December is one of the best months to be in Sarasota. The air is dry and mild, the sunsets come early, and the whole town lights up for the holidays, from the 60-foot tree on St. Armands Circle to decorated boats parading past the downtown bayfront. Here are the things to do in Sarasota in December 2026, with the dates we could confirm, the events that usually happen (and where to check), what the weather is really like, and how to plan around the busy Christmas to New Year's stretch.
December at a Glance
- Weather: highs usually in the low to mid 70s and lows in the mid 50s. Gulf water is cool, roughly in the 60s.
- Sunset: early, around 5:35 to 5:45 p.m. all month.
- Confirmed 2026 dates: Holiday Night of Lights on St. Armands Circle (Friday, Dec. 4), Porsches in the Park on St. Armands (Saturday, Dec. 12) and The Sarasota Ballet's The Nutcracker (Dec. 20 to 22).
- Downtown Holiday Parade: the first Saturday of December, which is Dec. 5 this year.
- Busiest stretch: Christmas week through New Year's. Book flights, hotels and dinner reservations early.
December 2026 Sarasota Events Calendar
These are the dates we confirmed with each organizer as of mid-October 2026. Times can shift, so check the event's own page the week you go.
- Friday, Dec. 4, 5:30 to 8 p.m.: the 48th annual Holiday Night of Lights, St. Armands Circle. Free.
- Saturday, Dec. 5: the Holiday Parade on Main Street, downtown. Start time to be announced.
- Dec. 11 and 12: The Sarasota Ballet's The Nutcracker at the Venice Performing Arts Center.
- Saturday, Dec. 12, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Porsches in the Park, St. Armands Circle.
- Dec. 20 to 22: The Sarasota Ballet's The Nutcracker at the Sarasota Opera House, with live music.
- Tuesday, Dec. 29: a touring production, NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet, at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.
Not yet announced for 2026 when we checked: the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, Lights in Bloom at Selby Gardens, Holiday Splendor at The Ringling and the downtown New Year's Eve celebration. Each one is covered below with what usually happens.
Holiday Night of Lights on St. Armands Circle
This is the night the Circle officially turns on Christmas. The St. Armands Circle Association lists the 48th annual Holiday Night of Lights for Friday, Dec. 4, 2026, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Past years have included a carol sing-along, a Santa parade, photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and the lighting of the 60-foot Christmas tree in the park at the center of the Circle. It's free.
Our tip: it's one of the busiest nights of the year on the Circle. Arrive by 4:30 p.m. to find parking in the St. Armands garage, or take the free Bay Runner trolley from downtown. Make dinner reservations well ahead. If you want to know more about parking and the trolley, see our St. Armands Circle guide.
A week later, on Saturday, Dec. 12, Porsches in the Park fills the Circle with classic and new Porsches from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It's a fun, free morning even if you're not a car person.
The Downtown Sarasota Holiday Parade
The parade returns to Main Street on the first Saturday of December, which falls on Dec. 5 in 2026. This is the parade's 30th year, and organizers say this year's theme is "America 250," a red, white and blue salute to the country's upcoming 250th birthday. Crowds of 15,000 to 20,000 usually line Main Street for the floats, bands and Santa.
Last year the parade ran in the evening, from 7 to 9 p.m., along Main Street from U.S. 301 to J.D. Hamel Park. The 2026 start time hadn't been posted when we checked, so look for it on the city's events page. Plan to park early in a downtown garage and claim a spot on the curb. Our downtown Sarasota guide has parking details.
Boat Parades on the Water
Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights: a tradition since 1986, this parade sends decorated boats of every size along the downtown bayfront. It's usually held on a Saturday evening in mid-December (last year it was Saturday, Dec. 13, from 6 to 8 p.m.). Viewing is free from Bayfront Park, and Marina Jack restaurant is a favorite spot to watch, though tables sell out early. The parade benefits Suncoast Charities for Children and collects new, unwrapped toys and books. The 2026 date hadn't been announced when we checked, so watch the city and Visit Sarasota event calendars.
Venice Christmas Boat Parade: about 40 minutes south, Venice holds its own lighted boat parade on the Intracoastal Waterway. The City of Venice says it's always the Saturday after the Venice Holiday Parade, which usually puts it in early December. Last year's was Dec. 6.
