The most wonderful time of the year is here again and the holiday merriment found on Florida's Gulf Coast will warm your spirits in more ways than one. From boat parades to nights of lights and candy lands, our not-so-wintery wonderland will have you remembering why this is the season to be jolly.
From Longboat Key to Venice and everywhere in between, if you want to celebrate the season with events to help the less fortunate or share holiday time with friends and family, we've got you covered.
In Sarasota, Longboat Key and Siesta the month is packed with holiday events.
Kick off the season on Dec. 2nd and enjoy a Holiday Night of Lights on St. Armands Circle. Santa arrives at 6 p.m. and the lighting of the 51 ft., five-story- tall Rocky Mountain Pine Christmas Tree takes place at 6:15 p.m. More than 18 musical groups will perform throughout the evening, from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. at various locations stationed around the Circle.
It's time for holiday shopping on December 3 - 4 at the 9th Annual Siesta Beach Holiday Arts & Crafts Show. The show takes place in the area off the tennis courts on Siesta Key, Beach Road. Free admission. Starts at 10 a.m. both days.
December 3rd welcomes back the annual Sarasota Holiday Parade along Main Street in downtown Sarasota. With thousands participating, the parade kicks off at 7 p.m. with decorated floats, live marching bands and the guest of honor, Santa Claus, rounding out the parade.
Don't forget your pet this holiday season. December 10, 2011 come out for the 3rd Annual Sarasota Santa Paws and Holiday Pet Parade taking place downtown at Five Points Park. You're invited to bring your pet in holiday costume to have its picture taken with Santa Paws and to join in the holiday pet parade. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. More info: (941) 365-7702 x204
Nothing says Florida's Gulf Coast like the annual Sarasota Christmas Boat Parade of Lights on December 10th. The boat parade starts around 6 p.m. from City Island and will be just enough to help put you in the spirit of the season.
Ever dreamed of a room full of everything candy? This year support the Make-A-Wish Foundation's "Christmas in Candy Land" and your dream will come true. On Sunday, December 11th from 11 a.m. to 1p.m. the Michael's on East ballroom will be transformed into a larger-than-life candy arena of chocolates and treats of the season as well as interactive edibles, face painting and even Santa himself. Tickets $35 adult/ $10 child. For more information, tickets or to get on the life size Santa's wish list call 941-952-WISH.
Downtown Sarasota is also offering a Community Wide Chanukah Event at Selby Five Points Park in the Heart of Downtown on Tuesday, December 30th from 3—7pm
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is having its annual "Lights in Bloom" event December 16-23 and 26 & 27, from 6:00-9:00 pm. In addition to the sparkling tropical display of lights, there will be live music, Santa's workshop, Hanukkah happenings, Kwanzaa activities, holiday crafts and interactive games for kids both young and old. Under the Banyans entrees, cinnamon popcorn, beer, wine, and hot chocolate will be available for purchase. Event tickets go on sale Dec. 1st and will be available online or at Selby Ticket Center.
This year the gardens will also transform the 1934 Southern Colonial-inspired Selby mansion into a sparkling retreat adorned with holiday décor. "Holiday Splendor at the Payne Mansion" is December 1, 2011 through January 2, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily (included with admission) and during the evenings of Lights in Bloom (special ticketed event). For more information or ticket prices visitwww.selby.org or call (941)366-5731.
'Tis the season to meet Gilly -- Santa's helper shark -- at Mote Aquarium. From noon to 2 p.m. each Saturday from Nov. 26 through Dec. 17, you can take pictures with the Mote Mascot. Photo ops with Santa Jaws are free with your admission to Mote. This year aquarium visitors can also see the six black-footed penguins at the visiting Penguin Island exhibit and more than 100 marine species, including sharks, dolphins, sea turtles, manatees and fish of all shapes and sizes. For more information: www.mote.org/santajaws.
A popular Sarasota occasion for locals and visitors alike is the "15th Annual Holidays at the Crosley Festival of Trees" at The Powel Crosley Estate. From 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on November 30th - December 7th., dozens of beautifully decorated Christmas trees and a room-size model train are on display. It's $8 for adults; 12 and under are free.
