The best Christmas and winter holiday events in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Punta Gorda

Jimmy Geurts, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Updated ·13 min read
The Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, pictured here, is among our area's several notable winter holiday season events.
The Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, pictured here, is among our area's several notable winter holiday season events.

We haven't reached Thanksgiving on November's local events calendar, yet even before then, area celebrations are already starting for Christmas and the winter holiday season.

University Town Center will help kick off this year's winter holiday festivities Saturday with Santa's Grand Arrival Parade which, along with the parade featuring Santa, will also offer a fireworks display and light show. That'll soon be followed by other holiday parades — both on land or by boat — light shows, and opportunities to meet Santa in Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Anna Maria Island, Venice, North Port, Palmetto and Punta Gorda. Santa's Grand Arrival Parade will also feature a local celebrity who's debuting an inaugural holiday-themed circus show.

Here are the biggest winter holiday events taking place in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties this year, listed in chronological order. Event details are subject to change.

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Santa's Flight Academy

Santa's Flight Academy, pictured here in 2021, will return Thursday, Nov. 9-Dec. 24 to The Mall at University Town Center. It's one of several winter holiday events taking place at UTC, also including Santa's Grand Arrival Parade on Saturday.
Santa's Flight Academy, pictured here in 2021, will return Thursday, Nov. 9-Dec. 24 to The Mall at University Town Center. It's one of several winter holiday events taking place at UTC, also including Santa's Grand Arrival Parade on Saturday.

Step inside a 22-foot-tall sleigh, experience snowfall and meet Santa. Reservations are strongly recommended for all photo sessions, but walk-ups are welcome as well; however, Santa will take a break to feed his reindeer 3-4 p.m. daily. Have a fur baby? There will also be Santa Paws pet photo sessions held 6:30-8 p.m. Nov. 19, 26 and Dec. 10. Thursday, Nov. 9-Dec. 24; The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota; $39.99-$49.99 photo packages; 941-552-7000; mallatutc.com

Santa's Grand Arrival Parade

The event will begin with a Veteran's Day observance ceremony, followed by a parade featuring Santa Claus, a special tree-lighting performance by Nik Wallenda, the first light show of the season, a fireworks display and an afterparty performance by Bradenton-formed pop-punk band We the Kings. The event will also help kick off UTC's season-long festivities, which will include a skating rink, free outdoor screenings of holiday films Friday and Saturday nights, horse-drawn carriage rides and more. 6-10 p.m. Saturday; University Town Center, 210 N. Cattlemen Road, Sarasota; 941-552-7000; utcsarasota.com

Holiday Lighting of the Village

Fishermen's Village, pictured here, will kick off the season with their annual Holiday Lighting of the Village on Nov. 18, followed by the Holiday Festival of Lights from Nov. 19 to Dec. 31.
Fishermen's Village, pictured here, will kick off the season with their annual Holiday Lighting of the Village on Nov. 18, followed by the Holiday Festival of Lights from Nov. 19 to Dec. 31.

More than one million lights and holiday-themed decorations are illuminated in this kickoff to Fishermen's Village's Holiday Festival of Lights that also features Santa's arrival and visits with him and the Grinch, ribbon cutting, bagpipers parade, live music and dancing. 5-10 p.m. Nov. 18; Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda; 941-639-8721; fishermensvillage.com

Lighting of the Christmas Tree

Along with the lighting of the 42' Christmas tree, there will be caroling with the Sweet Adelines, pictures with Santa, the movie "Elf" and more. 5:30-8 p.m. Nov. 18; Bridge Street Post Office, 116 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach; lovebradentonbeach.com

A Brave New Wonderland

Sarasota-born celebrity daredevil Nik Wallenda will hold the inaugural holiday-themed circus show A Brave New Wonderland from Nov. 18 to Dec. 31.
Sarasota-born celebrity daredevil Nik Wallenda will hold the inaugural holiday-themed circus show A Brave New Wonderland from Nov. 18 to Dec. 31.

Sarasota-born celebrity high-wire daredevil Nik Wallenda will present this inaugural holiday-themed circus show in partnership with Circus Arts Conservatory. Nov. 18-Dec. 31; University Town Center, 210 N. Cattlemen Road, Sarasota; $30-$75; 941-355-9335; circusarts.org

Holiday Festival of Lights

More than one million lights and themed decorations adorn the inside and outside of Fishermen's Village. Nov. 19-Dec. 31; Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda; 941-639-8721; fishermensvillage.com

The Mayor's Hometown Christmas

The event will feature a tree lighting by Venice Mayor Nick Pachota and Santa Claus, and performances by First Baptist Church of Venice and Union Missionary Baptist Church choirs, and Venice Chorale. Bring your chairs or blankets. 5-7 p.m. Nov. 24; Centennial Park, 200 W. Venice Ave, Venice; visitvenicefl.org

Light Up Siesta Key and Village Holiday Parade

Light Up Siesta Key, pictured here in 2020, and Village Holiday Parade will return Nov. 25.
Light Up Siesta Key, pictured here in 2020, and Village Holiday Parade will return Nov. 25.

