If you’re looking for a sunny destination for a winter getaway, Siesta Key is the perfect spot. The weather is warm enough to enjoy outdoor activities, but the area still takes advantage of the season and gives you lots to do to stay in the spirit. In addition to the attractions you can find year-round, Siesta Key also holds tons of fun holiday events for you to come out and enjoy with your family. Here is everything you need to know about planning for a Christmas vacation in Siesta Key.
Most Famous Things to Do
There are a few special holiday events that Siesta Key is known for, all just minutes away from our Siesta Key hotel and vacation rentals. One event you definitely won’t want to miss is “An Evening with Santa Claus.” Kids can come out to give Jolly Old Saint Nick their Christmas list, listen to stories, play games with the elves, and enjoy a special lunch and treats.
You’ll also want to experience the Atomic Holiday bBzaar on December 10th from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. Admission is just $5 for adults, and children 12 and under are free. You’ll be able to grab a souvenir or a Christmas gift from one of the local artisans, offering organic shampoos, handmade ornaments, jewelry, and so much more. You can also grab lunch from one of the food trucks on site, making for the perfect afternoon with your loved ones.
Free Things to Do
Even if you’re on a budget, the Siesta Key area has tons of fun holiday events to help you get in the spirit. The SantaFest and Holiday Gift Market is a long-standing tradition that has drawn locals and visitors alike for years. You can browse the selections in the Holiday Market and only purchase an item if you wish, and the SantaFest Celebration is totally free as well. Meet the Frozen Princess and Santa himself, let your kids get their faces painted, and enjoy the bounce house! This year’s event will take place on December 14th from 12 p.m. until 6 pm.
You also won’t want to miss the Siesta Key Light Up the Village Parade and Holiday Open House. On Saturday, November 30th, you can watch the floats go by and grab some delicious holiday candy. Afterward, let the kids meet Santa and his elves and enjoy all the festivities. There will be tons of refreshments available as well. The event will take place from 6 p.m. until 9 pm.
Stay in Style on Siesta Key
Join us on the sunny island paradise for a Christmas vacation perfect for the family with plenty of holiday events to enjoy. Book the perfect winter getaway at our Siesta Key resort where the warm, white sand beaches are always welcome compared to the drab and cold weather in most parts of the country.
Beloved Holiday Traditions
Even though you’re away from home, you can still keep up with your holiday traditions inside any of our Siesta Key beach resorts. Heading to the kitchen to whip up hot chocolate and your favorite cookies, then curl up on the couch with your family and put on your favorite Christmas movie on the HDTV. You can also experience a traditional Christmas tree lighting just steps away from our resort.
Head to Sunset Point for the Christmas Tree on the Beach tree lighting, the perfect setting to get you in the holiday mood. Spending Christmas on Siesta Key puts a special spin on your holiday traditions. Our rentals are perfect for every group, and we are dedicated to making your holiday just as special as if you were at home. You can choose a unit with a view for a gorgeous backdrop of the water, or choose one of our Siesta Key pet-friendly rentals to bring along your furry friend. For more information on winter and Siesta Key and our full line of rentals, contact us today!
Additional Event Details
Sarasota Christmas Glow 5K Run
Location: Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson CirSarasota, FL
The villages of Sarasota are spearheading a supportive event this December. Starting at 6 pm on Dec 7 – 8th, children and adults alike will come to Nathan Benderson Park decked out in glow rings, neon outfits, and anything else which can glow under the winter sun of Sarasota. The run is expected to end around 7:30 pm. Guests at the end will be offered cocoa and other snacks.
Participants and guests may even find snow sprinkling down from the sky at the finish line.
Atomic Holiday Bazaar
Location: Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL
Dec 14 – 15th at 12pm to 5pm debuts an indie-craft fair of epic proportions. Adults are $5 and children 12 and under are free. It’s a special event in every sense of the word.
Hand-made gifts fill the various auditorium rooms and the lobby. Purchases of the gifts support local groups and local artisans. There are many items available for purchase, such as organic shampoos, hand-made Christmas ornaments, stuffed animals, jewelry, and other hand-crafted fare.
Food trucks will be set up outside the auditorium so guests can enter in and out at their own discretion when they are hungry. It’s a swarm of artistic works that represent the creativity and energy of Sarasota and Siesta Key.
An Evening with Santa
No holiday is complete without Santa Claus. The event is billed “An Evening with Santa Claus,” and this is more than your typical mall Santa. Santa is expected to tell stories, and elves will join him for a number of crazy games.
All kids will leave with a special gift from Santa Claus and the Christmas Fairy. Parents are encouraged to take pictures throughout the afternoon. Tickets are $32 for adults and $17 for kids ages 2 to 17. This includes a large festive lunch.
Adults and children can enjoy the hot cocoa bar. Children will be able to decorate cookies however they see fit, as adults carefully watch the Christmas excitement unfold. The event is held at The Powel Crosley Estate. This event will take place twice this year, on December 17th and December 23rd from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Santa is officially expected to arrive at 11:45 am, if he can keep his reindeer on track.
The island of Siesta Key is filled with luxurious Siesta Key resort rentals, so find the resort room that’s right for you at the Tropical Breeze Resort!
