Holiday Shows, Music and Markets - 2024

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 22 - Jan 5 ~ Wonderland: Nik Wallenda & The Circus Arts Conservatory are proud to announce the return of their acclaimed holiday spectacle, “Wonderland” with an all-new show “Illuminate.” The show promises a blend of thrilling circus acts, mesmerizing aerial performances, and uplifting holiday storytelling. Tickets vary $35 and up.

Nov 23 | 3PM and 6PM ~ A Charlie Brown Christmas: Kick off your holiday season by taking the kids to see this adorable stage adaptation of "A Charlie Brown Christmas". Enjoy a Christmas carol sing-along at the end. Tickets range from $8 to $15.

Nov 29 | 5PM to 8PM ~ Hometown Christmas Tree Lighting: Enjoy a charming Christmas evening with live music featuring performances by First Baptist Church's Voices of Venice, the Venice Chorale, and children help light the tree! Enjoy time with Santa, food trucks, shopping, dining, & exploring historic downtown Venice! FREE.

Select dates Nov 30 - Dec 24 ~ Deck the Halls: Presented by Florida Studio Theatre. A brand-new rendition of everything that makes Christmas and Hanukkah in Sarasota special. Get excited for palm trees with decorations, swimming in the sea, sand snowmen, and more. Get into the holiday spirit and join in on the fun at this interactive family show. Tickets are $10.

Dec 1 | 12PM to 3PM ~ Once Upon a Nutcracker: A Magical Lunch with Clara and Friends: Guests will experience a scrumptious lunch and sweet treats, an enchanting performance of Once Upon a Nutcracker, festive crafts, face painting, Sugar Plum Fairy hair, photo opportunities with Clara and friends, and other whimsical activities! Hosted by Future of Dance at Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club. $70.

Dec 5-8 ~ 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.

Dec 5 and 12 | 5PM ~ Holiday Splendor at The Ringling: 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. Admission to this event is free with one unwrapped toy per person. Regular admission will apply without a toy donation ($15 Adult / $5 Child).

Dec 8 |1PM ~ 17th Annual Nutcracker Tea Party (Dance Theatre of Bradenton): In addition to enjoying a light lunch provided by The Waterfront restaurant and tea service during the show, there will be an auction/raffle with some wonderful prizes, a chance for little ones to have their hair styled in a ballet bun at the “Sugarplum Salon,” and a special craft for families to enjoy together. There will also be a mini ballet lesson for the little ones led by Ms. Allison. Tickets $30 for children (12 and under) | $40 for adults.

Dec 11, 15, 18 | Various times ~ Christmas Elf at Pineapple Inn: We have heard there is a mischievous Christmas Elf who is up to no good. Help Mr. Kris solve and discover what the Christmas Elf has been doing to keep Christmas from coming. Original interactive family mystery dinner show. Ages 4 and up. Adults must be accompanied by a child. $65++ per person.

Dec 14 | 2PM to 3PM ~ Holiday Music - Aloha Ukulele Group: A variety of all of our favorite music for the holidays performed by the Aloha Ukulele group. At Rocky Bluff Library. FREE.

Dec 14-15 | 10:30AM to 1PM ~ The Nutcracker - Breakfast with Santa (Sarasota Cuban Ballet School): Join us for Breakfast and cookie decorating followed by a performance of The Nutcracker. Tickets $45/$35 for children 6 and under.

Dec 14-15 ~ The Nutcracker (Star Academy): Join us for a magical evening of ballet, aerial, and more! Tickets range $15 to $55.

Dec 14-15 ~ Singing Christmas Tree: Our live Singing Christmas Tree will present the musical “Promised One,” featuring your favorite carols and an inspiring story about the first Christmas. There will be cookie refreshments after each showing along with a free photobooth opportunity. And don’t miss our “Festival of Trees” as you stroll through the lobby! Hosted by Community Baptist Church. FREE.

