November 18 Bridge Street Christmas Tree Lighting Join us as we begin a season of celebration with the lighting of our 42’ Christmas Tree! Enjoy our small town gathering to kick off the holiday with hot chocolate, caroling, honoring a local citizen and ending it with a fun, family-oriented holiday movie. Bring a non-perishable item and help us “Stuff the Truck” for Manatee Food Bank! Stay after and enjoy live music at local restaurants
November 24 The Mayor’s Hometown Christmas Get ready to kick off the holiday season with The Mayor’s Hometown Christmas in Downtown Venice! Enjoy the Christmas tree lighting as local choirs bring the festive spirit and holiday cheer. Also enjoy time with Santa, shop, dine and explore Historic Downtown Venice businesses.
November 30 Sarasota's Christmas Tree Lighting Downtown Sarasota’s Christmas Tree is the perfect backdrop for your holiday snapshot. The annual tree lighting event will take place Thursday, November 30th from 6 – 8 PM in Selby Five Points Park, located across the street from the Selby Public Library.
December 1 Holiday Night of Lights St Armands Circle tree lighting celebration, singing and photos with Santa. 5:30-9PM
December 1 LWR Main St Christmas Tree Lighting, Music and Santa Join us before Music on Main on December 1 from 5:30 – 6:00 PM to light up the Main Street Christmas tree. Then from 6-9pm Shell and the Crabs will fill the air with the best of the best, classics you don’t hear often, and original music and the event will benefit Children First. Santa himself will be at Main Street, taking photos at the Christmas tree, spreading loads of Christmas cheer and sharing that all familiar laugh. 5:30PM
December 8 Join us at Southpoint Marina for a Holiday tree lighting event, featuring a local vendor market, a holiday bounce house, a hot chocolate bar and a movie to follow on the water.
December 9 Venice Tree Lighting Each year, on the second Saturday in December, the Arboretum becomes a magical Christmas wonderland! 6-10PM
December 9 Light Up Wellen Tree Lighting and Celebration Local schools choir/band performances, photo ops with Santa, traditional tree lighting ceremony, ice dancers, Glo-bike Ride, live music on Solis Hall stage, ornament decorating, hot chocolate, and so much more! 3-10:30PM
November 11-January 1 Holidays at UTC Celebrate the Holidays at UTC and experience festive fun for the whole family. Light shows, outdoor movies, Festival of Trees, Gingerbread Festival, Night Markets and more!!
Nov 9 - Dec 24 Santa's Flight Academy at UTC Mall: Provides a magical holiday experience while delivering the wonder and tradition of the holiday season. Step inside Santa’s 22-foot tall sleigh, experience the magical snowfall and meet Santa in this one-of-a-kind interactive experience. Reservations are strongly recommended for all photo sessions, however walkups are welcome as well!
Sundays in December Santa Strolling at the Market Santa will be strolling our Farmers’ Market on Sundays in December from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Snap a photo with him at the Christmas Tree, or at one of our other selfie-worthy backdrops.
Thursdays in December Joyful Thursdays on Bridge Street Stroll Bridge Street, shop for the holidays, meet family and friends for dinner, drinks and live music every Thursday night in December, and have your family photo taken with Santa. 3-9PM
December 1-2 Palmetto's Christmas in the Park Enjoy the grounds where there will be activities including reindeer games and crafts. All of the buildings will be decorated and open at this free event. Reservations Required for event and to visit Santa
December 2 Sensory Santa A Holiday Meet and Greet with Santa Claus Himself for Children with Autism! See Santa up close and personal in a sensory-friendly environment.
December 4, 6, 11, 13 Photos with Santa at The Roots Health Centers Ho ho ho! Santa is coming to town! Join us for a jolly good time at The Roots Health Centers. Get ready to meet the man in red, Santa Claus himself! It's going to be a festive event filled with laughter, joy, and Christmas spirit. Bring your little ones and let them share their wishes with Santa. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture those precious moments. Times vary each day.
