This past year we saw exciting dining and drinking spots open in Sarasota, Bradenton, Osprey, Lakewood Ranch and on Anna Maria Island. In addition to our longstanding local restaurants continuing to serve the community, we also welcomed many new exciting dining destinations during the past year. These ranged from seafood spots and a Southern soul kitchen, to an Irish ale house and a new spot for French cuisine. They joined already booming restaurant scenes in such places as Sarasota’s Gulf Gate neighborhood, Lakewood Ranch and Anna Maria Island.

Daiquiri Deck opens on Anna Maria Island

107 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach

Daiquiri Deck, the local chain known for its signature frozen drinks and raw bar,

opened a new location on Anna Maria Island in March featuring awesome vistas of surrounding Bradenton Beach. Located on the dining, drinking and shopping row Bridge Street, the new building stands three stories high (the limit on Anna Maria Island) with Daiquiri Deck offering open-air seating featuring views of both the Gulf of Mexico and Intracoastal Waterway. Russell Matthes, Troy Syprett and Matthew Grover are the owners of Daiquiri Deck, which also has four locations in Sarasota County including the original one in Siesta Key Village. The new 14,000-square-foot Manatee County restaurant offers an extensive menu including oysters, various seafood entrees, sandwiches and pizza, just like the other Daiquiri Decks.

Whiskey Joe’s opens Manatee River location

5313 19th St. E. Ellenton

Bringing beachy fun to the north banks of the Manatee River, Whiskey Joe’s Bar & Grill opened its Ellenton location in March. Reachable by land or water, it was the fourth Florida location for the “Floribbean” style restaurant and bar chain that started in Tampa.

Located in the Rocky Bluff neighborhood, Whiskey Joe’s features indoor seating and outdoor dining options on a white-sand setting, with boat pull-ups, fire pits and palapas (think small chickee huts). The full menu includes Whiskey Joe’s signature dishes such as the Mango Mahi Mahi, Grand Grouper Sandwich, Tampa Bay Shrimp Tacos, and Gator Bites.There’s also Whiskey Joe’s World-Famous Barefoot Tiki Bar where guests can enjoy boat drinks such as the Tropical Bahama Mama, over 40 types of margaritas and mojitos, plus local craft beer on tap.

Floridays Woodfire Grill & Bar opens in Bradenton

12332 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton

Overlooking Anna Maria Sound, Floridays opened in July as part of the Jimmy Buffett-inspired hotel Compass by Margaritaville, with the hotel’s swimming pool located just out of reach from the bar. If traveling by car rather than boat, the restaurant will be found on Manatee Avenue West, just east of the bridge leading to Anna Maria Island. Featuring an open-air chickee-style structure with a quirky, Old Florida fish house motif, it places guests right on the water for gorgeous sunset views. The extensive menu includes classic Southern dishes, locally sourced seafood and wood-grilled steaks, as well as various cocktails such as, yes, margaritas. Floridays, which shares its name with a Buffett song and album from the 1980s, was developed by Sarasota-based Floridays Development Co. and the creative team at Blue Orbit Hospitality Consulting. 

Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen opens in Bradenton

1114 12th. St. W., Bradenton

Occupying a historic cottage on the main road through Bradenton’s Village of the Arts, Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen opened on the last day of September. It’s near chef and owner David Shiplett’s other eatery, Birdrock Taco Shack, and has indoor space adorned with local artwork as well as al fresco dining. There’s seating out front as well as a spacious, fenced backyard area with sprawling trees providing shade with dangling Edison lights. There’s also a covered stage in the back where bands have been performing since November. Cottonmouth’s tightly-constructed menu focuses on dishes such as fried green tomatoes, collard greens, shrimp and cheese grits, and fried chicken. Another popular main attraction is the Bradentucky Meatloaf Burger with melted cheddar and tomato on Texas toast served with a side of tater tots. 

The Point opens in Osprey

131 Bayview Drive, Osprey

Local restaurant and entertainment group Evie’s unveiled the newest addition to its assortment of businesses this year with The Point, which held its grand opening in October.

