Santa's Grand Arrival Parade at University Town Center

Nov. 14, 6:30-9:30 P.m.
University Town Center, Sarasota, utcsarasota.com

This year's merry celebration features giant balloons, floats, marching bands, dance troupes and a special appearance by Santa Claus. The excitement continues with thrilling FMX stunts by Nik Wallenda’s Wonderland Circus, the lighting of UTC’s 50-foot holiday tree, fireworks and an after-party concert.

A Motown Christmas at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe

Dec. 2-Jan.3
1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota, westcoastblacktheatretroup.org

This year's A Motown Christmas wraps the warmth of the holiday season in the groove of a legendary sound. The performance promises to bring joy, nostalgia and high energy in celebration of the holiday season.

Wellen Wonderland

Dec. 4-5
12275 Mercado Drive, Venice, wellenpark.com

Greet Santa at Wellen Wonderland during a jam-packed two-day festival inside Wellen Park. Enjoy a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, a Christmas Market, ornament decorating, dazzling ice dancers, live musical performances, and more.

Holiday Night of Lights on St. Armands Circle

Dec. 4, 5:30-8 p.m.
St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, starmandscircleassoc.com

Holiday Night of Lights transforms St. Armands Circle into a favorite holiday destination with dance performances, Christmas carols and an illumination ceremony for the circle's 60-foot Christmas tree. Bring a blanket to enjoy the celebration in the center of the circle.

The 30th Annual Downtown Sarasota Holiday Parade

Dec. 5, 7 P.m. 
Main Street in Downtown Sarasota, sarasotaholidayparade.com

Celebrate 30 years of floats, performers, candy and more at this year's Downtown Sarasota Holiday Parade. Thousands of visitors line up along Main Street with friends and family to cheer for local organizations and, of course, Santa Claus.

Lights in Bloom at Marie Selby Botanical Garden

Dec. 5-Jan. 2
1534 Mound St., Sarasota, selby.org

Where else can you stroll through beautiful flora while basking in the glow of over two million lights? Only at Marie Selby Botanical Garden's Downtown Campus. You'll hear the "oohs" and "aahs" of surrounding visitors while taking in the annual event.

Venice Christmas Boat Parade

Dec. 5, 6 p.m.
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.

Atomic Holiday Bazaar

Dec. 12-13, Noon-5 p.m.
3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, atomicholidaybazaar.com

Join independent artists, makers and vendors offering unusual, handmade holiday gifts at the annual Atomic Holiday Bazaar. This quirky market showcases something for everyone, ranging from pottery, jewelry, vintage clothes and more.

40th Annual Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

Dec. 12 
2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, suncoastcharitiesforchildren.org

One of Sarasota's most cherished traditions, the Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights benefits Suncoast Children's Charities with dozens of decorated boats ranging from skiffs to yachts and everything in between.

Sarasota Ballet's The Nutcracker

Dec. 20-22 
Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, sarasotaballet.org

Watch as Clara and the Nutcracker battle with the Mouse King before journeying off to the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy. The Sarasota Ballet Studio Company, and over 100 students present their skills while donning lavish costumes in this holiday favorite.