Holiday Shows, Music and Markets 2023

This season always brings the best shows with it, from the Nutcracker to Singing Christmas trees, holiday music and holiday plays. 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.

Select dates Nov 18 - Dec 31 ~ A Brave New World: Nik Wallenda and The Circus Arts Conservatory are proud to present their inaugural holiday spectacle. The show promises a blend of thrilling circus acts, mesmerizing aerial performances, and uplifting holiday storytelling. Tickets vary $30 and up.

Select dates Nov 25 - Dec 24 ~ Deck the Halls: Presented by Florida Studio Theatre. A brand-new rendition of everything that makes Christmas and Hanukkah in Sarasota special. Celebrate the holidays, Florida style! Tickets are $10.

Nov 30 - Dec 3 ~ Singing Christmas Tree Spectacular: Experience the wonder of Christmas led by the First Sarasota Choir and Orchestra! Enjoy some beloved Christmas classics and some new favorites as well! Performed by First Sarasota Church. Tickets: $15 children/$20 adult.

Nov 30, Dec 7 and 14 | 5PM to 8PM ~ Holiday Splendor: Celebrate the holiday season and help support the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots, serving Sarasota and Manatee counties. Local schools will provide musical entertainment and there will be Art Making, as well as a free Holiday Book Market. All venues will be open for self-touring. FREE admission with wrapped toy; otherwise, $15 Adult and $5 Child.

Dec 1 | 5:30PM ~ Merriest Performances - Braden River High School Orchestra: Experience the magic of the season with free, festive outdoor performances under the holiday lights on The Green at UTC. Join us as we celebrate the talent of our surrounding school choirs, orchestras, dance teams and more.

Dec 1 and 3 | 7PM to 9:30PM ~ Sarasota Christmas Festival: Come and enjoy live music by our outdoor Christmas tree (bring a lawn chair, limited seating provided) and a Christmas village with food, photo areas, petting zoo, hot chocolate, kid's crafts, and some surprises! Hosted by Sarasota Baptist Church. FREE.

Dec 1-10 | 6:30PM to 9:30PM ~ Gingerbread Festival: Feast your eyes on 100+ gingerbread houses crafted by local schools & organizations.

Dec 3 ~ 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. Children will also enjoy the enchanting "Land of the Sweets" decorations and the opportunity to receive a "ballet bun" hairstyle from the Sugar Plum Salon. Tickets range from $30 to $40.

Dec 5 | 5:30PM ~ Merriest Performances - Dynasty Dance Clubs: Experience the magic of the season with free, festive outdoor performances under the holiday lights on The Green at UTC. Join us as we celebrate the talent of our surrounding school choirs, orchestras, dance teams and more.

Dec 8 | 5:30PM ~ Merriest Performances - McNeal Elementary School Chorus: Experience the magic of the season with free, festive outdoor performances under the holiday lights on The Green at UTC. Join us as we celebrate the talent of our surrounding school choirs, orchestras, dance teams and more.

Dec 9 | 3PM to 11PM ~ Light Up Wellen! Tree Lighting and Holiday Celebration: Local schools choir/band performances, photo ops with Santa, traditional tree lighting ceremony, ice dancers, Glow-bike Ride, live music on Solis Hall stage, ornament decorating, hot chocolate, and so much more! FREE.

Dec 9 | 7PM ~ The Nutcracker by the Diane Partington Studio of Classical Ballet: Bring the whole family to join the adventures of young Clara as she explores a magical world on her journey to the Kingdom of Sweets. Tickets range from $30 to $60.

Dec 9, 10, 16 and 17 ~ Holiday Preview of Hermann's Royal Lippizzan Stallions 2024 Season: Join us for some holiday fun, including pictures with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Grinch, ornament decorating, games and concessions and a preview of our 2024 season! Cost is only $5 per person / children under 5 are free. We are also collecting toys for the Myakka City Methodist Toy Drive.

Dec 10 ~ The Nutcracker: Join us for a magical evening of ballet, following along with Clara as she explores the Kingdom of Sweets. This performance is ideal for any age to enjoy! Presented by Star Dance Academy. Tickets range from $20 to $55. 4PM.

