Get a snapshot of the holidays in North Port! Our guide covers all the key festive events and activities. For those who live and breathe North Port and those just getting acquainted, this guide is your festive companion.
One of the highlights of the season is the Venice Christmas Boat Parade, where beautifully decorated boats illuminate the waterways. Unique to the area is the Holiday Splendor at The Ringling, where you can enjoy special seasonal exhibits and decor. And don’t miss the Sarasota Holiday Parade, featuring floats, music, and more merriment. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in North Port
See these and even more events listed below!North Port Holiday Light Displays
North Port Tree Lighting Festival
What to Expect:
Community-decorated Christmas trees
Description:
North Port's Tree Lighting Festival ignites the holiday spirit with a forest of community-decorated Christmas trees. Local businesses, schools, and organizations showcase their creativity through uniquely adorned trees. The event culminates in the lighting of the city's grand Christmas tree, a tradition that began in the 1980s. Visitors can vote for their favorite decorated tree, fostering friendly competition among participants. Live performances by local choirs and dance troupes fill the air with seasonal melodies. The festival reflects North Port's strong sense of community and collaborative spirit.
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North Port Tree Lighting Festival
North Port Other Holiday Activities
Candy Cane Lane Holiday Village
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday-themed installations
Description:
Candy Cane Lane Holiday Village transports visitors to a whimsical world of oversized treats and interactive installations. This immersive experience features larger-than-life candy canes, gingerbread houses, and holiday-themed photo opportunities. Children can embark on a scavenger hunt, searching for hidden elves throughout the village. The event draws inspiration from classic holiday stories and films, bringing beloved characters to life. Visitors can create their own ornaments at craft stations, adding a personal touch to their holiday decorations. The village showcases North Port's commitment to creating innovative community events.
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Candy Cane Lane Holiday Village
Nearby Events
Sarasota Holiday Parade (Sarasota)
What to Expect:
Largest nighttime parade in Southwest Florida
Description:
Sarasota's streets come alive with the dazzling spectacle of the Holiday Parade. As the largest nighttime parade in Southwest Florida, this event boasts over 100 illuminated floats and marching bands. You'll be captivated by the intricate designs and creative themes showcased by local organizations. The parade's roots trace back to 1995, growing from a small community gathering to a major regional attraction. Spectators can participate by bringing unwrapped toys for the Toys for Tots collection along the parade route, spreading joy to less fortunate children in the area.
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Venice Christmas Boat Parade (Venice)
What to Expect:
Decorated boats parading through Venice's waterways
Description:
Venice's waterways transform into a floating festival during the Christmas Boat Parade. Dozens of boats, adorned with twinkling lights and holiday decorations, glide through the Intracoastal Waterway. The event, a cherished tradition since 1989, draws thousands of spectators to the shores. Visitors can stake out prime viewing spots along the Historic Venice Bridge or at Centennial Park. The air fills with the sound of holiday music drifting across the water as each uniquely decorated vessel passes by. This aquatic procession showcases Venice's strong maritime heritage and community spirit.
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Holiday Splendor at The Ringling (Sarasota)
What to Expect:
Holiday decorations in a historic mansion
Description:
The Ringling, once home to circus magnate John Ringling, dons its holiday best for a spectacular celebration. The Ca' d'Zan mansion, a testament to the Roaring Twenties, sparkles with period-appropriate decorations. Visitors can explore the lavishly adorned rooms, each telling a story of holidays past. The event pays homage to Mable Ringling's love for entertaining during the festive season. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the fusion of holiday cheer with the museum's world-class collection. Stroll through the courtyard, where towering Christmas trees complement the Renaissance-style architecture.
Website:
Holiday Splendor at The Ringling
Pinecraft Christmas Village (Sarasota)
What to Expect:
Amish and Mennonite holiday traditions
Description:
Pinecraft Christmas Village offers a unique glimpse into Amish and Mennonite holiday traditions. This close-knit community, known for its simple lifestyle, opens its doors to share their seasonal customs. Visitors can savor authentic Pennsylvania Dutch treats, a nod to the settlers' origins. The village buzzes with activity as artisans demonstrate traditional crafts, from quilting to woodworking. Handmade gifts and decorations reflect the community's emphasis on simplicity and craftsmanship. The event provides a rare opportunity to experience a holiday celebration that has remained largely unchanged for generations.
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Venice Holiday Parade (Venice)
What to Expect:
Parade route through historic downtown Venice
Description:
Venice's Holiday Parade winds through the charming streets of its historic downtown, showcasing the city's architectural beauty. Floats and marching bands pass by Mediterranean Revival-style buildings, creating a picturesque holiday scene. The parade, a tradition since the 1970s, brings together generations of Venice residents. Spectators can enjoy the sight of vintage cars decked out in holiday finery, a nod to the city's love of classic automobiles. Local schools and community groups compete for best float honors, adding an element of friendly rivalry to the festivities.
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Lights in Bloom at Selby Gardens (Sarasota)
What to Expect:
Botanical garden transformed with holiday lights
Description:
Selby Gardens' Lights in Bloom event transforms the lush botanical oasis into a luminous paradise. Over two million lights illuminate the gardens' tropical plants and trees, creating breathtaking displays. Visitors can wander through tunnels of light and discover glowing sculptures inspired by the gardens' flora. The event pays tribute to Selby's mission of plant conservation through creative light installations. Children will delight in the Garden of Wishing Trees, where they can hang their holiday hopes. The gardens' bayfront location offers stunning views of the illuminated Sarasota skyline, adding to the event's allure.
Website:
Lights in Bloom at Selby Gardens
Holiday Boat Parade of Lights (Nokomis)
What to Expect:
Boat parade in a natural, mangrove-lined setting
Description:
The Holiday Boat Parade of Lights in Nokomis offers a unique twist on traditional parades. Decorated boats cruise through the natural beauty of mangrove-lined waterways, creating a stunning contrast between holiday lights and Florida's lush landscape. The event, which began in the 1980s, celebrates the area's rich boating culture. Spectators can watch from waterfront restaurants or bring chairs to Nokomis Beach, where the parade makes a special pass. The sound of boat horns mingles with holiday music, creating a festive atmosphere. This parade showcases the community's ability to blend coastal living with holiday traditions.