- December 17, 2024
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The Rink at UTC
4-10 p.m. in the UTC West District next to Ford's Garage
$17
Visit MallAtUTC.com.
Lace up the skates for winter fun at the Rink at UTC, presented by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Tickets, which include skate rental, must be reserved in advance. Runs 4-10 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Jan. 5, 2025.
Lights in Bloom
5:30 p.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St.
$29-$44
Visit Selby.org.
Planning to take the family to see Selby Gardens’ winter wonderland of 2 million lights on the shores of Sarasota Bay? You’re not alone. If you’re planning to go, book your ticket online now because the nights are selling out quickly. Early admission at 5:30, which costs more than general admission at 6:30. Lights in Bloom runs through Jan. 1 and is open every night except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.
Jazz Thursday at SAM: The Barker Project
5:30 p.m. at Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail
Free to $25
Visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org.
Fresh from their triumphant collaboration with Sarasota Contemporary Dance, The Barker Project performs a holiday show on the Marcy & Michael Klein Plaza. The evening features extended hours in the galleries, Bistro and museum shop. This event is sold out online, but here’s an insider’s tip: Go to the museum in late afternoon, pay for an admission or membership and stay for the show!
‘All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914’
7 p.m. at The Ringling’s Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road
$39-$67
Visit Ringling.org.
Thanks to a partnership between Asolo Repertory Theatre and The Ringling, Asolo Rep is presenting “All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914” in the Historic Asolo Theater. Written and directed by Asolo Rep Producing Artistic Director Peter Rothstein, “All is Calm” tells the true story of an impromptu holiday ceasefire between English and German soldiers during World War I using word and song. Runs through Sunday.
Wonderland Circus: ‘Illuminate’
7 p.m. at the Big Top at UTC, 195 University Town Center Drive
$30-$100
Visit CircusArts.org.
Nothing says the holidays like the circus, especially when the star is Sarasota’s hometown hero, Nik Wallenda. For the second year in a row, superstar aerialist Wallenda teams up with the Circus Arts Conservatory to present “Illuminate,” a fresh show for the whole family that’s got all the holidays covered. Runs through Jan. 5, 2025.
‘Off the Charts’
7:30 p.m. at FST’s Court Cabaret, 1265 First St.
$18-$42
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
The creative team behind Florida Studio Theatre’s popular cabaret series is at again with “Off the Charts.” Richard and Rebecca Hopkins and Sarah Durham take the audience on a tour of 20th-century pop music with arrangements by Jim Prosser. Runs through Feb. 9, 2025.
'A Motown Christmas'
7:30 p.m. at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave.
$22-$57
Visit WestcoastBlackTheatre.org.
You don’t have to be old enough to remember the Jackson Five singing “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” to appreciate Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s “Motown Christmas.” Take time out from decorating the metallic tree and head over to this energetic program of Hitsville holiday favorites guaranteed to warm the heart of any Grinch. Runs through Jan. 5, 2025.
‘59th Street Bridge’
7:30 p.m. at FST’s Goldstein Cabaret, 1239 N. Palm Ave.
$18-$42
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Feelin' groovy? Simon & Garfunkel fans know that expression in the hit song that gives this cabaret show its title. Florida Studio Theatre pays tribute to early folk-rock artists including John Denver, Bob Dylan and Joan Baez. Continues through March 30, 2025.
‘The Heart Sellers’
8 p.m. at FST’s Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave.
$25-$42
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Take a time trip back to Thanksgiving 1973 when a chance meeting between two recent Asian immigrants develops into an unexpected friendship. Runs through Feb. 16, 2025.
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 and including 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. Open to all ages. Call 941-263-6732 for reservations.
Friday Jazz @ 2: Mark Moultrup and Friends
2 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist SRQ, 3975 Fruitville Road
$15-$20
Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.
Jazz Club of Sarasota presents Mark Moultrup and his friends James Suggs, Alejandro Arenas and Jean Bolduc for Friday Jazz @ 2. Originally from Detroit, Moultrup is a keyboardist, vocalist, composer, arranger and educator now living in St. Petersburg.
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, a menorah lighting, and a lively atmosphere.
‘Short and Suite’: Azara Ballet
7 p.m. at Ovation Black Box Theater, 4602 E. State Road 64, Bradenton
$28-$30
Visit AzaraBallet.org.
