’Tis the season to explore what Sarasota has to offer.
From light shows to musical performances and charity events, there are plenty of ways to celebrate in town.
Florida Studio Theatre’s “Deck The Halls” Shows
Sundays from Nov. 27-Dec. 24, 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota, (941) 366-9017
This interactive, family-friendly and music-filled show is sure to please your kiddos. The show, created by Sarah Durham and Caroline Saldivar, represents everything that makes the holidays in Sarasota special. Purchase tickets online or by calling the box office at (941) 366-9017.
Holidays at UTC
Sunday, November 28-Saturday, January 1, 140 University Town Center Drive, (941) 552-7000
There are plenty of things to do this holiday season at University Town Center. Enjoy light shows, outdoor holiday movies, horse-drawn carriage rides and fireworks. Or, attend the Hands on Hanukkah with Temple Sinai Sarasota (Nov. 28-Dec. 5) as well as Santa’s Flight Academy (now through Dec. 24) and Santa Paws photos (Nov. 28 and Dec. 5). Click here for details.
Westcoast Black Theater Troupe: Joyful! Joyful!
Wednesday, Dec. 1-Thursday, Dec. 30, 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota, (941) 366-1505
Enjoy WBTT’s Christmas card to the community with Joyful! Joyful!, a show with uplifting holiday music created, adapted and directed by WBTT’s Nate Jacobs. Attend a matinee at 2 p.m. or evening show at 7:30 p.m. Adult tickets are $50 and student/active military tickets are $20. Purchase tickets here.
Lights in Bloom at Selby Gardens
Saturday, December 11-23; 26-30; Saturday, January 1-2; 1534 Mound St., Sarasota, (941) 366-5731
Become immersed in a magical lights at Selby Botanical Gardens. More than 2 million lights will be strewn across the campus, with opportunities for photos and face painting and balloon artistry for kids. Live entertainment and food from Michael’s on East and cash bar will be available for purchase. Early entry tickets (5 p.m.) cost $30 for members, $35 for non-members and $15 for children 5-17. General admission (6 p.m.) costs $20 for members, $25 for non-members and $7 for children 5-17. Purchase here.
Stelliferous: Star of Kings Planetarium Show
Wednesday, December 22 and Thursday, December 23, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton, (941) 746-4131
The Bishop’s planetarium manager Howard Hochhalter will guide you through a journey back in time, to the nativity scene 2,000 years ago. Guests will explore the astronomical explanations for the star described in the nativity story. Was it a comet, supernova or something else? Showings are at 7 p.m. on the 22nd and 12:15 a.m. on the 23rd. Tickets cost $8 for members and $10 for nonmembers.
Sailor Circus presents Let it Snow
Sunday, December 26-Thursday, December 30, 2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota, (941) 355-9335
Watch heart-stopping acrobatics and stunning aerial tricks from the students of Sailor Circus Academy at Sailor Circus’ annual holiday show. The show will be set to holiday music, festive costumes and decorations. Shows start at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets cost $20-$35 per person. All ages are welcome! Buy tickets here.