Also at the Estate, the Powel Crosley Theater is proud to announce "A Victorian Christmas at the Crosley", Dec. 13-17th & 20-23rd at 7:30 p.m. Stories and songs of the holiday will fill the rooms and colorful characters will tell holiday stories from authors such as the Grimm Brothers, Charles Dickens and more. For more information, visit powelcrosleytheater.com
The John and Mable Ringling Museum will kick off its holiday season on December 1st from 6-9 p.m. with “Holiday Splendor" where the sounds of the holiday season will be celebrated with performances by Sarasota and Manatee County school groups in the decorated museum courtyard. The event will benefit the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. Admission is free with the donation of a toy per person. Without a toy, the fee is $10 for adults and $5 for children 6-17. Children under 5 get in free. For more information, call (941) 359-5700 ext. 5705.
Be among the first to experience the Skyspace created by the internationally renowned artist James Turrel on December 22nd from 8 p.m. - midnight with the "Greet the Light: Solstice Celebration in the Courtyard". Enjoy dancing, entertainment, food and more within the beautiful Ringling Museum Courtyard. The special exhibition, “Zimoun: Sculpting Sound” will be open for viewing in addition to the Skyspace. Non-Members: $20/advance, $25/at the door. Ringling Museum Members: $10 in advance, $15 at the door. For more information on any of the events and everything else Ringling has to offer, visit www.ringling.org.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens will be hosting "Millions of Lights Magical Nights " at its 2011 holiday lights nights on December 2-4, 9-11 and 16-24 from 6 to 9 p.m. Enjoy holiday music and lights while hanging out with alligators, parrots and fluffy pink flamingos. Pictures with Santa, dinner, cookie decorating and s'mores will also be available. For additional information please call 941-355-1112 Ext 306.
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota has a packed events calendar for the holidays. On Thursday, December 8th at 6 p.m., attend the “Holiday Gingerbread Open House” to witness the gingerbread baked and built by Ritz-Carlton pastry chefs. Cookies, hot chocolate and cider will also be served and carolers will be present singing holiday songs. The event will also allow patrons to donate to a toy drive.
Bring your children to have breakfast with Santa at the Ritz-Carlton on Saturday, December 10 at 8 a.m. Young children get a gift from Santa ($49/adult, $39/child under 12). The same day, from 3-4:30 p.m., learn the secrets to decorating the perfect holiday cookie and bring home 8 cookies to show off (and eat) at home. ($45).
Saturday, December 17 at 11 a.m. is “Teddy Bear Tea,” which will include hot chocolate, finger sandwiches and tea cookies. Children receive a special Ritz-Carlton keepsake teddy bear. $50 for adults and $44 for children ages 12 and under. For more holiday events, please visit www.RitzCarlton.com
Why not leave the cooking to someone else this year and join the folks at Holiday Inn Sarasota Airport for a reasonably priced yet holiday scrumptious "Christmas Day Brunch" from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. $15.95 per person includes a complimentary glass of champagne after 12 p.m. To make reservations call (941)355-9000.
It just wouldn't be a full Florida Gulf Coast Christmas without sharing the holiday events in Venice, Osprey and Englewood.
Travel back in time and experience "Heritage Holidays: Old Florida Traditions" at Historic Spanish Point from Nov.19 through Jan.1st. Attending "Pioneer Craft Classes" or “A New Year's Eve Starlight Stroll, you'll learn all about the holiday traditions of old. For more information visit www.historicspanishpoint.org.
December 3rd is a holiday bonanza in Englewood, FL. Start your day at the Olde Englewood Village for the Annual Winter Fine Arts Festival on West Dearborn Street from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Then, beginning at 2 p.m., you can catch the five-mile Rotonda West Christmas Holiday Parade that travels along Rotonda Circle and features bands, floats, horses, classic cars, Santa, and more. Spectators are requested to bring non-perishable items to benefit the food pantry at Englewood Helping Hand, Inc.. Golf carts will travel the parade route picking up donations of canned food, paper goods, toys and cash donations.
The City of Venice starts off the holiday festivities with its Annual Holiday Parade, Nov. 26, along West Venice Avenue in downtown Venice. Pre-parade entertainment begins at 5 p.m. at the intersection of West Venice Avenue and Harbor Drive and the parade begins at 7 p.m. The festivities continue at the Annual Christmas Boat Parade, Dec. 3, along the Intracoastal Waterway between Albee Road Bridge and Circus Bridge, 7 p.m.
No holiday is complete without the "Lighting of the Holiday Tree" in The Arboretum at Blalock Park, Dec. 10, 5 -7 p.m. Entertainment, Santa Claus and refreshments. Tour the holiday decorated Triangle Inn across the street, 351 Nassau St., for an historical vantage point of holidays past in Venice.
For more information on the Florida Gulf Coast events that will warm your spirits this holiday season visit www.sarasotafl.org.
Happy Holidays!
