These are just some of the fun events and highlights during the 2025 holiday season on the west coast of Florida. Although many events are free, some do require a ticket - please plan in advance.
The Orchid Show
Selby Gardens | Sarasota
Through December 7
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Holiday Festival of Lights
Fishermen’s Village
Punta Gorda
Through December 31
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Lighted Canal Cruises
Fishermen’s Village
Punta Gorda
December 1—December 31
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Holidays at UTC
University Town Center
Now Through January 4
Check dates, times, (potential) prices for all events
The Rink at UTC, Holiday Movies Under the Stars, Festival of Trees, Wonderland: Believe (Nik Wallenda), Holiday Greeting Card Contest, Holiday Night Market, Santa’s Flight Academy, Enchanting Entertainment, Photos with Santa, Lightshows, Carriage Rides, Festive Fireworks, and More!
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Click Here for all events in Lakewood Ranch
North Pole Express
Florida Railroad Museum | Parrish
November 28-December 22
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Christmas Walk
Historic Downtown Venice
December 4
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Holidays in Paradise: Bridge Street Thursdays
Bradenton Beach
Dec 4, 11, 18
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European Holiday Market
Bradenton Area Convention Center
December 4-7
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Holiday Night of Lights on St Armands Circle
Dececember 5
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Palmetto’s Christmas in the Park
Palmetto Historical Park
December 5-6
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Historic Holiday Tours
Manatee County Agricultural Museum
December 9-12
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Holly Jolly Holiday Party
- Laurel Park | Nokomis
- Newtown Estates Park | Sarasota
- Englewood Sports Complex | Englewood
December 6
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Poinsettia Parade and Festival
North Port
December 6
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Winter Wonderland Celebration
Bradenton
December 6
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Venice Christmas Boat Parade
December 6
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Sarasota Holiday Parade
December 6
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Atomic Holiday Bazaar
Robarts Arena | Sarasota
December 6-7
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Lights in Bloom
Selby Gardens | Sarasota
December 6-January 3
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Downtown Sarasota Christmas Tree Lighting
Selby Five Points Park
December 5
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National Wreaths Across America Day
Sarasota National Cemetery
December 13
Donate by Dec 1
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Old Florida Christmas
Manatee Village | Bradenton
December 13
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Winter Arts and Crafts Show
Venice Community Center
December 13
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Anna Maria Island Privateers Christmas Parade
December 13
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A Night Before Christmas
GT Bray Park | Bradenton
December 13
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Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
December 13
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Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade
December 13
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The Christmas Village
Liberty Baptist Church |Sarasota
December 14
Jill is running a booth! Come visit!
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Pinecraft Christmas Parade
Pinecraft | Sarasota
December 25
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New Year’s Eve
Downtown Sarasota
December 31
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New Year’s Eve at Waterside
Lakewood Ranch
December 31
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UTC’s Family New Year’s Eve Party
December 31
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New Year’s Eve Gala
Selby Gardens | Sarasota
December 31
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New Year’s Eve Celebration
Downtown Bradenton
December 31
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Fireworks on the Bay
Downtown Sarasota
December 31
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New Year's Resolution -
Contact Jill Thomas to work on your 2026 Real Estate Resolutions!
Call Jill at 941.544.1160
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