Dec 11 | 5:30PM to 6:15PM ~ Merriest Performances-The Sarasota Ballet: Experience the magic of the season with a beautiful outdoor performance by The Sarasota Ballet's Margaret Barbieri Conservatory, presenting excerpts from the holiday classic The Nutcracker. FREE.

Dec 15 | 5:30PM ~ Merriest Performances - Braden River Middle School Dance Team: Experience the magic of the season with free, festive outdoor performances under the holiday lights on The Green at UTC. Join us as we celebrate the talent of our surrounding school choirs, orchestras, dance teams and more.

Dec 16 | 11AM to 12PM ~ Aloha Ukulele Holiday Music: Join us for an hour of fun holiday music for everyone. Hosted at Braden River Library. FREE.

Dec 16 | 12PM to 2PM ~ Bell Choir Concert with Ring Sarasota: Enjoy traditional and contemporary songs of the season with Sarasota’s premier Bell Choir, Ring Sarasota. Hosted by South Manatee Library. FREE.

Dec 16 | 4:45PM ~ The Nutcracker Jr.: Performed by Major Productions Studio of Dance. Tickets go on sale to the public November 27.

Dec 16 and 17 ~ 28th Annual Nutcracker Ballet: Allison Erwin Norton's, The Nutcracker returns to the stage with beloved characters, glittering sets, and dancing that will lift your spirit. Experience the magical winter wonderland of toy soldiers, King of the Mice, Sugar Plum Fairy, and so much more. Revel in the excitement of this shared experience and create everlasting memories with loved ones. Performed by Dance Theatre of Bradenton. Tickets range from $21 to $35.

Dec 16 | 6:30PM to 8PM ~ Singing Christmas Tree: Our 5th annual Singing Christmas Tree will present the new musical “Celebrate the Savior,” featuring your favorite carols and a beautiful story of faith and forgiveness. Also, don't miss our "Festival of Trees" as you stroll through the lobby and after each showing, enjoy cookie refreshments and a photo booth! Hosted by Community Baptist Church. FREE.

Dec 17 | 3:30PM to 5PM ~ Singing Christmas Tree: Our 5th annual Singing Christmas Tree will present the new musical “Celebrate the Savior,” featuring your favorite carols and a beautiful story of faith and forgiveness. Also, don't miss our "Festival of Trees" as you stroll through the lobby and after each showing, enjoy cookie refreshments and a photo booth! Hosted by Community Baptist Church. FREE.

Dec 17 | 6PM to 7:30PM ~ Ovation Holiday Revue: Ovation students perform songs, dances and scenes from all your favorite holiday shows! The perfect way to get into the Holiday Spirit! Tickets $20 adults and $10 children.

Dec 18 | 4PM to 5PM ~ Aloha Ukulele Holiday Music: Join us for an hour of fun holiday music for everyone. Hosted at Rocky Bluff Library. FREE.

Dec 19 | 5:30PM ~ Merriest Performances - Bay Haven: Experience the magic of the season with free, festive outdoor performances under the holiday lights on The Green at UTC. Join us as we celebrate the talent of our surrounding school choirs, orchestras, dance teams and more.

Dec 19-21 | 7PM to 8PM ~ The Players Studio Holiday Special: The cast will sing and dance their way through your favorite holiday tunes, and maybe some new ones to add to your playlist. Tickets are $15.

Dec 20 | 7PM ~ Christmas through the Carols: Join The Tabernacle Church for our very own Christmas concert - let's sing some Christmas carols together! FREE.

Dec 23 | 6PM to 8PM ~ The Nutcracker performed by International Ballet of Florida: Audiences of all ages will thrill at the excitement of The Nutcracker as they follow Clara on her journey with the Nutcracker Prince to meet the Sugar Plum Fairy. Tickets vary depending on seat.

Dec 27-31 ~ Sailor Circus presents "Candyland": A holiday spectacle of talented youth performers. Tickets range from $20 to $40.

Nov 11 | 9AM to 1PM ~ 2023 Christmas Market: Online beginning November 5 and in person on November 11 at Kirkwood Church to support our partnering nonprofits! 100% of your donations go directly to your chosen nonprofit(s).

Nov 16 | 6:30PM to 9:30PM ~ Holiday Night Market at UTC: This month’s outdoor market event is bringing all the festive feels with live music by Mixed Signal Band, seasonal sips and sweets, and 30+ local vendors offering handcrafted goods, jewelry and more. FREE.

