Christmas Bradenton & Sarasota 2018

Shabby Chic Vintage Market and Artisan Day events are growing fast and have become one of the most unique shopping events in Tampa Bay.

Underwater and outdoor enthusiasts, eco­-travelers and families are encouraged to celebrate Florida's marine environment at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium's Inaugural Islamorada Ocean Fest: A Community Celebration!

The 42nd Annual Sandy Claws Beach Run 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run takes place Saturday, Dec. 8 on beautiful Siesta Beach, #1 beach in the USA!

The 33rd Annual Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights will be held on Saturday December 08, 2018 beginning at 6:00 p.m. The best areas for viewing are Marina Jack Restaurant, Bay front Park, City Island and Centennial Park.

The winter production, Program 3 of The Sarasota Ballet’s upcoming Season, sees three incredible masterpieces by Sir Frederick Ashton and George Balanchine performed at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

So, it's December 29th and you don't have a date for New Year's Eve. Or maybe you want to start the 2019 celebrations early. Or maybe you just want to meet fun people on a guided Crawl that delivers maximum enjoyment.

It's their 2nd Annual outside guided tour "Walk through the Christmas Story" featuring 12 sets with 65 fully costumed actors.

December 13 - December 16

Step back in time and experience the story of the first Christmas as The Tabernacle Church presents The Living Nativity. Walk through "Bethlehem" and enjoy this favorite holiday tradition.

Game Show Trivolution produces LIVE TRIVIA SHOWS in Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Ellenton and other Florida locations. If you want to see their show then be there on time!

2018 Dates December 14, 15, 16 & 21, 22, 23 6pm-10pm Parking - Free | Admission - $10 | Kids 5 and under - Free *CASH ONLY*

See the twinkle of thousands of lights decorating the pathways and surroundings of Sarasota Jungle Gardens for their annual "Holiday Lights Spectacular" Celebration.

Annual holiday sensation of magical charm for all to enjoy and is FREE to attend! Children and adults alike will stand in awe at the sight of Santa Claus as he makes his grand entry in his beautiful horse drawn carriage.

Meet jolly old Saint Nicholas himself while indulging on a delicious breakfast buffet created by our onsite culinary team! Snap photos with Santa, get creative at our arts and crafts table and be merry with friends and family all while enjoying an elegant

Get ready for family fun at the annual Night Before Christmas event at GT Bray! Santa will be visiting the park to meet with all the children. The event will include face painting, bounce house, snow, hayrides, and much more.

It's for kids up to age 12 to enjoy breakfast with Mr. Claus and receive a free gift, too.

Kids can purchase a $5.00 wristband and play on our inflatables, test their skill at our carnival games. Parents can purchase a ticket for our hourly drawings and also pick up information from area resources.

Save the Date! Santa is coming to Fanciful Photography. You don’t want to miss this. Santa will be coming to Space is VERY limited.

We take over each bar as a HUGE group so you will be safe, secure and happy with numerous friends of like minded cheer! Your entry fee goes to Meals on Wheels of Tampa, new unwrapped toy donation will go to Toys for Tots.

Woven throughout Charles Dickens’ classic tale are beautiful new arrangements and moving renditions of holiday songs.

The First Church Singers join in a stirring collaboration with the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra (AMICCO) to perform the popular Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah and The Many Moods of Christmas by Robert Russell Bennett.

Join the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra as they celebrate the holiday season. (941) 205-5996

To provide a quality home for other local cultural organizations that present their programs here.

Learn how to make a massage candle with skin friendly soy wax; a hot apple cider scented candle; and a holiday scented candle tart to use with your candle warmer to create a festive mood. These soy candles are perfect to keep or give as gifts.

UGLY SWEATER PARTY!!!! 5-11 p.m., Wednesday, December 19

THE SOUND OF MUSIC features music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, suggested by “The Trapp Family Singers” by Maria Augusta Trapp.

Christmas is coming and so is the one and only Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker.

To present a broad spectrum of the world's finest performing artists in order to meet the diverse cultural needs of all of Southwest Florida's residents and visitors. There's music which feels your ear good to hear. Nice events! Be there!

Join this Ugly Christmas Sweater Party for a fun night of celebration!

Family friendly, Christmas event in Lakewood Ranch. Free activities for the whole family! An annual tradition not to be missed.

Grilled foods will be available for purchase from the Michael’s on East grill including cash bar. The venue will also be open with its full menu. Lights In Bloom has become a tradition for residents and visitors to celebrate the holiday season.

