Sarasota Holiday Happenings!

🎄 Holiday Happenings in Sarasota

December 14, 2025 – New Year’s Day

The holiday season continues across Sarasota and the surrounding area with festive events, lights, shows, and celebrations all the way through the New Year.

🚂 North Pole Express

Dates: Select dates through December 24
Where: Florida Railroad Museum, Parrish
All aboard for a magical train ride to the North Pole! Families enjoy festive décor, storytelling, and a visit from Santa himself. Pajamas are encouraged, and tickets often sell out early.

👉 Learn more & tickets: https://www.frrm.org/north-pole-express/

🎪 Sailor Circus Holiday Shows

Dates: Select performances mid-December through late December
Where: Sailor Circus Arena, Sarasota
A true Sarasota tradition featuring incredible acrobatics, aerial acts, and family-friendly holiday performances.

👉 Show schedule & tickets: https://www.sailorcircus.org

🎠 Wonderland Circus at UTC

Dates: Mid-December through late December
Where: University Town Center (UTC), Sarasota
Step into a classic European-style circus experience with acrobats, aerialists, clowns, and jaw-dropping performances under the big top. A fun and unique outing for all ages.

👉 Show info & tickets: https://wonderlandcircus.com

✨ Lights in Bloom® at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Dates: Nightly through January 1
Where: Downtown Sarasota
Stroll through millions of twinkling lights set among tropical gardens and waterfront scenery — perfect for families, date nights, and holiday photos.

👉 Event details & tickets: https://selby.org/events/lights-in-bloom/

🚎 Siesta Key Christmas Light Trolley Tours

Dates: Select evenings through December 31
Where: Siesta Key Village & Beach Road area
Enjoy festive holiday light displays throughout Siesta Key while riding aboard a decorated trolley — no driving required.

👉 Tour information: https://siestakeytrolley.com/

🎄 Holidays at UTC (University Town Center)

Dates: Daily through early January
Where: The Mall at UTC
Seasonal décor, sparkling lights, entertainment, shopping, and dining make this a great stop for holiday fun and last-minute gifts.

👉 Holiday events info: https://utcsarasota.com/

⛵ Holiday Boat Lights Along Sarasota Bay

Dates: Through late December
Where: Bayfront Park, Marina Jack & downtown waterfront
Many boats remain decorated after the parade, creating a festive backdrop for evening waterfront walks.

🎭 Holiday Shows & Performances

Dates: Through December 30
Where: Various Sarasota venues
From holiday concerts to family-friendly stage shows, Sarasota’s arts scene stays festive through the end of the year.

🎉 New Year’s Eve – Pineapple Drop®

Date: December 31, 2025
Where: Downtown Sarasota
Ring in the New Year Sarasota-style with live music, food vendors, and the iconic Pineapple Drop at midnight. Family-friendly celebrations are typically offered earlier in the evening.

🥂 New Year’s Day on the Gulf Coast

Date: January 1, 2026
Start the New Year with a beach walk, waterfront brunch, or a stroll through St. Armands Circle — one of the many perks of living on Florida’s Gulf Coast.