Your guide to spotting the Jolly man himself, whether it's at a Christmas Tree lighting, photos, breakfast or a performance- we've got your guide to Santa!
NOV 12- DEC 24 Santa's Flight Academy Provides a safe holiday experience for children to get photos with Santa, including all the magical extras like Santa's 22ft tall sleigh and snowfall. Reservations are highly recommended!
NOV 7 Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops (Brandon) Santa's Wonderland opens for activities and photos! No reservations are needed for the carousel, but reservations are required for photos with Santa. Book your visit with Santa in our online reservation system starting November 1st HERE
NOV 20 The Mall at UTC's 5th annual Santa's Grand Arrival Celebration Kick off the holiday season with a magical parade where Santa arrives in Sarasota with a fun-filled parade, then light-up the UTC Districts, followed by the first Festival of Lights show of the season, and end with a spectacular fireworks show!
NOV 27 Light up Siesta Key and Village Holiday Parade Festive décor and holiday atmosphere will Light Up Siesta Key. The Village Holiday Parade will begin at Avenida del Mare and Beach Road at 5:30 PM. Visits with Santa begin at 6:30PM.
DEC 2 Sarasota Menorah & Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration at Five Points Park. Join Ring Sarasota, the area's premiere handbell ensemble, as they “ring” in the season with many of your holiday favorites at this year’s annual Christmas tree lighting. Make sure you see Santa, talk to Santa! Many merchants have extended hours. 6 PM – 8 PM in Five Points Park!
DEC 3-5, 10-12, 17-19 HOLIDAY MAGIC ON EAST GRAND Join The Mall at UTC as we bring holiday festivities to our East Grand Entrance during the first three weekends in December. These magical, family-friendly events will feature free holiday performances, character dance parties, a kids craft series, Saturday night fireworks, "Snow Much Fun" Sundays, nightly snowfall and more!
DEC 3 Holiday Night of Lights on St. Armands Circle The event begins with a special performance at 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm. Join in with our annual Christmas Carol Sing-a-long beginning at 6:00 pm, followed by “Santa’s Arrival” in his spectacular sleigh and our tree lighting ceremony. 5:30-9PM Photos with Santa are available throughout the evening from 6:30pm – 8:00pm.
DEC 4 and 5 3rd Annual Jingle Jam Cool Today Park's 3rd Annual Jingle Jam. This event will feature the Tomahawk 5k, Pet Sweater Parade, Holiday Market, Caddy Carts Golf Cart Parade, Carriage Rides, Kids Crafts and Activities, Holiday Entertainment and Appearances by Mr. & Mrs. Claus!
DEC 4 Pictures with Santa at Children's World Stop in and get your free picture with Santa. You can bring yourself, your family, and even your pets. We'll also have local author, Irene Lynch, here to read and sign her books. If you can't make it in during the event, then be sure to stop in any time to write and mail your letter to Santa. Just be sure to write your address on it, so Santa can write back!
DEC 4 Christmas in Cortez Visitors can step right up to test their skill and luck at a variety of carnival-style and lawn games. Or, for all you thrill seekers, take a trip or two down our snow slide! Local and community organizations will have several interactive booths on our grounds with additional games, crafts, and fun demonstrations. Don't forget to visit Santa in his nautical workshop for photo opportunities and to make sure your name isn't on the naughty list! FREE. 10AM to 2PM.
DEC 4 Night out with Santa at Southern Magnolia Acres SMA will be hosting one last event this year. Come out for Hickory Hollow BBQ, S'MORES, KONA ICE and PHOTOS WITH SANTA! 4PM-8PM
DEC 1-5, 8-12, 15-20 North Pole Express Join us onboard for a 30 minute ride from Parrish, FL to the North Pole. Upon arrival, everyone will detrain at our special North Pole station where Santa awaits to visit with every child along with entertainment, activities, camp fires and all the hot chocolate and cookies you care to eat.
