Parades and holiday shows are a favorite way to ring in the Christmas season in Sarasota! Whether you go to Santa's Grand Arrival at UTC, or the Sarasota Holiday Parade or watch the annual Nutcracker performances, there is something for everyone!
Nov 9 Santa's Grand Arrival and Parade Delight in an entertaining evening featuring Santa’s Grand Arrival Parade, the first light show of the season, a dazzling fireworks display, a special after-party performance and so much more!
Nov 30 Siesta Key Holiday Parade and Santa Santa will be at the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center 2-4pm to greet children BEFORE the parade. Photos may be taken with Santa free of charge. Parade starts at 5:30PM
Nov 30 Venice Holiday Parade Kicking off the holiday season, the City of Venice Holiday Parade is always the Saturday after Thanksgiving downtown. Pre-parade entertainment begins one hour before the parade start time at Harbor Drive and Venice Avenue and at Nokomis and Venice avenues. 5:30PM
Dec 7 Sarasota Holiday Parade Celebrating our theme, 'Holidays for Heroes,' an opportunity to creatively honor the heroes in our lives. 7PM
Dec 7 North Port's Annual Poinsettia Parade & Festival Resurrection Pools, will continue to feature the annual tree lighting ceremony, mobile food vendors, entertainment, attractions, merchandise vendors, and much more. 3-7PM
Dec 14 Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade As the county’s largest holiday event of the year, thousands of area residents and traveling spectators flock to the river to experience the magic. VIP viewing parties will be held at the Bradenton Yacht Club, Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant, and Pier 22 with public viewing locations along the Green Bridge and Palmetto Pier.
Wonderland Illuminate | Under the Big Top Wonderland is back with Illuminate, a dazzling, never-before-seen production. Join us under the climate-controlled big top at UTC Friday, November 22 through Sunday, January 5 2025. “Wonderland” will take audiences on a heartwarming and visually stunning journey that brings together the enchantment of the winter holidays and their unique traditions.
Florida Studio Theatre Presents Deck the Halls A brand-new rendition of everything that makes Christmas and Hanukkah in Sarasota special. With all-new songs and sketches, Deck the Halls gets audiences ready to celebrate the holidays, Florida style! Get excited for palm trees with decorations, swimming in the sea, sand snowmen, and more. Select dates Nov 30-Dec 21
Nov 27-Jan 5 Motown Christmas Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe invites the community to ring in the holidays with its exuberant original musical revue, A Motown Christmas. The show features some favorite traditional carols as well as numerous original Christmas songs written and recorded by Motown's most celebrated artists, all performed in WBTT's inimitable style. Runs November 27, 2024 - January 5, 2025. Tickets are $57/adults, $22/students and active duty military. Visit westcoastblacktheatre.org.
Dec 1 A MAGICAL LUNCH WITH CLARA & FRIENDS! Join us for a NEW HOLIDAY TRADITION: A MAGICAL LUNCH WITH CLARA & FRIENDS! Enjoy our very special, abbreviated version of The Nutcracker with a scrumptious lunch and special visits from the characters! A holiday tradition you won’t want to miss! $70 12-3PM
Dec 5, 6, 7 and 8 50th Annual Singing Christmas Tree This year’s celebration is more magical than ever, with five unforgettable performances that will captivate all ages. The First Sarasota Choir and Orchestra will usher in the Christmas spirit with cherished Christmas classics and some fresh, new favorites. Gather your family and friends, and join us to celebrate this golden anniversary of Christmas wonder! Get your tickets today! Showtimes are 7 p.m. on December 5-6, 3 p.m. on December 7, and 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on December 8;
Merry and Bright Enjoy festive music that underscores the merry and bright feelings of this special time of year. Music includes A Klezmer Nutcracker, Sleigh Ride , Skater's Waltz, and Joy to the World. Sarasota Orchestra Dec 13 5:30PM, Dec 14 at 7:30PM Dec 15 at 4PM
The Nutcracker In Venice The Nutcracker follows the enchanting adventures of Clara and will feature dancers from The Sarasota Ballet Studio Company. A magical night out for the whole family. Dec 13 and 14 | The Venice Performing Arts Center
Oasis Kids Presents "The Great Late Potentate" Oasis Kid's is hosting the heartfelt & adorable Kid's Production, "The Great Late Potentate" and you're invited! There are no tickets, and the show is free, so just come & enjoy! Dec 14 and 15 at 6PM
The Nutcracker | Sarasota Opera House Join us for a magical evening of ballet, aerial, and more! Follow along with Clara as she celebrates Christmas Eve, has a fierce battle with the Mouse King, and explores the Kingdoms of Snow & Sweets. Dec 14 at 5PM and Dec 15 at 3PM
Home for the Holidays Experience the most wonderful time of the year with family and friends at our annual celebration of music and togetherness. Dec 20-22
The Sarasota Ballet Presents The Nutcracker Witness Clara and the Nutcracker battle with the Mouse King before journeying off to the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Prince in this treasured family classic. Dec 22nd and 23rd. Performed at the Sarasota Opera House
Dec 26-29 Sailor Circus Presents: Diamond Jubilee! A time honored tradition in its 75th year, featuring Sailor Circus Academy students in a spectacle of athletic artistry! Showtimes are Thursday-Saturday, December 26-28, at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, December 29, at 1 and 5 p.m. Tickets are $20-$40. Call the Box Office at 941-355-9805 or visit circusarts.org
Go back to the main 2024 Christmas Events guide here ⤵️
