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 15 | 7PM ~ Movies Under the Stars: Every Friday and Saturday starting at 7PM, join us for a FREE outdoor showing of your favorite holiday films. Enjoy special character visits and onsite concessions starting at 6PM.
Holiday movie lineup:
- November 15: The Nightmare Before Christmas
- November 16: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
- November 22: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
- November 23: Arthur Christmas
- November 29: Home Alone
- November 30: Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
- December 6: Candy Cane Lane
- December 7: Frozen
- December 13: The Santa Clause
- December 14: The Santa Clause 2
- December 20: The Polar Express
- December 21: Elf
- December 27: Toy Story
- December 28: Eight Crazy Nights
- January 3: Frozen II
Dec 4 | 9:30AM to 11AM ~ Holiday-themed Stroller Strides and Story Time: Join us for a Stroller Strides class in the back lawn space and after class we will be presenting a story time with a holiday theme! FREE but RSVP. Hosted by Lakewood Ranch Library.
Dec 6 | 2:30PM to 4:30PM ~ Holiday Movie Matinee ELF: We will be showing the movie, Elf. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Hosted by Braden River Library. FREE.
Dec 6 | 6:30PM to 8:30PM ~ Movies in the Park - The Santa Clause: We will be showing the movie, The Santa Clause, at Centennial Park in Venice. Bring your blankets, chairs, snacks and drinks. FREE.
Dec 10 | 11AM ~ Story at the Stage: Join us for a nostalgic reading of “The Christmas Tree That Grew” with a clever painting craft that uses forks for the perfect pine. Cost included in admission to Children's Garden of Sarasota.
Dec 11 | 10AM to 11AM ~ Storytime on the Green with Mrs. Claus: parents and their children are invited to enjoy a festive morning with Mrs. Claus featuring holiday-themed stories, crafts and snacks. FREE.
Dec 13 | 5:30PM to 8PM ~ FREE Christmas Movie on the Lawn: Bring your chairs, blankets, and Christmas spirit as we watch The Grinch (2018) under the stars! Enjoy FREE popcorn and hot chocolate, plus a Target gift card giveaway! Hosted by The Sarasota Project.
Dec 13 | 6PM to 9PM ~ Movie in the Park - The Santa Clause: Enjoy a free screening of the movie The Santa Clause, plus Santa will be spreading holiday cheer and joining us for photos from 6PM to 8 PM!
Dec 14 | 4PM to 7:30PM ~ Holidays at The Bay: Enjoy pictures with Santa, make and take crafts, yard games, seasonal story time, a dance party and a free showing of the movie Toy Story 4. FREE.
Dec 14 | 3:30PM to 5:30PM ~ Family Movie Night: The Grinch: Popcorn and drinks provided. Hosted by Island Branch Library. FREE.
Dec 16 | 5:30PM to 7:30PM ~ Family Movie Nights: The Muppet Christmas Carol: Come on out in your comfy pjs, bring your fuzzy blankets and have a fun time! Popcorn and drinks will be provided, but feel free to bring your own snacks. Hosted by Lakewood Ranch Library. FREE.
Dec 17 | 11AM ~ The Little Red Elf: Come to the stage to hear a sweet retelling of this classic tale, along with a coloring sheet activity. Cost included in admission to Children's Garden of Sarasota.
Dec 18 | 5PM to 7PM ~ Teens Movie Night: The Grinch Who Stole Christmas: Grab your blankets or chairs and snacks for a cozy evening of films under the stars at Robinson Preserve. FREE and popcorn provided.
Dec 20 | 6PM to 8PM ~ Movie Under the Stars: Christmas in Yellowstone: Popcorn, drinks, and fun will be provided. Hosted by Braden River Library for teens. FREE.
Dec 21 | 6PM to 8PM ~ Movie Night: The Star: Join us Mornings with Mommy for an outdoor movie showing of The Star! Bring your lawn chairs and family and friends. Popcorn, hot cocoa and small snacks provided. FREE.
Nov 30 | 9AM to 12PM ~ Kids DIY Workshop at Home Depot: Kids will build and decorate a Cocoa Ornament.