DEC 2, 8 and 16 Carriage Rides, Santa Strolls and Carolers Visit Lakewood Ranch Main Street and take advantage of FREE carriage rides (available first come / first serve basis), carolers and Santa strolls. 6:30PM-8:30PM
DEC 10 Christmas Town at Southside Free Community Christmas Celebration in Sarasota with Smores, Hot Chocolate, Christmas lights maze, Crafts, Games, and so much more! 5PM-8PM
DEC 10- 12 Showfolks of Sarasota Holiday Circus Festival featuring shows, animals, food, exhibits and markets. Friday, Dec 10 from 2PM to 8PM, Saturday, Dec 11 from 11AM to 8PM
Sunday, Dec 12 from 11AM to 4PM.
DEC 11 Meet Santa at our Christmas Craft Fair Join us for our Christmas Shopping Craft Fair at Mixon Fruit Farms! Come meet Santa & Mrs Claus and his elf from the North Pole! 10am-4pm (Groveside Market open till 5pm)
DEC 11 and 18 Meet Santa on Saturdays FREE! Come see Santa and Elf Buddy in Downtown Sarasota! Take pictures, tell Santa what you want for Christmas! Sponsored by the DSA. Santa's schedule: December 11th- Santa and Buddy will appear near Selby Library December 18th - Santa and Buddy will appear near Paul Thorpe Park
DEC 11 Meet Santa Uncommon KIDS Once again we will have Santa join us this Saturday at Wilkinson Elementary! Come join us for breakfast, games, a holiday craft, music, and so much more! Saturday, December 11, 9am-11am.
DEC 11 Sheriff's Office 3rd Annual Open House YOU are invited to visit our Sarasota headquarters to enjoy a free, family-friendly event with food, music, demonstrations, and giveaways. Santa Claus will make an appearance. 2PM-6PM
DEC 11 AMI Privateers Christmas Parade Immediately following the Parade, the Children's After Party with Santa and Mrs Claus will be happening at the City Pier Park. Parents bring your kids by for a visit and gift from Santa and a hot dog lunch from the Privateers.
DEC 11 Breakfast with Santa Snap photos with Santa, get creative at our arts and crafts table, and be merry with friends and family all while enjoying an elegant and spirited Christmastide surrounding at the GROVE Ballroom. 8:30AM-10:30AM. Purchase tickets in advance
DEC 11 Sensory Santa Face Autism Presents Sensory Santa for Children with Autism. Santa Claus is Coming to Town! A Holiday Meet and Greet with Santa Claus Himself! 12:30- 2:30PM
DEC 12 Sledding with Santa Bring the kids for a fun-filled afternoon of family time!
DEC 17 First Annual Firehouse Pancake Breakfast 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. we will be having our first annual Santa Firehouse Pancake Breakfast at Station 51! (Reservations are not mandatory but are highly recommended, please call 941-480-3030)
DEC 18 - Winter Wonderland with Santa - Join us for a walk through our Winter Wonderland and meet Santa at the end! Start with a walk through our Winter Wonderland complete with photo areas, receive take home winter crafts, breakfast to go and a very special meeting with the one and only Santa. FREE but registration required. 10AM to 12PM.
DEC 18 and 19 Christmas at the Creek We’ll have a variety of events and activities for you and your family. Everything from cookie tasting, ornament making, poinsettia patch, hot chocolate, photo with Santa and more! In addition, the indoor farm market will feature great produce, baked goods, and many other products for your enjoyment! 9AM-1PM
DEC 19 Future of Dance Presents a Tea with Santa Experience a magical 22-minute Broadway style review performance featuring Frosty, Rudolph and all of their friends with a special appearance with the Big Man himself (you know who we're talking about) at the end of the show. Delight in afternoon tea, hot chocolate and sweet treats as you marvel in the magic of the season! $20 per person to attend- All proceeds will go directly to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of South Florida.
DEC 19 St Armands Family Day Enjoy free fun for the entire family with a special holiday-themed mid-day soiree on the Circle. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping and get crafting with our team. 11AM-1PM
