- January 7, 2025
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The holiday season has arrived, and with it comes lots to do in the community.
Kicking off the roster of events is young talent, with a Sarasota High Theatre's performance of "A Christmas Carol, the Musical" by composer Alan Menken.
Students manage roles across the production, including Lili Bazell as director and Dovelyn Watkins as choreographer. 2020 Sarasota High graduate Lily Mancini, who earned a degree in vocal performance at the University of Florida, serves as vocal coach.
“I think the best sign that student leadership works is when former students come back and join the staff," said program director Lacey Knispel, in a media release. "This year we are so lucky to have Lily Mancini join us as vocal coach. It is a full-circle moment for me as a teacher to have one of our alumni here coaching and training our current students.”
Yet there is also more to see, from a singing Christmas tree to the fireworks spectacular bringing the month of December to a close.
Sarasota High Theatre Presents: A Christmas Carol, The Musical
7 p.m. at Sarasota High School, 2155 Bahia Vista St.
$15; students $10
Visit SarasotaCountySchools.net.
A classic story receives a spectacular treatment in this student performance of the Broadway musical by composer Alan Menken.
Singing Christmas Tree Spectacular at First Sarasota
7 p.m. at First Sarasota, 1661 Main St.
$10-$20
Visit FirstSarasota.org.
The annual singing Christmas tree celebrates its 50th anniversary. The First Sarasota Choir and Orchestra sing a combination of Christmas classics and new favorites, with Broadway performer J. Mark McVey ("Les Misérables"), lending his voice to the event. Also, watch the Nativity scene come to life with real animals, including camels. Runs through Dec. 8.
Holiday Splendor at The Ringling
5 p.m. at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road
$15; children $5; free with unwrapped toy donation
Visit Ringling.org.
Celebrate the season in the Museum of Art Courtyard at the Ringling Museum, while also supporting the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots serving Sarasota and Manatee counties. Enjoy musical entertainment by local schools, including Booker, Southside and Philippi Shores elementary schools.
Fresh Fridays: Light up The Night
7-10 pm. Selby Five Points Park, 100 N. Pineapple Ave.
Free
Visit DowntownSarasotaDID.com.
Fresh Fridays offers its holiday edition. Enjoy live music by The Rockefellers and also celebrate the Downtown Improvement District's new holiday tree with a lighting ceremony.
Lights in Bloom
6:30-9 p.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound St.
$19-$44; all-inclusive $75-$225; children4 and under free
Visit Selby.org.
More than two million lights will decorate Selby Gardens' Downtown Sarasota Campus in this display that has been ranked No. 6 in the USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice contest for Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights nationally. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Runs through Jan. 1, 2025. Early entry begins at 5:30 p.m.
Sarasota Holiday Parade
7 p.m. at Main St.
Free
Visit SarasotaHolidayParade.com.
This signature annual event downtown brings together 4,000 participants and features lighted floats, high school marching bands, and more, including Santa Claus. Sarasota Holiday Celebration Inc., a nonprofit organization, presents the parade.
Kwanzaa Community Celebration
5-7:30 p.m. at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Public Library, 2801 Newtown Blvd.
Free
Visit BettyJJohnsonFriends.org.
This celebration of Kwanzaa offers poetry readings, joyous dancing, and singing, with a traditional Kwanzaa meal. The seven-day Candle Lighting Ceremony and Celebration follows it, held at various times and locations in Sarasota from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1.
Sandy Claws Beach Run
8 a.m. at Siesta Key Beach, 948 Beach Road
$25-$40
Visit RunSignUp.com.
The Sandy Claws Beach Run sees runners, walkers and joggers dressed in holiday gear, and includes a chip-timed 5K race and a one-mile fun run. Music, food and raffle prizes will be available after the race.
Winter Wonderland at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 John Rivers St.
Free
Visit SarasotaFL.gov.
Enjoy arts and crafts, cookie decorating, a toy giveaway, pizza for kids, and a visit from none other than Santa Claus.
Holidays at The Bay Community Celebration
4-7:30 p.m. at Common Ground, 1055 Blvd. of the Arts
Free
Visit TheBaySarasota.org.
Celebrate the season with offerings that include a free family photo with Santa Claus, a holiday craft project by Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation, a "Sounds of the Season" story reading by Mr. Stevey, and music by DJ Rick Levine, a family showing of Toy Story 4, and more.
Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
6-9 p.m. at Island Park 5, Bayfront Drive
Free
Visit SuncoastCharitiesforChildren.org.
Watch boats beautifully decorated for the holidays on Sarasota Bay, in an annual event presented by Suncoast Charities for Children and Marina Jack. Admission is free and the best viewing is from Bayfront Park and Marina Jack. Reservations are required in advance for Marina Jack, and fill up quickly. Guests are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy or book which will be distributed by Suncoast Charities for Children to The Florida Center for Early Childhood, The Haven, and Children First.
Brunch with Santa
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Arts & Central. 611 Central Ave.
Price based on menu items
Visit ArtsAndCentral.com.
Santa will be making a visit to Arts & Central on December 15th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with elves serving a special brunch menu. Enjoy photos with Santa Claus. RSVP required.
Breakfast with the GRINCH!
7:30-9:30 a.m. at Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex, 2650 Waldemere St.
$10 per plate
Visit SarasotaFL.gov.
Enjoy a festive breakfast with the Grinch, which includes offerings of pancakes, sausage, fresh fruit, apple juice and coffee. Create a Grinch-inspired ornament, play games, watch a holiday movie, and have your photo taken with the Grinch. Call 941-263-6732 for reservations.
Shabbat Hanukkah Dinner
5:45 p.m. at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road
$36; children age 4-12 $10; children under 4 free
Visit SarasotaTemple.org.
This intergenerational dinner features traditional Shabbat and Hanukkah foods and a menorah lighting, and a lively atmosphere.
New Year’s Eve Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular
11:45 p.m. to 12:01 a.m. at Island Park, 5 Bayfront Drive
Free
Visit SuncoastCharitiesForChildren.org.
Welcome the arrival of the New Year with the 12th Annual New Year’s Eve Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular. Held by Suncoast Charities for Children, in partnership with Marina Jack, the event provides its net revenue from sponsorships to the organization. Reservations are required in advance for Marina Jack and fill up quickly.