Located on the same Evie’s at Spanish Point property in Osprey that houses a separate tiki bar and restaurant, the three-floor The Point features an alluring view of Little Sarasota Bay complemented by a casual Florida atmosphere and menu. Dishes include a grouper sandwich and seared sea scallops, with New England touches like a lobster roll and clam chowder.This year also saw Evie’s rebrand the long-running Sarasota music venue and watering hole Five O’Clock Club as Brady’s Neighborhood Bar, and sell Office Bar SRQ and Evie’s on University Parkway, the latter becoming Solorzano’s Pizzeria & Tavern.

Bistro at the Sarasota Art Museum 

1001 S. Tamiami Trail

When the Sarasota Art Museum reopened in October, attendees were able to explore exhibition galleries, as well as a new dining destination simply dubbed the Bistro. 

The menu features homemade soups, salads, tartines and artisanal sandwiches such as the Lemon Dijonaise Chicken Salad, made with preserved lemon; the Griddled Cheese containing fontina, mornay and sharp white cheddar; and a house-brined turkey sandwich topped with smashed avocado, sprouts, tomato, and served on seven-grain bread.

The Ringling Grillroom opens at Museum

5401 Bay Shore Road

After about five months without a restaurant inside its John M. McKay Visitors Pavilion, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art began welcoming patrons to its Ringling Grillroom in October. The restaurant, which replaced Muse, features indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the handsome Ringling grounds with views of a lagoon and the Circus Museum, as well as an indoor bar area.

The menu ranges from hand-cut steaks and chops to freshly caught Florida seafood with various international flavors. The Sarasota Bay fish tacos, crispy Sicilian calamari, steak frites with wild mushroom cognac peppercorn gravy, and the crusted ahi tuna salad are some of the more popular items. The Grillroom also pays homage to the Ringling brand with categories such as Big Top Sandwiches, Three Ring Sides and Freakshow brand wines.

Seabar opens in Sarasota’s Gulf Gate neighborhood

6540 Superior Ave.

The owners of Gulf Gate Food + Beer, which opened in 2018, further expanded their dining and drinking footprint this year when it opened Seabar in November in the same Gulf Gate neighborhood in Sarasota. The new concept takes inspiration from the collective cultures of the Pacific Ocean with a focus on seafood, with entrees including kung pao octopus, soy-marinated swordfish and yaki udon noodles with hanger steak and pork belly. Along with Gulf Gate Food + Beer and Seabar, which are connected through a doorway, the restaurants’ owners also operate Sarasota Food + Beer on Fruitville Road, which opened last year.

McGrath’s Irish Ale House opens in Lakewood Ranch

8110 Lakewood Main St., Lakewood Ranch

The biggest Lakewood Ranch restaurant opening of the year, McGrath’s Irish Ale House began welcoming patrons in November. It replaced the Scottish-themed MacAllisters Grill & Tavern and features Irish dishes along with traditional European selections, often with creative twists. The new build-out includes additional patio seating overlooking the lake and a larger inside bar area, plus a private dining room for hosting live music on Fridays and Saturdays.Johnson said he implemented sustainable seafood and antibiotic free chicken at McGrath’s, and is working with local farmers to use local produce on the menu.The shepherd’s pie consisting of lamb, carrots, peas, onions, and parmesan with a potato crust is among the popular menu items; which also include the chicken pot pie (bechamel sauce, English peas, carrots, leeks, flaky pie dough), and the Waterford burger (with mushrooms and Swiss cheese, topped with caramelized onions and gravy). 

The Chateau Anna Maria opens on Holmes Beach

5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach

Waterline Marina Resort on Anna Maria Island replaced its former Eliza Ann’s Coastal Kitchen space with a new restaurant, which customers may already recognize from their television screens. The ChateauAnnaMaria, a second location of the Bolton Landing, New York, restaurant The Chateau on the Lake, opened its doors in December at the Holmes Beach hotel. The restaurant features a similar sensibility of “French-inspired, Italian portions” to the original location, with plans to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. OpenTable has named Chateau on the Lake one of the Top 100 Most Romantic and Scenic Restaurants in America in past years.

