This season always brings the best shows with it, from the Nutcracker to Singing Christmas trees, holiday music and holiday movies. We have the schedule of the best shows in town! Be sure to get your tickets early! And did someone mention shopping? Check out all the local markets and vendor events to help you find everything on your shopping list this year.
Shows and Music
Nov 6-7, 13-14 - "The Amazing Christmas Race" Musical (performed by Ovation Musical School of Theatre) - A fun-filled show for the whole family featuring 10 wacky contestants and the TV Reality TV Show Team traveling around the world to discover what the "Secret" End Destination is. Adults $15 / Students $10 / Virtual $15.
Nov 13 - Movie Night - Join Roser Church for a FREE screening of the holiday movie "The Star". 6PM to 8PM.
Nov 26 - Holiday Movies Under the Stars - FREE screening of ELF at 7PM.
Nov 27 - Holiday Movies Under the Stars - FREE screening of A Christmas Story at 7PM.
Nov 27 - Dec 26 - Deck the Halls - A brand-new rendition of everything that makes the holidays in Sarasota special. With all-new songs and sketches, audiences should get ready to celebrate the holidays – Florida style – palm trees with decorations, swimming in the sea, sand snowmen, and more. An annual Sarasota holiday tradition, Deck the Halls invites families to deck the palms and join in on the fun at this interactive family show at Florida Studio Theatre. Various dates and times. $10 tickets.
Dec 2, 9, 16 - Holiday Splendor at The Ringling - Local schools will provide musical entertainment. Food and beverage will be available for purchase. All venues will be open for self-touring. Free admission with one unwrapped toy per person; otherwise normal admission price applies. 5PM to 8PM.
Dec 3 - Holiday Movies Under the Stars - FREE screening of Arthur Christmas at 7PM.
Dec 3 - Friday Night Yuletide Performance - The Circus Arts Conservatory. Be amazed and entertained by acts showcasing stunning aerial artistry, heart-stopping acrobatics, dazzling roller skating, lightning fast juggling and more! 6PM to 9PM. FREE.
Dec 4 - Surprised by Grace - Northwest Baptist Church's annual Christmas Musical and Drama. Ticket are FREE. Show times are 3:30PM and 7PM.
Dec 4 - Holiday Movies Under the Stars - FREE screening of Home Alone 1 at 7PM.
Dec 4 - The Nutcracker Tea Party - Enjoy a delightful afternoon that includes excerpts from The Nutcracker ballet performed live by dancers from Dance Theatre of Bradenton. A light lunch buffet is provided including finger foods, sweets, and a self-serve candy bar. 11:30AM to 1:30PM. Tickets are $40 for adults and $30 for children.
Dec 4 and 11 - EFFMusic: Sarasota Farmers Market - Enjoy Winter Performances at the Downtown Sarasota Farmers Market. 9AM to 12:30PM. FREE.
Dec 9 - Songs on the Circle - Live music at every turn returns with this holiday jamboree. Shop, dine and stroll the Circle while basking in the sounds of the season. 6PM to 9PM. FREE.
Dec 10 - Holiday Movies Under the Stars - FREE screening of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas at 7PM.
Dec 10 - Friday Night Yuletide Performance - The Sarasota Ballet. Watch in wonder as The Sarasota Ballet puts on a professional performance of The Nutcracker. 6PM to 9PM. FREE.
Dec 10-12 - The Light of Christmas - Our production team, including adults, students, and children, will join together to bring you an ALL-NEW enjoyable and meaningful start to the Christmas season! FREE. 7PM.
Dec 10-12 - Holiday Circus Festival - The Showfolks of Sarasota presents their annual Holiday Circus Festival, featuring shows, animals, food, exhibits and markets. $12 adults / $8 children.
Dec 11 - Puppet Show: A Christmas Carol - Enjoy a puppet show of the Christmas classic "A Christmas Carol." FREE. 11:30AM to 12:30PM.
Dec 11 - The Land of Sweets - As performed by Sarasota Dance Academy. Tickets start at $15. 4PM.
