
Our Blog
All things Siesta Key. Stories, news, and event information about Sarasota, Florida's beautiful beach.
A Guide to Holiday Fun and Winter Festivals Near Siesta Key
Posted by Best Western Siesta Key onNovember 22, 2022 in Boating, Botanical Gardens, Circus, Downtown Sarasota, Events, Food, Fun for Kids, Sarasota, Sarasota Museums, Things To Do.

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.
Categories
- Aquarium
- Beach
- Best Western Siesta Key
- Boating
- Botanical Gardens
- Circus
- Dining
- Dog Beaches
- Dog Parks
- Dog-Friendly
- Dolphin Sightings
- Downtown Sarasota
- Events
- Fishing
- Florida Nature Trails
- Food
- Fun Facts
- Fun for Kids
- General
- Golfing
- Gulf Gate
- Gulf of Mexico
- Historic Sarasota
- Hotels
- Kayaking
- Longboat Key
- Marine Wildlife
- News
- Nightlife
- Parks
- Playgrounds
- Relaxation
- Sarasota
- Sarasota Bikes
- Sarasota Dog Beaches
- Sarasota Dog Parks
- Sarasota Hiking
- Sarasota Museums
- Sarasota Restaurants
- Sarasota Wildlife
- Shopping
- Siesta Key
- Siesta Key Beach
- Siesta Key Coffee Shops
- Siesta Key Restaurants
- St. Armands Circle
- The Beach
- Things To Do
- Transportation
- Travel Tips
- Water Activities
- Water Events
- Water Sports
- White Quartz Sand
Archives
- May 2023
- April 2023
- March 2023
- February 2023
- January 2023
- December 2022
- November 2022
- October 2022
- September 2022
- August 2022
- July 2022
- June 2022
- May 2022
- April 2022
- March 2022
- February 2022
- January 2022
- December 2021
- November 2021
- October 2021
- September 2021
- August 2021
- July 2021
- June 2021
- May 2021
- April 2021
- March 2021
- February 2021
- January 2021
- December 2020
- November 2020
- October 2020
- September 2020
- August 2020
- July 2020
- June 2020
- May 2020
- April 2020
- March 2020
- February 2020
- January 2020
- December 2019
- November 2019
- October 2019
- September 2019
- January 2019
- December 2018
- August 2018
- May 2018
- January 2018
- August 2017
- July 2017
- April 2017
- September 2016
- June 2016
- May 2016