The Sarasota-Manatee Originals Present: Original Eats Sponsored by Boar's Head January 15, 2021 to January 31, 2021 | Restaurants throughout Sarasota, Venice, and Bradenton ,Various LocationsSarasota, FL 34239

Boar’s Head is the official title sponsor of the 2021 Original Eats culinary collaborative. For over five generations, Boar’s Head Brand® has been a family-owned business with the belief that consumers deserve superior quality products. Participating Restaurants include Beach House Waterfront Restaurant, The Bijou Café, Birdrock Taco Shack, Café Gabbiano, Cassariano Italian Eatery, The Crow's Nest, Drunken Poet Café, Duval's Fresh. Local. Seafood, element: Steak. Seafood. Pasta., El Melvin Cocina Mexicana, Euphemia Haye, Fins at Sharky's, Harry's Continental Kitchens, JPAN Sushi & Grill, MADE Restaurant, Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub, Mattison's Forty-One, Mattison's City Grille, Mattison's Riverwalk Grille, Michael's On East, Miguel's Restaurant, The Oasis Café & Bakery, Overture Restaurant & Gallery Lounge, Paradise Grill, Pop's Sunset Grill, Primo! Ristorante, Sage, Sandbar Seafood & Spirits, State Street Eating House + Cocktails and Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi Grill. More restaurants will be announced in the coming weeks and a full list of participating restaurants and their Original Dishes can be found at eatlikealocal.com/original-eats. Tickets are not necessary for dining, but reservations are recommended.

The 2nd Annual Sarasota Beer & Burger Festival Presented by T-Mobile returns to The Mall at University Town Center this January!

Join us for 2 days of local grill masters from over a dozen award-winning Food Trucks competing for the title of People's Choice Best Burger.On Saturday, January 23rd we will host Free Beer Samples from local Craft Breweries from 12p to 3pm. Who will win the title of Best Brew and Most Creative Craft? You decide! Festival entry is $10 each day with pre-order tickets available online for easy entry on event day. Sunday Kill-The-Keg Beer Wristbands are $15 Sink or Swim. All tickets and wristbands can be purchased at the event.As in years past, this event features a full-size carnival with fun for all ages from Jan 21-Jan 24th.

LIVE STAGE PERFORMANCES BY...

SATURDAY - Jan 23rd

Beat Street Band, Trigger Fish & Reverend Barry & The Funk

“Hermitage Sunsets @ Selby Gardens” featuring Claire Chase, Friday, January 22, 5:30 p.m. Registration is required. Registration fee of $5 per person.

Claire Chase – flutist, composer, MacArthur ‘Genius,’ Avery Fisher Prize winner – will present an intimate evening of music against the backdrop of the setting sun as part of our “Hermitage Sunsets @ Selby Gardens.”Audience members are invited to bring their own chairs and blankets.Capacity will be limited, so registration is required. All seating will be socially distanced; audiences are requested and encouraged to wear face masks.In the event of rain cancellation, registrants will receive a notification via email no later than 3pm on the day of the event.

Sunday Farmers Market in Lakewood Ranch | 10AM-2PM | EVERY Sunday | 8330 Lakewood Ranch Blvd

Sundays start fresh at the Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch, located in the parking lot of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. Come experience this curated gathering of the best flavors in the region, including organic produce, meat, poultry, eggs, artisanal bread, and prepared foods from 40+ vendors. 

Sarasota Polo Club | Sunday January 17th, 2021 | 1pm-4pm

8201 Polo Club Lane, Sarasota, FL 34240

Pajama Slumber Party at Sunday Polo at The Sarasota Polo Club

Sunday Polo matches are open to the public every Sunday at 1pm beginning December 13th, 2020 through April 25th, 2021. Gates open at 10am. Field side general admission tailgating, reserved midfield premium seating or VIP midfield boxes are available for Sunday Polo. Children 12 and under are free, (general admission tailgating). Exciting polo action, opening parade, live national anthem, theme weeks, half-time entertainment, food, drinks and divot-stomping. Dress comfortably and for the weather. Remember, you will be walking on grass. Well socialized dogs are welcome on a leash.

Waters Edge Winery to open in former Social space

A new location for a national wine-focused franchise is set to open soon in the former space of a popular downtown Sarasota restaurant and bar, with an acclaimed Bradenton chef joining the new business.Waters Edge Winery Sarasota will take over the 1219 First St. location that previously housed Social Eatery & Bar, with hopes to open by late December. It also plans to offer lunch, dinner and Saturday and Sunday brunch, with Knowles composing the menus as well as training the kitchen staff. Knowles said the menu will have a global cuisine feel, heavy on tapas and small plates, with signature items such as New Zealand red deer chateaubriand, Cornish game hen, spicy tuna poke and braised lamb shoulder tostada.Though WEW Sarasota is renovating the former space, it will keep the outdoor area that was one of Social Eatery & Bar's most popular components. The business plans to have around 150 seats in total, about 90 outdoors and 60 indoors. Waters Edge Winery Sarasota intends to initially be open Wednesdays through Sundays and closed Mondays and Tuesdays. 