Dec 1-2 | 4PM to 9PM ~ Holiday Market at UTC: Featuring 150+ vendors with gift items for the Holiday season! FREE admission.

Dec 1-2 | 6PM to 9:30PM / 11AM to 4PM ~ A Very Merry Christmas Village: Step into a Christmas Wonderland where you’ll discover gifts that bring joy to everyone on your list. Stroll from shop to shop, each adorned with cheerful decorations, while being serenaded by local high school choirs, and enjoy the harmonious tunes of a strolling barbershop quartet filling the air. And as you explore, grab a bite from our wonderful restaurants plus special holiday treats along the way! FREE admission.

Dec 2 | 9AM to 3PM ~ Holly Berry Bazaar and Breakfast with St Nicholas: Bring a camera for a photo with St. Nicholas, enjoy a pancake breakfast, and visit our bazaar. The popular cookie walk returns, along with food, gift items, jewelry, Christmas treasures, and homemade crafts for sale. There will also be baskets to be raffled. FREE admission.

Dec 2 | 9AM to 3PM ~ Geraldson's Christmas Market: We will have awesome local vendors, amazing food trucks, fun live music, festive photo opps, and farm tours!

Dec 2 | 12PM to 3PM ~ Children's Business Fair Holiday Bazaar: Come support our youth and purchase your holiday gifts at the Childrens Business Fair Holiday Bazaar! Enjoy free admission, food, games, music, raffles and prizes! Hosted at the Boys and Girls Club. FREE.

Dec 2 | 2PM to 7PM ~ Streets of Paradise Holiday Market: With 30 vendors, food, music, over 50 raffle and auction items, and countless handmade gifts perfect for the holiday season, we guarantee you'll find something special. FREE admission.

Dec 2-3 | 10AM to 5PM ~ Holiday of the Arts Festival: Come enjoy browsing and purchasing fine arts and crafts, including painting, sculpting, jewelry, photography, candles, scented oils, ceramics, fiber and wearable art, mixed-media, woodworking and much more. FREE.

Dec 3 | 9AM to 2PM ~ Winter Market: Come join us for all your holiday shopping needs! There will be 40+ vendors, kids games and activities, food trucks, raffles, a live DJ and more. FREE.

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 9 | 9AM to 2PM ~ Palmetto Public Market: Visit Santa from 9AM to 12PM. Also enjoy 60+ vendors, photo opps, food trucks and live music.

Dec 9 | 10AM to 4PM ~ Dakin the Halls Christmas Market: Come out with the whole family and enjoy a market full of LOCAL vendors and shop for all your holiday gifts in one spot! While the kids enjoy the farm and farm animals! FREE.

Dec 9 | 11AM to 3PM ~ Waypoint Artisan Market: Enjoy 30+ local artisans and small businesses to shop and support, live music, kids' free activities including Santa and Mrs. Claus will be reading a Christmas story at noon followed by picture opportunities and a book exchange. Pet friendly. Hosted by Waypoint Bar and Grill. FREE.

Dec 10 | 9AM to 3PM ~ Holiday Market Kick Off with Santa: Don’t miss all your favorite local vendors, artisans, fresh food, games, and live music! There will also be Winter Wonderland activities for the whole family with Santa (available for pre-purchase) including Photos with Santa, Cookies and Coloring with Santa, a Dance Celebration, a Holiday Parade, a Holiday Costume Contest, a Toy Drive and more. FREE admission to the event / hosted by Meadows Farmers Market.

Dec 13 | 6PM to 9PM ~ Holiday Market with Santa: We have a special Holiday Pop-up market at the brewhouse for you to shop local from well-known community artists and a chance to get Free Photos taken of you and your furry friends with Santa. Hosted by Big Top Brewers Elective. FREE admission.

Dec 15 | 5PM to 9PM ~ Old Manatee Candlelight Block Party: Join as we celebrate the holidays in the Friendly City with live music, shopping, food and drink, and many other great kids and family activities.

Dec 16 | 10AM to 2PM ~ Parrish Small Business Holiday Market: Find something for everyone on your list while supporting local! Enjoy gifts, treats and Santa! FREE.

For more holiday fun, click on a picture below!