- December 16, 2025
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Morning Song & Luncheon
11 a.m. at Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Blvd.
$75
Visit ArtistSeriesConcerts.org.
Mezzo soprano Erin Wagner, who made her Metropolitan Opera debut during the 2024-25 season, and tenor Daniel McGrew, who has performed with the Boston Pops, perform music from opera and Broadway as well as some holiday favorites. They are accompanied by Sarasota Opera pianist Jesse Martins.
Jazz Thursday at SAM with The Barker Project
5:30 p.m. at Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail
$25; members free
Visit SarasotArtMuseum.org.
Join The Barker Project on the Marcy & Michael Klein Plaza as they perform holiday favorites in their inimitable fusion of styles that founder Johnny Barker describes as a "musical gumbo." Since studying at Berklee College of Music, the Tampa Bay bassist has assembled his friends and colleagues into a group that raises improvisation to a new level.The evening features extended hours in the galleries, Bistro and museum shop.
'All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914'
7 p.m. at The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road
$45-$71
Visit AsoloRep.org.
Peter Rothstein, producing artistic director of Asolo Repertory Theatre, based “All is Calm” on the true story of soldiers who put down their arms for one night to honor Christ’s birth. Their longing for peace comes to life through excerpts of letters and Christmas carols sung in English, French and German. This production is being staged in The Ringling’s Historic Asolo Theater, a jewelbox venue whose interiors were rescued from a palace in Italy. Runs through Dec. 19.
‘A Christmas Carol’
7:30 p.m. at Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave. W, Venice
$18-$30
Visit VeniceTheatre.org.
The Venice Theatre's production of "A Christmas Carol" celebrates its 25th anniversary this year as veteran Brad Wages returns as Scrooge and newcomers take the stage for the first time. The adaptation with original book and lyrics by Scott Keys features original music by Suzan Ott, and additional music by Keys, Jason Brenner and Eli Schildkraut. If you're feeling as generous as Scrooge after his ghostly visits, consider making a donation to the Venice Theatre, which is still rebuilding after its mainstage Jervey Theatre was damaged by Hurricane Ian in 2022. Runs through Dec. 21.
'Wonderland: Believe’
7 p.m. at LECOM Big Top at UTC, 195 University Town Center Drive
$35-$125
Visit WonderlandCircus.com.
Death-defying aerialist Nik Wallenda returns to University Town Center with his Wonderland Circus, featuring a new tent with plush seats, cupholders and lots of room between rows. Joining Wallenda will be his faithful sidekicks — daredevil clown Johnny Rockett and master of ceremonies Ty McFarlan — as well as new family-friendly circus acts and immersive video to help deliver the message: “Believe!” Runs through Jan. 4.
‘Dingbat’s Winnie the Pooh’
7:30 p.m. at Dingbat Theatre Project, 7288 S. Tamiami Trail
$5-$50
Visit DingbatTheatre.org.
Dingbat Theatre Project does things their own way and it frequently involves a lot of pillows and props. Luke Manual and Company are taking the children’s classic by A.A. Milne and putting their own twist on it. Runs through Dec. 20.
Langston Hughes’ ‘Black Nativity’
7:30 p.m. at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1011 N. Orange Ave.
$54 adults, $24 students 25 and under and active military
Visit WestcoastBlackTheatre.org.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe offers a Nativity story that blends gospel, blues, spiritual and Christmas music with the poetry of Langston Hughes and the creativity of Nate Jacobs’ theater company dedicated to African-American stories. This is not just another Christmas show. Runs through Dec. 21.
‘Three Pianos’
7:30 p.m. at FST’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St.
$18-$42
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Under Producing Artistic Director Richard Hopkins, Florida Studio Theatre has grown into a downtown entertainment campus with something for everyone. FST’s winter cabaret show “Three Pianos” is an ode to superstars of the keyboard such as Ray Charles, Elton John and Alicia Keys. These mavericks didn’t tinkle the ivories; they tore up the rulebook. Runs through April 5.
Jazz at Two
2 p.m. at Unitarian Universalists of Sarasota, 3975 Fruitville Road
$15-$20
Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.
For its weekly Jazz at 2 series, Jazz Club of Sarasota presents the 17-member Sarasota Jazz Project, a group dedicated to playing and preserving Big Band jazz. There’s no better way to roll into the weekend than with Jazz at 2.
Short & Suite
7 p.m. at Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way
$35 and up
Visit AzaraBallet.org.
Azara Ballet, founded in 2023 by Kate and Martin Flowers, presents its “Short & Suite” holiday program for the first time in Sarasota, under the direction of its new artistic director Joshua Stayton. The program blends classical ballet selections, including excerpts from “The Nutcracker,” which modern choreography. Continues Dec. 20.
Sounds of the Season
7:30 p.m. at Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave. Building 5, Venice
$44-$84
Visit TheVeniceSymphony.org.
