NOV 5 - DEC 24 Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops (Brandon) Santa's Wonderland opens for activities and photos! Reservations are strongly recommended for photos with Santa. Make your free reservation HERE
NOV 10-24 Photos with Santa at The Mall at UTC Santa’s Flight Academy provides an innovative holiday photo experience while delivering the magic and tradition of the season. Book your visit today! Reservations are limited, walk-up visits are welcome.
NOV 12 Santa's Grand Arrival, Parade, and Fireworks Enjoy a magical holiday parade throughout the heart of the UTC district along Cattleman Rd., marking Santa's official arrival to The Mall at UTC. Enjoy lighted floats, live bands, dance troops, holiday characters and more during the parade from 6 - 8 pm, followed by the lighting of the UTC districts, a spectacular fireworks show and an after party from 8 - 9:30 pm.
NOV 23 - JAN 1 | All day - Elf on the Shelf Holiday Contest ~ Spot the elves this holiday season hidden around Main Street and you could become a winner! More than fifteen mischievous elves are hiding inside and outside so be sure to look high and low. Record what they’re doing and drop your entry form off at Lakewood Ranch Information Center to enter.
NOV 26 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 5:30 PM. Visits with Santa will be available following the parade.
DEC 1 Sarasota Christmas Tree Lighting Enjoy refreshments, music, and photos with Santa! The Christmas Tree will be lit at 7 PM where photos can be taken.
DEC 1, 7 and 15th Santa on Main Street Come to Main Street and celebrate the Holiday Season with us! You will find festive lighting displays to bring the sparkle to your child’s eyes, and Santa himself will be here, taking photos at the Christmas tree, spreading loads of Christmas cheer and sharing that all familiar laugh.
DEC 3 Poinsettia Parade Enjoy a holly-jolly holiday at our signature Poinsettia Parade and Festival event. Join us as we celebrate this year's theme: “What a Wonderful North Port Life”! The event is perfect for the whole family, and includes a tree lighting ceremony, food and merchandise vendors, entertainment, attractions, and a parade.
DEC 6 Holidays at The Bay Experience a special holiday celebration filled with joy, music, games, and more! Even Santa is making an appearance at this family-friendly event!
DEC 9 A Night Before Christmas The night of family fun—highlighted by visits and photo-ops with Santa and Mrs. Claus—will also include face painting, bounce house, the movie “Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas” 5:30PM $5 wristbands can be purchased prior to the event.
DEC 9, 10, 16 and 17 Padgett Ranch | Small Town Christmas Christmas Story Hay Ride, Photos with Santa, S'mores, Polar Express Barrel Train and lots more. 5:30-8:30PM
DEC 9 Compound Boardshop Annual Christmas Party Local artisan market, food, drinks, Santa, bounce house, and more!!!!! Come shop with some of the best local artist in the area! Please donate only new and unwrapped items please! 6-9PM
DEC 10-11, 16-18, 22-23 Hunsader Farms Country Christmas Enjoy Christmas on the farm! Light displays, hay rides, Santa, snow tubing, kiddie train rides and a lot more!
DEC 10 Donuts with Santa Join us on a trip to the North Pole and visit Santa! Stop by for a donut, hot cocoa and take a photo with Santa! 9AM Secure your spot and RSVP here https://bit.ly/3V0uVwh
DEC 10 An Old Florida Christmas at Manatee Village Historical Park featuring food, crafts, music, and vendors selling handmade goods. Manatee Village staff and volunteers will also be offering free "make and take" seasonal crafts. 10AM-3PM
DEC 10 Pictures with Santa at Waterside Place Snap a picture with Santa at The Plaza during on select nights at Waterside Place! Stroll down Lakefront Drive to see our Christmas tree, Hanukkah area, and other selfie-worthy holiday backdrops. ‘Tis the season! 6-9PM
DEC 10 Christmas in Cortez FREE family-friendly event with crafts, games, bounce house, maze, Santa meet-and-greet & other holiday festivities for the whole family! There will be food available on-site for purchase but admission, parking, & ALL activities are free of charge. 12-3PM
DEC 10 Holidays at The Bay Experience a special holiday celebration filled with joy, music, games, and more! Even Santa is making an appearance at this family-friendly event! 4-6PM
DEC 10
Sensory Santa for Children with Autism Face Autism Presents Sensory Santa for children with Autism
at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. See Santa up close and personal in a sensory-friendly environment12:30-2:30PM
DEC 10 Ice Cream with Santa He’s coming! Bring your wish list and come have an ice cream with Santa!