Dec 16 | 2PM to 3PM ~ Holiday Music - Aloha Ukulele Group: A variety of all of our favorite music for the holidays performed by the Aloha Ukulele group. At Lakewood Ranch Library. FREE.

Dec 17-19 | 7PM to 8PM ~ Holiday Special 2!: Join the Crenshaws and their colorful neighbors on a wild ride filled with laughter, love, and the true spirit of Christmas! Performed by The Players Studio. Tickets are $24 / $14 for students.

Dec 19 | 6:30PM and 8PM ~ Holiday Revue: Holiday show performed by Ovation School of Musical Theater. $20 adults and $10 students (ages 4 and up).

Dec 21 | 11AM to 12PM ~ Holiday Music - Aloha Ukulele Group: A variety of all of our favorite music for the holidays performed by the Aloha Ukulele group. At Braden River Library. FREE.

Dec 21-22 ~ The Nutcracker (Dance Theatre of Bradenton): Step into this magical world of toy soldiers, colorful characters, and the enchanting “Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy”. Tickets range $25 to $35.

Dec 22 | 3PM to 5PM ~ Candlelight Christmas Carols: Bringing in Christmas with Candlelight Carols.

Dec 26-29 ~ Sailor Circus presents "Diamond Jubilee": A holiday spectacle of talented youth performers. Tickets range from $20 to $40.

Nov 21 | 6:30PM to 9:30PM ~ Holiday Night Market: This month’s outdoor market event is bringing all the festive feels with live music by Sugar Vibe, seasonal sips and sweets, and 30+ local vendors offering handcrafted goods, jewelry and more. FREE admission.

Nov 23 | 12PM to 5PM ~ Bradenton Holiday Market Series: Browse a variety of unique, handcrafted gifts from amazing vendors while enjoying delicious drinks and food from 3 Keys. FREE admission.

Dec 4-8 | Times vary ~ European Holiday Market: An immersive experience featuring artisans selling seasonal treasures, along with European-inspired delicacies, festive beverages, interactive activities and live performances and entertainment. $15 general admission / $20 at the door.

Dec 5 | 5PM to 8PM ~ Downtown Venice Christmas Walk: Enjoy extended hours at local shops, treats, live music and the twinkle of lights on decorated trees along the downtown avenues.

Dec 6-7 | Various times ~ A Holly Jolly Village Christmas: Step into a Christmas wonderland and find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list! Stroll through charming, festively decorated shops, each filled with holiday spirit. Enjoy live music and entertainment. Saturday SPECIAL GUESTS Mayor Gene Brown and his lovely wife will be in the Village as Santa and Mrs. Claus, ready for photo ops, handing out presents, and soaking up the holiday charm as they stroll through the Village. FREE.

Dec 7 | 9AM to 3PM ~ Geraldson's Christmas Market: Local vendors, food trucks and family fun. FREE admission.

Dec 7-8 | 10AM to 5PM ~ Lakewood Ranch Holiday of the Arts Festival: The festival features an impressive collection of art, including paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photography, candles, scented oils, ceramics, fiber and wearable art, mixed-media, woodworking, and much more. FREE admission.

Dec 14 | 11AM to 3PM ~ Waypoint Artisan Market: Shop 40+ Unique Local Small Businesses, enjoy live music, kids' activities, pet friendly and book exchange. Plus, Santa and Mrs. Claus will do a reading on stage with photos after. FREE admission.

Dec 15 | 9AM to 3PM ~ Meadows Farmers Market's Season 4 Holiday Market Kick-Off with Santa: Tis the Season to Shop locally for all your holiday gifts for friends and family! Don’t miss all your favorite local vendors, artisans, fresh food, games, and live music! Plus enjoy a variety of Winter Wonderland activities for the whole family with Santa! FREE admission to Market / cost for special events.

Dec 21 | 10AM to 2PM ~ The Parrish Small Business Holiday Market: Get your last-minute gifts and stocking stuffers for everyone! An outdoor market featuring 30+ local vendors sharing their goods and handmade items with the community. FREE admission.

For more holiday fun, click on a picture below!