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Your Guide to Holiday Festivals, Parades, & Lights Near Siesta Key
Traveling to Siesta Key in November and December is a lovely way to hang onto those summer moments for a bit longer. With average temperatures in the 70s and the white-sand beaches still bursting with life, a trip to Florida this time of year can certainly feel like another day in June. However, there is something a little more magical as the area prepares for the holiday season. Although it may not feel like the end of fall or the beginning of winter, Siesta Key, Sarasota, and the surrounding areas know how to crank up the holiday spirit! With a myriad of tree lightings, parades, light displays, and festivals, the local experts here at Best Western Siesta Key are giving you the inside scoop and ultimate guide for kicking off the holiday season Siesta Key style.
Tree Lighting Ceremonies
If you love a good tree lighting ceremony, choose between downtown Sarasota on December 2nd or St. Armands Circle on December 3rd, or perhaps attend both annual tree lightings for double the fun and holiday cheer! In downtown Sarasota, you will encounter a festive performance by Ring Sarasota, food and drinks, and even photos with Santa Clause himself. In St. Armands, you will be graced with Christmas carolers, holiday sing-alongs, and performances from both the Sarasota High School Theater Dance Group and Chamber Group. Of course, Santa Clause will make another appearance in Sarasota, this time being accompanied by none other than Mrs. Clause.
Holiday Parades
The kickoff to the 2021 holiday season begins the Saturday after Thanksgiving with the Siesta Key Light Up the Village & Holiday Parade. Siesta Key Village bursts with Christmas spirit at approximately 5 pm. Participating shops and restaurants offer seasonal refreshments and holiday specials, live music and carolers fill the air with sweet sounds of the season, and a live martial arts demonstration adds to the excitement. Watch as Santa Clause makes his way into the village during the main event – the holiday parade! Then, on December 4th, make your way to Main Street in downtown Sarasota for even more lights, music, and holiday joy with Sarasota’s 25th Anniversary Holiday Parade. The parade and festivities offer a “Silver Bells” theme as the city celebrates this magical anniversary. The final parade can only be found on the Gulf Coast of Florida, as decorated yachts adorned with festive lights peacefully sail from City Island to Bayfront Park during The Annual Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. Bring your beach blankets and chairs to Bayfront Park on December 11th for a front-row seat.
Christmas Light Displays
No matter what week you visit Siesta Key from now through December, you are sure to be able to catch the Fisherman’s Village Festival of Lights. Take the trip south to Punta Gorda, and you won’t be disappointed by the one million lights, holiday decorations, and festive tunes that await your arrival and will leave you awe-struck. For something a little closer to home, but nonetheless dazzling and joyful, plan a visit to Lights in Bloom: An Open-Air Holiday Light Show at Selby Botanical Gardens. Feast your eyes on over two million Christmas lights displayed throughout the gardens in downtown Sarasota.
Holiday Festivals
The weekend of December 11th and 12th is one of the most anticipated for kids of all ages. During the day, browse the Sarasota Holiday Arts & Crafts Festival in JD Hamel Park. Here, you will find truly brilliant and unique gifts from Florida artisans. Complete your holiday shopping with original, handmade paintings, photography, candles, sculptures, jewelry, ceramics, metalworks, digital art, and so much more. Then, venture over to the Showfolks of Sarasota Holiday Circus Festival, held at the Sarasota County Fairgrounds, off of Ringling Blvd. Guests will enjoy various shows, live animals, novel market booths, special exhibits, delicious food, and pictures with Santa Clause! Under the big top, watch the Flying Wallendas, Rock-N-Circus Live, and Moto-Globe Stunt Riders, along with other circus acts and performances that inspire holiday magic.
Between dipping your toes in the cool turquoise blue Gulf of Mexico and feeling the sun’s rays warm your skin as you walk across the white sugary sand, take some time to celebrate the holiday season. Whether cruising through a festive light display, getting lost in the allure of floats and boats adorned with holiday decor, or having a simply joyful time at a holiday festival, there is no shortage of opportunities to spread some cheer this season. Better yet, Best Western Siesta Key is conveniently located, so you can travel from Venice to Sarasota in no time and maximize all of your holiday fun.