Holiday Story Times, Movies and Arts & Crafts 2023

Feeling artsy this holiday season? Or do you just want to relax and hear some holiday stories or watch a holiday movie? We have the list of places you can get crafty and/or listen to some holiday stories and movies here.

Nov 17 - Dec 30 | Fridays and Saturdays | 7PM ~ Holiday Movies Under the Stars: Snuggle up this season for Holiday Movies Under the Stars, presented by TD Bank. Every Friday and Saturday starting at 7PM, join us for free outdoor showings of your favorite holiday films. Grab a bite beforehand from the many eateries around UTC and enjoy special character visits and onsite concessions starting at 6PM.

HOLIDAY MOVIE LINEUP:

November 17: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
November 18: Nightmare Before Christmas
November 24: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Jim Carrey)
November 25: Arthur Christmas
December 1: Home Alone 1
December 2: Home Alone 2
December 8: The Santa Clause
December 9: The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
December 15: Polar Express
December 16: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
December 22: Elf
December 23: The Muppet Christmas Carol
December 29: A Christmas Story
December 30: Rise of the Guardians

Dec 2 | 6:30PM to 9PM ~ Family Movie Night - How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Enjoy a free showing of the movie How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Weather permitting, the movie will be outside. Bring your chairs and blankets. Hosted by Phoenix Lodge 346.

Dec 8 | 2PM to 7PM ~ Holiday Tree Lighting Event and Movie on the Water: Join us at Southpoint Marina for a Holiday tree lighting event, featuring a local vendor market, a holiday bounce house, a hot chocolate bar and a movie to follow on the water. FREE.

Dec 8 | 5:30PM to 8:30PM ~ Nutcracker Kid's Night Out: All students will have a chance to take a dance class, aerial class, play fun games, watch a short version of the Nutcracker, and make a Nutcracker craft! This event is for all levels, ages 4-14. Hosted by Star Academy. RSVP - $38 per child.

Dec 8 | 7PM to 8:30PM ~ Holidays at The Bay Family Movie: Enjoy a free screening of the movie Home Alone under the stars at The Bay! Bring your blankets, chairs, family, and friends to enjoy a wonderful evening under the stars. Free scoop of Rise Up Cafe ice cream to the first 100 people – first come, first served. FREE.

Dec 13 | 10AM to 11AM ~ Storytime on the Green: Bring a blanket and join us to enjoy holiday-themed stories with Mrs. Claus, crafts and snacks. FREE.

Dec 13 | 6PM to 8PM ~ Christmas Movie Night: We will have FREE popcorn, hot cocoa and cookie decorating. Wear your favorite pajamas and bring a chair or blanket. Make sure to invite a friend! Hosted by West Bradenton Baptist Church. FREE.

Dec 15 | 6PM to 8:30PM ~ Christmas Family Movie Night: Come in your PJs with your blankets and pillows to watch a free screening of the movie "Elf". Refreshments will be served. Hosted by Christ Church of Bradenton. FREE.

Dec 15 | 6PM to 9PM ~ Movie at Waterside Park: Enjoy a free, outdoor, family-friendly holiday movie, The Santa Clause. Santa will be joining us to spread some holiday cheer from 6PM to 8PM and there will be face painting and inflatables for the kids from 6PM to 9PM. FREE.

Dec 15-16 | 7:45PM to 7:45AM ~ Holiday Ninja Night: Triumph Martial Arts is hosting an all-night lock-in with a White Elephant Gift Exchange, party snacks, a holiday movie and more. RSVP - $50 for all night and $35 for half night.

Dec 16 | 11AM to 2PM ~ Santa Visits Chick-Fil-A Pelican Plaza: Join us for storytime and FREE pictures.

Dec 21 | 5:30PM to 7PM ~ Pajama Movie Night - Nightmare Before Christmas: Come cozy up with family and friends for a special movie night with popcorn and hot chocolate. Hosted by Rocky Bluff Library. FREE.

Nov 11 | 2PM to 4PM ~ DIY Holiday Cards: Come into a participating Michaels store and make a card for the holidays. You can choose one of our Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanza designs, or make one of your own! All supplies provided. FREE.

Nov 18 | 2PM to 4PM ~ Watercolor Stockings: Come into a participating Michaels store and make a paper watercolor stocking just in time for the holidays! All supplies provided. FREE.

Dec 1 | 11AM ~ Snowman Keepsake Craft: Make this special snowman ornament with your child and record their height with the snowman’s scarf. Hosted at Sarasota Children's Garden. Included with admission.

Dec 2 | 10AM ~ Candy Cane Hunt: Grab your scavenger hunt in the gift shop and solve the clues to find all of the hidden candy canes, then enjoy your treats while you color your Gingerbread House. Hosted at Sarasota Children's Garden. Included with admission.

