Celebrate The Holidays In Sarasota At These Upcoming Events

SARASOTA, FL — With Christmas, Hanukkah and other holidays approaching, here are some upcoming events for residents and visitors to enjoy this season.

Holiday Night of Lights

St. Armands Circle magically comes to light and life with its annual Holiday Night of Lights Friday, 6 to 9 p.m. The tree lighting will take place at 6 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will stroll the Circle throughout the evening greeting visitors. All attendees are asked to wear face masks. This event is presented by Crab & Fin Restaurant. Learn more online here.

Southside Christmas Town

Sarasota Baptist Church, 2035 Magnolia Street, hosts its third annual Christmas town Saturday, 4 to 8 p.m. This free event includes a Christmas lights maze, crafts, games, hot chocolate and s’mores, and more. Learn more about the event here.

The Great Christmas Caper Boat Parade

This Venice holiday tradition will take place in the Venice Intercoastal Waterway Saturday starting at 6 p.m. and runs until about 9 p.m. Participating boats will be decorated and illuminated with holiday lights as they move along the parade route. Learn more here.

2nd Annual Jingle Jam

The second annual Jingle Jam takes place Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., at CoolToday Park, located at 18800 SW Villages Pkwy. in Venice. The weekend includes a holiday market, a Christmas tree decorating contest, a golf cart parade of lights, a virtual symphony concert, a virtual 5K, appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, a paint and sip class, and food and drink specials. Learn more here.

UTC Holiday Lights Show

This annual holiday projection light show takes place Wednesday through Dec. 20, 6:30 to 9 p.m., at the Mall at UTC located at 119 N. Cattlemen Road. The show runs every half hour. Learn more online here.

Sarasota Christmas

This annual Sarasota Christmas production runs Saturday through Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. at Sarasota Baptist Church located at 7091 Proctor Road. No tickets or reservations are required. Learn more about the show here.

12th Annual Gingerbread Festival

The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida hosts its annual Gingerbread Festival Dec. 11-20 at The Mall at UTC located at 119 N. Cattlemen Road. This holiday wonderland features gingerbread houses crafted by more than 150 local schools, youth groups, businesses and nonprofit organizations. Vote for your favorite gingerbread house. Learn more online here.

Showfolks Holiday Circus Festival

The Showfolks of Sarasota hosts its Holiday Circus Festival Dec. 12-13, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Sarasota County Fairgrounds at 3000 Ringling Blvd. This outdoor, walkthrough experience includes live circus acts, a kids’ fun zone, exhibits, food and more. General admission tickets are $10 each and a family six-pack is $50. Learn more online here.

Chanukah Light Live

Chabad of Venice hosts a virtual menorah lighting Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. This free event features The Schmerling Family Havdalah and menorah lighting, performances by Nissim Black and Yitzchok Moully, Rabbi YY Jacobson, Israel’s ambassador to the United States Ron Dermer, and food writer and blogger Chani Apfelbaum. Sign up for the event here.

Parade of Lights

This Chanukah car parade will start at Chabad of Venice, 21560 Angela Lane in Venice Dec. 13 at 4:30 p.m. The parade will head to Centennial Park, located at 200 W Venice Ave., for the grand menorah lighting at 5:30 p.m. Learn more online here.

A Taste of Chanukah

This drive-in music and food festival is presented by Chabad of Sarasota. It takes place Dec. 13, 4 to 5:30 p.m., at Phillippi Estate Park, located at 5500 S Tamiami Trail. Entertainment includes a BMX Trick Stars show and live music by DJ CJ Koenig. This is a free event. Learn more online here.

Lights in Bloom

This annual open-air holiday lights show at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, located at 1534 Mound Street, features more than 2 million lights illuminating the gardens and walkways. The display will be open from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 12-23 and 26-31, and Jan. 1-2. General admission is $20 for members and $25 for non-members. Learn more here.

“We Need a Little Christmas” Performance

This holiday concert under the stars runs Dec. 18 through Jan. at 7 p.m. at the Asolo Reperatory Theatre’s terrace stage. The theater is located at 5555 N Tamiami Trail. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased here.

Breakfast with Santa

Hosted by Sarasota County, this drive-through version of the annual breakfast with Santa takes place at Newtown Estates Park, located at 2800 Newtown Blvd., on Dec. 19, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. It includes a to-go breakfast, holiday music, a toy giveaway and a visit from Santa. Learn more about the event here.

Christmas Glow Run 5K

This family-friendly run features dozens of Christmas decorations and music, and snow at the finish line. This glow run kicks off Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Park Circle. Register online here.

Are there any upcoming holiday events missing from our list? Email Sarasota Patch at Tiffany.Razzano@Patch.com.