The parade will begin at Avenida del Mare and Beach Road at 5:30 p.m., traveling north on Beach Road onto Ocean Boulevard into the Village, with local businesses and groups participating in the parade. Immediately following the parade, Santa will arrive at the Siesta Center, where photos may be taken with Santa free of charge and gift bags will be provided for the first 250 kids to visit Santa, with free public transportation also provided courtesy of the Siesta Key Breeze Trolley between Turtle Beach and Siesta Key Village. 5-9 p.m. Nov. 25; Siesta Key; siestakeychamber.com

City of Venice Holiday Parade

Venice Holiday Parade, pictured here in 2022, will return Nov. 25.
Venice Holiday Parade, pictured here in 2022, will return Nov. 25.

The 47th annual parade will feature thousands of participants representing over 100 local companies, schools, churches, social organizations and music groups, and tens of thousands of spectators, with drinks and goodies offered for sale by high school booster clubs, scouts and local nonprofit service groups along the parade route. 5:30 p.m. pre-parade entertainment, 6:30 p.m. parade starts Nov. 25; Park Boulevard and West Venice Avenue, Venice; venicegov.com

Atomic Holiday Bazaar

Atomic Holiday Bazaar, pictured here, will return Nov. 25-26 to Sarasota.
Atomic Holiday Bazaar, pictured here, will return Nov. 25-26 to Sarasota.

The annual "holiday art & craft shopping adventure for the world's delightful irregulars" will also feature food trucks. Noon-5:30 p.m. Nov. 25 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 26; Robarts Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota; $6 adults, free ages 12 and under; atomicholidaybazaar.com

Downtown Sarasota's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

The tree lighting will take place at 7 p.m., with hot cocoa donated by Pastry Art and holiday carols performed by the Sarasota Military Academy Choir. 6-8 p.m. Nov. 30; Selby Five Points Park, 1 Central Ave., Sarasota; destinationdowntownsarasota.com

Holiday Splendor

Holiday Splendor, pictured here in 2018, will return to The Ringling on Nov. 30, Dec. 7 and Dec. 14.
Holiday Splendor, pictured here in 2018, will return to The Ringling on Nov. 30, Dec. 7 and Dec. 14.

This event supporting the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots will feature local schools providing musical entertainment, food and beverage available for purchase, and all venues open for self-touring including the Museum of Art, Ca' d'Zan and the Circus Museum. 5-8 p.m. Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 14; The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota; free with one unwrapped toy per person, $15 adults, $5 children without toy donation; ringling.org

Holiday Night of Lights

The 45th annual event will feature a Christmas carol singalong, 60-foot Christmas tree, the chance to mail your letter to and take photos with Santa, live musical performances and holiday entertainment, and more. 5:30-9 p.m. Dec. 1; St. Armands Circle, Sarasota; starmandscircleassoc.com

Palmetto's Christmas in the Park

Visit the Palmetto Historical Park grounds, where there will be activities including reindeer games and crafts, all of the buildings open and decorated, and Santa. 3-7 p.m. Dec. 1 and 2-7 p.m. Dec. 2; Palmetto Historical Park and Manatee County Agricultural Museum, 515 10th Ave. W., Palmetto, reservations required (open Nov. 14); 941-721-2034; manateecountyagmuseum.com

Holiday Market at The Mall at UTC

The two-day event presented by Florida Penguin Productions will feature more than 120 vendors selling holiday gifts, food and more. 4-9 p.m. Dec. 1 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 2; The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota; free entry; 727-674-1464; floridapenguinproductions.com

Ukrainian Christmas in Venice

Learn about and experience Ukrainian Christmas customs with live music, traditional dress, dancing and more. Bring a blanket or chair. 1-4 p.m. Dec. 2; Centennial Park, 200 W. Venice Ave, Venice; venicegov.com

Poinsettia Parade & Festival

The parade, featuring the theme "North Port Holidays Around the World" this year, will travel south down Sumter Boulevard, ending at the City Center Front Green, where the Poinsettia Festival will be held before and after the parade. The parade has featured more than 50 units in past years, while the festival will feature a tree lighting as well as mobile food vendors, entertainment, attractions, merchandise vendors and more. 4-8 p.m. Dec. 2; City Center Front Green, 4970 City Hall Blvd., North Port; free; northportfl.gov

Venice Christmas Boat Parade of Lights

The Venice Christmas Boat Parade, pictured here in 2021, will return Dec. 2.
The Venice Christmas Boat Parade, pictured here in 2021, will return Dec. 2.

