Sarasota in December is a delightful time to visit! The weather is typically mild and sunny, making it perfect for enjoying both indoor and outdoor activities. Here's a list of things to do:

Holiday-Themed Activities

Lights in Bloom at Marie Selby: This event typically starts in early December and runs through the end of the year, sometimes even into the first few days of January. Based on the 2024 dates (Dec 6, 2024 - Jan 1, 2025), it's highly likely that the 2025 event will follow a similar pattern, starting around the first week of December and running until around New Year's Day. Check out their event calendar for more outdoor concerts and exhibitions!

Sarasota Christmas Boat Parade: This usually takes place in mid-December, often on a Saturday evening. To get the exact date, you'll need to check local event listings closer to the time.

Holiday Art Festival: The timing of this event can vary, but it often occurs sometime in late November or early December. Keep an eye on local art event calendars for specific dates.

St. Armands Winter Wonderland: This is more of a general atmosphere and ongoing decoration of the St. Armands Circle area throughout December, rather than a specific event with set dates. The decorations are usually up from late November through the holiday season.

Outdoor Activities

World Renowned Beaches: If there's one place in Sarasota you absolutely can't miss, it's Siesta Key Beach. This stretch of shoreline isn't just beautiful - it's consistently ranked among the best beaches in the world. What makes it so special? It's all about the sand. The sand here is 99% pure quartz, giving it a powder-soft texture and a brilliant white color that stays cool even on the hottest days. The calm, crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming, and the sunsets here are nothing short of spectacular. Tripadvisor has once again, for 2025, named it the number one best beach in the country and number 4 world-wide. If you visit Siesta Key, a free trolley runs the length of the key, linking beachgoers to nearby restaurants, bars, and other Siesta Key destinations, including Crescent and Turtle beaches

Location: 948 Beach Rd, Siesta Key, FL 34242

Hours: Open 24/7

Admission: Free (parking fees may apply)

Insider tip: Visit early in the morning to enjoy the beach at its most quiet and to grab a good parking spot.

Myakka River State Park: Just a short drive from downtown Sarasota, is the Myakka River State Park. This 37,000-acre wilderness is one of Florida's oldest and largest state parks. Hop aboard an airboat tour to spot alligators sunning themselves on the banks of the Myakka River. For a truly unique perspective, head to the park's canopy walkway - a suspension bridge that takes you 25 feet above the ground and into the treetops. Keep your eyes peeled for deer, wild boars, and a dazzling array of bird species.

Location: 13208 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL 34241

Hours: 8 AM until sunset, 365 days a year

Admission: $6 per vehicle

Hunt for Shark Teeth at Venice Beach: Just south of Sarasota lies Venice Beach, known as the "Shark Tooth Capital of the World." Don't worry - you won't find any actual sharks here, just millions of fossilized teeth that wash up on the shore. Armed with a sand sifter (easily rented or purchased nearby) and a keen eye, you can spend hours combing the beach for these prehistoric treasures. It's like a real-life treasure hunt that's fun for all ages. Even if you don't find the prized megalodon tooth, you're sure to come away with a handful of smaller shark teeth - perfect souvenirs from your Sarasota adventure.

Location: 101 The Esplanade, Venice, FL 34285

Hours: Open 24/7

Admission: Free

Dive into marine science at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium - Home | Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium: At Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, you're not just looking at fish in tanks - you're stepping into a world-class marine research facility. This is where cutting-edge ocean science happens, and you get a front-row seat. Come face-to-face with sharks in the 135,000-gallon shark habitat, marvel at the grace of sea turtles, and watch manatees munch on lettuce. The touch tanks are always a hit, giving you the chance to gently handle rays and small sharks. But Mote is more than just an aquarium - it's a hub for marine conservation. Learn about their groundbreaking research on coral reef restoration and sustainable aquaculture. You'll leave not just entertained, but inspired to protect our oceans. The new Mote Marine Aquarium is scheduled to open later in 2025 and is located in Nathan Benderson Park.

Location: 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236

Hours: Daily 10 AM - 5 PM

Admission: Adults $24, Children (3-12) $18, Children under 3 free

Deep Sea Fishing: Sarasota offers excellent fishing opportunities, both inshore and offshore.

Arts and Culture

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art & Ca d’Zan Mansion: As you visit Sarasota you may notice that many streets, buildings and even food dishes pay homage to a circus theme and the Ringling Circus. That is because the city was home to John and his wife, Mable Ringling, and today is home to the Ringling Museum and the Ca’ d’Zan mansion. Here on a sprawling 66-acre complex you experience the legacy of this circus magnate. The Ringling Museum is a journey through art, history, and the extravagant world of the circus. The art museum houses an impressive collection of European paintings, including works by Rubens, van Dyck, and Velázquez. But the real showstopper is Ca' d'Zan, the Ringlings' opulent Venetian Gothic mansion overlooking Sarasota Bay. As you wander through its lavishly decorated rooms, you'll feel transported to the Roaring Twenties. Don't miss the Circus Museum, where you can marvel at intricate miniature models of the "Greatest Show on Earth."

Location: 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243

Hours: Daily 10 AM - 5 PM, Thursdays until 8 PM

Admission: Adults $25, Children (6-17) $5, Children under 5 free

Insider tip: Visit on Mondays for free admission to the Museum of Art and Circus Museum

Sarasota Art Museum: Visit this contemporary art museum for thought-provoking exhibitions and events.

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall: Check the schedule for concerts, shows, and other performances.

Other Activities

St. Armands Circle: As you make your way over to Long Boat Key for the wedding, you will find yourself in an open-air shopping and dining destination with a touch of European flair, and this is St. Armands Circle. This unique district is located on a circular island just off the coast of Sarasota. High-end boutiques and art galleries line the streets, interspersed with gourmet restaurants and ice cream parlors. As you stroll around the circle, keep an eye out for the whimsical statues scattered throughout - they're part of an extensive collection of Italian statuary acquired by John Ringling himself. When the sun sets, the circle comes alive with twinkling lights and the buzz of outdoor diners, creating a magical atmosphere.

Location: 300 Madison Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236

Hours: Vary by business, generally 10 AM - 9 PM

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: You can visit a tropical paradise at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. This 15-acre oasis on Sarasota Bay has winding paths that lead you through a stunning array of native and exotic plants. The gardens are renowned for their world-class orchid collection. The Children's Rainforest Garden is a hit with kids, featuring rope bridges and a waterfall. But the real magic happens when you reach the edge of the property, where you're treated to breathtaking views of Sarasota Bay. It's the perfect spot for a moment of zen amidst the lush greenery.

University Town Center: This outdoor mall features a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

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