Your Guide to the Holidays
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A Motown Christmas
Nov. 29-Dec. 23
West Coast Black Theatre Troupe mixes traditional Christmas tunes with the soulful sounds from Motown celebrities like Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder in “A Motown Christmas.” Admission: Preview performance $32. Regular Performances $42. westcoastblacktheatre.org. 366-1505
Holly Days and Mangrove Lights
Dec. 21, 22, 28, 29
Thursdays and Fridays in December from 5-8 p.m. the Historic Spanish Point is lit up a for a magical holiday experience. Enjoy holiday music and lit pathways as you walk and take in the historic grounds. Regular admission applies. historicspanishpoint.org. 966-1355.
Holidays on The Green
Dec. 1-31
Sarasota has its very own ice skating rink at the Mall at University Town Center. For $12 you can rent skates and have 90 minutes of ice time. If skating's not for you, check out the movie nights as well as the train ride, which offers free rides Monday-Saturday 5-10 p.m. and Sundays 5-8 p.m.
Carriage Rides, Strolling Carolers, and Santa Strolls
Dec. 14, 21
Celebrate the holiday season every Thursday in December at Lakewood Ranch’s Main Street. This event is free to the public and will feature carriage rides, carolers, and Santa who will be strolling the streets.
Deck the Halls at Ca’ d’Zan
Dec. 14, 21, 28
All decked out for the holidays, the Ca’ d’Zan will be open for extended hours of self-guided tours of the first floor. Admission: $15. 359-5700. ringling.org.
Home for the Holidays with the Sarasota Orchestra
Dec. 20-23
The Sarasota Orchestra will presents “Home for the Holidays,” with tunes from A Miracle on 34th Street, Sleigh Ride and music from Frozen. Admission: $39 to $62. 953-3434
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Dec. 21
Cirque Dreams Holidaze lights up the Van Wezel for its 10th anniversary national tour. The show is filled with over 300 costumes, 20 world-class acts, gravity-defying feats, and elaborate production numbers and illusions. Admission: $51 to $10. 953-3368
Lights in Bloom
Dec. 21-23, 26-30
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens' “Lights in Bloom” presents holiday lights, children's arts and crafts, and nightly visits from Santa. Open nightly from 6-9 p.m., there will be a cash bar and snacks from Michael's on East available for purchase. 366-5731
A Christmas Carol at the Van Wezel
Dec. 22
Join the Van Wezel for its annual production of A Christmas Carol. This Broadway-style production brings the tale of redemption to life with carols such as “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and “Away in a Manger” mixed in. 7 p.m. Admission: $16 to $56. 953-3368
Lakewood Ranch’s Christmas Celebration
Dec. 23
From 6-8:30 p.m. Lakewood Ranch Main Street will be hosting a special Christmas celebration featuring food, games, rides, live music and Santa Claus. 907-9243
Live Nativity at Big Cat Habitat
Dec. 23, 24
From 12-4 p.m. on the December 23 and 24, see Big Cat Habitat's live nativity scene complete with camels, donkeys and actors. Admission: $18 for adults. $8 for children 13 and under. 371-6377
Sailor Circus’ “High Flying Holidays”
Dec. 27-30
Join the Sailor Circus for its annual holiday performances. Shows at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. daily, Wednesday through Saturday. Admission: $15-$55. 355-9805.
