Top Things to Do in Sarasota in November and December
Sarasota is a guaranteed highbrow visit between its museums, art culture, and high-end shopping, with winter being no exception. The town sparkles (literally) for the holiday season with bright and colorful boat parades and the lighted gardens at Historic Spanish Point. The arts community comes together this time of year for special exhibits and festivals celebrating sand sculpting and chalk drawing.
Activities & Attractions
Sip a Seasonal Brew
Big Top Brewing, located in Sarasota, puts out as many as 150 small-batch brews a year. In fact, every Tuesday and Friday, they release something new, and, as the temps begin to fall, the brews get heavier. Unlike most breweries, however, which turn to stouts and porters for the winter months, Big Top opts to create around the next big trend in beer: milkshake IPAs. This style uses lactose to create a fuller-bodied, creamier, dessert-like flavor that you don’t normally find with traditional hop-heavy IPAs. Come in for a Peach Milkshake or Sour Cherry Milkshake while they are still available.
See Vintage Circus Art
“The Greatest Show On Earth” is the latest exhibit and and a permanent installation at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in its Circus Museum. The exhibition celebrates the golden era of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus under the Feld family’s leadership, from 1967 to 2017. The exhibit features original costumes, props, multimedia displays, and interactive stations showcasing over 120 acts. Highlights include a dramatic entrance with a vintage marquee sign, immersive sound and lighting effects, and artifacts illustrating the circus’s cultural impact and artistic legacy.
Spot Some Right Whales
Throughout the month of December, more than 100 right whales (about 25 percent of the world’s population) can be seen off the coast of Florida as they head to warmer waters, making it the best time to try to catch a glimpse of these giant, majestic animals. Whale watch tours are available from Island Pearl Excursions, launching into Sarasota Bay from Anna Maria Island (just north of Longboat Key), but you can also see them on a private charter with Key Sailing, a popular sailing charter out of Siesta Key (just south of Lido Key).
© Michael Klauber
Linger Among Illuminated Gardens
For the holiday season, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens – a 15-acre botanical garden and living museum on Sarasota Bay – transforms itself for Lights in Bloom. More than one million lights transform the gardens and walkways into sensory light tunnels, filled with flowers, rainforest butterflies, dragonflies, and more. Nightly visits from Santa and his elves, children’s arts and crafts activities and games, plus live entertainment, round out the tropical holiday experience.
Festivals & Events
Sarasota Chalk Festival 11/8-10
Held in Venice each year, just 25 minutes from the downtown, this chalk festival draws out hundreds of talented artists to decorate the city. Last year, more than 500 hundred international artists showed up to create under a special theme – this year, it’s “garden of wonders.”
The Siesta Key Crystal Classic, 11/15-18
This four-day-long sand sculpting competition features 24 master sand sculptors creating breathtaking works of art, including team and solo sculptures, as well as a community carve. The event also includes evening displays with sculptures illuminated under colorful lights, live music performances, sand sculpting demonstrations, and even lessons.
Wonderland: Illuminate, 11/22
Running through early January, this dazzling production showcases a global celebration of holiday traditions through breathtaking circus artistry. Highlights include performances by world-renowned high-wire artist Nik Wallenda, the electrifying Ty McFarlan, and comedic sensation Johnny Rockett. The show is perfect for all ages, offering a joy-filled experience of acrobatics, laughter, and holiday magic.
Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival 11/29-12/1
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival offers an unforgettable experience that captures the heart and flavor of the season. Visitors can indulge in a mouthwatering selection of seafood dishes prepared by talented local chefs, featuring everything from stone crab claws to fish tacos. In addition to the culinary and musical attractions, the festival also hosts an array of artisan and craft vendors, making it an excellent opportunity to browse for unique holiday gifts or souvenirs.
Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade, 12/14
Since 1986, the southernmost stretch of Sarasota Bay under the famous John Ringling Causeway has been home to some of the largest parading boats in Florida, including mega-yachts wrapped to the gills with Christmas lights. Centennial Park is one of the best places to watch thanks to its free parking and lack of crowds.
Where to Stay The Resort at Longboat Key Club | Lido Beach Resort | Zota Beach Resort
