Some of Sarasota’s Best Christmas Light Displays ~ Here Are 9 Places to See This Season
Chris Carpenter December 9, 2025
Chris Carpenter December 9, 2025
A Festive Local Guide by Chris Carpenter, Sarasota Home Pro
The holidays in Sarasota bring out some of the most beautiful light displays in all of Florida — palm trees wrapped in twinkle lights, boats glowing along the bay, entire neighborhoods transforming into winter wonderlands, and the huge holiday spectacular at UTC Mall, complete with nightly light shows and snowfalls.
Whether you’re a longtime local, visiting for the season, or exploring the area as a possible future home, here’s your guide to some of the best Christmas light displays within about 45 minutes of Sarasota — complete with cost, parking, best times to go, UTC included.
Why go:
A Sarasota holiday classic. Selby Gardens becomes a glowing, tropical wonderland with millions of lights wrapped around banyans, walkways, and lush gardens.
Quick Info:
📍 Location: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota
🗺 Google Maps: Map Link
🗓 When: Evenings in December & early January
💵 Cost: Ticketed event; pricing varies
🚗 Parking: Arrive 20–30 minutes before your ticketed entry; lot fills fast
Why go:
No need to hunt for decorated neighborhoods — the festive SRQ Trolley takes you to Sarasota’s best light displays, complete with music and holiday atmosphere.
Quick Info:
📍 Departure Location: Typically near downtown Sarasota
🗺 Google Maps: Map Link
🗓 When: Nightly tours in December (6:30 pm & 8:30 pm)
💵 Cost: Ticketed per person
🚗 Parking: Free parking near departure, but arrive early
. 
Why go:
Elegant, festive, and perfect for pairing dinner + holiday stroll. The massive tree and decorated shops give the Circle a beautiful seasonal glow.
Quick Info:
📍 Location: St. Armands Circle, Sarasota
🗺 Google Maps: Map Link
🗓 When: Lights up from late November through December
💵 Cost: Free
🚗 Parking: Best options are the free garage & nearby lots
Why go:
A true Florida holiday tradition — boats covered in dazzling lights cruising across Sarasota Bay. Amazing reflections and a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.
Quick Info:
📍 Best Viewing Areas: Marina Jack, Bayfront Park, O’Leary’s
🗺 Google Maps: Map Link
🗓 When: One night in December each year
💵 Cost: Free
🚗 Parking: Use downtown garages & walk to the waterfront
Why go:
One of Sarasota’s most spirited neighborhoods. Rows of homes participate with arches, inflatables, synchronized lights, and an overall “drive-through wonderland” vibe.
Quick Info:
📍 Location: Off Honore Ave & Fruitville Rd
🗺 Google Maps: Map Link
🗓 When: Nightly throughout December
💵 Cost: Free
🚗 Parking: Drive slow or park respectfully on side streets to walk
Why go:
A beloved family-run display decades in the making. Handmade decorations, massive light scenes, characters, music — a nostalgic, heartfelt holiday stop.
Quick Info:
📍 Location: Neiko Rd area, North Port (varies year to year)
🗺 Google Maps: Map Link
🗓 When: Most nights in December
💵 Cost: Free (donations welcomed)
🚗 Parking: Residential — park with care, watch for pedestrians
Why go:
A beautiful waterfront destination fully decked out for the season. Great for dinner + shopping + light viewing all in one spot.
Quick Info:
📍 Location: 1200 W Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
🗺 Google Maps: Map Link
🗓 When: Mid-November through December
💵 Cost: Free
🚗 Parking: Plenty of lot parking, but weekends are busier
Why go:
This isn’t just a light display — it’s a full Christmas village with hayrides, food vendors, live entertainment, and thousands of lights across the huge farm property.
Quick Info:
📍 Location: 5500 CR-675, Bradenton
🗺 Google Maps: Map Link
🗓 When: Select nights in December
💵 Cost: Ticketed
🚗 Parking: Large grass fields — bring a flashlight for the walk
Why go:
The Mall at University Town Center puts on one of the biggest, brightest, and most energetic holiday festivals in Southwest Florida. You get nightly synchronized light shows, dancing fountains, snowfalls, Santa meet-and-greets, outdoor skating, carriage rides, and a massive Christmas tree — all in one place. It’s extremely family-friendly and great for photos.
Quick Info:
📍 Location: 140 University Town Center Dr, Sarasota, FL
🗺 Google Maps: Map Link
🗓 When: Nightly throughout December (snow shows & light shows typically every evening)
💵 Cost: Free to attend; fees apply for select attractions (train rides, skating, etc.)
🚗 Parking: Large surface lots + garages; busiest on weekends — arrive early for front-row tree views
Highlights include:
Nightly Holiday Light Show (synchronized music & lights)
Snowfall shows several times each evening
Santa’s workshop, seasonal photo ops, and holiday characters
Horse-drawn carriage rides (select nights)
Holiday market + festive food vendors
The iconic UTC Christmas tree in the courtyard
Outdoor ice rink (certain seasons)
Visit early in December to avoid the biggest crowds
Go on weeknights when possible
Check event websites for this year’s exact dates and pricing
Bring snacks, water, and maybe a holiday playlist
For the boat parade: get there early and bring chairs
Exploring Sarasota’s Christmas lights is one of the best ways to experience everything this area has to offer — from waterfront holiday magic and neighborhood traditions to massive family events like UTC Mall’s Holiday Festival, which has become a seasonal favorite for locals and visitors.
Whether you're checking out neighborhoods, enjoying the Sarasota lifestyle, or showing family around town for the holidays, these lights give you a true feel for the community.
If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or relocating in the new year, I’d love to help you navigate Sarasota, Venice, Lakewood Ranch, and our amazing Gulf Coast communities.
👉 You can reach me anytime at 941-599-2277
www.chriscarpenterrealtor.com
Wishing you and your family a bright, joyful, and peaceful holiday season. ✨
A festive guide to Sarasota’s top holiday light displays — all within 45 minutes of home.
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