Sarasota Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Sarasota and surrounding areas
Sarasota sparkles for the festive season with glittering Holiday lights near the historic downtown and along Bayfront Drive, creating a seaside holiday vibe. Signature events like the Sarasota Holiday Parade and the Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights bring winter festivals and festive events to waterfront neighborhoods. From ice skating and seasonal concerts to Christmas markets and family activities, the season offers many things to do that celebrate the coast’s unique holiday spirit.
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Christmas Shows
25 eventsNutcracker ballet excerpts with a tea party.
Christmas Lights
25 eventsMesmerizing drive-through holiday light displays
Christmas Markets
12 eventsExtended holiday shopping hours and festive downtown atmosphere.
Christmas Parties
6 eventsAnnual ugly sweater themed bar crawl
Other Christmas Activities
32 eventsAnnual holiday parade with community entries and festive floats.
Editor's Picks (6)
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Sarasota Holiday Parade
Annual holiday parade with community entries and festive floats.
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Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Illuminated boats parading on Sarasota Bay
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Festival of Lights at Fishermen's Village
(Punta Gorda)
Over a million lights and holiday decorations.
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Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade
(Palmetto)
Spectacular holiday boat parade on the Manatee River
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The Wonderland of Lights
Mesmerizing drive-through holiday light displays
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Sarasota Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl
Annual ugly sweater themed bar crawl
This Week / Coming Up (6)
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Weekday evenings tend to be less crowded. Peak times are weekends in December, especially closer to Christmas.
Most events offer on-site parking. Check individual event pages for specific parking information and fees.
Most venues are accessible. Contact individual events for specific accessibility accommodations.