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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Sarasota hosts several large annual Christmas events, including the popular Sarasota Holiday Market and various community-wide celebrations. Many neighborhoods also put on impressive light displays that draw significant crowds.
While many traditions are shared, Sarasota's coastal location often influences its holiday celebrations, with events sometimes incorporating nautical themes or taking place along the beautiful waterfront. The focus on arts and culture also leads to unique performances and market offerings.
Many residential neighborhoods in Sarasota go all out with Christmas lights. Areas along the South Trail and established communities often feature stunning home displays that are a joy to drive or walk through.
You can find Christmas markets and local makers at events like the Sarasota Holiday Market, as well as smaller craft fairs hosted by community centers and local organizations throughout the season.
Enjoying the neighborhood Christmas lights is a fantastic free activity. Many community tree lighting ceremonies and holiday parades are also free to attend, offering festive fun without breaking the bank.
Families with kids in Sarasota can enjoy Santa meet-and-greets at malls and markets, festive holiday shows at local theaters, and exploring neighborhoods known for their dazzling Christmas light displays.