Even though the pandemic has cleared many of our favorite traditions from the 2020 calendar, there are plenty of holiday happenings to enjoy in Sarasota this season. Our climate makes it easy to enjoy outdoor events that keep the festive spirit strong.
Lights in Bloom at Selby Gardens is at the top of our list for must-see holiday cheer. It’s a spectacular installation that enlivens the garden’s beauty with more than 2 million lights, turning the grounds into an open-air wonderland that delights visitors of every age. Stroll through the garden with a snack or warm beverage and lose yourself – and your 2020 woes - in the magic of endless sparkle. Opening night this year is on Saturday, December 12; tickets range in price from $7 to $25. Click here for information.
Another one of Sarasota’s fantastic holiday lights traditions is at St. Armands Circle. A majestic tree and brightly lit decorations bring a festive air to shopping and dining. The display stays up through year’s end, so you can enjoy the holiday themes while you’re picking up last-minute goodies to sneak beneath the tree.
While in-person performances aren’t an option this year, The Ringling is staging a special rendition of the Christmas Carol that you can access from its streaming service. Presented by Manuel Cinema, an accomplished interdisciplinary performance collective based in Chicago, this Christmas Carol will be performed with puppets, miniatures, and silhouettes – all set to an original score. The Ringling presents the Christmas Carol on four separate dates, with tickets sold for streaming access. Click here for information.