Take a road trip to Venice for a holiday performance by The Venice Symphony and its maestro, Troy Quinn. This holiday program includes special performances by guest vocalist Christal Rheams and Key Chorale of Sarasota. The show features such seasonal favorites as “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Sleigh Ride” and “Mary Did You Know.” Continues through Dec. 21.
Masters of Movement
7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple
$35-$145
Visit SarasotaBallet.org.
Sarasota Ballet's “Masters of Movement” includes two ballets choreographed by George Balanchine — Divertimento No. 15, to music by Mozart, and "Mozartiana" to music by Tchaikovsky. (Yes, you read that right.) The program finishes with Sir Frederick Ashton’s “Jazz Calendar,” a witty ballet inspired by the English nursery rhyme, “Monday’s Child.” All performances include live music by the Sarasota Orchestra. Continues Dec. 20.
‘Mark Twain Tonight’
7 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail
$50 and up
Visit VanWezel.org.
There are a lot of Mark Twain tribute shows out there, but Richard Thomas is the only actor authorized to play the iconic 19th century writer in “Mark Twain Tonight!” Hal Holbrook arranged the writings and speeches of the author whose real name was Samuel Clemons to create the hit Broadway show in the 1960s and 1970s. Runs through Dec. 20.
‘Deck the Halls’
10 a.m. at FST’s Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave.
$12
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Celebrate the holidays in Florida style with palm trees decorated with twinkling lights, sand snowmen and Santa on a surfboard. The family-friendly show returns this year with new sketches and songs. Weekends through Dec. 24.
Final Limelight Pop Up
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 821 Apricot Ave.
Free
Visit BazaaronApricotAndLime.com.
The Limelight Market, held every Saturday at The Bazaar, hosts its last session of the year. Visitors can find puppies, live music and guest vendors, with special deals this month.
‘The Nutcracker’
6:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.
$35-$90
Visit SarasotaBallet.org.
More than 100 ballet students from across the Sarasota Ballet’s education program will be on the stage for its annual production of “The Nutcracker.” It seems there is no middle ground of opinion about the timeless tale of Clara and her adventures with a nutcracker — you either hate it or you love it. We’re in the latter camp. What’s not to love about this sampler of dances inspired by cultures around the world set to Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score? Runs through Dec. 23.
Holiday Celebration
3 p.m. at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 3131 61st St.
$5
Visit SuncoastConcertBand.org.
Now in its 93rd season, the Suncoast Concert Band has evolved from a trailer park band to a concert hall ensemble of professional and amateur musicians. Led by Robert Stoll since 2005, the band attracts a faithful following so it’s advisable to reserve a ticket in advance. Please call 941-907-4123 and be sure to dial the right number for this program of Christmas and Hanukkah favorites.
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland
7 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail
$46 and up
Visit VanWezel.org.
The French word for circus in the program’s name is a tipoff that Cirque Music Holiday Wonderland will be filled with Continental flair. This year’s all-new production features thrilling acrobats and aerialists with all the bells and whistles required to transport you to a winter wonderland.
Ancient Art from Cyprus and the Mediterranean
10 a.m. at The John and Mable Ringling Art Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Road
Free with $30 admission; Mondays free
Visit Ringling.org.
In 1928, circus magnate John Ringling moved beyond collecting Baroque paintings with a major acquisition of more than 2,000 pieces of Cypriot art at the Anderson Galleries in New York, where the Metropolitan Museum was selling parts of its ancient art collection. For the first time, Ringling's treasures have a permanent home in Gallery 12 after a decadelong project.
‘A Very Broadway Christmas’
7 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail
$59-$99
Visit VanWezel.org.
If you’ve ever pined for an energetic variety show similar to the one presented by the Radio City Rockettes each year, this is it — minus the camel. Headlining “A Very Broadway Christmas” is Justin Gomlak, Van Wezel director of education and community programs who is the veteran of nine Broadway shows. Tickets are going fast to this holiday extravaganza featuring a live band and an ensemble of dancers that will take you on a trip to the Big Apple for one memorable night.
‘A Christmas Carol’
7 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail
$36 and up
Visit VanWezel.org.
The holiday classic "A Christmas Carol” comes to the Van Wezel, lifting our spirits after all holiday shows were canceled last year in the wake of Hurricane Milton. The tale of holiday redemption has inspired hundreds of adaptations, including a memorable cartoon with Mr. Magoo as the miserly Scrooge. For those who like high production value, this show is just the ticket. Written and directed by award-winning artist Scott H. Severance, this version of "A Christmas Carol' features puppetry as well as actors clad in period costumes and more than two dozen carols.
‘Art Deco: The Golden Age of Illustration’
10 a.m. at the Sarasota Art Museum campus of Ringling College, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail
Free for museum members; $20
Visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org.
The Sarasota Art Museum celebrates the 100th anniversary of the expo that kicked off the Art Deco movement. More than 100 eye-catching posters from the Crouse Collection as well as industrial furniture, home furnishings and other objects loaned by the Wilsonian-Florida International University are on display. Through March 29, 2026.