The parade is visible from the Intracoastal Waterway, starting above Albee Farm Bridge heading south and turning around before Circus Bridge. 6 p.m. Dec. 2; Intracoastal Waterway, Venice; venicechristmasboatparade.net

Bradenton Beach Holiday Boat Parade

Bradenton Beach Holiday Boat Parade, pictured here, will return Dec. 2.
Bradenton Beach Holiday Boat Parade, pictured here, will return Dec. 2.

The fifth annual parade will gather near the south end of Jewfish Key, then head northwest along the Longboat Pass Bridge and then north in the Intracoastal Waterway, passing alongside Bradenton Beach City Pier and ending at Bradenton Beach Marina. 6 p.m. Dec. 2; Intracoastal Waterway, Bradenton Beach; lovebradentonbeach.com

Sarasota Holiday Parade

The 27th annual parade with the theme "Happy Holidays Around the World" this year will feature thousands of participants, including lighted floats and high school marching bands, starting at Main Street and U.S. 301 in downtown Sarasota and ending at J.D. Hamel Park. 7-9 p.m. Dec. 2; Main Street and U.S. 301, Sarasota; sarasotaholidayparade.com

Jingle Jam

The two-day event will feature a holiday market, horse and carriage rides, kids' crafts and activities, family events and contests, holiday-themed carnival games, live music, appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a Caddy Carts Golf Cart Parade on Dec. 3. 10 a.m. Dec. 2-3; CoolToday Park, 18800 W. Villages Parkway, North Port; 941-413-5000; cooltodaypark.com/events/jinglejam

Christmas Carol Trolley: Letters to Santa

The 90-minute holiday tour for the whole family with the Trolley Troubadours jumping aboard to entertain you also includes a carol singalong, holiday stories, jokes, trivia and a tour of Sarasota’s downtown neighborhood lights. Dec. 5-30; Discover Sarasota Tours, 1826 Fourth St., Sarasota; $49.99 adults, $29.99 kids ages and 3 up (includes free soft drinks for kids and beer/wine for adults before boarding; 941-260-9818; discoversarasotatours.com

Chanukah on Main Street

Chabad of Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch host this Chanukah Celebration featuring "Rappin Rockin Reggae Rabbi" Dr. Laz in Concert, Color Orbeez Menorah, gelt drop, bubble show, dreidel moon bounce, magician, food, street art, balloon sculpting, face painting, doughnut decorating, music, raffles and more. 6 p.m. Dec. 7; 8100 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch; free admission; 941-752-3030; chabadofbradenton.com

Christmas Walk in Downtown Venice

The event features extended hours at local shops, treats, live music, and decorated trees and storefront windows along Miami, Tampa and West Venice avenues. 5-8 p.m. Dec. 7; Downtown Venice; visitvenicefl.org

A Night Before Christmas

The annual event will feature Santa and Mrs. Claus visiting the park and taking photos with children, a foam zone, face painting, bounce house, petting zoo, train ride along a Christmas path, local vendors and food trucks. 5:30-8 p.m. Dec. 8; G.T. Bray Park, 5502 33rd Ave. Drive W., Bradenton; free entry, with suggested donation per family of a new unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots, $5 activity wristbands; mymanatee.org

Lights in Bloom

Selby Gardens' Lights in Bloom holiday light show, pictured here in 2022, will return select nights from Dec. 8 to Jan. 3.
Selby Gardens' Lights in Bloom holiday light show, pictured here in 2022, will return select nights from Dec. 8 to Jan. 3.

Selby Gardens' holiday light show features more than two million lights illuminating the gardens and walkways of its downtown Sarasota campus. 6:30-9 p.m. (5:30 p.m. early entry) Dec. 8-Jan. 3 select nights; Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota; $30 adults, $25 members, $15 ages 5-17, free ages 4 and younger; 941-366-5731; selby.org

An Old Florida Christmas

Manatee Village Historical Park hosts this old-fashioned Florida holiday celebration with food, music, free "make and take" seasonal crafts and vendors selling handmade goods. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 9; Manatee Village Historical Park, 1404 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton; 941-749-7165; manateevillage.org

​Privateers Christmas Parade and Gifts from Santa

The Anna Maria Island Privateers host their annual Christmas parade, from Coquina Beach's north entrance to City Pier Park in Anna Maria, immediately followed by a children's party with Santa at Holmes Beach Field. Kids will be provided a hot dogs, chips, drink and free gift from Santa. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 9; Anna Maria Island; amiprivateers.wildapricot.org

Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland, pictured here in 2021, will return to Bradenton's Old Main Street on Dec. 9.
Winter Wonderland, pictured here in 2021, will return to Bradenton's Old Main Street on Dec. 9.