Outdoor Community Movie Night ** POPCORN, SNOW CONES, LEMONADE, ALL FREE!

This is our fourth community movie night on our big blow up screen! You will not want to miss this. The whole community is invited and there is never any cost. We have popcorn, hot chocolate (snow cones when it is hot out), and drinks available. All free of charge. We simply want to provide a safe, family-friendly activity for our community. This time, we are watching a classic: Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted! So bring a lawn chair or a blanket and we will start the movie at 5:30 pm!

Live Tiki by Mike Sales at Bahi Tiki Cocktail Lounge 7-11pm  | 4675 North Tamiami Trail

Live Music will be outside the Bahi Hut’s Banyan Patio

Venice Farmers Market Every Saturday at 8 am – 1 pm!401 W Venice Ave, Venice, FL 34285

The Venice Farmers Market every Saturday from 8am until 1pm through March 2021! Local and Organic Fresh Produce, Baked Goods, Meats, Seafood, Dairy, Plants, Herbs, Prepared Foods, Honey, Syrups, Sauces, Salsa and more…

Sunday Farmers Market in Lakewood Ranch | 10AM-2PM | EVERY Sunday | 8330 Lakewood Ranch Blvd

Sundays start fresh at the Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch, located in the parking lot of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. Come experience this curated gathering of the best flavors in the region, including organic produce, meat, poultry, eggs, artisanal bread, and prepared foods from 40+ vendors. 

Sarasota Polo Club | Sunday January 17^th, 2021 | 1pm-4pm

8201 Polo Club Lane, Sarasota, FL 34240

Pajama Slumber Party at Sunday Polo at The Sarasota Polo Club

Sunday Polo matches are open to the public every Sunday at 1pm beginning December 13th, 2020 through April 25th, 2021. Gates open at 10am. Field side general admission tailgating, reserved midfield premium seating or VIP midfield boxes are available for Sunday Polo. Children 12 and under are free, (general admission tailgating). Exciting polo action, opening parade, live national anthem, theme weeks, half-time entertainment, food, drinks and divot-stomping. Dress comfortably and for the weather. Remember, you will be walking on grass. Well socialized dogs are welcome on a leash.

Home Sales in Lakewood Ranch Increased by 30% In 2020 & Awarded the Top Selling Multi-Generational Community for the 3^rd Year in a Row

Buyers snapped up 2,149 new homes in Lakewood Ranch in 2020, 501 more than in 2019.

 The 30 percent increase in sales year-over-year is the best sales year on record for Lakewood Ranch, which was already the best-selling, master-planned multi-generational community in the country.The record sales year kept Lakewood Ranch as the top selling multi-generational community in the United States for the third year, according to independent real estate consulting firms John Burns and RCLCO.

Lakewood Ranch is now home to an estimated 42,000 residents and 1,600 businesses.While COVID-19 has driven some buyers to act, there are longer term trends at play as well, Laura Cole, senior vice president of Lakewood Ranch, said in a press release.

Even with restrictions in place, buyers have been purchasing homes – in many cases, sight unseen – with the help of interactive chats and virtual community presentations from the Lakewood Ranch Information Center.

Lakewood Ranch offers homes from the $200,000s to more than $1 million. There are more than 20 villages and more than 20 different builders, including four new villages that opened in 2020: Taylor Morrison’s Esplanade at Azario, Lennar’s Lorraine Lakes, Neal Communities’ Windward, and Pulte’s Sapphire Point.

Waterside Place, one of three town centers in Lakewood Ranch, has drawn widespread attention as it nears a second quarter of 2021 completion. Located on the southern edge of the Ranch in Sarasota County, it will be a blend of arts and entertainment, with diverse dining options, commercial, retail and office space, and an eight-acre park, which will be the eventual home of the Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch.