December 8 Santa Stops Here Santa will hand out goodie bags to kids and carolers will sing holiday tunes.
December 9 Santa's coming to Children's World!! Saturday the 9th stop in to get you picture taken with Santa Claus! 10-2PM
December 9 Santa Stroller Strides Get ready for an exhilarating fitness class, Stroller Strides®, brought to you by Fit4Mom Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch Community Activities and The Roots Health Centers. 9-10AM
December 9 Holiday Cocktail Party The Newlove Nurtury invites you to enjoy a magical evening - with Santa! Bring a wrapped toy as your entrance fee. 5-7:30PM
December 10th
Holiday Kickoff Market with Santa Holiday Agenda 9 AM-3 PM Photos with Santa 
11 AM - 11:30 AM Cookies & Coloring with Santa 
12:30 PM - Holiday Dance Celebration 
1 PM - Holiday Parade with Santa and the Elves 
1:30 PM- Holiday Costume Contest 
Best Kids- Pets - Adult costumes Win Local Prizes! Register in advance for photos and cookies with Santa.
Dec 6, 13, 20 Pictures with Santa at Waterside Place Snap a picture with Santa at the Plaza on during Ranch Nite Wednesdays at Waterside Place! Stroll down Lakefront Drive to see our Christmas tree, Hanukkah area, and other selfie-worthy holiday backdrops. 6-9PM
December 5, 12, 14, 19, 21 Santa at Main Street 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. 6:30-8:30PM
December 8 A Night Before Christmas Family friendly activities, including a foam zone, face painting, bounce house, petting zoo and train ride along our Christmas path. Event entry is FREE. A suggested donation per family of a new, unwrapped toy for a local children's organization is kindly requested. $5 WRISTBANDS are sold for a variety of activities. 5:30-8PM
December 9 and 10 Santa Visits the Red Barn Don’t forget to stop by and visit with Santa. The jolly man is at the barn on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 3pm.
December 9 Christmas in Cortez Free family event with crafts, games, bounce houses, Santa meet-and-greet and other holiday festivities for the whole family! Food will be on-site available for purchase.
*Admission, parking, & ALL activities are free of charge* 1-4PM
December 9 North River Ranch Winterfest Come play in the snow and take pictures with Santa Clause! NRR Winterfest will also feature a holiday golf cart parade, decorating contest, bounce houses, face painting, holiday crafts, and more! 11AM-2PM
December 9 Holidays at The Bay Spread the season’s cheer by snapping a free family photo with Santa. Join Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation Teaching Artists for holiday card making, dancing, and a seasonal story read by Mr. Stevey. Dance to Rockin’ Reindeer music spun by Rick Levine and enjoy family-friendly games, crafts, and more!
December 8, 9, 15, 16 Padgett Ranch Small Town Christmas Experience the magic of Christmas at Padgett Ranch. Enjoy a ride on the polar express barrel train, burn off some energy on the reindeer run obstacle course and the giant bounce pillow, take a Christmas story hayride, get your face painted, interact with Santa while hand delivering your letter, enjoy dinner at the Family Grill and more! 5:30-8:30PM CANCELLED 15 and 16th!
December 15 and 16 Southside Christmas Town Celebration Tickets are not required but will help us with crowd control and also help you to remember not to miss this totally free, totally amazing event! From our lights maze and snow machines to the new improvements coming to a “Journey to Bethlehem“ and Elf Games, you don’t want to miss this event. 5-8PM
December 16 3rd Annual Venice Fire Rescue Santa Firehouse Pancake Breakfast Meet Santa, decorate ornaments and trees, enjoy a free breakfast, or stop by the bake sale to support the Venice Firefighters Benevolent Fund. Each child receives one present from Santa. 8-11AM
December 16 Winter Wonderland Start with a walk through our Winter Wonderland, with Whoville with the Grinch, Peanuts, Polar Express, Candyland, and Rudolph photo areas, breakfast to go, and a special meeting with the one and only Santa! 10AM-12PM Register in advance
December 16 Santa is coming to Chick-fil-A Pelican Plaza! Join us for storytime and FREE pictures. 11AM-2PM
December 17 Santa visits South Siesta Key Santa Claus will be visiting South Siesta Key Daiquiri Deck.
