- December 13, 2025
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"What a time to be alive!" That expression is usually delivered in an ironic fashion, but it's true nevertheless.
Thanks to the wonders of the internet, mobile devices and instant delivery services, you can have almost anything you want in two hours or less — except perhaps compassion and world peace.
This makes the process of hunting and gathering holiday gifts less time-consuming. The horrors of Black Friday shopping, replete with dawn scrums to score doorbuster specials, are thankfully behind us.
But though we have mastered logistics, we still haven't figured out how to control time. The 28 days between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year aren't sufficient to see all the magical shows on offer during the holidays.
What's more, the days are growing shorter. You don't have to be an anthropologist to understand that the lights on a menorah or a Christmas tree are a human defense mechanism against the longest night of the year at the Winter Solstice.
Even the frantic pace of the holidays seems designed to ward off darkness. But take a deep breath. You can relax because we've made you a holiday sampler.
Call it "Curated Christmas" or "Heavenly Holidays." These eight shows created by local cultural institutions are sure to spark joy and keep the spirit of hope burning bright during the Yuletide season.
Dec. 3-19 at The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road. $45-71. Visit AsoloRep.org.
If you didn’t see Peter Rothstein’s moving tribute to a little-known chapter of World War I in its sold-out run last year, don’t miss it this year. Better yet, see it again. 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.
4 p.m. Nov. 30 at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. $20-$55. Visit KeyChorale.org.
Since his arrival at Key Chorale in 2007, Artistic Director Joseph Caulkins has made a name for himself with innovative collaborations that pair his 110-member symphonic chorus with other arts organizations. Some of these have become local traditions, such as the annual holiday celebration that brings together Key Chorale and the Sarasota Ballet Studio Company on stage. This year's show, "Joy and Wonder," features Lithuanian soprano Lina Dambrauskaite, who will join the program for two medieval-inspired compositions. Other highlights of the show, which was choreographed by Brittany Pollack and Maximiliano Iglesias, are new holiday works by Jacob Narverud, Dan Forrest and Karl Jenkins.
Dec. 6-23, 26-30, 2025 and Jan. 1-3, 2026 at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St. Early entry at 5:30 p.m. $44 for non-members; $39 for members; $24 for ages 5-17; free for 4 and under. General Admission at 6:30 p.m. $34 for non-members, $29 for members, $19 for ages 5-17, free for 4 and under. Visit Selby.org.
We don't get snow in these parts, but it's still possible to walk in a "Winter Wonderland" overlooking Sarasota Bay. There won't be any sleigh bells at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens from Dec. 6 to Jan. 3, but there will be 3 million twinkling lights as "Lights in Bloom" celebrates its 22nd year. There's a lot to celebrate. There weren't any hurricane this season so Selby can focus on creating a dazzling holiday display rather than storm cleanup. If you're worried about parking, purchase a voucher for $19 online while supplies last to park in the Morganroth Family Living Energy Access Facility, which looks like a parking garage from the outside.
Dec. 4-21 at Venice Theatre, Raymond Center, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice. $30; youth $18. Visit VeniceTheatre.org.
The holiday yarn about the miserly Ebeneezer Scrooge that Charles Dickens knocked out in a hurry when he was facing financial ruin has spawned many adaptations since its arrival in 1843. A version with original book and lyrics by Sarasota educator, actor and director Scott Keys has become a local tradition down in Venice. 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 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 the Jervey Theatre was damaged by Hurricane Ian in 2022.
Dec. 10-14 at Holley Hall in Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 Tamiami Trail. $48 and up. Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.
Guest conductor Chelsea Gallo leads the Sarasota Orchestra in a holiday-themed concert in its Great Escapes series. Held in Holley Hall, these casual concerts don't have intermissions except on Saturdays and are available with start times of 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays so you can eat after the show. It's a low-key way to get your classical music fix without muss and fuss, just the ticket for holiday fun. Come for the hassle-free experience; stay for seasonal crowd pleasers such as "Festive Sounds of Hanukkah," "The Twelve Days of Christmas" with a local twist and movie music from "It's a Wonderful Life" and "The Polar Express."
Dec. 1-23 at Discover Sarasota Tours, 1826 4th St. $34.99-$58.99. Visit DiscoverSarasotaTours.com.
Looking for a harmless way to get high? You'll find it on Discover Sarasota Tours' Christmas Carol Trolley. Scientific research has proven that singing releases endorphins, the body's natural pain killers. Who knew? But you don't need science to know that hopping onboard an air-conditioned trolley with a band of fellow carolers and The Trolley Troubadours is a great way to have fun. Carolers are encouraged to dress up in festive outfits for this 75-minute tour on Dolly the Trolley, which has air conditioning. There are light beverages for the kids, wine and beer for adults and stocking stuffers galore in the Cottage Gift Shop. Best of all: free parking. Ho! Ho! Ho!
Dec. 4-6, Cook Theatre at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 555 N. Tamiami Trail. $25-$50. Visit SarasotaContemporaryDance.org.
Sometimes you're in the mood to go out and celebrate during December but you'd rather skip the predictable Christmas music and tales of holiday cheer. We've got just the ticket for you: Sarasota Contemporary Dance is collaborating with Yaya Diamond and the Dream Chasers for a funk-infused show that's sure to get your feet tapping if you don't start dancing yourself in your chair. Get your groove back with this joyful kickoff to SCD's 20th anniversary season, which honors founder Leymis Bolaños Wilmott.
Dec. 26-29 at Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St. $20-$40. Visit CircusArts.org.
Nik Wallenda's professional Wonderland holiday circus may grab headlines, but it's hard to beat the Sailor Circus Holiday Show for heart and hope. If you're new to Sarasota, you might expect the Sailor Circus to feature a nautical theme, but that's not the case. This is more like Little League for circus arts. Dubbed "The Greatest Little Show on Earth," the Sailor Circus shares its name with the sports teams of Sarasota High School, which is right next door. Run by the nonprofit Circus Arts Conservatory, it is the nation's longest-running youth circus with 76 years of training to its credit. Come support young circus artists ages 6-18 as they demonstrate their acrobatic skills and build confidence that leads to success in other arenas.
