The Best Holiday Events in and Around Sarasota | December 2025
The holidays are upon us, and Sarasota and Manatee counties are bursting with festive cheer! Whether you’re looking for twinkling light displays, seasonal runs, or magical family outings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this December. Here’s a roundup of can’t-miss holiday events happening in and around Sarasota this season.
The Rink at UTC
December 1, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Lace up your skates for some wintertime fun at University Town Center’s outdoor ice rink! Located in the West District near Ford’s Garage, The Rink offers real ice, rentals, and a festive atmosphere for skaters of all ages. Advance reservations are required, and sessions often sell out quickly.
Hours:
Mon–Fri: 4 PM – 10 PM
Sat–Sun & School Holidays: 11 AM – 10 PM
Thanksgiving & Christmas Eve: 11 AM – 6 PM
Christmas Day: 2 PM – 8 PM
Location: 210 North Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, FL
Photos with Santa at Lakewood Ranch Main Street
Every Tuesday & Thursday in December, starting December 3
Bring the family to Lakewood Ranch Main Street for festive photos with Santa by the beautifully decorated Christmas tree. This free event is the perfect way to capture holiday memories.
Time: 6 PM – 9 PM
Location: 8100 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Lakewood Ranch, FL
North Pole Express at the Florida Railroad Museum
December 3 – 22, 2025
Hop aboard the North Pole Express for a 35-minute ride from Parrish to the North Pole! Enjoy cookies, cocoa, campfires, and a visit with Santa himself. A true holiday favorite for families.
Location: 12210 83rd Street East, Parrish, FL
Holiday Splendor at The Ringling
December 4 & 11, 2025
Enjoy live holiday music from local schools at The Ringling Museum’s annual Holiday Splendor. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots to receive free admission.
Time: 5 PM – 8 PM
Location: 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL
47th Annual Holiday Night of Lights – St. Armands Circle
December 5, 2025
St. Armands Circle kicks off the season with live entertainment, a Christmas carol sing-along, and the lighting of the 60-foot Christmas tree. Enjoy free family activities, Santa photos, and holiday shopping.
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, FL
UTC Festival of Trees
December 5 – 18, 2025
Marvel at beautifully decorated trees designed by local charities during this annual fundraiser at The Mall at UTC. Vote for your favorites or bid to take one home, with all proceeds benefiting participating organizations.
Location: 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, FL
28th Annual Jingle & Jog 5K Run/Walk
December 6, 2025
Support The Haven during this scenic 5K run/walk beneath a canopy of oak trees. Participants receive a race t-shirt, refreshments, and swag bag.
Time: 8 AM – 12 PM
Location: 4405 DeSoto Road, Sarasota, FL
Bradenton Winter Wonderland Celebration
December 6, 2025
Experience the magic of the holidays in downtown Bradenton with photos with Santa, a snow slide, live performances, and falling snow. Enjoy free carnival games and creative children’s crafts.
Time: 5 PM – 8 PM
Location: Old Main Street, Downtown Bradenton, FL
Sarasota Holiday Parade
December 6, 2025
A beloved Sarasota tradition! Watch as colorful floats, marching bands, and Santa himself light up downtown.
Time: 7 PM
Route: Main Street, Downtown Sarasota, FL
Lights in Bloom at Selby Gardens
December 6, 2025 – January 3, 2026
Stroll through more than two million lights transforming Selby Gardens into a tropical wonderland. Enjoy food, drinks, and family activities.
Time: 6:30 PM – 9 PM (Early entry at 5:30 PM)
Location: 1534 Mound Street, Sarasota, FL
Downtown Sarasota Christmas Tree Lighting
December 7, 2025
Gather in Selby Five Points Park for the official lighting of Sarasota’s downtown Christmas tree, complete with live music from The Rockefellers and festive fun for all ages.
Time: 7 PM – 10 PM
Location: 1 Central Ave, Sarasota, FL
14th Annual Lakewood Ranch Jingle 5K
December 12, 2025
Run (or walk) through the illuminated streets of Lakewood Ranch in this fun nighttime 5K featuring snow machines, music, and a lively afterparty.
Time: 7 PM
Location: Main Street, Lakewood Ranch, FL
49th Annual Sandy Claws Beach Run
December 13, 2025
Hit the sand for this classic Siesta Beach tradition. Choose from a 5K or one-mile fun run and take part in the holiday costume contest.
Time: 7 AM – 11 AM
Location: Siesta Beach Park, 948 Beach Road, Siesta Key, FL
An Old Florida Christmas at Manatee Village Historical Park
December 13, 2025
Step back in time for a nostalgic celebration featuring food trucks, crafts, live music, and handmade goods in a beautifully decorated historic setting.
Time: 10 AM – 3 PM
Location: 1404 Manatee Avenue East, Bradenton, FL
Sarasota Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl
December 13, 2025
Don your most festive (and tackiest) holiday sweater and join the fun at Sarasota’s annual holiday pub crawl through downtown.
Time: 4:30 PM – 9 PM
Location: Joe’s on Main, 1448 Main Street, Sarasota, FL
Sarasota Christmas Glow Run 5K
December 13, 2025
Run or walk this glowing, Christmas-themed nighttime race around Nathan Benderson Park. Enjoy festive decorations, music, and even a snowfall at the finish line.
Time: 5 PM – 9 PM
Location: 5851 Nathan Benderson Park Circle, Sarasota, FL
Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade
December 13, 2025
Watch beautifully lit boats cruise the Manatee River. Prime viewing spots include the Riverwalk, Pier 22, and the Green Bridge.
Time: Starts at sunset
Location: Bradenton & Palmetto Riverfronts
Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
December 13, 2025
This classic waterfront parade features illuminated boats gliding along Sarasota Bay. Grab a spot near Bayfront Park for the best view.
Time: 7 PM
Location: City Island & Sarasota Bayfront
Taste of Chanukah Festival
December 14, 2025
Celebrate Chanukah with food, music, and family fun at Phillippi Estate Park. Enjoy live entertainment, crafts, and children’s rides.
Time: 4 PM – 6 PM
Location: 5500 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL
Frosty 5K Race
December 20, 2025
Join the 16th annual Frosty 5K at Twin Lakes Park. This festive race welcomes runners and walkers of all levels, with costume contests and commemorative medals for all participants.
Time: 8 AM
Location: Twin Lakes Park, Sarasota, FL
Christmas on Main – Lakewood Ranch
December 20, 2025
Grace Community Church transforms Lakewood Ranch Main Street into a winter wonderland with free games, rides, live entertainment, and a candlelight service.
Time: 4 PM – 8 PM (Candlelight Service 7–8 PM)
Location: Lakewood Ranch Main Street
Pinecraft Christmas Parade
December 25, 2025
End your holiday season with this charming neighborhood parade through Sarasota’s Amish and Mennonite community. Expect decorated golf carts, floats, and plenty of festive spirit.
Time: Parade starts at 3 PM
Location: Bahia Vista Street near Beneva Road, Sarasota, FL
Celebrate the Season in Sarasota!
From ice skating and tree lightings to boat parades and beach runs, Sarasota and Manatee counties know how to celebrate the holidays in style. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there’s no shortage of ways to make memories this December.
