Sarasota Lifestyle

North Port Poinsettia Parade & Festival

City Center Front Green 4970 City Hall Blvd, North Port, Florida

Join the City of North Port for a festive celebration of the holiday season at the annual Poinsettia Parade & Festival. This year's theme, “Poinsettias in Paradise,” sets the stage for a day of family-friendly fun, festive cheer, and holiday magic. ​

Downtown Sarasota Christmas Tree Lighting

Gather at Selby Five Points Park for Sarasota’s official Christmas tree lighting, complete with carolers, refreshments, and a special appearance by Santa Claus.

Sarasota Christmas Boat Parade of Lights

Celebrate the holiday season in true Sarasota style at the Sarasota Christmas Boat Parade of Lights, a beloved annual waterfront tradition! This dazzling nighttime spectacle takes place on Saturday, December 7, 2025, starting at 6:00 PM and continues through the evening until approximately 8:30 PM.

Downtown Sarasota Holiday Parade

Ring in the holiday season with Sarasota’s annual Holiday Parade through downtown. Enjoy festive floats, marching bands, holiday lights, and a special appearance from Santa Claus. A favorite for families and visitors alike.

Holiday Splendor at The Ringling

Celebrate the season during this magical evening at The Ringling, where the museum grounds are beautifully illuminated and admission is free with the donation of an unwrapped toy. Enjoy festive holiday music, family-friendly activities, and decorated museum spaces while supporting local families in need.

Lakewood Ranch Winterfest

Celebrate the holiday season with Winterfest at Waterside Park featuring snow slides, live music, food vendors, holiday characters, and a magical fireworks show over the lake.

Annual Siesta Key Santa Stumble

Put on your festive gear and join the jolly crowd for Siesta Key’s annual holiday-themed bar crawl. Enjoy drink specials and merrymaking across island hotspots.

Venice Symphony Holiday Concert

Enjoy classic and contemporary holiday music performed by the Venice Symphony in a festive concert.

Lights in Bloom® at Selby Gardens

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Sarasota, FL

Lights in Bloom® is Selby Gardens’ signature holiday light display and one of Sarasota’s most beloved seasonal traditions. During this breathtaking evening event, more than two million lights transform the gardens into a whimsical wonderland of glowing pathways, illuminated rainforest scenes, and artistic botanical displays. Stroll through the gardens and enjoy stunning light sculptures, immersive installations, and peaceful waterfront views enhanced by the glow of holiday brilliance.

Venice Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

Venice Intracoastal Waterway Venice, Florida

Celebrate the season with one of Venice’s most magical traditions! The Venice Holiday Boat Parade of Lights features dozens of festively decorated boats gliding through the Intracoastal Waterway, dazzling spectators with holiday lights and cheer. The parade begins at 6:00 PM and is best viewed from areas near the Venice Train Depot and the Venice Avenue Bridge. Bring a chair and arrive early — this event is a local favorite! Venice Holiday Boat Parade of Lights📅 Date: December 20, 2025🕒 Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM📍 Location: Intracoastal Waterway, Downtown Venice, FL

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall 777 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL, United States

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland is a festive production that combines the thrill of live circus acts with the joy of holiday music. Audiences can expect a 1 hour and 40-minute performance featuring acrobats, aerialists, and other performers set to classic holiday melodies .

Venice Christmas Walk & Window Decorating Tour

Venice 101 W Venice Avenue, Venice, Florida

Stroll through downtown Venice to enjoy decorated shop windows, music, and holiday cheer. During the event, attendees can enjoy extended shopping hours, live music, festive treats, and beautifully decorated storefronts. The walk is designed to be a self-guided tour through the heart of Venice's historic downtown, allowing visitors to experience the holiday spirit at their own pace.