Savor the Season: Sarasota's Holiday Dining Delights

As December unfolds its festive charm, Sarasota County's culinary scene comes alive with a symphony of flavors and holiday spirit. Indulge in the warmth of the season with these delectable dining experiences, where special menus, events and holiday cheer take center stage. Whether you're seeking an intimate holiday dinner, a festive brunch or a culinary adventure, Sarasota County's dining scene has something for every palate. 

Savor the season with these holiday dining delights that capture the essence of the holidays through delectable cuisine and warm hospitality.

Local Holiday Markets and Festivals:

Discover the flavors of the season at local holiday markets and festivals. Many showcase local artisans, food vendors or neighboring restaurants, providing an opportunity to savor holiday treats and find unique culinary gifts. From Holidays at The Bay (December 9) and the Holiday Night Market at UTC (December 21) to Wellen Park's Light Up Wellen! tree lighting celebration (December 9) and Waterside Place's Holiday Movie in the Park (December 15), there are plenty of month-long opportunities to enjoy the sights, sounds and flavors of Sarasota during the holiday season!

Additionally, you can always source and enjoy the locally made and curated foods at the weekly farmers' markets—including the Englewood Farmers Market on Thursdays, Sarasota Farmers Market and Venice Farmers Market on Saturdays, and Siesta Key Farmers Market and the Farmers' Market at Lakewood Ranch on Sundays. 

Culinary Classes and Workshops:

Elevate your cooking prowess for the holidays by learning how to create festive dishes you can recreate at home to impress your guests at the next holiday dinner party! Immerse yourself in the art of holiday cooking with culinary classes and workshops offered by local chefs. 

Giuliano Hazan, award-winning cookbook author and teacher, and his wife Lael open their riverside home for an intimate hands-on cooking class. Learn how to prepare a four-course Italian meal while enjoying some fine Italian wine. Sounds like a holly jolly time, if you ask us! Book your class.

Holiday Flavors & Tasting Menus:

It's certainly the time to celebrate and dine out with friends, family and neighbors! A time to enjoy festive menus and holiday specials offered by some of Sarasota's top restaurants and bars. From indulgent multi-course feasts and holiday happy hours to winter-inspired dishes and seasonal cocktail menus, local chefs and bartenders showcase the flavors we all love the most this wonderful time of year! For inspiration on where to go to dine and drink, check out area restaurants and breweries. 

Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Dining:

Elevate your holiday celebrations with Christmas Eve specials at various restaurants. From elegant dinners to lively celebrations, there are a handful of local restaurants opening their doors for the Christmas season for those who wish to have a stress-free, kitchen-less option. Let someone else do the cooking and cleanup for that highly anticipated holiday meal. 

Cafe Gabbiano on Siesta Key, Libby’s Neighborhood Brasserie in Southside Village, Duval's Fresh. Local. Seafood. in downtown Sarasota, Mattison's Forty-One in Sarasota, Columbia Restaurant on Lido Key and Euphemia Haye on Longboat Key are just a handful of spots you can eat, drink and be merry for December 24th and 25th (special holiday hours may apply).