Also attractive to buyers is Lakewood Ranch’s status as a major job center, with more than four million square feet of commercial real estate in place and entitlements for up to 14 million.

Venice Farmers Market Every Saturday at 8 am – 1 pm!401 W Venice Ave, Venice, FL 34285

The Venice Farmers Market every Saturday from 8am until 1pm through March 2021! Local and Organic Fresh Produce, Baked Goods, Meats, Seafood, Dairy, Plants, Herbs, Prepared Foods, Honey, Syrups, Sauces, Salsa and more…

Yoga at Bob Gardner Community Park | Second Sunday @ 9:00 am - 9:45 am
Bob Gardner Community Park- 2710 White Eagle Blvd | Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211

Join them for free yoga in the beautiful setting of Bob Gardner Community Park just off of White Eagle Blvd! The Yoga Shack Florida will host the morning flows starting at 9 am. Please bring your own mat and water bottle. Mats must be placed at least 6-feet apart from others and they ask all participants to closely follow all social-distancing guidelines.

*Note: Parking is extremely limited. If you live in close proximity to Bob Gardner Park, and they encourage biking or walking to the event.

Pricing : $0 Resident/$10 Non-Resident

Sunday Farmers Market in Lakewood Ranch | 10AM-2PM | EVERY Sunday | 8330 Lakewood Ranch Blvd

Sundays start fresh at the Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch, located in the parking lot of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. Come experience this curated gathering of the best flavors in the region, including organic produce, meat, poultry, eggs, artisanal bread, and prepared foods from 40+ vendors. 

Sunday January 10^th  3pm-7pm | The Pavilion at Mixon Farms

2525 27th St East

You are able to go to the 4th Annual Bridal Experience; "Lace & Luxe" Presented by The Pavilion at Mixon Farms. Bring your fiancé, best guy & gal pals to this one of kind event! We will have Planning Stations set up to help you plan the perfect day from picking your wedding colors, table scape designs, bouquets style & music plus & everything in between! Visit with TOP industry professionals, our Pink List Friendors, ask questions & book dream vendors who will be offering show specials to help make your day run smooth! Plus you can book your venue that day and get amazing offers!! They have partnered with Darwin's Brewing Co. to bring their top rated ale's & services to the Butterfly Garden for you to experience for your guests to enjoy. Also, visit our Specialty Drink Design station and speak with our connoisseurs to take your bar to the next level!

Sarasota Polo Club | Sunday January 10^th, 2021 | 1pm-4pm

8201 Polo Club Lane, Sarasota, FL 34240

Sunday Polo matches are open to the public every Sunday at 1pm beginning December 13th, 2020 through April 25th, 2021. Gates open at 10am. Field side general admission tailgating, reserved midfield premium seating or VIP midfield boxes are available for Sunday Polo. Children 12 and under are free, (general admission tailgating). Exciting polo action, opening parade, live national anthem, theme weeks, half-time entertainment, food, drinks and divot-stomping. Dress comfortably and for the weather. Remember, you will be walking on grass. Well socialized dogs are welcome on a leash.

New Community Build! STAR FARMS at Lakewood Ranch

Forestar Group Inc., a national residential lot developer, has unveiled plans for a new community: Star Farms at Lakewood Ranch.

Star Farms at Lakewood Ranch will be a multi-generational, 700-acre, gated neighborhood, according to a statement. It is expected to have 1,500 single family homes, paired villas and townhomes with amenities, clubs and hospitality services. It will be within Lakewood Ranch, a 33,000-acre master-planned community in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

"As the latest village in Lakewood Ranch, Star Farms plans to offer a wide range of amenities and diverse housing options for parents, children, retirees and singles to enjoy,” says Forestar West Florida Division President Tony Squiteri in the statement. “The Forestar team has significant experience designing, developing and executing the vision for lifestyle communities in the Lakewood Ranch area, and we are passionate about creating an inspiring experience for our homeowners within our master-planned communities.”

Forestar Group has operations in 49 markets and 21 states. It is a majority-owned subsidiary of D.R. Horton.

“We are excited that Forestar chose Lakewood Ranch to introduce its first-in-kind concept around multi-generational living,” says Laura Cole, senior vice president of Lakewood Ranch Communities LLC, in a statement. “Star Farms will be a vibrant new village with opportunities for diverse housing and a lifestyle that will bridge the gap between generations and shape community.”

