We may still be wearing flip-flops, but the holidays are upon us here on the Florida Gulf Coast. If you plan to visit the Sarasota area over the Christmas season, there are plenty of festive sights to see. Here is a quick guide to the Siesta Key and Sarasota area holiday events for both visitors and residents to enjoy.
Viewing Siesta Key Holiday Lights: Bright lights illuminate the Village and surrounding areas, turning its streets into a glittering and enchanting wonderland. Both local businesses and year-round residents set up holiday displays, making it an adventure to stroll up and down streets to see the seasonal festivity.
Selby Botanical Gardens – Lights in Bloom: One of Sarasota’s most beloved destinations fully embraces the holidays with its annual Lights in Bloom display. This award-winning holiday light display is a Marie Selby Botanical Gardens tradition and a gorgeous holiday event that the entire family will enjoy. Endless lights illuminate and enhance the organic beauty of the tropical gardens, providing an exceptional experience. The garden pathways are illuminated with radiant flowers, bright butterflies, and magical dragonflies. There are plenty of holiday food and drinks, activities for the children, and even visits from Santa himself. You can visit the display of over 2 million lights between December 6, 2024, and New Year’s Day. Click here to learn more.
Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights: Sarasota’s popular marine parade (and favorite of the Sarasota area holiday events) is back for its 38th year, featuring a stunning display of boats decorated in their holiday finest and judged by a prestigious panel of locals. The parade will occur on December 14 and is best seen from Bayfront Park / Marina Jack. Guests are asked to bring an unwrapped toy or book, which will be distributed by Suncoast Charities for Children, to The Florida Center for Early Childhood, The Haven, and Children First. Bring a lawn chair and a camera, and prepare for one of the best community holiday parties of the year. Click for more information.
University Town Center: UTC is more than just a mall, especially during the holidays. The festivities are in progress and run through the first week in January 2025. From life-sized greeting card photo opportunities to an ice rink, fireworks displays, and the Festival of Trees, there is something for everyone at UTC. Bring the kids to Santa’s Flight Academy and be mesmerized by Nik Wallenda and the Conservatory Circus presentation of Illuminate under the Big Top. Nightly light shows, carriage rides, and entertainment throughout the venue will captivate your imagination. Click here to learn more.
Sarasota Holiday Parade: The Sarasota Holiday Parade is a Main Street tradition, allowing revelers to enjoy a traditional parade under balmy, warm temperatures. The theme for this year’s 2024 parade is Holidays For Heroes – Who is Your Hero? and over 25,000 spectators are expected to line the parade route to enjoy the spectacle. The best float wins the Mayor’s Trophy, while other entrants can win in categories such as Best Commercial Float (business), Best School, Best Non-Profit, Best Holiday Theme, Best Walking, Best Church, and Best Performing Submission. The parade takes place on the first Saturday of December at 7pm.
Ride and Paddle: During the Christmas Season and Year-Round
No matter what time of year that you visit Siesta Key, you can trust Ride and Paddle to provide you with the bicycles, kayaks, beach gear or motorized scooters to make your vacation unforgettable. Click here to view our products, then give us a call. We’d love to help you to plan the perfect Siesta Key vacation.
