1. UTC HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS! NOVEMBER 21ST- JANUARY 3RD
There is no better place to celebrate the holiday season in Sarasota-Bradenton than right here at UTC! This year’s reimagined holiday experience – UTC Holiday Festival of Lights – is aimed at inspiring awe and wonder in the hearts of friends, families and communities through millions of lights over 44 nights.
This event is on repeat every 30 minutes from 6:30pm - 9:30pm. You can view this from anywhere on Cattlemen Drive. All are invited to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season and fresh-air festivities including nightly light shows choreographed to music; holiday movies under the stars most Friday and Saturday nights at 7 PM; firework shows Saturday nights at 9 PM; horse-drawn carriage rides; over 35 giant holiday greeting card displays designed by local students; and many other magical, memorable experiences!
2. AN OPEN-AIR LIGHT SHOW!
Throughout Selby Gardens’ Downtown Sarasota campus, guests will be immersed in the glow of more than two million lights, all in a safe and socially distanced outdoor Gardens-wide experience. Activities will include touchless face painting, balloon artistry, and photo opportunities.Marie Selby Botanical Gardens brings you Lights in Bloom: An Open-air Holiday Light Show. More than two million lights illuminate the gardens, and walkways are transformed into sensory light tunnels. Stroll through magical gardens filled with beautifully lit flowers, radiant rainforest butterflies, dragonflies, and more. Lights in Bloom: An Open-air Light Show. has become a tradition for residents and visitors to celebrate the holiday season in Sarasota.
GA: $25 / Children 5-17: $7 / 4 & Under: Free
3. SPOT THE ELVES HOLIDAY CONTEST IN LAKEWOOD RANCH MAIN STREET
Spot the Elves on Main Street for your chance to win over $500 in Main Street gift cards!
Nineteen mischievous elves are hiding throughout Main Street. Can you find them all? Be sure to look high and low and inside and outside the windows. Find at least ten elves to enter. Our holiday contest starts on November 20, 2020. The contest ends on January 1, 2021. Winners will be announced on January 8, 2021.
4. ELLENTON HOLIDAY VILLAGE!
Just around the corner at the Ellenton Premium Outlets! Every night from December 3rd through January 3rd. Enjoy exciting midway rides and games for all ages, a variety of fair food, community entertainment and socially distanced Santa visits. Free parking and admission. See website for discount ride wristbands and coupon savings on rides and food. Just an hour away in Tampa, Food Trucks Power will be set up at 5317 Sligh Avenue. Enjoy your Christmas shopping where you eat your favorite food from 12 food trucks. Buy gifts, handmade jewelry, $5 jewelry, cakes, sweets, chocolates, scented candles, beauty in skin care products gift sets, mary perfumes, shower gels, coquito, sangria and more. Happy Shopping!
5. SATURDAY POP-MARKET & FOOD TRUCKS
Free parking and admission. See website for discount ride wristbands and coupon savings on rides and food. Just an hour away in Tampa, Food Trucks Power will be set up at 5317 Sligh Avenue. Enjoy your Christmas shopping where you eat your favorite food from 12 food trucks. Buy gifts, handmade jewelry, $5 jewelry, cakes, sweets, chocolates, scented candles, beauty in skin care products gift sets, mary perfumes, shower gels, coquito, sangria and more. Happy Shopping!
