The giving season

Christmas Gift Drive Organizers Say It Can Be a Struggle to Serve Teens

It may be more fun to buy a shiny toy fire engine than earbuds, but Christmas gifts are important for older children, as well.

12/14/2021 By Kim Doleatto

Santa's New Sleigh

Check Out This Bradenton Company's Vintage Cars Decorated for Christmas

SeaSucker will park its cars at various locations in the coming weeks.

12/13/2021 By Staff

Dashing Through the Snow

Join a Holiday-Themed Fitness Class This Month

Break a sweat and get into the holiday spirit with seven fun local fitness classes and events.

12/13/2021 By Allison Forsyth

Special occasion

Where to Get Christmas Dinner in Sarasota This Year

Ten great places to dine at or get takeout from on Christmas Eve and Day.

12/13/2021 By Allison Forsyth

It's beginning to smell a lot like Christmas

I Tried My Hand at Making Swedish Braid Bread, My Family's Favorite Holiday Treat

Enjoying this dense, cardamom-flavored bread is an annual tradition in my family. It can be in yours, too.

12/10/2021 By Allison Forsyth

A Gift That Will Last a Lifetime

Looking for an Unusual Holiday Gift? Book a Personalized Message From a Local Celeb.

Paul Reubens, Jerry Springer, Nik Wallenda and several cast members from MTV's Siesta Key are using Cameo to send customized messages to fans.

12/01/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Christmastime Is Here

You Need to Try My Mom's Sugar Cookie Recipe

Why? Because it's the best.

11/30/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Holidays

Covid-19 Has Upended Beloved Holiday Traditions

But some have chosen to look at the pandemic as a way to get creative.

12/23/2020 By Elizabeth Djinis

Recipe

'Tis the Season: Tips for Making Great Eggnog

Even if you think you don't like eggnog, we have a feeling you'll enjoy this version.

12/21/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Philanthropy

Sarasota Organization Is Giving Away 300 Holiday Turkeys on Saturday

Greatness Beyond Measure is hosting its second annual Community Turkey Giveaway tomorrow.

12/18/2020 By Staff

Cuckoo for coquito

This Christmas, Try Coquito, a Puerto Rican Drink Similar to Eggnog

Coquito, or 'small coconut' in English, is made with rum and coconut flavors.

12/18/2020 By Allison Forsyth

Season's Greetings

Our Big List of Sarasota Holiday Events

Yes, things will be different this year—but there's still lots of fun to be had. Here's your guide to the festivities.

12/03/2020 By Allison Forsyth

'Tis the Season

Your Ultimate Sarasota Holiday Event Calendar

Have yourself a holly-jolly winter with these top music, theater and family activities.

12/10/2019 By Sarafina Murphy-Gibson

Giving grapes

What to Buy for the Wine Lover in Your Life This Holiday Season

There are thousands of wine-related gifts out there. Most of them useless, says our wine blogger, Bob McGinn.

12/06/2019 By Bob McGinn

Heaven Can Wait

Singing Group Brings the Sounds of a Celtic Christmas to Sarasota

The Celtic Angels will perform Irish carols and holiday classics at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Sunday, Dec. 1.

11/20/2019 By Sarafina Murphy-Gibson

Retail

2018 Holiday Shopping Totaled $707.5 Billion

Retail sales were up by 2.9 percent over 2017, below a projected increase of 4.3 to 4.8 percent, according to new statistics.

02/15/2019 By Staff

Making Spirits Bright

Pangea Serves Up Christmas Cocktails at 'Miracle' Holiday Pop-Up

Christmas Carol Barrel, anyone?

12/17/2018 By Megan McDonald

Holidays

'Tis the Season—Don't Let Cooking Get You Stressed!

Chef Judi on the merits of a non-traditional holiday.

12/06/2018 By Judi Gallagher

Retail

Average Spending By Thanksgiving Weekend Shoppers Tops $313

That's down from last year, when shoppers spent an average of $335.47 over the holiday weekend.

11/28/2018 By Staff

Weekly Planner

Breakfast with Santa, Beer Garden Bazaars and More Local Dining Events this Week

Including a vegan cheese and wine night and the Siesta Beach Seafood and Music Festival.

11/28/2018 By Giulia Heyward