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A Guide to Holiday Fun and Winter Festivals Near Siesta Key
While it may not be a cold winter here on Florida’s Gulf Coast, we still love being festive during the holidays and make Siesta Key and Sarasota great places to visit this time of year! With temperatures in the 70s, our beautiful beaches are still bustling with activity, but there are many activities in the area to help you feel that holiday joy and Christmas spirit. From classic tree lightings to brilliant boat parades, the local experts at Best Western Siesta Key have assembled our favorite holiday activities for you to check out this December.
Ringling Museum Holiday Splendor
The Ringling Museum is one of the highlights of Sarasota, renowned for its extensive art collection and rich history. On December 1st, 8th, and 15th, the Ringling Museum Holiday Splendor will commence as the museum opens its entire campus, complete with food and drinks. To celebrate the holiday season and support the U.S Marine Corp Reserve Toys for Tots, the Ringling Museum is accepting an unwrapped toy as admission. This holiday celebration is a great way to experience the Ringling Museum’s beautiful art while helping make the holidays special for every child. The Ringling even offers a selection of toys in their gift shop just in case you forget to bring one.
Selby Garden’s Lights in Bloom
On select nights starting on December 10th, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens begins its “Lights in Bloom” celebration. Selby Gardens is a botanical garden with 45 acres of bayfront sanctuaries filled with beautiful and exotic vegetation. During “Lights in Bloom,” Selby Gardens is adorned with over two million holiday lights decorating the plants and walkways of the park. This beautiful sanctuary is the only botanical garden in the world focused on epiphytic orchids, bromeliads, gesneriads, ferns, and other tropical plants. The lights of the festival serve to make the beautiful tropic blooms shine with festive cheer. It wouldn’t be a holiday festival without a fun holiday photo opportunity, various activities for the whole family, and delicious food.
Sarasota Holiday Parade
The 26th anniversary of the Sarasota Holiday Parade is approaching! Over the years, this community event has proven to be the perfect way to kick off the season of joy. Starting at 7 pm this December 3rd, gather in Downtown Sarasota to watch the holiday parade and participate in some holiday cheer with family and friends. The Sarasota Holiday Parade is a great way to keep you and your loved ones in the holiday spirit, even without snow or cold. This year’s Sarasota Holiday Parade has the theme of “Winter Wonderland,” so prepare to see a myriad of decorations of snow, ice, and winter while enjoying the pleasant Florida weather.
The Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Enjoy a glittering array of boats festively decorated for the holidays on December 10th on Sarasota Bay, presented by Suncoast Charities for Children and Marina Jack. The Holiday Boat Parade of Lights consists of many local boat owners adorning their vessels with lights and decorations for spectators to marvel over and embark on a journey of holiday spirit. This annual event is free to attend and is viewable from Bayfront Park and Marina Jack. Round up the whole family, brew some delicious hot cocoa, and set up your blankets and chairs for a spectacular waterfront view. You can also reserve a table at Marina Jack and bring an unwrapped book or toy that Suncoast Charities for Children will distribute to The Haven, Children First, and The Florida Center for Early Childhood.
Taste of Chanukah Food and Music Festival
Family fun, live entertainment, fine kosher food, menorahs, helicopters, trains, and even a snow slide are merely some of the fantastic things you can see and enjoy at the Taste of Chanukah Food and Music Festival. Join the fun on Sunday, December 18th, from 4 pm – 6 pm at Phillippi Estate Park. Presented by the Chabad of Sarasota, this event will also feature Annalise Nock, Bello’s DareDaughter, who created a name for herself on America’s Got Talent and The Go BIG Show! Grab your $7 tickets before December 10th, or pay $10 at the door. Children under 12 years old can attend this amazing holiday event for free.
While you’re soaking up the rays and enjoying the soft white sand of Siesta Key beach this December, it’s also nice to be reminded of the holiday season. Let yourself be filled with holiday spirit and attend dazzling light shows, fun festivals, festive parades, and beautiful museums. For more seasonal recommendations, talk with us at Best Western Siesta Key. We can’t wait to welcome you to Sarasota and spend this season of joy together.