Sarasota, Florida, is a fantastic holiday getaway for couples and families thanks to its exciting museums, carriage rides, gorgeous gardens, delicious restaurants, and entertaining attractions.
Some of the top attractions in downtown Sarasota include the Ringling Museum, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, the Sarasota Jungle Gardens, and the Big Cat Habitat.
Theater lovers and music enthusiasts can visit the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, the Sarasota Opera House, or the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center.
To avoid any surprises, call ahead to verify hours of operation for attractions and restaurants.
What is Sarasota Florida Best Known For?
Sarasota offers a paradise for nature lovers. With the Gulf Stream nearby, visitors can enjoy beautiful white beaches, mysterious mangroves, and vast parks.
Is There a Lot to Do in Downtown Sarasota Florida?
Sarasota County offers attractions for everyone: say hello to manatees, relax on the beach, listen to live music, explore holiday events, or visit an agricultural market.
Top 10 Best Holiday Activities in Downtown Sarasota Florida
Christmas is a highlight of the year in Sarasota. The city goes all out to welcome the holiday season with festive events for locals and visitors alike.
1. St. Armands Circle
St. Armands Circle is family-friendly, ideal for holiday shopping and dining. Attractions include a skate park, selfie elves rink, snow globe exhibit, gingerbread sledding hill, and carousel. Note: the December 2nd holiday lights program has been postponed.
Winterland theme park offers free admission, $10 winter activities, and a $20 Winterland and Skate combo ticket.
2. Sarasota Christmas Tree Lighting
Visit Selby Five Points Park at 1 Central Avenue for the annual tree lighting on November 1, 6–8 pm. Enjoy refreshments and a photo opportunity with Santa.
3. Christmas Jeep Parade
The parade starts at DeSoto Square Mall, traveling to Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, and St. Armands Circle. Even without snow, Sarasota shines with lights and decorations.
4. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Enjoy the 15-acre garden illuminated by over two million lights during the annual Lights in Bloom event. Activities include Santa visits, kids’ crafts, seasonal foods, and drinks. Dates: December 14 – January 4, 6–9 pm. Adult tickets $25; children 5–12 $7; under 5 free. Selby Experience tickets available for $150/adult and $40/child on December 21.
Location: 811 South Palm Avenue, Sarasota, FL, Phone: (941) 366-5731
5. University Town Center
Holidays on the Green showcases four million lights nightly, November 15 – January 6. Additional activities include snow tubing, ice skating, carousel rides, and horse-drawn carriage rides. Fireworks every Saturday night at 9 pm.
6. Trolley Tours
See Sarasota’s holiday lights on vintage trolleys. SRQ Trolley offers rides at 6:30 and 8:30 pm, December 6–31, $15 per person. Guests can bring beverages and enjoy holiday music. Discover Sarasota Tours provides seasonal tour info.
7. Downtown Venice
Venice Avenue is illuminated with lights, poinsettias, gift boxes, and more. Visit City Hall’s illuminated menagerie and West Blalock Park’s Venice Arboretum for festive decorations.
8. Venice Christmas Boat Parade & Sarasota Boat Parade of Lights
Venice Christmas Boat Parade: December 7 on Intracoastal Waterway. Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights: December 14 on Sarasota Bay.
9. The Ringling
The Ringling Museum of Art showcases 21 galleries with art from antiquity to contemporary pieces. Rubens collection is world-famous. Location: 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34243; Phone: (941) 359-5700.
10. Siesta Key Village
Siesta Key Beach features restaurants, shops, and bars. The 27th annual Light Up Siesta Key and Village Holiday Parade runs 5–9 pm. Free photos with Santa for the first 250 children. No cover charge.
Other Sarasota Florida Attractions Worth Checking This Holiday Season
- Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium – 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34243; Phone: (941) 388-4441
- Ca d’Zan Mansion – 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34243; Phone: (941) 359-5700
- Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary – 7101 Palmer Boulevard, Sarasota, FL; Phone: 941-371-6377
- Ed Smith Stadium – 2700 12th Street, Sarasota, FL 34243; Phone: 941-954-6101
- Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy – 2121 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL; Phone: 941-364-3399
- Sarasota Jungle Gardens – 3701 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34236; Phone: 941-355-5305
- Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall – 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL; Phone: 941-953-3368
- Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe – 1012 N Orange Ave, Sarasota FL 34236; Phone: 941-366-1505
- Central Sarasota Farmers Market – 4454 S. Beneva Rd., Sarasota, FL 34238; Phone: 941-677-0078
- Sarasota Paddleboard Company – 690 Ben Franklin, Sarasota, FL; Phone: 941-650-2241
- Drum Circle Distilling – 2212 Industrial Boulevard, Sarasota, FL; Phone: 941-358-1900
- Nathan Benderson Park – 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, FL 34235; Phone: 941-358-7275
- Myakka River State Park – Sarasota County/Manatee County, FL
- Legacy Trail – Connects Sarasota and Venice, Florida
- Sarasota Opera – 61 North Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, FL; Phone: 941-328-1300
- South Lido Park – Benjamin Franklin Drive, Sarasota, FL
- Florida Studio Theatre – 1241 North Palm Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236; Phone: 941-366-9000
- Save Our Seabirds – 1708 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL; Phone: 941-388-3010
- Sarasota Classic Car Museum – 5500 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236; Phone: 941-355-6228
- Sarasota Orchestra – 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL; Phone: 941-953-3434
- The Celery Fields – 6799 Palmer Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34243; Phone: 941-861-5000
- Historic Spanish Point – Sarasota, FL
- Cedar Hollow and Colonial Gables – Sarasota, FL
FAQ
1. What are the must-visit holiday attractions in Sarasota?
The top holiday attractions include St. Armands Circle, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, and the Sarasota Christmas Tree Lighting at Selby Five Points Park.
2. When is the Sarasota Christmas Tree Lighting?
The tree lighting ceremony is on November 1, from 6–8 pm at Selby Five Points Park, 1 Central Avenue.
3. What is Winterland at St. Armands Circle?
Winterland is a holiday theme park featuring skating, snow activities, and a carousel. Admission is free; activities range from $10 to $20.
4. Where can I see holiday boat parades in Sarasota?
The Venice Christmas Boat Parade occurs on December 7 on the Intracoastal Waterway, and the Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights takes place on December 14 in Sarasota Bay.
5. What are the top museums to visit during the holidays?
Visit The Ringling Museum, Ca d’Zan Mansion, and the Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy for art, history, and unique exhibits.
6. Are there family-friendly holiday events in Sarasota?
Yes, St. Armands Circle, Siesta Key Village Parade, and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens offer kid-friendly activities and crafts.
7. Where can I experience Sarasota’s holiday lights?
University Town Center, Downtown Venice, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, and the Holiday Lights Trolley Tours showcase spectacular displays.
8. Can I enjoy outdoor activities during the holidays?
Yes, explore Myakka River State Park, Nathan Benderson Park, Legacy Trail, South Lido Park, or try paddleboarding with Sarasota Paddleboard Company.
9. What cultural performances are available?
Attend shows at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota Opera, Florida Studio Theatre, and Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe.
10. Where can I find fresh local produce during the holidays?
The Central Sarasota Farmers Market offers fresh produce, baked goods, and artisan products every Saturday year-round.
Conclusion
Sarasota offers diverse holiday activities, including beach trips, park visits, cultural attractions, shopping, and dining. For a memorable vacation, explore these events and attractions.
This is Mark Kaiser with The Mobile Home Dealer, helping mobile home buyers and sellers achieve a better life.