Looking for things to do in our area this holiday season? Michael Saunders & Company has you covered with a list of local events. While holiday parades and some other events already have taken place, there's still plenty to do across the Suncoast.
Holidays at UTC Through Tuesday, January 2 - Nightly Light Shows: Enjoy the sights and sounds of the season with shows along Cattlemen Road from 6:30 to 9:30 pm; shows run every 30 minutes
- The Rink at UTC: Lace up your skates for some wintertime fun at the East District at UTC near PopStroke. Click here to buy tickets.
- Holiday Movies Under The Stars: Watch classic holiday films under the stars and enjoy on-site concessions Fridays and Saturdays at 7 pm in the parking lot near Ford’s Garage.
- Fireworks: Saturdays at 9 pm
- Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides ($10 per passenger): Pick up/drop off at the Stable on Cattlemen Road. Rides provided on a first-come, first-served basis Thursdays-Sundays from 6 to 10 pm
St. Armands Circle Winter Spectacular Through Tuesday, January 3 4 to 9 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays | Noon to 9 pm on Fridays through Sundays | St. Armands Circle A family-fun holiday experience for all ages, the Circle’s celebration features ice-skating, festive rides, interactive holiday activities and a fantastic lineup of free local entertainment. The atmosphere of the park will be illuminated by an incredible display of holiday lights, including the city’s magnificent 60-foot Christmas tree. For more information, read more and see a schedule by
clicking here.
Gingerbread Festival Through Monday, December 19 The Mall at University Town Center – Upper Level | Sarasota The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is hosting their 14
th annual Gingerbread Festival, which is on display in conjunction with the UTC Festival of Trees in various areas along the upper level of the mall. Gingerbread kits are free for schools, classrooms, youth-serving nonprofits, Girl Scout troops and youth groups – limit one per group. Additional kits are available for $10; $25 for community groups and other nonprofit organizations; and $50 for businesses. For more information or to register, read more by
clicking here.
Selby Gardens' Lights in Bloom® Select Nights Through January 5 6:30 to 9 pm | Marie Selby Botanical Gardens at 1534 Mound Street | Sarasota Lights in Bloom® features more than two million lights illuminating the gardens and walkways. Food is available for purchase from the Michael’s on East grill, including a cash bar. General admission tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for children ages 5 to 17. Find more information or purchase tickets by
clicking here.
Hands on Hanukkah: Sunday, December 18 through Friday, December 23 Temple Sinai hosts this community event taking place around Sarasota during five of the eight nights of Hanukkah. The family-friendly events feature arts & crafts, raffles & giveaways, food & photos, live musical performances, and ends with lighting the hanukkiah. For more information and to see a schedule of events,
click here.
Holiday light display in Bradenton: Thursday, December 15 through Sunday, December 18 6 to 9 pm | Palma Sola Botanical Park at 9800 17
th Avenue Northwest The event is free. Donations are appreciated.
Festival of Lights in Punta Gorda Sunday, November 13 through Saturday, December 31 Daily | Fisherman’s Village Daily viewing of more than one million lights and holiday-themed decorations adorning the inside and outside of Fishermen's Village. Special features include visits with Santa, the Grinch and live holiday entertainment. Free admission.
Gardens Aglow in Punta Gorda Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays in December 6 to 9 pm | Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens at 5827 Riverside Drive Enjoy the annual event where acres of gardens decorated with thousands of lights make the perfect holiday outing. Roast s’mores by the fire, enjoy a cup of hot cocoa, sing carols and even hang out with Santa. For more information and to buy tickets,
click here.
