Your Top 10 Things to Do: Nov. 30-Dec. 6
Marcelo Gomes
Image: Vutti Photography
Sarasota Ballet presents a Marcelo Gomes World Premiere
Dec. 1-2
American Ballet Theatre superstar Marcelo Gomes spent time this fall in Sarasota setting his newest work on the dancers of the Sarasota Ballet. We’ll get to experience this world premiere, along with Illuminations by Sir Frederick Ashton and George Balanchine’s Theme and Variations, at the Opera House this weekend.
LeAnn Rimes
LeAnn Rimes
Dec. 3
The Grammy Award-winning country crooner brings her Today is Christmas tour to the Van Wezel for one special night, with hits from her three best-selling holiday albums.
Cast members from 'A Motown Christmas' include Joey James, Ariel Blue, Tarra Conner jones, Nate Jacobs, JoAnna Ford, Ashley Brooks and Leon S. Pitts II.
Image: Vutti Photography
A Motown Christmas
Nov. 29-Dec. 23
The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe brings us holiday hits by such Motown legends as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, the Jackson Five and Marvin Gaye in this spirited musical revue.
Santa greets parade-goers at last year's Sarasota Holiday Parade.
Sarasota Holiday Parade
Dec. 2
Downtown Sarasota’s big, big holiday parade has a circus theme this year in honor of Sarasota's circus heritage and the 50th anniversary of the Showfolks of Sarasota. Rumor has it a certain clowning daredevil who was featured on "America's Got Talent" last summer will be performing. (Yes, Bello, we're talking about you.) The parade kicks off at 7 p.m. at 301 and Main Street.
Ringling Museum's Holiday Splendor
Image: Courtesy TheRingling
Deck the Halls at Ca d'Zan
Nov. 30, Dec. 14, 21, 28, Jan 4
Enjoy the splendor of John and Mable Ringling’s Ca d’Zan mansion all dressed up for the holidays with extended hours on these evenings; included with your admission to the Ringling Museum’s Art After Five. And mark your calendar for the Ringling’s Holiday Splendor evening Dec. 7, with performances by area school choirs; it’s a fund raiser for Toys for Tots.
St. Armands Circle Holiday Night of Lights
Dec. 1
St. Armands Circle kicks off the holidays with its annual Holiday Night of Lights, with a Christmas carol sing-along, a tree lighting ceremony, holiday entertainment, in-store promotions and a visit from old Saint Nick himself. The fun starts at 6 p.m.
Pottery by Henry Levine
Image: Courtesy Henry Levine
American Fine Craft Show
Dec 1-3
Ceramics, jewelry, art glass, leather works, wearable art and more by more than 100 of the nation’s top craft artists fill Robarts Arena for this annual juried show—here in Sarasota just in time for holiday shopping.
Siesta Beach Seafood & Music Festival
Image: Courtesy Paragon Festivals
Siesta Beach Seafood & Music Festival
Dec. 2-3
More fun at America’s No. 1 beach this weekend: the second annual Siesta Beach Seafood & Music Festival offers two days of creative seafood dishes from some of the area’s best restaurants, plus continuous live music by local bands (yes, Kettle of Fish will be there) and an arts-and-crafts marketplace. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Sarasota Contemporary Dance
Image: Sorcha Augustine
Sarasota Contemporary Dance presents Voices of SCD
Nov. 30-Dec 3
New works by emerging choreographers and company choreographers always keep this annual show by Sarasota’s popular contemporary dance troupe full of intriguing surprises. Four performances in the Cook Theatre at the FSU Center.
Shakespeare in Love
Dec. 4
The Asolo Rep will host a screening of the luminous, Oscar-winning romantic comedy Monday evening at its Mertz Theatre to get us in the mood for its stage production that will open the theater company’s winter season in January. Tickets are just $5.
