Christmas, Hanukkah Events In Sarasota: Parades, Tree Lightings, More

SARASOTA, FL — There are plenty of things going on around Sarasota to celebrate the 2023 winter holidays.

Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival of lights, starts at sundown on Dec. 7, and ends at nightfall on Dec. 15. Christmas, of course, is on Dec. 25, but you don’t have to wait to start taking in all the sights and sounds of the season.

Menorah lightings in Sarasota are:

• Hands on Hanukkah, Dec. 6-15. Hosted by Temple Sinai, this community event takes place during four of the eight nights of Hanukkah. Dates, times and locations vary. Each evening features arts and crafts, raffles and giveaways, food and photos, live musical performances, and menorah lightings.
• Outdoor Menorah Lighting, Dec. 7, 5:30 p.m., on the Temple Emanu-El green.
• Shabbat Hanukkah Dinner and Family Celebration, Dec. 8, 6 p.m., Temple Emanu-El.
• Pop-Up Hanukkah Menorah Lighting, Dec. 12, 5 to 6 p.m., Morton’s Market on Osprey Avenue in Sarasota. Hosted by Temple Emanu-El.
• Pop-Up Hanukkah Beach Sunset, Dec. 14, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Lido Beach, hosted by Temple Emanu-El.

Christmas tree lights occur:

• Downtown Sarasota Christmas Tree Lighting, Nov. 30, 6 to 8 p.m., Selby Five Points Park
• Holiday Night on St. Armands Circle, Dec. 1, 5:30 to 9 p.m.

Christmas parades, often complete with Santa Claus, festively decorated floats and marching bands, are a holiday tradition, both nationally and locally.

Attending the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade is a bucket list item for many families. If you can’t be in New York City, the parade will be livestreamed on NBC and Peacock, the network’s streaming service, from 8:30 a.m. to noon Eastern Time.

Parades in Sarasota may not be able to match that in size, but the heart behind them is just as big. Parades to catch here at home include:

• 27th annual Sarasota Holiday Parade, Dec. 2, 7 p.m. The parade starts at Main Street and US 301 and ends at Main Street and Gulfstream Avenue.
• 37th annual Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, Dec. 9, 6 p.m. The boats will parade through Sarasota Bay. This is a fundraiser for Suncoast Charities for Children.