PIER 22, Bradenton’s landmark restaurant, is open for Christmas Day. Reservations are strongly encouraged and books are now open!

Join us on Dec. 25, 2018, from 5 to 9 p.m. for the most wonderful meal of the year at H2O Bistro!

ON YOUR FEET! takes you behind the music and inside the real story of this record-making and groundbreaking couple who, in the face of adversity, found a way to end up on their feet.

Students ages 8-18 dazzle audiences as they flip, fly and soar in this annual holiday production. This year's show is under the Big Top at Nathan Benderson Park, I-75 exit 213, University Parkway.

So, it's December 29th and you don't have a date for New Year's Eve. Or maybe you want to start the 2019 celebrations early. Or maybe you just want to meet fun people on a guided Crawl that delivers maximum enjoyment.

Where to Buy our Amazing Trees. We have locations in Southwest Florida to serve you.

Black Violin is an American hip hop duo from Florida comprising two classically trained string instrumentalists. They will be performing soon to Sarasota. Buy Tickets. 100% Buyer Guarantee. Don't miss their performances. Be there on time!

This training will encompass the tools available to prevent and end homelessness in Charlotte County. 

November 28, 2018 Wednesday | 6:00pm | Holley Hall Catered by Michael’s On East $175 per person Cocktail Attire RSVP by November 14, 2018

Jim Brickman is an American songwriter and pianist of pop music, as well as a radio show host. He is coming to Sarasota and will be performing to

Sustainable Communities Workshop Registration: Nov. 29, 2018 by UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County

It's your chance to enjoy "Deck the Halls at Ca' d'Zan" on the grounds of the Ringling Museum. The mansion is all decked out for the holiday season including a 10' tall tree during extended hours.

Downtown Sarasota's Tree Lighting will take place at Five Points Park from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 pm.

Sarasota Downtown Merchants will once again host their annual tree lighting! Santa and refreshments, Christmas music and tree lighting all begin at 6p at Five Points park!

We’re thrilled to announce our new name. Introducing the Sarasota Art & Handmade Home Show!

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is excited to announce our 2018 Gingerbread Festival. We hope you’ll join us, either as a participant or visitor, as this unique, family-friendly event.

Organizers are expecting a full house and, based on last year’s attendance numbers, are urging guests to get their tickets before the event sells out.

The Haven’s Jingle and Jog 5k Run/Walk is turning 21! From our humble beginnings in 1997 with a little over 200 runners, the Jingle & Jog 5k has been a festive marquee event in the Sarasota community for two decades.

Get the whole family involved in this holiday charity breakfast at Applebee's Grill + Bar on Clark Road in Sarasota. On December 8 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., enjoy a delicious meal, activities for the kids, and pictures with Santa.

Bring your friends and join us for a fantastic morning at a Sporting Clay Shoot Fundraiser for the Manatee-Sarasota Chapter of the Florida Surveying and Mapping Society.

Shabby Chic Vintage Market and Artisan Day events are growing fast and have become one of the most unique shopping events in Tampa Bay.

Entre Nous Club of Manatee will hold the 2018 Holiday Tour of Homes the first weekend of December on Saturday, December 1st- 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday December 2nd- 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tour tickets: $20 advance $25 day of event.

Relish timeless holiday traditions and support Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, Suncoast Region, at Candy Land, an unforgettable celebration of holly and hope held at the Michael’s On East ballroom from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 1, 2018.

Special family packages available. Tickets start at just $17 per person (full price information below. Purchase online or by phone (941.351.8000) using promo code: MMFAMILY.

The parade kicks off at 7 p.m. with decorated floats, live marching bands and the guest of honor "rounding" out the parade, Santa Claus. The Parade route runs along Main Street. It's a definite "must see" on your December Sarasota Events Calendar!

This Broadway Style Musical Production is about when the caterer for an office Christmas party cancels at the last minute, a well-known celebrity chef steps in to do a favor for his old friend by providing the food!

The magic of the season returns with Bradenton's favorite holiday tradition, The Nutcracker. Led by artistic director Allison Erwin Norton, we transport you to Clara's dream world filled with marching soldiers, dancing dolls and a Sugar Plum Fairy.

ABOUT THE ARTIST & SHOW: A charismatic performer, Brenna Larson’s strong vocal, storytelling and guitar skills combine with her humor and wit to bring audiences her own unique perspective on life as a woman in today's world.

