Local Events — December Holiday Highlights
This season brings some of the most cherished traditions to Sarasota and Manatee — sparkling lights, festive parades, outdoor markets, and family-centered celebrations. With so much happening across our community, December is a wonderful time to get outside, enjoy the cooler weather, and reconnect with the people and places that make the Suncoast shine. Below are some great events for enjoying the season — and ways you can help local families in need.
Holiday Events & Things To Do
🎄 39th Annual Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM–8:00 PM
Location: Bayfront Island Park & Marina Jack, 5 Bayfront Dr, Sarasota
A beloved Sarasota tradition, this illuminated parade features beautifully decorated boats cruising along Sarasota Bay. Families gather at Bayfront Park and Marina Jack to enjoy the free holiday spectacle and waterfront views.
🚤 Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade
Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM–10:00 PM
Location: Manatee River between Bradenton & Palmetto (best viewing from Green Bridge Fishing Pier, Palmetto Pier, and riverfront parks)
Manatee County’s largest holiday event brings dozens of decorated boats up the river, accompanied by live music, riverfront festivities, and viewing parties at local restaurants and marinas.
🎅 A Night Before Christmas at G.T. Bray Park
Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM–8:00 PM
Location: G.T. Bray Park, 5502 33rd Ave Dr W, Bradenton
A free family event with Santa and Mrs. Claus photos, inflatables, kids’ activities, and festive attractions throughout the park. Guests are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy for local children.
✨ Lights in Bloom® at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Dates: Select nights December 11–23 & 26–30, 2025, and January 1–3, 2026
Times: Early Entry: 5:30 PM–9:00 PM | General Entry: 6:30 PM–9:00 PM
Location: Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota
More than two million lights transform the gardens into a glowing holiday walk-through experience. This award-winning event features themed displays, entertainment, and food—perfect for a festive family outing.
🎆 Holidays at UTC: Believe
Dates: Now through January 4, 2026
Times: Nightly light shows 6:30 PM–9:30 PM (every 30 minutes)
Location: University Town Center district, Sarasota
This district-wide celebration features synchronized light shows along Cattlemen Road, festive décor, outdoor movies, ice skating, holiday displays, and family-friendly activities throughout the UTC shopping and dining area.
🎁 Christmas on Main – Lakewood Ranch
Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM–8:00 PM
Location: Lakewood Ranch Main Street
Main Street becomes a “winter wonderland” with free rides, games, Santa visits, photo booths, and a candlelight service at 7 PM. A great family-friendly celebration with plenty of holiday photo opportunities.
🎉 Pinecraft Christmas Day Parade
Date: Thursday, December 25, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM–4:00 PM
Location: Pinecraft neighborhood along Bahia Vista St, Sarasota
A charming neighborhood parade through Sarasota’s Amish and Mennonite community. Expect decorated golf carts, handmade floats, and a warm, close-knit holiday atmosphere.
🤹 Sailor Circus “Winter’s Dream” Holiday Show
Date: Friday, December 26, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM–3:30 PM
Location: Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota
Florida’s iconic youth circus presents a holiday production featuring acrobatics, aerial acts, and traditional circus performances by students ages 6–18. A Sarasota tradition for more than 70 years.
How You Can Help This Season
Local drives, charities, and volunteer opportunities to support families across Sarasota & Manatee.
🎁 Sarasota County Sheriff’s Holiday Toy Drive
Date: Ongoing through December 15, 2025
Location: Sheriff’s Office HQ & South County Office
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office collects new, unwrapped toys and gift cards for nonprofits supporting foster and at-risk youth. Donations are accepted at designated locations.
More Info: Search “Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Holiday Toy Drive”
🧸 Mothers Helping Mothers — Holiday Toy Giveaway (Toy Day)
Date: December 17, 2025
Location: Bob Boast Volkswagen, Bradenton
Mothers Helping Mothers distributes holiday toys to hundreds of families through a lottery-style system, expanding this season due to growing community needs.
More Info: Search “Mothers Helping Mothers Toy Day Bradenton”
🎄 Suncoast Charities for Children — Holiday Boat Parade Donation Drive
Date: December 13, 2025
Location: Bayfront Park & Marina Jack, Sarasota
Spectators at the boat parade are encouraged to bring unwrapped toys or books. Donations benefit local children through partner charities.
👼 The Salvation Army — Seasonal Assistance & Angel Tree Programs
Date: Ongoing through December
Location: Sarasota & Manatee Salvation Army Centers
Holiday support programs include Angel Tree gifts, meals, toy distribution, and essential services for families in need.
More Info: Search “Salvation Army Sarasota Angel Tree”
🍽️ All Faiths Food Bank — Holiday Food Support & Volunteer Opportunities
Date: Throughout the holiday season
Location: 8171 Blaikie Ct, Sarasota
All Faiths Food Bank provides groceries and holiday food baskets to families facing food insecurity. Volunteers are welcome for sorting, packing, and distribution.
🎁 Tiny Hands Foundation — Holiday Basket Brigade
Date: Various dates through December
Location: Sarasota & Manatee distribution areas
This annual Basket Brigade assembles and delivers holiday food baskets and gifts to families, seniors, and children in need. Volunteers are encouraged to participate.
🧒 Toys for Tots — Sarasota & Manatee Collection Sites
Date: Through mid-December (varies by location)
Location: Collection points across Sarasota & Manatee counties
Toys for Tots accepts new, unwrapped toys for children in need. Drop-off and volunteer opportunities are available throughout the region.
More Info: Search “Sarasota Toys for Tots” or “Manatee Toys for Tots”