Celebrate the holiday season on Old Main Street with live music and dancing, vendors, food and activities for the kids, including a hayride added this year. 5-8:30 p.m. Dec. 9; Old Main Street, Bradenton; cityofbradenton.com

Ugly Sweater Crawl

The eighth annual ugly sweater bar crawl includes discounted drinks at each bar, DJ entertainment at multiple stops, holiday livestream trivia with prizes, a photographer to capture the fun, registration and afterparty, and $100 cash prize for one lucky crawler. 5-11 p.m. Dec. 9; Raffurty's, 1888 Main St., Sarasota; $17-$22; barcrawlusa.com

Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

The Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, pictured here in 2022, will return Dec. 9.
The Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, pictured here in 2022, will return Dec. 9.

The 37th annual parade of boats decorated for the holidays on Sarasota Bay, with the best viewing from Marina Jack and Bayfront Park, benefits Suncoast Charities for Children. 6 p.m. Dec. 9; Bayfront Park, 5 Bayfront Drive, Sarasota; free admission, but donation of new unwrapped toy or book encouraged; suncoastcharitiesforchildren.org

Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade

The Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade, pictured here in 2021, will return Dec. 9.
The Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade, pictured here in 2021, will return Dec. 9.

The annual holiday event features a fleet of decked-out vessels touring up the Manatee River, competing for the winning title and cash prizes. Public viewing areas include the Green Bridge and Palmetto Pier, with VIP viewing parties at Riverhouse and Pier 22. 6 p.m. roll call, sundown parade kickoff Dec. 9; Manatee River; holidayboatparade.org

Breakfast with Santa

Lakewood Ranch restaurant Grove will host this event featuring an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet, beverages (including a complimentary mimosa for attendees age 21 and up); and professional photos with Santa. 9 a.m. Dec. 9 and 10; Grove, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch; $50 adults, $30 children under age 10 (plus tax and gratuity); 941-893-4321; grovelwr.com

A Taste of Chanukah

A Taste of Chanukah, pictured here in 2020, will return Dec. 10, with offerings including a helicopter dropping gelt.
A Taste of Chanukah, pictured here in 2020, will return Dec. 10, with offerings including a helicopter dropping gelt.

The festival will feature a three-ton snow slide, helicopter raining down gelt from above, kosher food, live music and entertainment by DJ CJ Koenig, a selection of menorahs including balloon and Lego menorah, and more. 4-6 p.m. Dec. 10; Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $7, free children under age 12; 941-925-0770; atasteofchanukah.com

Winter Nights Under the Lights

Palma Sola Botanical Park hosts this event with acres of lights, Santa, food trucks, live holiday music, gift market, hot cocoa and cider, hay rides, tree decorating contest, children's crafts, Toys for Tots, decorated golf cart parade and more. 6-9 p.m. Dec. 13-17; Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave. NW, Bradenton; free admission, but donations appreciated to support the park; 941-761-2866; palmasolabp.org

Breakfast with Santa

Attendees can enjoy Christmas music, games and arts and crafts; dine on pancakes, sausage, hot cocoa and orange juice; take photos with Santa and give letters to him; and partake in storytime with Mrs. Claus, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 16; Laurel Park, 509 Collins Road, Nokomis and Newtown Estates Park, 2800 Newtown Blvd., Sarasota; free; call 941-861-5000 to register; scgov.net/parks

Hands on Hanukkah

The family-friendly event will feature arts and crafts, raffles and giveaways, food and photos, live music and Hanukkiah lighting, as well as activities including Hanukkah cookie decorating, face painting, canvas wall hanging, Lego building contest, dreidel game, colorful tape menorah, PJ library, and photos with Hanukkah characters. 4-6 p.m. Dec. 22; Waterside Place, 1561 Lakefront Drive, Sarasota; 800-307-2624; lakewoodranch.com

Christmas on Main

Lakewood Ranch's Main Street hosts this Christmas party with free games, rides, photo booths, attractions for the whole family, a special candlelight service, and Santa himself. 4-8 p.m. Dec. 23; 8100 Lakewood Main Street, Lakewood Ranch; 800-307-2624; lakewoodranch.com

Pinecraft Christmas Day Parade

An annual Christmas Day parade, pictured here in 2022, is held in Sarasota's Pinecraft neighborhood.
An annual Christmas Day parade, pictured here in 2022, is held in Sarasota's Pinecraft neighborhood.

Though more specific details typically aren't revealed until closer to the event date, this Christmas Day parade through the Amish and Mennonite community of Pinecraft is one of the most popular annual winter holiday events in Sarasota-Manatee. Dec. 25; Pinecraft neighborhood, Sarasota

Email entertainment reporter Jimmy Geurts at jimmy.geurts@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Best Christmas winter holiday events Sarasota Bradenton Punta Gorda