Dec 2 | 11AM to 12:30PM ~ Make a Florida "Snow" Man: Celebrate the warmth of the holidays by making a Florida snowman. Full of beachy materials and fun winter vibes, it channels all the sunshine and beauty of the gulf coast. Perfect for all ages, we'll sculpt, sprinkle, and accessorize our way to sandy masterpieces! $25 register in advance. Hosted by The Makery SRQ.

Dec 2 | 2PM to 3:30PM ~ DIY Dried Fruit Holiday Garland: String and craft your own holiday garland with your choice of dried fruit and seasonal items like cranberries, cinnamon sticks, dried orange slices, beads, and more. Plus, whip up some citrusy ornaments for a touch of homemade charm to gift or keep! Ages 6+. $25 - register in advance. Hosted by The Makery SRQ.

Dec 2-3, 10 | 11AM to 3PM ~ Celebrate on the Circle: Enjoy FREE holiday entertainment, games, activities, and treats. At St Armands Circle. FREE.

Dec 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 | 12PM to 2PM ~ Holiday Crafternoons for the Kids at The Makery: Every Saturday in December from noon to 2pm, drop off your kids to create adorable, giftable holiday crafts! Ages 6+. $20. Register in advance.

Dec 5 | 4PM to 8PM ~ Culver's Kids Night / Cookie Workshop: Kids can decorate a holiday cookie for free. Kids 12 and under will also get a free scoop of custard.

Dec 5, 7, 12,14 | 3PM to 7PM ~ Write a Fancy Letter to Santa: Make your own letter to Santa at the Area 52 Makerspace at the Central Library. With all materials provided, you can make your letter as fancy as you want! FREE.

Dec 8 | 11AM ~ Oh Christmas Tree Oh Christmas Tree: We’re decorating our paper Christmas trees with nature finds. Hosted at Sarasota Children's Garden. Included with admission.

Dec 8 | 5PM to 7PM ~ Holiday Family and Community Event: Activities include crafts in Santa’s Workshop, Ugly Sweater Contest with prizes, -Christmas Music and Caroling and a Cookie exchange. Hosted by Venice YMCA. FREE.

Dec 9 | 9:30AM to 11:30AM ~ Woodland Fine Art's Christmas Creations: Join Ms. Keela for a festive holiday workshop where we will decorate gingerbread houses and sugar cookies and create hot chocolate stirring spoons. You’ll leave with your own gingerbread house and a box of sweet treats to share with the family! RSVP - $40 Workshop Fee, S25 Supply Fee.

Dec 9 | 10AM to 2PM ~ Kid's Craft Day and Santa: Stop into Children's World and make a craft and get your picture taken with Santa. FREE.

Dec 9 | 10:30AM to 12PM ~ Glass Globe Terrarium with Plant Craft Designs: In this hands-on experience, you get to be the curator of your own little world. With an array of options to choose from, whether you're leaning towards a Holiday-themed terrarium that twinkles with holiday cheer, a Beach-inspired paradise complete with seashells, or a Nature lover's dream that brings the great outdoors inside your glass globe. $30 - register in advance. Hosted by The Makery SRQ.

Dec 9 | 1PM to 2PM ~ Holiday Wreath Making: Join us at Bob Gardner Community Park as our instructor guides you through creating a beautiful holiday wreath. Register in advance. Cost is $10.

Dec 9 | 2PM to 3PM ~ Family Crafternoon - Ugly Holiday Sweater Vests: Parents and kids will be working together to transform plain old paper bags into super festive holiday sweater vests with wrapping paper, garland, glitter and magazine cut-outs. Hosted at Rocky Bluff Library. FREE.

Dec 9 | 2PM to 3:30PM ~ Make Four Macrame Gnome Ornaments: In this delightful class, you'll craft not just one, not two, but FOUR adorable gnome ornaments while mastering the art of macrame. Ages 6+. $35 - register in advance. Hosted by The Makery SRQ.

Dec 10 | 5PM to 7PM ~ Santa and S'mores: Come enjoy free pictures with Santa and then stay to make s'mores, have hot cocoa and take home a craft. Sponsored by Bayside Community Church/Fruitville location. FREE.

Dec 12 | 11AM ~ Snowman Keepsake Craft: Make this special snowman ornament with your child and record their height with the snowman’s scarf. Hosted at Sarasota Children's Garden. Included with admission.

Dec 14 | 1PM to 2:30PM ~ Oyster Shell Angel Ornaments: Our expert instructor will lead you through assembling, decorating, and personalizing two adorable hanging angels that'll add a touch of coastal bliss to your tree. Ages 6+. $40 - register in advance. Hosted by The Makery SRQ.

Dec 14 | 2PM to 3PM ~ The Nutcracker Design: Paint and design your own nutcracker to take home and learn a little about the history of nutcrackers and their toothy smiles while you paint. Registration required. Hosted at the Central Library. FREE.

Dec 15 | 11AM ~ "Little Red Elf": Come to the stage for a reading of “The Little Red Elf” along with a red cardinal ornament craft. Hosted at Sarasota Children's Garden. Included with admission.

