We may have sand instead of snow, but Manatee and Sarasota Counties still transform into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Our REALTORS® have put together this holiday event guide to make sure your family enjoys a season filled with cheer!

• Sarasota Christmas Glow Run 5K — Nathan Benderson Park 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, FL 4235 | Dec 07
  Get a running start on the holiday season with the Sarasota Christmas Glow Run 5K. The entire Christmas-themed lakeside course is open for runners and walkers so anyone can cheerfully attend. There will be snacks, refreshments, awards, and even a finish line with a forecast for a 100 percent chance of snowfall! Don't worry, the nearby Lakewood Ranch homes for sale you visit are only covered in sunshine.
• The 12 Dolls of Christmas — Stone Hall 502 Third Ave W., Bradenton, FL 34205 | Dec 9 & 10
  Grab the kids and settle in for a new Christmas show. The 12 Dolls of Christmas holiday musical tells the story of a family Christmas pageant where twelve dancing dolls magically come to life. A fun show for kids of all ages, stop by Stone Hall after you walk a couple of Bradenton homes for sale.
• An Old Florida Christmas — Manatee Village Historical Park 1404 Manatee Ave E., Bradenton, FL 34208 | Dec 15
  An Old School Florida Christmas celebrates old-fashioned holiday traditions by bringing the community together for music, food, crafts, and more. Stop by and pick up a few gifts from the many local heritage craft vendors. If you're hoping to unwrap a new place to live this year, we recommend you take a few hours to visit some Palmetto homes for sale just across the river.
• A Night Before Christmas — GT Bray Park 5502 33rd Ave Dr. W., Bradenton, FL 34209 | Dec 14
  Santa will make a quick stop at GT Bray Park to make sure every little boy and girl updates him on their Christmas list. Bring your children down to the A Night Before Christmas event, which will feature hayrides, face painting, and even snow! Just a short drive from Anna Maria Island homes for sale. 
• A Taste of Chanukah – Music and Food Festival – Philippi Estate Park 5500 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231- December 22nd 3:00PM - 6:00PM
  Enjoy 3 hours of fun for the whole family with Kosher food and live entertainment near Sarasota homes for sale. A Taste of Chanukah includes many of the area's best Kosher caterers, a graffiti wall and photo booth, a laser light show, face painting, magicians and live music with DJ CJ Koenig. Plus, the whole family will love the Skyriders Trampoline Show. Don't miss out on this fun event!  
• Harmony for the Holidays — Historic Asolo Theatre 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota, FL 34234 | Dec 21 &22
  One great aspect of the holiday season is that the airwaves are almost always filled with beautiful Christmas music. If you can't get enough of these yuletide tunes, buy a ticket for Harmony for the Holidays at the Historic Asolo Theatre. The Duchess Vocal Trio give their creative take on Christmas songs new and old. End a day browsing Sarasota homes for sale, with this concert.
• A Christmas Carol — Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall 777 N. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, FL 34236 | Dec 28 
  Enjoy the magic of the holidays with the whole family when you attend Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker. This stunning show will be in town on December 28th and is a holiday tradition featuring a timeless score. While you're in town, check out the Lido Key homes for sale. 
• It's a Wonderful Life a New Musical - Manatee Performing Arts Center 502 Third Avenue West, Bradenton FL 34205 | December 5-22
  See the 1946 film come to life on the stage when you get tickets for It's a Wonderful Life A New Musical. The show runs from December 5-22, giving you plenty of time to get the family together for a trip to the theater. Plus, you can enjoy looking at Bradenton homes for sale prior to the show. 
• Sledding with Santa (Lakewood Ranch) - Lakewood Ranch YMCA 5100 Lakewood Ranch Blvd 
  Bradenton, FL 34211 | December 6
  A free event the whole family will love close to Lakewood Ranch homes for sale. Sledding with Santa is the perfect event to kick off the holiday season and will have real snow! Gather the whole family for a fun day of sledding and holiday treats. 
  
• Chanukah Celebration - Lakewood Ranch Main Street 8100 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 - December 22nd - 5:00PM - 8:00PM
  Join Chabad of Bradenton & Lakewood Ranch for its Annual Chanukah Celebration on Main Street right around the corner from Lakewood Ranch homes for sale. This festival features a Grand Lego Menorah & Chanukah Gelt Drop! Enjoy Falafel With Yoav, Kosher BBQ, Kona Ice Truck, Jeff the Juggler, Face Painting, Doughnut Decorating, Hot Latkes Music, Dreidel Moonbounce and More! Admission is free. Nominal food fees to apply.

For more help finding the perfect Sarasota or Manatee County home to spend your next holiday, contact us!