skating rink, and delight in Dickens Carolers. More information.

The 30^th Annual Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights Saturday, December 12^th 6pm The best areas for viewing are in downtown Sarasota at Marina Jack Restaurant, Bay front Park, City Island and Centennial Park. 2015 Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade Saturday, December 12^th 6:30pm The best public viewing sites are the Green Bridge Pier, Riverhouse Reef and Grill Restaurant in Palmetto, along the Bradenton Riverfront and at Pier 22 Restaurant in downtown Bradenton. Visit their Facebook page for more details. 26^th Annual Charlotte Harbor Lighted Boat Parade Sunday, December 13^th 6pm The best viewing spots in Punta Gorda are Edgewater Lake in Charlotte Harbor, Fishermen's Village (West side dock) and the Isles Yacht Club. Visit the Punta Gorda Chamber site for more information.   Selby Garden’s “Lights in Bloom” December 18 2015 to December 30 2015 · 6:00pm  – 9:00pm You’ll be wowed by more than half a million lights twinkling thoughout the Garden’s most iconic locations. Visit Selby.org to find out more.   Dickens at the Crosley December 8 – 20, Visit website for details on dates and showtimes. Enjoy an evening of festive holiday carols and Dickens-style tales at the magnificent Powel Crosley Estate. Circus Nutcracker December 18-19 The Sarasota Ballet presents Matthew Hart’s John Ringling’s Circus Nutcracker at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Visit SarasotaBallet.org for tickets. A Christmas Carol December 17 - 21 A festive annual tradition in Venice at Venice Theatre, this musical version of Dickens’ classic tale follows Ebenezer Scrooge as he reflects on his past, present and possible future. Original music gives this classic tale a more modern twist. Visit VeniceStage.com for more.   Stay tuned to the Saunders in 60 for next week's Holiday Special featuring festive guest stars!