- May 4, 2024
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Christmas in the Garden: 'A Celebration of Lights and Music'
5-9 p.m. at the Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key
Free
Visit LongboatIslandChapel.org.
The gardens at the Longboat Island Chapel will be enhanced with holiday music, lighting and decorated Christmas trees donated by community organizations, businesses and friends. Runs through Dec. 31. On Thursday, enjoy special musical presentations, refreshments and treats for the children with performances beginning at 6 p.m.
Beethoven and Berio
5:30 p.m. at Holley Hall, 709 Tamiami Trail
From $42
Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.
The Sarasota Orchestra's Chamber Soirée program showcases Gabrieli’s festive “Four Canzoni” arranged for brass quintet, the wit of Berio’s “Opus Number Zoo” and Beethoven’s elegant String Quartet No. 2.
'A Brave New Wonderland' featuring Nik Wallenda
7 p.m. under the Big Top, East of University Town Center
From $30
Visit WonderlandCircus.com.
Sarasota hometown hero Nik Wallenda and the Circus Arts Conservatory present "A Brave New Wonderland,” an immersive holiday spectacular of circus acts, aerial performances and holiday storytelling. Runs Thursdays through Saturdays through Jan. 7, 2024.
Azara Ballet’s 'Short & Suite'
7 p.m. at 4602 E. State Rd 64, Bradenton
$20-$25
Visit AzaraBallet.org.
Choreographed by Azara Ballet co-founder Martin Roosaare, “Short & Suite” is a blend of holiday-themed classical and contemporary ballet performances. Performances continue Friday and Saturday.
The Players Studio Holiday Special
7 p.m. at The Sarasota Players, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130
$15
Visit ThePlayers.org.
Take a journey into TV land in this original musical featuring some of your favorite holiday tunes, along with a few new songs. Mrs. Crenshaw — who is hosting a party, with unapproved guests and unapproved foods — is taken to learn the true meaning of the holiday season as her party guests celebrate their own traditions, even those not on the "approved list."
Celtic Angels Christmas
7:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail
$25-$70
Visit VanWezel.org.
Celebrate Christmas in a distinctively Celtic style. Traditional holiday and Irish favorites performed by first-rate vocalists and musicians are paired with world-class Irish step dancing.
‘Take it to the Limit’
7:30 p.m. at FST’s Goldstein Cabaret, 1239 N. Palm Ave.
$18-$39
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
The prolific team of Rebecca Hopkins, Richard Hopkins and Sarah Durham come together for a new musical revue featuring the artists and songs of the 1970s folk rock era. You're sure to leave with a "peaceful, easy feeling." Arrangements by Jim Prosser. Runs through April 7, 2024.
Sounds of the Seasons Holiday Performance
5:30 p.m. at Macy’s Court, The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Drive
Free
Visit MallAtUTC.com.
While shopping at the mall, enjoy a holiday performance by the Sarasota Orchestra, part of a series of Sounds of the Seasons performances by schools and community organizations.
Holiday Movie Under the Stars
7 p.m. at the West District at UTC in the lot near Ford's Garage
Free
Visit MallAtUTC.com.
The Mall at UTC's Holiday Movies Under the Stars runs "Elf." Enjoy special character visits before each movie. Onsite concessions begin at 6 p.m. Limited seating is available and offered first-come, first-served. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. A showing of "The Muppet Christmas Carol" will be Saturday.
'The Nutcracker'
2 and 6 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton
$60
Visit ManateePerformingArtsCenter.com.
The International Ballet of Florida performs "The Nutcracker," a holiday tradition for the whole family. The production features original choreography by Vadim Fedotov, an internationally recognized ballet master and choreographer.
Christmas Candle Light Service and Winterfest
4-8 p.m. at South Shore Community Church, 1899 S. Tuttle Ave.
Free
Visit SouthShoreChurch.com.
This block party event will feature food trucks, inflatables for kids, a snow hill and live music, ending with an outdoor candlelight service starting at 7:15 p.m.
Christmas on Main
4-8 p.m. at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch
Free
Visit MyLWR.com.
Come to the biggest Christmas party in the area at the annual Christmas on Main. The family-friendly event features free games, rides, photo booths, a visit from Santa, various attractions and a candlelight service that begins at 7 p.m.
Christmas Beach Service on Siesta Key
5 p.m. at Siesta Beach near the volleyball courts, 948 Beach Road, Siesta Key
Free
Visit ChurchOfThePalms.org.
Worship with Church of the Palms as the sun sets, with Christmas carols and readings. Bring your own chairs and blankets.
Christmas in the Park
9-11 a.m. at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 2523 Cocoanut Ave.
Free
Visit TrulyValued.org.
Join Truly Valued in providing a hot lunch and handing out toiletry bags, new and gently used clothing, blankets, food gift cards, bus passes, flash lights, batteries, new bikes and locks, backpacks, tents and more to our homeless neighbors. To register as a volunteer or donate, visit TrulyValued.org.
Seashore SEAfari: Bay Walk Adventure at Sarasota Bay
10 a.m. at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, City Island
$15
Visit Mote.org.
Explore a Florida mangrove forest lining beautiful Sarasota Bay. Participants will learn all about mangroves including how to identify them, the animals that call them home and why they are important. Stroll through the mangroves and make your way to the bay to enjoy one of the most breathtaking views in Sarasota.
Intro to Pickleball
10 a.m. at Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail
Free
Visit TheBaySarasota.org.
Intended for those have never played pickleball before or who are very inexperienced, this class focuses on basic terminology, techniques and how to play the game. Continues every Wednesday.
Ranch Nite Wednesdays
6-9 p.m. at 1561 Lakefront Drive, Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch
Free
Visit WatersidePlace.com.
The weekly event includes food trucks, live music, a market of local vendors, a vintage mobile bar and a recreational cornhole league.
‘Candyland’
7 p.m. at The Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St.
$20-$40
Visit CircusArts.org.
This year’s Sailor Circus holiday show is a sweet treat that brings the classic children’s game “Candyland” to life. Each act will represent part of the game, including the heroes — King Candy, Princess Frostine and Princess Lolly — and the villain, the evil Lord Licorice. Runs through Dec. 31.
