Lights in Bloom® transforms Selby Gardens into a glowing holiday wonderland, with more than two million lights illuminating the bayfront pathways. Running select nights in December at the downtown Sarasota campus, it’s a festive, family-friendly experience that shines all season long.

Step into a world of magic, acrobatics, and imagination at Wonderland: Believe — a dazzling holiday circus spectacular performed under the Big Top at UTC Sarasota. This all-new production blends breathtaking aerial acts, comedy, and live music into an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Venice Theatre’s original musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol returns for its 25th year, bringing Dickens’ classic tale of redemption to life with heartfelt performances and festive spirit. Running December 4–21 at the Raymond Center in Venice, it’s a cherished holiday tradition perfect for all ages.

Holiday Tour of Lights brings the season to life with a cheerful trolley ride through Sarasota’s most dazzlingly decorated neighborhoods. Running nightly through December 29, it’s a festive, family-friendly way to enjoy twinkling lights, bright displays, and plenty of holiday spirit.

The holidays shine bright at University Town Center! All season long, enjoy nightly light shows, a giant tree, visits with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, ice skating, and festive photo ops throughout the shopping district.

Deck the Halls brings a Florida twist to the holidays with sand snowmen, twinkling palms, and toe-tapping festive tunes. Running November 29–December 24 at Florida Studio Theatre’s Keating Theatre, this energetic show delivers songs, sketches, and interactive fun for the whole family.

Hidden Elves at Main Street Lakewood Ranch turns the charming shopping district into a playful holiday scavenger hunt, with more than 15 mischievous elves tucked inside and outside Main Street’s shops and restaurants. Running November 24, 2025 through January 2, 2026.

Christmas Carol Trolley is a lively 75-minute holiday ride filled with music, stories, and sparkling Sarasota lights aboard enclosed, air-conditioned Dolly The Trolley. It’s festive fun for all ages—and Discover Sarasota Tours also offers a variety of other themed trolleys year-round.

A Christmas Tail brings holiday magic to the stage with a heartwarming story about a mystical talking cat, a lonely butcher, and the Christmas Eve encounter that just might change everything. Running December 3–21 at Lemon Bay Playhouse, this charming production blends whimsy, wonder, and feel-good spirit—perfect for kicking off the season with the whole family.

Spend a festive December day wandering through Wellen Park’s shops, restaurants, and scenic lakefront paths. And if you’re there during Wellen Wonderland or the Holiday Festival of the Arts, you’ll find extra cheer with live entertainment, artisan booths, and seasonal surprises.

Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring St. Armands Circle’s boutiques, galleries, and cafés. And if you’re lucky enough to visit on a third Thursday, the “Circle the Date” event adds extra energy with specials, entertainment, and a festive vibe.