DEC 11 Plantation Christmas Bring the whole family and join us at the Gamble Plantation Historic State Park on December 11th for this favorite annual event that will surely put you in the holiday spirit! 10AM-3PM
DEC 11 Brunch with Santa Stop by to get your photo with Santa, chow down on delicious food, and take advantage of gift card specials! 11AM-1PM
DEC 16 & 17 Southside Christmastown Celebration Christmas town is going to happen soon! Our lights maze, snow machines, “Journey to Bethlehem", games, food, and fun! Pictures with Santa and the Grinch. 5-8PM.
DEC 17 Breakfast with Santa Venice Fire Rescue will hold its 2nd Annual Santa Firehouse Pancake Breakfast from 8-11 a.m. at Fire Station 51. Reservations are highly recommended.
DEC 17 Hermann's Royal Lippizan Stallions Presents Santa and the Grinch Free ornament making! Free pictures with Santa and The Grinch. Games and concessions on site. We are also collecting toys for the Myakka City Methodist Church Toy Drive. Toys must be new and unwrapped.
DEC 17 Merry Market at the Farm Gamble Creek Farms: Santa will be there! Along with Hot Chocolate, Crafts for ALL Ages, Baked Goods, Live Music, Hayrides, Our amazing Farmer’s Market, and More!
DEC 17 Christmas on Bridge Street On Saturday, December 17th from 3pm-9pm Christmas on Bridge Street will be filled with entertainment, an outdoor movie and raffle.
DEC 23 Christmas on Main Come celebrate the season with free games, rides, photo booths and attractions for the whole family and a special candlelight service. Santa himself will even be there!
NOV 12 Santa's Grand Arrival, Parade, and Fireworks Enjoy a magical holiday parade throughout the heart of the UTC district along Cattleman Rd., marking Santa's official arrival to The Mall at UTC. Enjoy lighted floats, live bands, dance troops, holiday characters and more during the parade from 6 - 8 pm, followed by the lighting of the UTC districts, a spectacular fireworks show and an after party from 8 - 9:30 pm.
NOV 26 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 5:30 PM. Visits with Santa will be available following the parade.
DEC 3 Sarasota Holiday Parade The official kickoff of the holiday season! See 4000 participants including lighted floats, high schools, local businesses and more parade through downtown Sarasota. 6-8PM
DEC 3 Venice Christmas Boat Parade Boats set sail at 6pm, starting just north of Albee Rd Bridge and travels south, ending just before the Circus Bridge in Venice.
DEC 3 4th Annual Bradenton Beach Lighted Boat Parade Get ready for the 4th Annual Holiday Lighted Boat Parade!
DEC 3 Annual Jeep Parade Our convoy will pull out at 7PM from Desoto Square Mall. Our route includes Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, St Armands Circle and Siesta Key. 7-9PM
DEC 10 AMI Privateers Christmas Parade and Children's Party The Anna Maria Island Privateers will be hosting their annual Christmas Parade, immediately followed by the Children's Party with Santa. 10AM
DEC 10 Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade enjoy a parade of boats beautifully decorated for the holidays on Sarasota Bay. This annual event is presented by Suncoast Charities for Children and Marina Jack. Admission is free and the best viewing is from Bayfront Park and Marina Jack. 6PM
NOV 12 -JAN 2 Holidays at UTC Celebrate the Holidays at UTC and experience fun festivities for the whole family, November 12 through January 2. Spectacular Nightly Light Shows, Ice Skating, Holiday Movies Under The Stars (Fri and Sat nights), Fireworks: Saturdays at 9 PM, Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides*$10 per rider, Ugly Sweater Avenue Photo Opp and more!
