Holiday Night of Lights set for Dec. 6

St. Armands Circle takes another step toward normalcy as the St. Armands Circle Association has received its permit from the city to host the 46th Annual Holiday Night of Lights on Friday, Dec. 6.

The event begins with a special performance from 5:30 to 6 p.m. followed by the annual sing-a-long. After Santa arrives, the countdown will be underway to light the 60-foot Christmas tree in Circle Park.

“St. Armands Circle businesses are excited to welcome guests to the annual Holiday Night of Lights,” said St. Armands Circle Association Director of Sales and Marketing Rachel Burns. “Enjoy caroling led by the St. Armands Key Lutheran church and help us count down to illuminate the Christmas Tree.”

Through 9 p.m., visitors can stroll the circle and enjoy the live musical performances and family crafts and activities.

The event will be the first held in St. Armands Circle since the devastating storm surges brought by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. 

It follows the road to recovery for most of the barrier islands as Longboat Key held its first event since the hurricanes with Light Up Longboat on Nov. 23.

Most of the St. Armands restaurants have re-opened and retailers have been busy restoring and restocking their stores. Dining reservations are recommended.

Holiday Night of Lights is sponsored by Opal Properties (The Longboat Key Club, Lido Beat Resort, Cirque-St. Armands, Sandcastle Resort, and the Zota Beach Resort), Crab & Fin, Lynches Pub, Binjara Traders, Ivory Coast, Sahara, St. Armands Antiques, the City of Sarasota, the St. Armands Residents Association, and the St. Armands Circle Association.

The city of Sarasota granted the Circle Association nearly $400,000 to replace the tree in 2022, the grant was secured with the assistance of the St. Armands Business Improvement District board.