Some folks are under the impression, that once the parade is over, that’s it for holiday fun in Sarasota. Not so, there are plenty of great events planned right up to Christmas day. Here is a highlight of the festivities – be sure to bookmark this list to keep it handy:
” Give With a Purpose” – Holiday Shopping Program for Charity – Until December 21, 2013 at Westfield Southgate
This is a simple way to get your Christmas shopping done and donate to your favorite local charity. Simply spend $200 or more in the same day and receive a $25 Holiday Give Card to be donated to the charity of your choice. Visit gulfcoastcf.org or westfield.com/southgate for more information.
Holiday Party for the Birds – December 14, 2013 @ 10:00AM – 12:00PM – Save Our Seabirds
An event for the whole family – decorate a live red cedar with yummy snacks that birds love, then take your tree home and plant it in the garden.
Call Save Our Seabirds at 941.388.3010 and reserve a day and time. (Limit is 15 families each day.)
Cost: Free with General Admission ($6 for adults, $4 for children 4 to 12 years old.)
Porsches in the Park – Saturday, December 14, 2013. 10:00 am – 3:00 pm – St Armands Circle, Sarasota FL
Dad is sure to to love this 9th annual display of porsches at St. Armands Circle. No admission fee.
Let It Snow – December 14 – 24th, 2013 at the Bishop Planetarium
Listen to your favorite holiday classics against a backdrop of animation and special effects on the planetarium dome. The show runs from Nov. 29 through Dec. 24, Tuesday – Friday at 2:15 pm, Saturday at 11:15 am and Sunday at 12:30 pm.
Atomic Holiday Bazaar – December 14,15, 2013 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm at Sarasota Municipal Auditorium
In its 8th year running, this popular Indie craft show is an eagerly awaited event. The first 100 adults in line will receive an Atomic tote bag filled with goodies. Admission: $5 Adults/ 12 & Under Free
December Holiday Open House at Michael’s on East Restaurant – December 14, 2013 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Now is your chance to discover that new wine or beer at this free event at Michael’s Wine Cellar & The Tasting Room. Stroll from table to table, offering a selection of over 60 wines and craft beers. Guests are asked to bring an unwrapped toy as a donation for admission. Contact Sarah Lansky at 941.366.0007 for information. No RSVP required.
The 40th Annual Singing Christmas Tree – December 14, 2013 @ 3:00PM – 4:30PM at First Sarasota
When an event repeats 40 years in a row, it has to be a winner! Contact 941.365.2846 for more information
Let it Snow, Sarasota Orchestra – December 14, 2013 @ 5:30PM – 8:00PM at Holley Hall at Symphony Center
Enjoy a number of holiday classics from: It’s a Wonderful Life, A Charlie Brown Christmas, Klezmer Nutcracker and other favorites. Contact Sarasota Orchestra at 941.953.3434 for ticket information.
Poinsettia Parade & Festival – December 14, 2013 @ 6:00PM – 9:00PM in Dallas White Park, Northport.
Bring the family for a traditional holiday parade, visit with Santa, enjoy live entertainment, treats, and a real snow slide. Contact 941.429.7275 for more information.
26th Annual Winterfest Festival of Fine Arts and Fine Crafts – December 14 & 15, 2013, from 10 am to 4:30 pm.
If you haven’t completed your shopping, you’ll certainly be tempted at this exceptional juried display of local artwork. Free admission.
Holiday Lights – December 13-15, 20-24 & 26-29, 2013 @ 6:00PM – 9:00PM – Sarasota Jungle Gardens
Be amazed as the Jungle Gardens come to life with over a million sparkling lights. Get in the holiday spirit with classic carols, roast hot dogs and S’mores at the firepit. A magician will be performing and Santa will be on hand for that annual visit.
Capture the holiday spirit on one or more nights from 6:00PM to 9:00PM on December 13-15, 20-24, and 26-29. Advance tickets can be purchased on our website at: www.sarasotajunglegardens.com.
This Is Christmas – The Ditchfield Family Singers – December 14, 2013 @ 2:30 & 7:00 pm, Sarasota Opera House
This 14th annual extravaganza features holiday renditions by The Ditchfields. Certain to get you into the holiday mood, this will be a world class evening of entertainment.
Two performances – 2:30 PM and 7:00 PM, Tickets are selling fast! Contact Bernice Ditchfield at 941.923.2013
Downtown Sarasota Holiday Arts & Crafts Show, Five Points Park – December 15, 2013 @ 10:00AM – 4:30PM
Visit a creative selection of arts and crafts vendors, right in downtown Sarasota – perfect for that last minute holiday gift.
Siesta Trolley Holiday Light Tours – December 15, 2013 @ 7:00
Enjoy a tour of holiday lights on a festive trolley.
Repeats weekly on Sun and Fri until Fri Dec 27 2013. Call 941.915.3232 to make advance reservations. Cost: $18.00 each, Adults $10.00 each, Children (ages 12 and under)
Holiday Nights at The Ringling – December 19, 2013 @ 5:00PM – 8:00PM (Repeats weekly on Thur until Thurs., Dec. 26 2013)
Enjoy Ca’ d’ Zan decorated for the holidays during extended viewing hours. Contact 941.359.5700 for more information.
Holly Days Mangrove Lights – December 19, 2013 @ 5:00PM – 8:00PM (Repeats weekly on Thur. and Fri. until Tue., Dec. 31 2013) at Historic Spanish Point
Open until 8 pm on Thursdays and Fridays in December, view holiday lighting throughout the area, including the magical mangrove tunnel. Members free, general admission for non-members.
Greet the Light Winter Solstice Celebration – December 21, 2013, 7:00 pm at the Ringling Museum of Art
Enjoy live entertainment, and festive food and drinks at the Ringling Museum. Price$15/$10 Members
Christmas Eve Dinner – December 24, 2013 @ 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm at Duval’s New World Cafe
Choose from two menus offering a holiday feast – perfect to share with friends and family in a relaxed and festive atmosphere. Contact 941.312.4001.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Services – December 24, 2013 @ 6:00PM – 8:00PM – Selby Five Points Park
Enjoy a lovely candle-lit, traditional Christmas Eve service, in the park with live music. Free to all. Contact The Shore Church at 941.677.2872 for information.
If you have any questions, or would like to get more information about energy saving features to watch for when buying a Sarasota home, please don’t hesitate to Contact us at 941.284.4474 or Toll free 941.404.4737. One of our qualified agents will gladly get back to you.