🎄 Sarasota Christmas Lights and Events [2023]

Want to entertain visiting guests or spend some time away from your shopping list? Add some of these Sarasota Christmas lights and events to your holiday calendar. Don’t forget to tell us about your favorite Christmas event!

Enjoy traditional Celtic favorites like Loch Lomond, Wild Mountain Thyme, and I Saw Three Ships at the First Presbyterian Church.

Event Details

• December 8, 2023
• 7 PM EST
• The Lubben Brothers Band
• Kevin Weigand
• 60-voice Choir

It’s the magic of Christmas that makes meeting Santa, getting a photograph, and going through Santa’s Flight Academy a must-do event this holiday season for all the children in your household.

Once at the Flight Suit Visualizer, a scan of the badge reveals the favorite elf and an opportunity to wear a virtual flight suit, dance, and play. There’s music, digital dancing elves, and a personal thank you for saving Christmas inside the sleigh.

Santa greets each child by name for a photo and the link to a video of the experience is shared with you. Note: You can opt for a generic badge without the personalized information.

Visit Santa and experience Santa’s Flight Academy through December 24th.

140 University Town Center Dr., Sarasota, FL 34243

Block your calendar on Saturday, December 9 from 6 PM – 8 PM for the 37th Annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. When it comes to seeing Sarasota Christmas Lights, this event is a must!

Two million lights. That’s right! Selby Gardens in hosting Lights in Bloom: An Open-Air Holiday Show with more than two million sparkling lights.

Event Details

• Weekends through January 3, 2024
• 6:30 PM – 9 PM EST
• Photo Opportunities
• Arts & Crafts
• Entertainment & Food
• Purchase tickets here.

The Tabernacle Church is hosting an outdoor presentation of the Nativity with live animals and flying angels.

Event Details

• Weekends through December 17, 2023
• 6:30 PM – 7:15 PM EST
• Free Admission & Parking
• Seating Provided
• Golf Cart Assitance, As Needed
• Refreshments

The Sarasota Concert Association presents holiday favorites performed by the Canadian Brass Quintet at the Sarasota Opera House.

Event Details

• December 4, 2023
• 7:30 PM EST
• Glenn Miller tunes
• Carol of the Bells
• A Charlie Brown Christmas
• Get tickets here.

The Florida Studio Theatre is presenting a new holiday special, Deck the Halls, complete with palm trees, swimming, and sand snowmen.

Event Details

• Weekends Beginning November 25
• Show Times: 10 AM & 12 PM EST
• Interactive Family Show
• New Songs & Sketches
• Get tickets here.
• See Website for Special Requirements

UTC Mall is adding to the festivity of the season with the annual Holiday Movies Under the Stars. Movies begin at 7 PM EST and are presented by First Watch. Admission is free and all ages are welcome. Add one or more to your holiday schedule!

Movie Lineup

• December 1: Home Alone
• December 2: Home Alone 2
• December 8: The Santa Clause
• December 9: The Santa Clause 3
• December 15: Polar Express
• December 16: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
• December 22: Elf
• December 23: The Muppet Christmas Carol

It’s never too early to begin planning for the next big holiday. Check out the Sarasota New Year’s Eve Events Guide for 2023 right here!

Know a lighted house or location that is going to be a must-see destination this year? Tell us all about it, and we may include it on this page!