We've made it through another year—and we have all earned a fun-filled holiday season, complete with Santa, sparkling lights, cocoa and everything else that warms our spirits. To help get you in the holiday mood, here's a list of Sarasota and Manatee County's best holiday events this month. (Check back for updates often!)

Wonderland Circus at University Town Center

Nov. 21-Jan. 4, various times, 191 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, wonderlandcircus.com

Hometown hero and famed circus performer Nik Wallenda and his many friends present an action-packed holiday spectacle under the Big Top in University Town Center's East District. Strap in for thrilling circus acts and a little bit of clowning around.

Wellen Wonderland at Wellen Park

Dec. 4-7, Downtown Wellen Park, 12275 Mercado Drive, Venice, wellenpark.com

Wellen Park is doing the holidays right this year with an entire weekend devoted to the season. Gather with neighbors on Friday, Dec. 5, at 6:15 p.m. for a tree lighting ceremony with Santa and stay for photos and live music. On Saturday, Dec. 6, at 6 p.m., giggle at decorated golf carts at the Caddy Cart Parade of Lights. On Sunday, Dec. 7, at 5:30 p.m., there's a neighborhood bike ride.

Downtown Sarasota Holiday Parade

Saturday, Dec. 6, 7-9 p.m., Main Street, Sarasota, sarasotaholidayparade.com

Nothing rings in the holidays like downtown Sarasota's good old-fashioned parade, complete with party floats galore (Santa will be there, too!). Claim your spot along downtown Sarasota's Main Street and watch as the area's favorite organizations and businesses march along, tossing out beads and candy, and busting out their best dance moves.

Venice Boat Parade

Saturday, Dec. 6, 6 p.m. at Venetian Waterway Park, 200 N. Tamiami Trail, Venice, veniceboatparade.net

Since 1989, Venice has been ringing in the holidays at a cool three to five knots with dozens upon dozens of boats twinkling with Christmas lights. The parade begins at Casey Key's Albee Road Bridge and continues southward past the Venice Avenue Bridge, with plenty of viewing locations in between.

Lights in Bloom at Selby Gardens

Dec. 6-Jan. 3, 6:30-9 p.m., Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota, selby.org

One of downtown Sarasota's favorite traditions, visit Marie Selby Botanical Gardens to gaze upon more than two million lights twisted into fantastical creatures, sparkling tunnels and hanging from the garden's lush vegetation. It's magical.

Gingerbread House Decorating at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

Saturday, Dec. 13, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 1111 Ritz Carlton Drive, Sarasota, ritzcarlton.com

Visiting The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota's enormous (and fully edible) lobby gingerbread house is a holiday must-do. To get in on some of the action, the hotel invites the public to craft your their own gingerbread house to take home with you at this iconic Sarasota event. Tickets start at $99 for a party of four.

The Nutcracker Ballet Presented by Sarasota Ballet

Dec. 12-13, various times, Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Venice; Dec. 21-23, various times, Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, sarasotaballet.org

Join the Sarasota Ballet for a performance of the story of Clara and the Nutcracker as they battle the Mouse King, complete with appearances by the Sugar Plum Fairy, Clara's prince and all the rest of the ballet's beloved characters. The cast includes more than 100 students from the Sarasota Ballet education programs, as well as its studio company, so you may even see someone you know and love on stage.

Sarasota's Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

Saturday, Dec. 13 at 6 p.m. at Bayfront Park, 5 Bayfront Drive, Sarasota, suncoastcharitiesforchildren.org

Now in its 39th year, Sarasota's Holiday Boat Parade of Lights begins at New Pass, between City Island and Longboat Key, and continues south to Marina Jack, where each boat dips into the marina to show off its holiday decorations. Listen to the crowd's "ooh"s and "ahh"s as festive vessels, big and small, bring smiles to everyone's faces.

Hanukkah Under the Big Top at University Town Center

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 6:30-8:30 p.m., 191 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, utcsarasota.com

Light up the evening with Six13, the acclaimed six-man Jewish a capella group, as it belts out high-energy vocals and musical parodies. The free event will also feature face painting and plenty of treats for everyone.

All Is Calm: In Concert at Patriot Plaza

Saturday, Dec. 20 at 3 p.m., Patriot Plaza at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, patriotplazaconcert.org

A collaboration between The Patterson Foundation and Asolo Repertory Theatre, All is Calm: In Concert at Patriot Plaza is an a cappella musical presentation based on firsthand accounts of the unofficial ceasefire that took place along the Western Front of World War I during Christmas in 1914, when soldiers from opposing sides laid down their arms to sing together, exchange gifts and bury the dead.

Limelight Market at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime

Saturday, Dec. 20, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 821 Apricot Ave., Sarasota, bazaaronapricotandlime.com

Don't forget to carve out a little time to shop local this season. With more than 40 vendors at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime's Limelight Market, there's not much you won't find, including puppies. That's right, we said puppies, available for adoption from Tender Heart Charities. 

Sailor Circus Winter's Dream

Dec. 26-29, various times at the Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota, circusarts.org

Few things are more fun than watching America's longest-running youth circus as its school-aged participants dangle from high wires and trapezes, somersault through the air and even juggle. It's a cherished Sarasota holiday tradition.