Where To See Santa In Sarasota This Christmas Season

SARASOTA, FL — Visits and pictures with Santa are treasured traditions for many Sarasota families. For them, there’s nothing quite like seeing jolly old St. Nick live and in person.

In the Sarasota area, kids have several chances:

• The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota: Take pictures with Santa and visit Santa’s Flight Academy in UTC’s Grand Court through Dec. 24. Reservations are recommended.
• Sarasota Christmas Tree Lighting at Selby Five Points Park in Sarasota: Nov. 30, 6 to 8 p.m. Take photos with Santa at this annual Christmas tree lighting.
• Sensory Santa at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 2256 Bahia Vista Street, Sarasota: Dec. 2, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Presented by Face Autism, this visit with Santa features lower lighting, soft music, therapy dogs, no standing in line and more.
• Breakfast with Santa at Laurel Park and Newtown Estates: Dec. 16, 10 a.m. to noon. Hosted by Sarasota County. Enjoy breakfast, holiday music and a visit by Santa. Registration is required by Dec. 8. Unwrapped toy donations for children 12 and under are accepted at various county locations through Dec. 11.

JC Penney stores, including stores in the Sarasota area, are offering professional portraits with Santa through Dec. 18.