Dec 11 - Holiday Movies Under the Stars - FREE screening of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation at 7PM.
Dec 11-12 - Elf Boot Camp - Elf Boot Camp is where the elves go to learn how to monitor Christmas Spirit when they are sent into the homes of families around the world. This is a holiday show for the whole family. Adult: $15.00 Student : $10.00 Virtual Streaming: $10.
Dec 11-12 - The Nutcracker - As performed by the School of Russian Ballet. Tickets start at $25. Dec 11 at 5PM and Dec 12 at 1PM.
Dec 11-12, 17-19 - Circus On The Ranch Presents 2nd Annual Christmas Show! - Be amazed by our professionals and students performing under dazzling lights and a thrilling Christmas Showcase featuring the circus AND equestrian arts. Every show day enjoy, Pony rides, balloon bounces, petting farm, Face painting, Open Bar and much more! Ticket prices and show times range.
Dec 12 - Singing Christmas Tree - Come enjoy beautiful music and dramatic readings as the choir presents a "A Son is Given" by Adam Morgan. It's a free musical event for the whole family! 10:30AM.
Dec 15 - Christmas Movies in the Park - Join Woodland for a free screening of the classic The Santa Clause. 6PM to 8PM.
Dec 16 - Christmas Movies in the Park - Join Woodland for a free screening of the classic It's a Wonderful Life. 6PM to 8PM.
Dec 17 - Christmas Movies in the Park - Join Woodland for a free screening of the classic ELF. Plus enjoy the Family Christmas Bonfire Night. 6PM to 8PM.
Dec 17 - Holiday Movies Under the Stars - FREE screening of The Santa Clause at 7PM.
Dec 17 - Friday Night Yuletide Performance - The School of Russian Ballet. Enjoy a holiday performance by The School of Russian Ballet, followed by a performance by youth performers from local dance studio, Future of Dance. 6PM to 9PM. FREE.
Dec 17 - The Nutcracker Ballet (performed by Jump Dance) - Get into the holiday spirit with this classic. 7:30PM. Tickets are $20.
Dec 18 - Holiday Music Program - Singer Betty Comora and musician Mike Evans will play light and lively music, including fun Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanza tunes, as wll as a few great singalongs. FREE. 11AM to 12PM.
Dec 18 - Carols by Candlelight - Join Woodland Community Church at UTC Mall for their Carols by Candlelight Service. Sing along to well-known Christmas Carols, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies and spending time with family and new friends. Free. Times are at 6PM and 7PM.
Dec 18 - Holiday Movies Under the Stars - FREE screening of Miracle on 34th Street at 7PM.
Dec 18-19 - Christmas at the Creek - Enjoy cookie tasting, ornament making, poinsettia patch, hot chocolate, photo with Santa and an indoor farm market. 9AM to 1PM. FREE.
Dec 18-19 - The Nutcracker Ballet (performed by Dance Theatre of Bradenton) - Be transported to Clara's dream world filled with marching soldiers, dancing dolls and pirouetting snowflakes. $35 adults / $21 children.
Dec 19 - Royal Holiday Ball - Join Belle, Cinderella, Elsa, Anna and more Disney princesses to celebrate the holidays with a light luncheon, entertainments, story times, dancing, crafts and more. 12PM to 1:30PM for ages 4 and under. 2:30PM to 4PM for ages 5 and up. $40 per child and $20 per adult.
Dec 19 - Christmas on the Peaceful Path - Live music with your favorite seasonal songs, a living nativity across generations, a festive walk through woods glowing with lights, tasty holiday treats and an open sanctuary. 5PM to 7PM. FREE.
Dec 19 - Future of Dance presents A Tea with Santa - Expereince a magical 22-minute Broadway style review featuring your favorite holiday characters and delight in afternoon tea, hot chocolate and sweet treats. Tickets are $20 and all proceeds benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of South Florida. 1PM to 3PM.
