Pack your flip-flops and sunscreen because Siesta Key has the perfect holiday gift for you! It’s that magical time of year when this tropical paradise transforms into a winter wonderland, offering a unique blend of sun, sand, and seasonal cheer.
Get ready to unwrap the most festive Siesta Key events and things to do in Siesta Key during the holiday season, ensuring your Christmas vacation is nothing short of spectacular!
Holiday Lights in Siesta Key
The holiday lights in Siesta Key are a dazzling sight to behold. As the sun dips below the horizon, the island comes alive with a symphony of sparkling lights.
Siesta Key Village transforms into a festive wonderland with its streets adorned in radiant decor, setting the stage for an enchanting evening. You’ll find businesses and homes competing in friendly displays of holiday cheer, making each corner of the island a potential treasure trove of holiday magic.
Check out these locations for some of the brightest lights!
Selby Gardens Lights In Bloom
Get ready to embark on a luminous journey through a world of enchantment at Selby Gardens’ Lights in Bloom 2023!
This award-winning holiday light show is a Marie Selby Botanical Gardens tradition and a true holiday treat for all ages, a symphony of lights enhancing the natural beauty of the gardens and an experience guaranteed to put you in the jolliest of spirits.
While you wander through this radiant paradise, satisfy your taste buds with delicious food and beverages from a variety of vendors. The festive atmosphere and the aroma of holiday treats will make your evening even more special.
As you wander the walkways, you’ll find dazzling flowers, colorful butterflies, and ethereal dragonflies that seem to dance among the stars. If you’re lucky, you might even catch Santa Claus himself making a special appearance before Christmas Eve, adding an extra sprinkle of magic to your visit.
Plus, there are children’s activities and plenty of festive food and drink options to keep everyone in high spirits.
Immerse yourself in the splendor of Sarasota’s Maria Selby Botanical Gardens Lights in Bloom and create unforgettable holiday memories with your loved ones. It’s an experience that’s truly illuminating!
University Town Center
Step into the world of holiday wonder at University Town Center in Sarasota, where the holiday season gets a dazzling makeover! This shopping haven isn’t just for retail therapy; it’s a festive paradise that promises to make your heart merry and bright.
From November 15 to January 6, you’ll be greeted by a mesmerizing display of over four million lights that will leave you in awe.
But why stop at just looking? Dive into the festive spirit by going ice skating, trying “snow” tubing, taking a whirl on the carousel, or even enjoying a horse-drawn carriage ride. It’s an adventure waiting to happen.
As if that’s not enough, Saturday evenings during the holiday season light up with brilliant fireworks, painting the night sky with bursts of color and joy.
It’s an epic finale to your day of holiday magic at University Town Center, so don’t miss out on the radiant spectacle that turns holiday shopping into a joyful adventure!
Enader’s Winter Wonderland
Enander’s Winter Wonderland isn’t just a local favorite; it’s a beloved tradition that’s grown over the years. What started as a simple decoration project for Bob Enander’s children in the ’90s has transformed into a dazzling holiday extravaganza.
From December 13 through January 1, this family-run holiday display on Mission Valley Boulevard in Nokomis is a shining gem of the season, and it’s easy to see why.
With custom-designed light displays and a dash of creativity, it’s evolved to feature everything from Noah’s Ark and dinosaurs to Santa shooting hoops and reindeer hitting the weights.
The public is invited to stroll through the family’s 2.5-acre property, marvel at over 400,000 lights, and immerse themselves in a whimsical world adorned with more than 400 figurines.
Gather your loved ones and embark on a magical journey through the enchanting Enander’s Winter Wonderland – a luminous tradition that brings the holiday spirit to life in the most delightful way!
Plan Your Visit
Don’t miss the chance to spend your holidays in paradise! From holiday lights to festive events, there’s no better place to plan your holiday escape. Book your stay in our Siesta Key resort today!
Holiday Events in Siesta Key
Now that we’ve explored some of the most dazzling and delightful holiday light displays in the Sarasota area, it’s time to shift our focus to the vibrant world of holiday events in Siesta Key.
Atomic Holiday Bazaar
Get ready for an adventure like no other at the Atomic Holiday Bazaar!
This is not your ordinary holiday shopping spree; it’s an extravaganza for the wonderfully unconventional souls out there. This artistic carnival is back after a two-year hiatus, and it’s ready to rock your world on November 25th and 26th, 2023, at the Robarts Arena, Sarasota Fairgrounds.
Atomic started in 2006 out of a longing for something edgier and more irreverent in the world of arts and crafts.
It quickly grew into a beloved Sarasota holiday tradition, showcasing 180 local, statewide, and out-of-state vendors known as the ‘Misfit Makers.’
This indie-craft fair is a feast for the senses, featuring hand-crafted gifts, organic shampoos, Christmas ornaments, jewelry, and so much more, all supporting local artisans.
This is a one-of-a-kind event that captures the vibrant spirit of Sarasota and Siesta Key, and it’s a shopping adventure you won’t want to miss.
Trolley Tours
For an electrifying journey through Sarasota’s most dazzling holiday displays, hop aboard the Sarasota Trolley, which runs every night in December.
Their vintage-style trolleys with classic wooden seats allow you to enjoy the open air and bask in the radiant beauty of this charming city. From December 6 to 31, the Holiday Tour of Lights sets off nightly at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. with the added bonus of a festive soundtrack of holiday tunes to keep your spirits high.
You’ll cruise through the neighborhoods that shine brighter than Rudolph’s nose, and you’re welcome to bring your favorite beverages along for the ride, too!
Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Hold on to your Santa hats because Sarasota’s Holiday Boat Parade of Lights is back this year for its 37th edition! On December 9, Sarasota Bay will light up with a spectacular display of boats decked in holiday splendor. Get the best view from the Bayfront Park.
Guests are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy or book to the event, spreading the holiday cheer even further as these goodies find their way to The Florida Center for Early Childhood, The Haven, and Children First.
Get into the true holiday spirit, and do not miss this heartwarming celebration!
Where to Stay
Looking for Siesta Key Resorts on the beach to make your holiday getaway unforgettable? Look no further than Tropical Breeze Resort!
One of the best places to stay in Siesta Key is our resort, which offers a range of accommodations to suit your needs. Whether you’re a solo adventurer, a couple seeking a romantic getaway, or traveling with family or friends, we’ve got you covered.
Our one-bedroom Siesta Key accommodations are perfect for couples or small groups, accommodating up to four guests comfortably. For larger groups, our luxury two-bedroom Siesta Key suites and spacious three-bedroom options are ideal.
At Tropical Breeze Resort, we aim to ensure your stay on Siesta Key is delightful. So, what are you waiting for? Experience the beauty of Siesta Key this holiday season, and book your stay with us today!
