December Events You Won’t Want to Miss in Sarasota and Venice, FL
December in Sarasota and Venice is packed with festive events for the whole family to enjoy. Whether you’re into holiday lights, music, or unique local traditions, there’s something for everyone to make the season special. Here’s a list of the best holiday happenings in the area
December 1, 2024: Fall Classic Sports Collectors Show
Sports enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Fall Classic Sports Collectors Show at the Hotel Venezia Banquet Center in Venice. Featuring over 100 dealer tables with memorabilia spanning from the 19th century to present day, this event offers free appraisals, card grading, and autograph authentication services. Admission is just $3, and parking is free.
- Location: Hotel Venezia Banquet Center, 425 US 41 By-Pass North, Venice, FL
- Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
December 1 – 17, 2024: UTC Festival of Trees
The 5th Annual UTC Festival of Trees showcases beautifully decorated holiday trees by local charities. Vote for your favorite trees, bid in the silent auction, and know that 100% of the money raised goes back to the charities. An opening reception will be held on November 25.
- Location: The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, FL
- Time: Nov. 25 – Dec. 17 during mall hours.
December 1 – 22, 2024: North Pole Express
Hop aboard the North Pole Express for a 35-minute train ride from Parrish, FL, to the North Pole, where Santa awaits. Enjoy holiday entertainment, campfires, hot chocolate, and cookies, with additional food and beverage options available for purchase.
- Location: Florida Railroad Museum, 12210 83rd Street East, Parrish, FL
- Time: Various dates and times (tickets required for children ages 1 and up).
December 1 – 31, 2024: Festival of Lights at Fisherman’s Village
This annual holiday event lights up Fisherman’s Village with over one million lights. Enjoy the themed decorations as you stroll through this festive waterfront mall.
- Location: Fisherman’s Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL
- Time: All month (Dusk until late evening)
December 2, 2024: Venice Concert Band Holiday Gems
Join the Venice Concert Band for a heartwarming holiday performance filled with classic holiday music, including Christmas and Hanukkah favorites.
- Location: Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Avenue, Venice, FL
- Time: 7:00 p.m. (Doors open at 6:15 p.m.)
- Tickets: $14 (Cash only at the door)
December 5, 2024: Annual Christmas Walk in Historic Downtown Venice
Enjoy the twinkling lights and festive atmosphere of Downtown Venice as shops extend their hours, live music fills the streets, and storefront windows are beautifully decorated.
- Location: Downtown Venice, FL
- Time: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
December 6 – 23, 2024: Lights in Bloom at Selby Gardens
Selby Gardens transforms into a tropical wonderland with over two million lights. The holiday light display is perfect for family photos, with live music and festive activities.
- Location: Selby Gardens, 1534 Mound Street, Sarasota, FL
- Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. nightly (Early entry starts at 5:30 p.m.)
December 6, 2024: North Jetty Food Truck Rally
Come out to North Jetty Park for a fun evening featuring food trucks, live entertainment, and games for the whole family to enjoy.
- Location: North Jetty Park, 1000 S. Casey Key Road, Nokomis, FL
- Time: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
December 7, 2024: Braves Tomahawk 5K and Holiday Market
Kick off the holiday season with the 6th Annual Braves Tomahawk 5K at CoolToday Park. After the race, enjoy a post-race breakfast, holiday market, carriage rides, and fun family activities.
- Location: CoolToday Park, 18800 South West Villages Parkway, Venice, FL
- Time: 7:30 a.m. (Holiday Market runs throughout the day)
December 7, 2024: Children’s Garden Candy Cane Hunt
Kids will have a blast hunting for candy canes hidden around the Children’s Garden. Afterward, enjoy holiday music and make a festive candy cane ornament.
- Location: The Children’s Garden and Art Center, 1670 10th Way, Sarasota, FL
- Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
December 7, 2024: Ukrainian Christmas Festival
Learn about Ukrainian Christmas traditions with live music, folk art, dancing, and displays of Ukrainian crafts and holiday customs.
- Location: Centennial Park, 200 W. Venice Ave., Venice, FL
- Time: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
December 7, 2024: North Port Poinsettia Parade and Festival
The North Port Poinsettia Parade features beautifully decorated floats, holiday vehicles, and a tree lighting ceremony. The parade ends at the Poinsettia Festival with food, entertainment, and family-friendly activities.
- Location: City Center Campus, 4970 City Hall Blvd., North Port, FL
- Time: 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
December 7, 2024: Southside Village Annual Holiday Stroll
Enjoy a festive stroll through Southside Village with live music, kids’ activities, face painting, and Santa arriving on a fire truck.
- Location: Hillview St, Sarasota, FL
- Time: 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
December 13-15, 2024: The Living Nativity at Lakefront Church
Experience the magic of a live nativity at Lakefront Church, complete with live animals, fire pits, and carolers.
- Location: Lakefront Church, 3100 Executive Dr., Venice, FL
- Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
December 14, 2024: Santa Firehouse Pancake Breakfast
Enjoy pancakes with Santa at Venice Fire and Rescue’s annual breakfast. Don’t forget to decorate ornaments and participate in the bake sale, which benefits the Venice Firefighters Benevolent Fund.
- Location: VFR Station 51, 112 S. Harbor Drive, Venice, FL
- Time: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
December 14, 2024: Winter Arts and Craft Show
Check out local vendors, unique crafts, and holiday items at the Winter Arts and Craft Show. It’s the perfect opportunity to find that one-of-a-kind gift.
- Location: Venice Community Center, 326 S. Nokomis Ave., Venice, FL
- Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
December 16, 2024: Classic Carols, Modern Mirth with the Venice Chorale
Join the Venice Chorale for a heartwarming holiday concert blending classic Christmas carols with modern music.
- Location: Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Venice, FL
- Time: 7:00 p.m.
- Tickets: $25
December 21, 2024: Merry Tuba Christmas Concert
Enjoy the unique sounds of holiday music performed by tuba players at the annual Merry Tuba Christmas Concert in Centennial Park.
- Location: Gazebo, Centennial Park, 200 W Venice Ave, Venice, FL
- Time: 5:15 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.
December 23, 2024: Winterfest 2024 and Outdoor Candlelight Service
Celebrate Christmas at Winterfest with food trucks, kids’ inflatables, live music, and an outdoor candlelight service at South Shore Community Church.
- Location: South Shore Community Church, 1899 S. Tuttle Ave, Sarasota, FL
- Time: 3:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. (Candlelight service at 6:30 p.m.)
December 26 – 30, 2024: Lights in Bloom at Selby Gardens
The tropical wonderland at Selby Gardens shines brightly with over two million lights during the annual Lights in Bloom event.
- Location: Selby Gardens, 1534 Mound Street, Sarasota, FL
- Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (Early entry at 5:30 p.m.)
December 31, 2024: Sarasota New Year’s Eve Pineapple Drop
Ring in the New Year at the 25th Annual Sarasota Pineapple Drop with carnival rides, live music, a midnight fireworks show, and more.
- Location: Downtown Sarasota, FL
- Time: 1:00 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.
December 31, 2024: Fisherman’s Village New Year’s Eve Celebration
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Fisherman’s Village with live music, dancing, and a spectacular fireworks display at midnight.
- Location: Fisherman’s Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL
- Time: 6:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
From festive light displays to holiday parades and live performances, the Sarasota and Venice areas offer endless opportunities to celebrate this December. Mark your calendars and enjoy the magic of the season!