NOV 18- JAN 3 St Armands Circle Winter Spectacular Featuring ice-skating, festive rides, interactive holiday activities, and a fantastic lineup of free local entertainment – Circle visitors will leave inspired by the magic of the holidays. The atmosphere of the park will be illuminated by an incredible display of holiday lights, including the city’s magnificent 60-foot Christmas tree. $10 admission | $20 admission and ice skating. Monday - Thursday 4PM to 9PM | Friday - Sunday 12PM to 9PM
NOV 19 Christmas Tree Lighting at Bridge Street To kick off the celebration come out Saturday, November 19th from 5pm-7pm for caroling and the annual Lighting of the Bridge Street Christmas Tree. 5-7PM
DEC 1-19 Gingerbread Festival at UTC This year’s festival will be on display along the upper level of The Mall at UTC, in conjunction with the UTC Festival of Trees. Come marvel at this holiday wonderland featuring one-of-a-kind gingerbread houses crafted by more than 150 local schools, youth groups, businesses, and nonprofit organizations.
DEC 1 Sarasota Christmas Tree Lighting Enjoy refreshments, music, and photos with Santa! The Christmas Tree will be lit at 7 PM where photos can be taken.
DEC 2 Star Towne Christmas Village Enjoy meeting our friendly townspeople on the busy square and visit their old-fashion shops and activities including: the Sweet Shop, a Free Gift Shop and Wrapping (for kids under 14), Candle Dipping, Rope Making, Crocheting, Basket Weaving, the Wood Shop, a Target Shoot, Family Photo Ops, and MORE!
DEC 6 Holidays at The Bay Experience a special holiday celebration filled with joy, music, games, and more! Even Santa is making an appearance at this family-friendly event!
DEC 9 A Night Before Christmas The night of family fun—highlighted by visits and photo-ops with Santa and Mrs. Claus—will also include face painting, bounce house, the movie “Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas” 5:30PM $5 wristbands can be purchased prior to the event.
DEC 10 Christmas in Cortez FREE family-friendly event with crafts, games, bounce house, maze, Santa meet-and-greet & other holiday festivities for the whole family! There will be food available on-site for purchase but admission, parking, & ALL activities are free of charge
DEC 3 & 10 Santa is comin' to Cocoplum Village Shops Join us by the big holiday tree for free photos with Santa, live festive music and holiday refreshments. Don’t forget to bring your list! 11AM-2PM | North Port
DEC 2 & 3 Christmas in the Park | Palmetto Historical Park Friday, December 2, 2022, 3 - 7 PM and Saturday, December 3, 2022, 2 - 7 PM. Celebrate the holiday season with the return of Palmetto’s Christmas in the Park at the Palmetto Historical Park and Manatee County Agricultural Museum.
DEC 9, 10, 16 and 17 Padgett Ranch | Small Town Christmas Christmas Story Hay Ride, Photos with Santa, S'mores, Polar Express Barrel Train and lots more. 5:30-8:30PM
DEC 10-11, 16-18, 22-23 Hunsader Farms Country Christmas Enjoy Christmas on the farm! Light displays, hay rides, Santa, snow tubing, kiddie train rides and a lot more!
DEC 10 Flapjacks and Flannel Come Join us for a fun family Christmas party! Flapjacks and Flannels will be a morning full of games, crafts, Christmas music, and of course flapjacks!
DEC 10 Holidays at The Bay Experience a special holiday celebration filled with joy, music, games, and more! Even Santa is making an appearance at this family-friendly event! 4-6PM
DEC 11 Candy Cane Maze Navigate your way through the candy cane maze, enjoy hot chocolate, goodies, and a chance to make your very own homemade candy canes! Come out either Friday or Saturday from 6-9pm for this free family-friendly event!
DEC 16 & 17 Southside Christmastown Celebration Christmas town is going to happen soon! Our lights maze, snow machines, “Journey to Bethlehem“, games, food, and fun! Pictures with Santa and the Grinch. 5-8PM.
DEC 17 Christmas on Bridge Street On Saturday, December 17th from 3pm-9pm Christmas on Bridge Street will be filled with entertainment, an outdoor movie and raffle.
DEC 23 WinterFest At South Shore Community Church, on Christmas Eve (Eve), we are planning to throw the block party of all block parties. Winterfest will feature food trucks, inflatables for kids, kids and family activities, and live music.
DEC 23 Christmas on Main Come celebrate the season with free games, rides, photo booths and attractions for the whole family and a special candlelight service. Santa himself will even be there!
