Sarasota-Venice Macaroni Kid is proud to be your official guide to all things Holiday Magic in 2023!
We have gathered all the Holiday events in Sarasota, Venice, Lakewood Ranch and Bradenton including festivals, parades, Santa sightings, local markets, light displays, living nativities and more!
We are thankful for our Holiday Events Guide sponsor, The Flock SRQ.
At The Flock, we believe that every child is uniqueand special. Our playhouse is designed to cater to the diverse interests and abilities of children aged 0-4, creating a vibrant atmosphere where all children can feel valued and confident. Our experienced and caring educators are passionate about early childhood education and work tirelessly to create enriching experiences for each child.
Engaging Classes | Open Play | Parenting Workshops | Celebrations.
Grand Presale Rates for a limited time
We will be locking in a certain number of memberships at our presale rate. Once we reach our goal, all memberships can only be purchased at standard rates.
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Welcome to the 2023 Holiday Events Guide
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 2 and 3 Celebrate on the Circle You and Your family are invited to our first Holiday Family Fun Days on St. Armands Circle! 11AM-3PM
Enjoy FREE holiday entertainment, games, activities, and treats.
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 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
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 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.
Click the photos below to see more events
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