Dec 15 | 5:30PM - 7PM ~ Make Your Own Holiday Dessert Charcuterie Boards: We have an excellent hot cocoa mix-making station, a chocolate fountain, cookies, sprinkles, and more! You can even organize your treats on a charcuterie board to take home and relish or present as a gift. The entire family can participate in creating one or multiple boards for $10 per board. Register in advance.

Dec 16 | 9:30AM to 12:30PM ~ Mixed Media Holiday Cards and More: In this fun, hands-on workshop, learn to create marbled paper for cards, gifts, and tags. Then, decorate the paper with printmaking techniques like stamping, transferring images, and collaging. Spend a morning in the Studios at Sarasota Art Museum and take home a handful of unique gifts for the holidays. Register in advance - $30.

Dec 16 | 10AM ~ Annual Elf Workshop: The Children's Garden has transformed into Santa's Workshop, and you are the Elves! Stop by the "Kindness Bank" to get your Elf money to buy your sweet treats in our Woodland Cafe, then write your letter to Santa at the post office, have it postmarked to the North Pole and drop it in Santa's special mailbox! Create your Jingle Bell Stick at the Elf Workshop to bring some nature cheer home with you! Included with admission.

Dec 16 | 10AM to 12PM ~ Lowe's Kid's DIY Workshop: Join us for this jolly Holiday Delivery Truck build that’s also a gift card holder! Kids will love hand-crafting this unique toy that also makes a memorable gift. FREE.

Dec 16 | 11AM to 12:30PM ~ Gingerbread Jamboree: Come create your own faux gingerbread house, make themed crafts and eat delicious treats! Hosted at Palmetto Library. FREE.

Dec 16 | 1PM to 3PM ~ Make Your Own Hot Cocoa Kit: Join the Youth Services team for a fun packed day full of seasonal activities. Materials will be provided. Hosted at Central Library. FREE.

Dec 16 | 1PM to 4PM ~ Textile Mandala: Kids and grown-ups are welcome to make memories together in this charming workshop at Sarasota Art Museum. These colorful mandala-like textile ornaments are a fun craft for all ages and all holidays. Using a simple weaving technique with fiber and beads or other trimmings, create multiple mandalas for gifts and decorations. Register in advance - $30.

Dec 19 | 11AM ~ Peppermint Seeds: Today we’re planting peppermint seeds to bring home and grow along with a peppermint candy treat to enjoy. Hosted at Sarasota Children's Garden. Included with admission.

Dec 20 | 4PM to 5PM ~ Canvas Kids - That's the Way the Cookie Crumbles: Learn about the history of cookies and decorate your very own Holiday treat! Registration required. Hosted at South Manatee Library. FREE.

Dec 20 | 6PM to 8PM ~ Christmas Party Club - Ready for a stress-free night out to tackle those last-minute Christmas errands or looking to get some much-needed rest time? Let us take care of the kids (ages kindergarten through 5th grade) at our FREE Christmas Party Club hosted by the Parrish United Methodist Church! Kids will enjoy dinner, games and the Christmas story. Register in advance.

Dec 21 | 4PM to 6PM ~ Holiday Crafting-Cookie Decorating: With an array of ready-to-decorate cookies and a selection of icing, sprinkles, and edible embellishments, you'll have everything you need to create edible works of art. Each participant will take home six cookies to share with Santa or enjoy as a special sweet treat. RSVP required - $10 materials fee.

Dec 22 | 9AM to 11AM ~ Free Christmas Music Class and Party: We will do 30-40 minutes of music and then have some Christmas games and light munchies following. For children ages 4 and under. RSVP in advance.

Dec 22 | 1PM to 4PM ~ Holiday Scavenger Hunt: Join for a fun packed Holiday scavenger hunt. Hosted at Central Library. FREE.

Dec 23 | 10AM ~ Come Find Rudolph's Lost Nose: Oh No! Rudolph has lost his nose in the Garden! Come anytime between 10 and 11 to find his sparkly red nose and glue it to your color sheet. Be sure to grab your bag of Red Rudolph Gummies to bring home! Hosted at Sarasota Children's Garden. Included with admission.

Dec 23 | 6PM to 9PM ~ Kid's Christmas Craft and New Indoor Playground: Kids will able to make a Christmas craft while enjoying the new indoor playground (Jumpjump Multiverse) with drinks and snacks (pizza or hot dog and water included with their entry ticket). For more information and booking, go to welcome@jumpjumpmultiverse.com.

Dec 24 | 10AM to 2PM ~ Waiting for Santa: Kid's fun while Santa gets everything ready! For ages between 4 and 8 years old. Drop your kids off; admission to an indoor playground with pizza or hot dog and water. For more information and booking, go to welcome@jumpjumpmultiverse.com.

For more holiday fun, click on a picture below!