Choreographed by Azara Ballet co-founder Martin Roosare, this holiday program was such a hit during the company’s inaugural season last year that it's been revived. The hourlong program includes classical ballet set to excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite” as well as a performance accompanied by contemporary holiday music. Runs through Sunday.
Sarasota Ballet: 'Fanciful Journey’
7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.
$35-$125
Visit SarasotaBallet.org.
Get out your best sparkly ballet flats because the Sarasota Ballet is giving the community a holiday present at Sarasota Opera House. No, we’re not talking about Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker”; we’re talking about the world premiere of Sir David Bintley’s “The Spider’s Feast.” The fanciful ballet follows a hungry anthropod that is thwarted every time he tries to trap another insect for dinner. The program also features Sir Frederick Ashton’s “Les Patineurs” and George Balanchine’s “Rubies.” Runs through Sunday.
‘A Christmas Carol’
7:30 p.m. at the Raymond Center, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice
$15-$26
Visit VeniceTheatre.org.
Now in its 75th season, Venice Theatre continues its holiday tradition of presenting its musical production of “A Christmas Carol.” Veterans of past shows return, including Brad Wages as Scrooge, and are joined by new cast members. God bless us, everyone! Runs through Sunday.
‘Deck the Halls’
10 a.m. at FST’s Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave.
$12
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Since it was first produced as part of Florida Studio Theatre’s Children’s Series in 2016, “Deck the Halls” has become a tradition for many Sarasota families. Celebrate the holidays in Florida style with palm trees decorated with twinkling lights, sand snowmen and Santa on a surfboard. This year, the interactive show returns with new sketches and songs.
‘Home for the Holidays’
3:30 and 7:30 p.m. at Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave. Building 5, Venice
$38-$70
Visit TheVeniceSymphony.org.
Don’t miss Venice Symphony maestro Troy Quinn before he flies off to Boston, where he’s making his debut New Year's Eve at the Boston Pops with a program featuring Broadway star Bernadette Peters. Quinn will lead the Venice Symphony in seasonal favorites such “Sleigh Ride,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” with vocal performances by Key Chorale and guest vocalist Liz Callaway. Runs through Sunday.
Christmas on Main
4-8 p.m. at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch
Free
Vist LakewoodRanch.com.
Come enjoy the biggest Christmas party in town. Grace Community Church will transform Main Street into a winter wonderland with free games, rides, and attractions for the whole family. Santa himself will make an appearance and there will be a candlelight service from 7-8 p.m.
Sarasota Polo
1 p.m. at the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Lakewood Ranch
$15; VIP from $20
Visit SarasotaPolo.com.
The opening match of the polo season features the theme Christmas at the Green Beach. The club is sponsoring a Christmas Toy Drive for children in need in the region. Bring a toy to the pavilion and the club will match every dollar and toy donated. Gates open at 10 a.m.
Chamber Soirée 4: Beethoven and Brass
4 p.m. at Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail
$42-$52
Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.
Sarasota Orchestra presents an uplifting program of chamber music featuring Early Hungarian Dances from the 17th century by Farkas and Beethoven’s Piano Quartet in E-Flat Major, Op. 16. The concert ends on a yuletide note with selections from “A Canadian Brass Christmas.”
‘The Nutcracker’
6:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.
$35-$80
Visit SarasotaBallet.org.
It wouldn’t be Christmas without Balanchine’s classic, “The Nutcracker.” The timeless story features 100 dancers from the Sarasota Ballet Studio Company, so be prepared for spontaneous applause from family members. For some of us, the Christmas tree that keeps growing taller and taller never gets old. Continues through Monday.
Holiday Sound Bath
2 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key
$40; members $25
Call 941-383-6493.
Amy Steinhauser will lead a fully immersive experience using singing bowls, a gong, chimes and more. Suitable for all ages, her sound baths will relax you with healing frequencies that balance your body and mind. Advance registration is required since space is limited.
Pinecraft Christmas Day Parade
1 p.m. at Pinecraft, 3713 Bahia Vista St.
Free
This event repeatedly draws over 1,000 spectators as it makes its way through Pinecraft, Sarasota's predominantly Amish and Mennonite community. The experience includes farm vehicles, festive costumes and more.