Your chance to see the big guys and take pictures with him. Plus, receive a small gift for each child. 3PM
December 17 The Grinch at Beachlife NW Join us for an unforgettable event packed with snacks, incredible giveaways, and a chance to meet the iconic Grinch himself! Event is from 1PM to 3PM on December 17 and the Grinch will arrive at 2PM for photo ops and mischief.
December 19 Parrish Hometown Christmas There will be a Snow Slide, a Snow Pile to play in, a Petting Zoo, a Gingerbread house area for the Kids' Zone to write letters to Santa, and Face Painting. Entertainment from schools around our community. Lighting of the Christmas Tree with Kim Betts and her daughter Nikki singing. Food Vendors, Market Vendors, photo opportunities, Christmas Tree decorating contest, and more.
December 22 and 23 Santa Visits Antczak Christmas Lights Hot Cocoa, Letters to Santa and Santa will stop by around 7PM. Come out to enjoy the Christmas lights!
December 23 Skate with Santa Skate with Santa 10am-6pm, Only $8+rental Wear Red & Get in HALF PRICE
December 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! 4-7 pm: Free Rides and Games 7-8pm: Christmas Candlelight Service
December 23 and 24 Santa Visits Jumpin Fun Inflata Park Hey Kids, Santa Is Coming To JFI Park This Weekend! Saturday at 2:00pm Also On Sunday At 11:00am! He is going to fly over the park on the AirRider and drop tickets for special gifts and treats. So stop on by this weekend and have some Holiday Fun with Santa ο»Ώand take a photo or two with him!
Dining with Santa
December 2 Breakfast with Santa Applebee's Applebee's is sponsoring all you can eat breakfast for $12.00 and Santa is going to be there. 8:00 AM till 10:00 AM.
December 2 Breakfast with Santa at Remy's on Main Santa with be having breakfast at Remy’s on Main from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Come enjoy wonderful food and fun with Santa!
December 9 Old Salty Dog Breakfast with Santa Our annual Breakfast with Santa event featuring a themed menu, special guest and fun activities. 8-11 based on availability
December 9 Brunch with Santa at Metro Diner Grab a picture with Santa, chow down on a holiday meal, take advantage of gift card specials, and more! 10AM-1PM
December 9 and 10 The Grove It’s the most wonderful breakfast of the year! Get ready for a magical breakfast with a sprinkle of holiday wonder because Santa’s making a stop at our place! Savor a hearty breakfast buffet crafted by our award-winning chefs, complete with a dash of holiday magic. 9AM
December 9 and 10 Breakfast with Santa and The Nutcracker Join us for this wonderful holiday event! Breakfast, cookie decorating, & fun! The Nutcracker Suite performed by the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School 10:30AM Tickets $45/$35 for children 6 and under
December 16 Breakfast with Santa at Forked Come enjoy wonderful food and fun with Santa! Call to reserve your spot.
December 16 Brunch with Santa at McGrath's LUNCH WITH SANTA Santa with be having brunch at McGrath's Irish Ale House from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM Great opportunity for pictures, fabulous food and family fun.
December 17 Breakfast with Santa at Ed's Tavern from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Come share breakfast with Santa!
November 22 - January 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.
November 11-January 1 Holidays at UTC Celebrate the Holidays at UTC and experience festive fun for the whole family. Light shows, outdoor movies, Festival of Trees, Gingerbread Festival, Night Markets and more!!