Nov 30 | 10:30AM and 1:30PM ~ A Very Merry Ornament Workshop: Choose your favorite ornament and let your creativity shine as you paint it, creating a special keepsake to cherish for years to come. Guided by Arts A Blaze and hosted by Grove Restaurant. Ticket of $25 includes one ceramic ornament, all painting materials, and access to the hot chocolate and coffee bar, fresh pastries, cookies and light snacks. RSVP.
Nov 30 | 11AM to 1PM ~ Macrame Christmas Tree Ornament Workshop: Create four beautiful macrame Christmas tree ornaments. Perfect for all skill levels, this family-friendly event provides everything you need / $35. Hosted by Salt Your Soul Gift Co.
Nov 14 | 6PM to 8PM ~ Christmas Doormat Workshop: Fancy Plant Leaf Co's holiday workshops are here! This class make a house door mat with custom stencils of your choosing. $35, includes all supplies.
Nov 23 | 10AM to 12PM ~ Christmas Doormat Workshop: Fancy Plant Leaf Co's holiday workshops are here! This class we will be making the viral anthro dupe gingerbread house door mat. $35, includes all supplies.
Nov 30 | 3PM to 6PM ~ Holiday Village Cookie Class: Create a charming holiday village with your friends and family as you decorate 6 delicious cookies. $65 / RSVP.
Dec 1 | 10AM to 11:30AM ~ Tree Lighting with Bluey and Bingo: Join us alongside our friends Bluey & Bingo to light up our tree, sing holiday songs and add your own special ornament!! Hosted by Playtime Plaza. $40.
Dec 2-8 ~ Elves Are Busy Week at Sun Outdoors Sarasota: A festive celebration where families can enjoy a range of activities inspired by the holiday spirit. From craft workshops to story time sessions with Santa's helpers, there's something magical for everyone to experience.
Dec 3 | 11AM ~ Nature Finds Ornament Craft: Collect your nature finds to decorate your paper ornament craft for holiday cheer. Cost included in admission to Children's Garden of Sarasota.
Dec 4 | 5PM to 6PM ~ Teen Workshop Wednesday: Decorate a Tacky Holiday Sweater: Bring in your own plain sweater or T-shirt and join us in the workshop for some festive fun! We'll have lots of TACKY accessories to help you customize your holiday fit! FREE. Hosted by Lakewood Ranch Library.
Dec 6 | 10AM and 11AM ~ Here Comes Santa Claus: Visit Santa Claus himself at The Little Discovery Center. We'll sing "carols, " have a fun-filled Storytime, and make crafts for the holiday! FREE. RSVP.
Dec 6 | 11AM ~ Finger Painting Twinkly Lights: We are using our fingerprints to complete this festive string of lights. Cost included in admission to Children's Garden of Sarasota.
Dec 6 | 5:30PM to 7PM ~ Build a Board: Holiday Treat Workshop: This family-friendly event offers a cozy evening of festive fun: sip on hot cocoa, dip into a chocolate fountain, and decorate cookies and treats with sprinkles and toppings. Create your own custom dessert board to take home or share! $12 per board / RSVP.
Dec 6 | 7PM to 10PM ~ Grinch-Mas Parents Night Out: Enjoy Grinch-themed games, pizza and Grinch punch. Plus, get your picture taken with the "real" Grinch! $50 per child. Hosted by Alpha Martial Arts Academy.
Dec 7 | 8AM to 10AM ~ Breakfast with Santa Cow: We will have some coloring sheets, a letter to Santa station, photo opportunities with Santa Cow and a special treat! Hosted by Chick-Fil-A Creekwood. FREE.
Dec 7 | 9AM to 12PM ~ Kids DIY Workshop at Home Depot: Kids will build and decorate a Holiday Snow Globe.
Dec 7 | 10AM ~ Candy Cane Hunt: A festive celebration where families can enjoy a range of activities inspired by the holiday spirit. From craft workshops to story time sessions with Santa's helpers, there's something magical for everyone to experience.
Dec 7 | 10AM to 11AM ~ Kids Ornament Making: Get ready to deck the halls with an ornament making class just for kids! $10 resident / $20 nonresident - Register online.
