Holidays in Sarasota — Why It’s a Great Time to Be Here

🎄 Holidays in Sarasota — Why It’s a Great Time to Be Here

Sarasota during the holidays is a mix of festive lights, coastal charm, and family-friendly fun. The Gulf Coast sunshine keeps things mild — so you get all the holiday spirit without the snow or freezing temps. Walking around neighborhoods, shopping districts, or near the water feels magical thanks to lights, decorations, and cheerful events.

Since you’re local, you might enjoy this as a chance to soak in community energy, bring family or clients out for holiday cheer, and show off Sarasota’s seasonal charm.

✨ Top Holiday Spots & Events

The Mall at University Town Center (UTC Mall)

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• UTC lights up for the season! The “Holidays at UTC” celebration includes nightly light shows, outdoor holiday movies (Friday & Saturday nights), a real ice-skating rink, horse-drawn carriage rides, and Saturday-night fireworks. University Town Center Sarasota+2Jennette Properties+2

• The season kicks off with Santa’s Grand Arrival Parade — a big parade featuring floats, marching bands, dance troupes, and a high-wire tree-lighting act by siblings Nik Wallenda and Lijana Wallenda. Then there’s fireworks, live music, and a festive after-party vibe. University Town Center Sarasota+2Yahoo+2

• It’s a super convenient way for families to get holiday photos (with Santa), enjoy shopping, dining, and festive entertainment — all in one place.

Good for: Families, date nights, holiday shopping + fun, locals and visitors alike.

St. Armand’s Circle (Lido Key)

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• Don’t miss the annual Holiday Night of Lights on St. Armand’s Circle — a classic Sarasota tradition. Expect a Christmas carol sing-along, a Santa parade, and the lighting of a towering (roughly 60-foot) Christmas tree. Sarasota+2Visit Sarasota County+2

• After the tree lighting, enjoy strolling the circle under the lights, visiting shops, grabbing dinner at nearby restaurants, and taking holiday photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Many shops offer holiday promotions during the event. Must Do Visitor Guides+2Lido Key Vacations+2

• Even if you miss the official night, the lights and holiday ambience stay up all season — perfect for evening walk-arounds or a festive dinner outing. Visit Sarasota County+1

Good for: Romantic or relaxed holiday nights, holiday shopping, visitors wanting a classic “small-town” Christmas vibe.

🎁 More Holiday-Season Favorites

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• Lights in Bloom at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens — from early December into January, the gardens are illuminated with over two million lights. It’s a beautiful, family-friendly outing with gorgeous holiday-lights displays. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens+1

• For a unique Sarasota holiday tradition, check out the Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights on the bay — decorated boats cruising by under holiday lights make for a lovely evening by the water. Suncoast Charities for Children+2Lido Key Vacations+2

• Active families might enjoy the Sarasota Christmas Glow Run 5K — a festive nighttime run/walk with lights, music, and even a “snowfall” finish. It’s an energetic and fun way to celebrate the holidays. Visit Sarasota County+1

🎯 Tips for Locals (and Holiday Visitors)

• Go early for major events — especially Night of Lights at St. Armand’s or UTC’s parade — parking tends to fill fast and shops/restaurants get busy.

• Combine events & errands — For example, you could grab dinner at St. Armand’s, then swing by Selby Gardens or the boat parade for lights.

• Use these outings as holiday marketing hooks — Since you’re a real-estate agent in Sarasota, attending or even hosting a “holiday outing” with clients can be a warm, personal touch in your marketing or community outreach.

• Watch the schedule — A few events are date-specific (like the parade or tree lighting), others have lights or displays that stay up for weeks. Good to check official event pages before heading out.