December 1 - 10 Gingerbread Festival Feast your eyes on 100+ gingerbread houses crafted by local schools & organizations. 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM | The West District at UTC
December 1-2 Palmetto's Christmas in the Park Enjoy the grounds where there will be activities including reindeer games and crafts. All of the buildings will be decorated and open at this free event. Rerervations Required for event and to visit Santa
December 7 Chanukah on Main Street Join Chabad of Bradenton & Lakewood Ranch for a Chanukah Celebration featuring Rappin Rockin Regge Rabbi, Dr. Laz in Concert & Color Orbeez Menorah! 6-8PM
December 8 A Night Before Christmas Family friendly activities, including a foam zone, face painting, bounce house, petting zoo and train ride along our Christmas path. Event entry is FREE. A suggested donation per family of a new, unwrapped toy for a local children's organization is kindly requested. $5 WRISTBANDS are sold for a variety of activities. 5:30-8PM
December 8 Holiday Family Event We are excited to invite our members and community to join us for an evening to remember with some family fun! Activities include: -Crafts in Santa’s Workshop -Ugly Sweater Contest with prizes -Christmas Music and Caroling -Cookie exchange This event is free and open to the public!
December 9 Holidays at The Bay Spread the season’s cheer by snapping a free family photo with Santa. Join Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation Teaching Artists for holiday card making, dancing, and a seasonal story read by Mr. Stevey. Dance to Rockin’ Reindeer music spun by Rick Levine and enjoy family-friendly games, crafts, and more!
December 9 Christmas in Cortez Free family event with crafts, games, bounce houses, Santa meet-and-greet and other holiday festivities for the whole family! Food will be on-site available for purchase.
*Admission, parking, & ALL activities are free of charge* 1-4PM
December 9 North River Ranch Winterfest Come play in the snow and take pictures with Santa Clause! NRR Winterfest will also feature a holiday golf cart parade, decorating contest, bounce houses, face painting, holiday crafts, and more! 11AM-2PM
December 9 An Old Florida Christmas Experience an old-fashioned Florida holiday celebration. “An Old Florida Christmas” features food, music, free "make and take" seasonal crafts, and vendors selling handmade goods. Admission is free, so mark your calendars!
December 8, 9, 15, 16 Padgett Ranch Small Town Christmas Experience the magic of Christmas at Padgett Ranch. Enjoy a ride on the polar express barrel train, burn off some energy on the reindeer run obstacle course and the giant bounce pillow, take a Christmas story hayride, get your face painted, interact with Santa while hand delivering your letter, enjoy dinner at the Family Grill and more! 5:30-8:30PM
December 10 A Taste of Chanukah Join us for a fun festival for the entire family. 4-6PM
December 11 Join us for a Chanukah Celebration at the Bradenton Riverwalk Amphitheater. Lighting of a 6 foot Menorah, live music by the Freylekh Band, latkes, doughnuts, and fun for the whole family!
December 15 and 16 Southside Christmas Town Celebration Tickets are not required but will help us with crowd control and also help you to remember not to miss this totally free, totally amazing event! From our lights maze and snow machines to the new improvements coming to a “Journey to Bethlehem“ and Elf Games, you don’t want to miss this event. 5-8PM
December 19 Parrish Hometown Christmas There will be a Snow Slide, a Snow Pile to play in, a Petting Zoo, a Gingerbread house area for the Kids' Zone to write letters to Santa, and Face Painting. Entertainment from schools around our community. Lighting of the Christmas Tree with Kim Betts and her daughter Nikki singing. Food Vendors, Market Vendors, photo opportunities, Christmas Tree decorating contest, and more
December 23 Winterfest and Outdoor Candlelight Service At South Shore Community Church, on Christmas Eve (Eve), we are planning to throw the block party of all block parties. 4-8:15pm
December 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! 4-7 pm: Free Rides and Games 7-8pm: Christmas Candlelight Service
PARENTS SHOPPING OPPS
December 23 Kids Christmas Craft and New Indoor Playground Take some time for yourself for last minute Christmas shopping and getting all the wrapping done. Drop the kids off (ages 4 to 8) from 6PM to 9PM at Jumpjump Children Multiverse.
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