Dec 7 and 14 | 1:30PM to 3:30PM ~ Holiday Gingerbread House Workshop: Join the holiday fun with Young Chefs Academy as we share decorating tips and tricks to bring your one-of-a-kind, sugar-coated gingerbread house to life. Ages 6+ | $65.
Dec 8 | 1PM to 2:30PM ~ Gingerbread House Decorating with the Snow Sisters: Kids will get to decorate their own pre-built gingerbread house with all the supplies provided, meet and greet the Snow Sisters, take character photos, and enjoy singing and dancing. Hosted by Party Palace. $60 per child (ages 3 to 7).
Dec 9-15 ~ Holiday Friends Week at Sun Outdoors Sarasota: Brings together families and friends for a week of fun and camaraderie in a festive atmosphere. Activities include themed arts and crafts, games, and special events designed to celebrate togetherness during the holiday season.
Dec 11, 12, 13 | various times ~ Gulf Coast Music Therapy Jingle and Jam: Bring your little ones in their coziest holiday pajamas and join us for a magical time filled with music, fun, and a Cookies & Milk Reception. $15 per child.
Dec 12 | 10AM to 12PM ~ Green Explorers: Nature Crafting: Holidays are approaching, and it’s time to get crafty, precisely, wildcrafting. Wildcrafting is mindfully harvesting natural items and using imagination to make unique pieces. FREE. Ages 6 to 12. Register. Conservatory Park.
Dec 12 | 5PM to 6PM ~ Winter Painting: 'Tis the Season: Come enjoy an evening of painting on a canvas, learning tips and tricks to paint a beautiful picture from local artist Jill Jacobson. For teens. Hosted by Island Branch Library. RSVP.
Dec 13 | 7:30PM to 7AM Dec 14 ~ Holiday Ninja Night: Enjoy holiday-themed ninja activities, games and challenges, holiday treats and snacks and a White Elephant Gift exchange. Hosted by Triumph Martial Arts. $35 for fun until 11:30PM / $60 to stay the night until 7:30AM Dec 14. Recommended ages 6+. RSVP.
Dec 14 | 9AM and 11AM ~ KK Slime Club Holiday Workshop for Families: Workshop Includes Teacher-led slime creation & exploration and fun activities & challenges, plus take home your amazing slime creation! Cost depends on number of children and adults attending.
Dec 14 | 10AM to 12PM ~ Winter Wonderland with Elsa: Meet & Greet Elsa, create a Snow Globe, join in a festive Balloon Drop, enjoy refreshments and treats. $25 per child / $20 siblings. RSVP.
Dec 14 | 9AM to 11AM ~ Gingerbread Bash: Please join us for a fun family Christmas party where we will build gingerbread nativities, play games, sing songs and learn about the first Christmas ever! FREE. Register online. Hosted by the Church at Bradenton.
Dec 14 | 10AM to 12PM ~ Holiday Spectacular Event: Enjoy a day filled with festive fun, interactive activities, special guests and joyful celebrations. Hosted by Kiddie Academy of Lakewood Ranch. FREE.
Dec 14 | 10AM to 12PM ~ Kids Ornament Making: Get ready to deck the halls with an ornament making class just for kids! $10 resident / $20 nonresident - Register online.
Dec 14 | 11AM to 12PM ~ Frosty the Snowman Holiday Party: Celebrate the Holidays with music, crafts and frosty fun! Hosted by Braden River Library. FREE.
Dec 14 | 2PM to 4PM ~ Christmas Spectacular at Playtime Plaza: Enjoy free meet and greet with Santa, see a firetruck, DIY festive slime making, Let It Snow bubbles and discounted play time!
Dec 14 | 2PM to 5PM ~ Sleepy Santa Cookie Class: Spend 3 hours of fun with friends and family and create 6 adorable Sleepy Santa cookies. $65 / RSVP.
Dec 14 | 3PM to 5PM ~ Holidays Around the World: Please join us to learn more about different holidays celebrated around the word. Members of our Teen Advisory Board will present different traditions in the form of crafts, activities, and food. Hosted by Braden River Library. FREE.
Dec 14 | 4PM to 6PM ~ Holiday 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 eight cookies to share with Santa or enjoy as a special sweet treat. $10 fee. RSVP. Robinson Preserve/The Nest.