A day on the Riverwalk listening to eight blues musicians, southern-inspired cuisine, craft drinks, and art. Produced by Realize Bradenton. The Blues Sound Better in Bradenton

FirstSarasota, the Downtown Baptist Church presents the 45th Annual Singing Christmas Tree. Nearly 300 volunteer members invite you to join this celebration.

Stroll the avenues of Historic Downtown Venice in holiday merriment. Make an evening of it by shopping the stores and dining at one of the many restaurants. Stores will be open un 8pm with sales and goodies galore.

Celebrate the holiday season and help support the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program for Sarasota and Manatee counties. Extended evening hours will feature holiday music and performances by local elementary, middle and high schools.

One of the most popular Great Escapes of the season is our holiday themed concert.

December 6, 2018 Thursday | 7:30pm | Holley Hall December 7, 2018 Friday | 5:30pm | Holley Hall December 8, 2018 Saturday | 8:00pm | Holley Hall December 9, 2018 Sunday | 2:30pm | Holley Hall

What better way to kick of four 2018 Festival than by fishing out those ugly Christmas sweaters, doing some holiday activities and dancing the night away to some classic Holiday music?

Join us for a fabulous luncheon and fashion show to benefit Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson's. The C4F is a fashion show that is truly unique as it features the empowered members of our PD community – people with PD, caregivers and partners – as the models. Thi

The evening will start off with a special holiday performance from 5:30 pm to 6:00 p.m. followed by the annual Christmas Carol Sing-a-long beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Join us this Holiday Season for four fun-filled events fit for every member of the family! From date night to dog day holiday…you will find something for everyone to enjoy as we celebrate all of our wonderful Holidays in December.

Come for an evening to learn and implement simple circle dances to great Messianic (Israeli/Hebraic) praise music. Live Music by Mishkanim, as well as recorded traditional songs. Refreshments after.

Looking for something to get you in the Christmas spirit this year? Then look no further! Join The Ditchfields for an uplifting time full of happy holiday memories, nostalgic favorites and lots of special surprises!

The 42nd Annual Sandy Claws Beach Run 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run takes place Saturday, Dec. 8 on beautiful Siesta Beach, #1 beach in the USA!

Calling all vendors! Bert's Big Boy Boat Show is going to be HUGE & Bert wants your unique merchandise, fishing gear & more!

 A "make and take" workshop where you will mount a Phalaenopsis orchid on a piece of wood. 

This free parade will go the entire length of the island. Santa will board the Privateers' Flagship "Skullywag” at Conquina Beach for all the kids to sit on Santa's Lap.

The 3rd annual Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl is here and we want the city of Sarasota to join in on the fun. Get that Goodwill sweater, find those tacky holiday pants, and get ready to jingle bell ROCK! 

SRQ's original indie craft show. Atomic enters its 10th season this year. A decade of solid, original arts & crafts by homo sapiens from Planet Earth. Contains of good stuff for Bazaar.

Celebrate the Holiday Season as The Manatee Community Concert Band performs: "A Little Bit of Christmas." The concert will be filled with your favorite holiday music.

Sarasota Christmas Glow Run 5k | Elite Events is a nice event. Enjoy the day. Tickets are available!

The 3rd annual Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl is here on Dec 8th and we want the city of Sarasota to join in on the fun. Get that Goodwill sweater, find those tacky holiday pants, and get ready to jingle bell ROCK!

Join for the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony, Saturday, December 9th, 5-7pm. Venice Area Beautification invites you enjoy a free celebration of music, lights, and community spirit!

Mark you calendars for the 2018 Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade!

The 33rd Annual Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights will be held on Saturday December 08, 2018 beginning at 6:00 p.m. The best areas for viewing are Marina Jack Restaurant, Bay front Park, City Island and Centennial Park.

The Annual Sarasota Christmas Boat Parade of Lights is another popular event. The crowd-pleasing parade was started in 1986 and usually takes place the second Saturday evening of December.

Enjoy a chef-created buffet display while delighting in the spectacle of lighted holiday boats from the comfort of the PIER 22 waterside terrace dining area.

Following last year’s sold out performance of The Nutcracker, the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School is thrilled to be returning to the VPAC for two performances in 2018.

John Howard (guitar/vocals), along with keyboardist Ray Foss and Paul Fazzina on mandolin, return to the Common Ground for another round of great music and fun.

Dance, drink and socialize at your home away from home! Live music, local bands and local brews! Stop for a drink, stay for the music!

Come run the Florida West Coast Half Marathon & 5K race in Sarasota this December. Cheering fans will be seated comfortably in the waterfront grandstands. The race was a smooth operation from start to finish.