Top 5 fun things to do this Christmas weekend in Sarasota, Bradenton: Dec. 22-26

Wade Tatangelo, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Updated ·4 min read

It's almost Christmas, and we have a great lineup of fun events for the long holiday weekend, with activities happening today through Tuesday, Dec. 26. We have a family-friendly Christmas parade set to take place in Sarasota, followed by a not-so-family-friendly pub crawl on Siesta Key.

You will also find information on free holiday movie screenings happening at University Town Center, which is of course right by The Mall at UTC. Yes, there are also lots of shopping options at UTC for those of us in desperate need of last-minute Christmas gifts and plenty of standout restaurants. Because who wants to be cooking during this hectic time of year when there are so many new restaurants to visit?

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1. Pinecraft Christmas Day Parade in Sarasota

Pinecraft's Christmas Day parade, pictured here in 2022, should return Sunday afternoon.
Pinecraft's Christmas Day parade, pictured here in 2022, should return Sunday afternoon.

One of Sarasota’s most beloved events, the 28th annual Christmas Day parade is expected to roll through the Amish and Mennonite community of Pinecraft again on Sunday. The parade typically starts at 3 p.m. Dec. 25, with participants meeting earlier at the Der Dutchman parking lot at 3713 Bahia Vista St. The parade then winds through the neighborhood. Bringing a lawn chair for a sidewalk seat is recommended because folks usually line Birky Street an hour or more ahead of the start time. 3 p.m. Monday; Pinecraft, Sarasota

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2. Santa Stumble through Siesta Key Village

More than a thousand people turned out for the traditional Siesta Key Village Turkey Trot pub crawl down Ocean Boulevard on Thanksgiving Eve. Expect a similar crowd for the Santa Stumble on Tuesday.
More than a thousand people turned out for the traditional Siesta Key Village Turkey Trot pub crawl down Ocean Boulevard on Thanksgiving Eve. Expect a similar crowd for the Santa Stumble on Tuesday.

For party people of a certain age, there’s no bigger holiday event than the annual Santa Stumble that takes place the day after Christmas in Siesta Key Village. Daiquiri Deck is offering Santa Stumble VIP wristbands in advance for $10, which allow you to skip the line and receive early entry. VIP wristbands can only be purchased at Daiquiri Deck's Siesta Key Village location. Early entry starts at 8 p.m., with general admission beginning at 9 p.m. Tuesday. For more information, visit facebook.com/daiquiridecksiesta.

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3. Christmas on Main at Lakewood Ranch

Christmas on Main at Lakewood Ranch is Saturday.
Christmas on Main at Lakewood Ranch is Saturday.

Downtown Lakewood Ranch, lined with restaurants and shops, will host a family-friendly Christmas on Main celebration. There will be free games, rides, photo booths and attractions for the whole family as well as a special candlelight service and an appearance by Santa. 4-7 p.m. free rides and games, 7-8 p.m. Christmas candlelight service, Saturday; Lakewood Ranch Main Street; lakewoodranch.com/event/christmas-celebration

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4. Free showings of 'Elf' and 'Muppet Christmas Carol' movie at University Town Center

Will Ferrell stars in the 2003 movie “Elf."
Will Ferrell stars in the 2003 movie “Elf."

A pair of hilarious Christmas classics will be shown this weekend as part of University Town Center's popular Movies Under the Stars series with "Elf" (2003) on Friday and "The Muppet Christmas Carol" (1992) on Saturday. First, though, be sure to dine at one of UTC's 10 best restaurants, and then on-site concessions will be available starting at 6 p.m. The outdoor theater is located in the West District at UTC parking lot, right by Ford’s Garage, which is convenient for those seeking an adult beverage. Limited seating is available and is first-come, first-served. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets, with early arrival suggested. 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 295 N. Cattlemen Road, Sarasota; free; utcsarasota.com

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5. Lights in Bloom at Selby Gardens in Sarasota

The 20th annual Lights in Bloom at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens continues on select nights this holiday weekend.
The 20th annual Lights in Bloom at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens continues on select nights this holiday weekend.

Featuring more than two million lights, the 20th annual Lights in Bloom display illuminates the gardens and walkways of Selby Gardens. You’ll also find holiday photo opportunities, activities, and entertainment, with food and drinks available for purchase from the Michael’s on East grill and a cash bar. 6:30-9 p.m. (5:30 p.m. early entry) today, Dec. 21 through 23 and Dec. 26-30 as well as January 1-3; Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota; $30-$40 adults, $25-$35 members, $15-$20 ages 5-17, free ages 4 and younger; 941-366-5731; selby.org

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Wade Tatangelo is Ticket Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and Florida Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. He can be reached by email at wade.tatangelo@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Fun things to do this Christmas weekend in Sarasota, Bradenton