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!

 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!

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

SARASOTA POLO CLUB!!

Sunday, January 3, 2021 | 1pm-4pm | Location: 8201 Polo Club Lane

Sunday Polo matches are open to the public every Sunday at 1pm beginning December 13th, 2020 through April 25th, 2021. Gates open at 10am. Field side general admission tailgating, reserved midfield premium seating or VIP midfield boxes are available for Sunday Polo. Children 12 and under are free, (general admission tailgating). Exciting polo action, opening parade, live national anthem, theme weeks, half-time entertainment, food, drinks and divot-stomping. Dress comfortably and for the weather. Remember, you will be walking on grass. Well socialized dogs are welcome on a leash.

SARASOTA SCAVENGER HUNT: SARASOTA SPECTACLES | 1565 1^ST ST

On Florida's west coast shore’s you'll find a wealth of art and architecture. On this culture-filled Sarasota scavenger hunt, we explore the epic sculptures, iconic buildings and Sarasota Bay. Who's stealing the show on Island Park? Which world-famous performer left his mark on the city? Find out on this scavenger hunt of Sarasota!

Lights of Lake Park!

December 28^th at 6pm - 9:30pm | Largo, Florida

Enjoy one of the best holiday lights displays in Pinellas County! FREE but donations appreciated. This year, due to safety concerns, they will not be handing out candy canes or dog treats. We are also asking everyone to stay in their cars and drive through the light display. To avoid longer wait times to enter the community we recommend coming earlier in the evening.

Over $970,000 has been raised since launching this event 27 years ago. This year we hope the community will help us reach the $1 million mark!

Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park

December 28^th at 10AM | Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park

Tampa Downtown Partnership is bringing Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park back for the 2020 season with protocols in place for a safe and festive holiday celebration. Winter Village features a real ice rink, local shops, festive food and drink, and a holiday light show. This year, ice skating tickets must be purchased in advance.

New Years Eve Riverfront Concert & Fireworks

Thursday December 31^st at 8pm | Armature Works | Tampa, Florida

Our 3rd annual New Year’s Eve celebration is back with protocols in place to safely ring in 2021! This outdoor event will feature a riverfront concert and fireworks display over the Hillsborough River. This year the event will be ticketed and held at less than 50% capacity to adhere to Covid 19 guidelines and social distancing. A portion of all ticket sales will be donated to Feeding Tampa Bay to help those in need in the Tampa Bay area. Attendees must have a ticket to enter the event and masks are required. The Armature Works Lawns and Pier will be fenced off to prevent crowds that do not comply with Covid-19 guidelines. The event will feature live music by The Logan Grant Band with support from DJ Sam. Satellite bars will be available for easy ordering access in addition to the 18 food and drink options within Armature Works. Outside food, beverage and coolers are prohibited. Armature Works will be open until 1am.

New Year’s Eve | EPIC Party at The Lighthouse Grill

Lighthouse Grill at Stump Pass | December 31^st | 8am - 12am

New Year's Eve is going to be one big EPIC PARTY on December 31st 8-10 midnight!

LIVE Lights Show

LIVE Music with Tropical Avenue

LIVE Stream of the NYC Ball Drop Party

PARTY atmosphere right on the BAY!

Cocktails, awesome food, and drinks specials ALL NIGHT LONG!

Reservations are HIGHLY Suggested

941-828-1368

https://thelighthousegrill.net/reservations/

New Year’s Eve Celebration Cruise

December 31^st from 9am to 12am | Event by Yacht Starship Cruises & Events | 25 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater Beach | Get your Tickets at www.yachtstarship.com

Say “Bon Voyage” to 2020 on a New Year’s Eve Celebration Cruise! This festive cruise is the best way to celebrate NYE on the water. Fireworks subject to city and current guidelines due to COVID-19. Dine on gourmet food, sip on delicious cocktails and dance the night away under the stars. Cruises also include a champagne toast at midnight for guests to ring in 2020 on the water!

Cruise Times:

Boards: 9:00 PM

Departs: 9:30 PM

Returns: 12:30-45 AM

Party continues Dockside: Until 1:00 AM

Prices:

Adult: $199.95 + $2 marine fee + 12% service charge + tax

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 3^rd through January 3^rd.  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!