Dec 14 | 4PM to 7:30PM ~ Holidays at The Bay: Enjoy pictures with Santa, make and take crafts, yard games, seasonal story time, a dance party and a free showing of the movie Toy Story 4. FREE.
Dec 14 | 6PM to 9PM ~ Florida Christmas Cookie Class: Join us with your friends and family for a fun-filled 3-hour session where you'll learn the art of decorating 6 delicious cookies. $65 / RSVP.
Dec 14 | 6PM to 9PM ~ Olivera's Christmas Glow Party: Wear your favorite Christmas pants and let’s have another amazing glow in the dark extravaganza. $30 for one child or $25 for two or more.
Dec 15 | 4PM to 6PM ~ Santa and S'mores: Get a free picture with Santa, plus enjoy s'mores, hot cocoa and crafts. Hosted by Bayside Community Church Fruitville Campus. FREE.
Dec 15 | 5PM to 7PM ~ S'mores and Mores!: We will have s'mores, hot dogs, a family gingerbread house competition, crafts, cookie decorating, and more! Hosted by Harvest United Methodist Church. FREE but register by Dec 13.
Dec 16-22 ~ Deck the Halls Week at Sun Outdoors Sarasota: The resort is transformed into a winter wonderland with dazzling decorations and joyful activities. Guests can participate in ornament making, holiday games, and festive live entertainment under the stars.
Dec 17 | 5:30PM to 7PM ~ Christmas Theme Kid-cuterie Workshop: Includes a keepsake cutting board, instruction on creating a beautiful fun kid themed board and all of the Kid friendly accoutrements. Hosted by Pineapple Kitchen. $60 per child (ages 5 to 13).
Dec 19 | 4PM to 6PM ~ Crafty Book Club for Teens: Mini Book Ornaments: This month we will make miniature book ornaments. Hosted by Braden River Library. FREE.
Dec 19 | 5PM to 6PM ~ Winter Wonderland Party: Join us for a family-friendly night of fun, games, crafts, and a visit from Santa. Hosted by South Manatee Library. FREE.
Dec 20, 21 | various times ~ Kidsmas Party: Lots of festive fun including playing carnival games, pizza, holiday movie, dancing and more. Hosted by Major Productions of Dance. $55 per child / 10% sibling discount.
Dec 21 | 2PM to 3:30PM ~ Sweet Seasons: A Holiday Chocolate Workshop: You will be able to select from a variety of holiday chocolate molds and make your own chocolate treats. Each participant will also get to take home both their chocolates and molds. Ages 6+ FREE. Hosted by Island Branch Library. RSVP.
Dec 21 | 5:30PM to 9M ~ Parents Night Out: Jingle Jammies: Kids will enjoy holiday gymnastics fun, Christmas games, a craft corner, a Christmas movie, Open Gym play and pizza and juice. Hosted by EVO Gymnastics. $60 non-members / $55 members.
Dec 22 | 4PM to 7M ~ Enchanted Holiday Celebration: An Evening of Royal Fun with the Princesses - Anna, Elsa, Belle and Ariel. Event includes crafts, stories, song and dance, pizza, warm cocoa, festive treats, and a holiday film. Drop-off event for ages 4 and up. Early Registration (by December 13): $45 || General Registration (December 14–22): $55. Hosted by Belle's Princess Parties at Jump Annex.
Dec 23-29 ~ All Wrapped Up Week at Sun Outdoors Sarasota: Guests can enjoy Holiday arts and crafts, festive live entertainment, and making family holiday memories.
Dec 24 | 11AM ~ Come Find Rudolph's Nose: Oh No - Rudolph has lost his nose in the Garden! Come anytime between 10 and 11 to find his sparkly red nose for your color sheet, then make your own reindeer food with carrots, kale, lemongrass, and magic flying powder. Cost included in admission to Children's Garden of Sarasota.
Dec 30 - Jan 5 ~ New Years Celebration Week at Sun Outdoors Sarasota: Guests can enjoy themed parties, live music, and special countdown events leading up to midnight.
For more holiday fun, click on a picture below!
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