The week is winding down, and you may already have your weekend plans set. If not, don’t worry! Sarasota has plenty of events to keep your weekend busy and free from boredom. Check out what’s going on December 13-16, and make sure you have an enjoyable weekend.
Walk Through the Christmas Story
You’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time at this event. At 6 p.m. on December 13, Liberty Baptist Church will host their second-annual Walk Through the Christmas Story. This is more than a live nativity: with twelve different sets, live animals, and 65 actors complete with costumes, you might forget you’re actually in the 21st century! Throughout the night, there will also be live music, holiday snacks, and a gift for every child.
This Thursday, head out to Westfield Siesta Key to listen to some local musicians. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on December 13, enjoy live music by the Sundogs in the Restaurant Courtyard. If you can’t make it this week, no worries because the music series continues every week. At the same time on Mondays and Thursdays, come out to support a local band or musician.
Annual Holiday Lights Spectacular Celebration
Bring the entire family to this amazing Christmas event. The event begins at 6 p.m. on December 14th at the Sarasota Jungle Gardens, and live entertainment will perform at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. You’ll walk along Candy Cane Lane to see Santa and enjoy a myriad of lights decorating the already-beautiful venue. Tickets are $11 for adults and children over 12 years old, $6 for children between three and 12 years old, and free for children 2 and under.
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Victorian Winters at Sarasota Ballet
This ballet is a special medley of winter stories for all ballet lovers. If you’ve never seen a ballet performance, this is a great one for an introduction into the world of ballet. With time-honored performances from around the world, the Sarasota Ballet has performed these classics across America and received high recognition and praise. Come out to experience the passion and talent these performers bring to the stage. Enjoy the show on Friday, December 14 at 7:30 p.m.
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Newtown Estates Park will host a breakfast for all children under age 12 to enjoy. Your children will be amazed when they see that Santa Claus has traveled all the way to Sarasota to dine with them. The breakfast begins at 10 a.m. on December 15th and Santa will be handing out a special gift to every child.
If you haven’t gotten those annual Christmas pictures taken with Santa Claus this year, you still can at the Music Compound on December 15 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Purchase a ticket package now and get your own personal time slot, but there's more than just the pictures. The family will also be able to write a letter to Santa, decorate cookies, eat holiday treats, and create Christmas crafts together.
Instead of just watching this wonderful classic by Charles Dickens this year on the screen, head out to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall for a live performance on December 16 at 6 p.m. The show weaves traditional Christmas music through the play. Bringing a bit of Broadway to Sarasota, this performance will include live musicians, quality scenery and costumes, and a brilliant cast.
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Music of the Season and The 27th Annual First Church Christmas Gala and Carol Sing
On December 16 7 p.m., check out a Christmas concert at First United Methodist Church in Sarasota. The First Church Singers and the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra are teaming up to bring the spirit of Christmas to the area. Music will feature a portion of Handel’s Messiah as well as The Many Moods of Christmas by Robert Russel Bennett. It will truly be a night full of the music of the season!
With so many events in Sarasota, your weekend plans should never be boring. Whether you're looking to get the whole family in the Christmas spirit or need some time away from all the holiday preprations, there’s an activity going on that’s perfect for you to attend this weekend!
Find more events in Sarasota by registering on 941area, your free guide to the Sarasota area.
Going to a holiday party or still doing some Christmas shopping? Check out Holiday Fashion Trends this Season and Where to Find Them in Sarasota.
Cover photo courtesy of Unsplash
