December in Sarasota and the surrounding Gulf Coast is a time of twinkling lights, festive music, and holiday cheer around every corner. From dazzling light displays and spirited parades to seasonal markets and ballet performances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities, unique local events, or ways to embrace the Florida sunshine this holiday season, our guide highlights the best happenings across Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, and beyond.
December Events in Sarasota and Manatee:
December 4–7
Holiday Splendor at The Ringling — December 4, The Ringling Museum
Holiday Night of Lights — December 4, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach
Music on Main — December 4, Main Street, Lakewood Ranch
European Holiday Market “Heart of the Holidays” — December 4–7, Bradenton Area Convention Center
December 5–6
Holiday Night of Lights — December 5, St. Armands Circle
UTC Festival of Trees — December 5–18, The Mall at UTC
December 6
Venice Christmas Boat Parade — Intracoastal Waterway, Venice
Downtown Sarasota Holiday Parade — Main St.
Jingle & Jog 5K — The Haven Campus, Sarasota
Jingle Jam at CoolToday Park — CoolToday Park, North Port
Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival — Waterside Park, Lakewood Ranch
December 6–7
Atomic Holiday Bazaar — Robarts Arena
December 6–January 3
Lights in Bloom — Selby Botanical Gardens (nightly light show)
December 12–13
The Nutcracker — Sarasota Ballet (Venice performances) — Venice Performing Arts Center
Free Friday Concert — December 12, Centennial Park, Venice (youth orchestra holiday performance)
December 13
Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade — Sarasota BayfrontSandy Claws Beach Run — Siesta Key Beach
Venice Winter Arts & Craft Show — Venice Community Center
Sarasota Christmas Glow Run 5K — Bradenton (GT Bray Park), December 13-14
December 15
Ringling by the Bay — The Ringling
December 19–21
“Sounds of the Season” Holiday Concert Series — Venice Performing Arts Center
Masters of Movement — Sarasota Ballet, Sarasota Opera House, December 19–20
December 21–23
The Nutcracker — Sarasota Ballet (Sarasota performances) — Sarasota Opera House
Chanukah Klezmer Festival — December 21, Centennial Park, Venice
Carols, Candles & Live Nativity (“Path to Christmas”) — December 21, Bradenton
Winterfest + Outdoor Candlelight Service — Sarasota, December 23
Siesta Key Christmas Beach Service — Siesta Key Beach (sunset service), December 23
December 26–28
Post-Christmas Arts & Makers Markets — Various Sarasota/Venice venues
Holiday Lights Tours — Local neighborhoods + waterways
December 30
Pre-New Year’s Live Music Night — Local Sarasota/Bradenton venues
December 31 — New Year’s Eve
Sarasota Pineapple Drop & Block Party — Downtown Sarasota
New Year’s Eve at Waterside Place — Waterside, Lakewood Ranch
Selby Gardens Black-Tie New Year’s Eve Gala — Selby Gardens
With so many festive events to enjoy, December in Sarasota is the perfect time to celebrate the season and soak in all that our Gulf Coast lifestyle has to offer. And while you’re out exploring, remember—winter isn’t just for holidays; it’s also a smart time to make a move in the real estate market. With strong buyer demand, fewer competing listings, and beautiful Florida weather, your home has a real advantage.
Thinking about selling this winter?
Our team is ready to guide you every step of the way—from pricing strategy to holiday staging that makes your home shine. Don’t wait for spring—Sarasota’s season is now!