Dec 19 - "Snow Much Fun Sundays" - Today: Polar Express Trolley Ride & Outdoor Movie Experience. Get your golden ticket, hop aboard our trolley and take a ride over to our outdoor movie area in the UTC West District to enjoy a showing of The Polar Express under the stars. Hot cocoa and Five-O Donuts will be available for purchase once you de-board our Polar Express Trolley. 6PM to 9PM. FREE but registration is required.
Dec 22 - Stelliferous featuring "Star of Kings" - Go on a journey back in time to what was really happening in the skies some 2,000 years ago with the Star of Bethlehem. $8 for members of the Discovery Society; $10 for all others. 7PM.
Dec 24 - Holiday Movies Under the Stars - FREE screening of Muppet Christmas Carol at 7PM.
Dec 26-30 - Sailor Circus presents "Let It Snow" - See students, ages 8 and older flip, fly and soar to new heights in this highly anticipated annual holiday production. The entire family will be thrilled by acts showcasing stunning aerial artistry, heart-stopping acrobatics, dazzling roller skating, lightning fast juggling and more all performed by kids! Various show times. Tickets range from $20 to $35.
Dec 31 - Holiday Movies Under the Stars - FREE screening of High School Musical at 7PM.
Jan 1 - Holiday Movies Under the Stars - FREE screening of Frozen 2 at 7PM.
Markets
Nov 13-20 - Kirkwood's Virtual Christmas Market - Celebrating our 26th annual Christmas Market, we are honored to host 32 nonprofit organizations. We invite you to the best virtual market around where you will learn the who, what, where, and why for our participating organizations.
Nov 20-21, Dec 4-5, 11-12 - Holiday Gift Market at UTC - Shop for holiday gifts from 70+ crafters, artisans & entrepreneurs from all over Florida and feast from some delicious local food trucks! FREE parking and admission. Saturdays 1PM to 9PM and Sundays 11AM to 4PM.
Dec 3 - Fresh Fridays Downtown Sarasota Holiday Edition - Do your holiday shopping, plus join in for a special holiday karaoke on the main stage and enjoy a sampling of sweet treats from local restaurants and bakeshops. There may even be a possible forecast of snow! 8PM to 11PM. Free admission.
Dec 3-4 - December Artwalk: Holiday Bizarre - Enjoy the galleries, shops, restaurants, live music, and tasty treats during one of Bradenton's favorite monthly events. FREE. Friday from 6PM to 9:30PM and Saturday from 11AM to 4PM.
Dec 4 - Kris Kringle Market 2021 - The event will feature one-of-a-kind shopping, art, wreaths and handcrafted gifts for the holiday. All locally made and one of a kind Christmas finds. 9AM to 5PM. Free admission.
Dec 10 - Southside Village Holiday Stroll - Photos with Santa, Music Compound, Ice Slide, Rock Climbing Wall & Trampoline, Bouncy House, Hot Cocoa, Face Painting, Raffles & more! Dine, Shop, Sip & Stroll among the festive lights and decorated businesses. 5PM to 9PM. Free.
Dec 11 - Old Florida Christmas - Join Manatee Village Historical Park for food, music, and shopping. Free admission. 11AM to 4PM.
Dec 11 - Christmas Market - Hosted by Anchored Youth. Shop the indoor Christmas Market and join in for crafts, gifts, Christmas photos, and food. FREE admission. 9AM to 3PM.
Dec 11 - Palmetto Christmas Market - Shop at over 30 vendors. There will be a DJ and food trucks as well. FREE. 9AM to 3PM.
Dec 11 - Meet Santa at our Christmas Craft Fair - A full day of fun for the whole family at Mixon Fruit Farms! Meet Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves. Featuring Live Entertainment and an array of fantastic Crafts & Vendors! FREE admission. 10AM to 4PM.
Dec 20 - A Christmas Market - Hosted by Anchored Youth at Oasis Church. Free admission. 9AM to 3PM.
Dec 21 - Sarasota Farmers Market ~ Holiday Night Market - Stroll through the twinkling lights see your favorite vendors for last-minute gifts (and delicious eats!) while listening to festive live music in beautiful downtown Sarasota. 5PM to 8PM. Free admission.
Other events you may be interested in:
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