Holiday Lights, Ballet and Museums
- Lights in Bloom at Selby Gardens: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens covers its downtown bayfront campus in about 2 million lights each holiday season. Last season it ran from early December into early January, with timed, ticketed entry in the evenings. Selby hadn't posted 2026 dates when we checked, so watch selby.org and buy tickets early, since popular nights sell out.
- The Nutcracker: The Sarasota Ballet performs its Nutcracker Dec. 20 to 22, 2026, at the historic opera house downtown, with a matinee on Dec. 21. Its touring Studio Company version plays in Venice on Dec. 11 and 12.
- Holiday Splendor at The Ringling: in recent years The Ringling has held this free evening event on early December Thursdays, with admission for one new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. Check ringling.org for 2026 dates.
December Weather: What to Really Expect
December weather here is the reason so many people from New York, Boston, Chicago and Washington come here for the holidays. Most days are sunny and in the low to mid 70s. Then a cold front passes through, and for a day or two it can feel downright chilly, especially at night and near the water.
- Beach days: great for walking, shelling and sunsets. Swimming is for the brave, since the Gulf usually sits somewhere in the 60s.
- Evenings: once the sun goes down before 6 p.m., temperatures drop fast. Bring a sweatshirt or a light jacket for parades and outdoor dinners.
- Sun: the sun is still strong at midday, even in December. Wear sunscreen and a hat on the beach.
New Year's Eve Downtown
Downtown Sarasota usually rings in the new year with a block party and its signature Pineapple Drop at midnight, followed by fireworks over the bayfront. The city had not posted 2026 details when we checked. Bayfront restaurants often host their own New Year's Eve dinners and parties, and those reservations go fast, so book in early December if you want a table with a view.
Planning Tips for a December Trip
- Book early for Christmas to New Year's. December is one of the busier months at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), and the last two weeks are peak visitor season.
- Reserve dinner. Popular restaurants on St. Armands Circle and downtown book up around parade nights and holidays.
- Use the trolley. The free Bay Runner connects downtown, St. Armands Circle and Lido Key, which saves you hunting for parking on event nights.
- Watch sunsets early. With sunset before 6 p.m., you can watch it from the beach and still make a 7 p.m. dinner. Our sunset spots guide has the best places.
What to Bring (and Gifts to Take Home)
December visitors are always surprised how much they want a warm layer at night. If you packed for summer, stop by The Sarasota Style at 410 St. Armands Circle, open every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- A sweatshirt for parade nights. The Longboat Timber Crew is a cozy crewneck, and the women's Longboat Key Mock Neck is soft fleece that works over a sundress.
- A light layer for dinner. The Lido Key Johnnie-O 1/4 Zip is easy to throw on when the breeze picks up off the water.
- A hat for midday sun. Our Siesta Key Cap also makes a good gift for anyone who loves that beach.
- Small gifts that pack flat. A Lido Key sticker or Sarasota wood magnet fits in any stocking.
Shopping for someone who loves it here? See our Sarasota holiday gift guide.
Things to Do in Sarasota in December FAQ
What is the weather like in Sarasota in December?
Usually sunny and mild, with highs in the low to mid 70s and lows in the mid 50s. Cold fronts can bring a few cooler days, and evenings near the water feel chilly, so pack a sweatshirt.
Is it warm enough to swim in Sarasota in December?
For most people it's on the cool side. The Gulf is usually somewhere in the 60s in winter, so December beach days are better for walking, shelling and sunsets than long swims.
When is the St. Armands Circle tree lighting in 2026?
The 48th annual Holiday Night of Lights is Friday, Dec. 4, 2026, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on St. Armands Circle. It's free and includes the lighting of the 60-foot Christmas tree.
When is the Sarasota Holiday Parade in 2026?
The parade is on the first Saturday of December, which is Dec. 5, 2026, on Main Street downtown. Check the City of Sarasota events page for the start time.
When is the Sarasota boat parade?
The Holiday Boat Parade of Lights is usually on a Saturday evening in mid-December along the downtown bayfront. The 2026 date had not been announced in mid-October, so check the City of Sarasota or Visit Sarasota calendars.
Where is the best place to watch the Sarasota boat parade?
Bayfront Park downtown is free and close to the action. Marina Jack restaurant is another favorite, but reserve well ahead because tables sell out.
When is Lights in Bloom at Selby Gardens?
It usually runs from early December into early January at Selby's downtown campus, with timed tickets in the evening. Check selby.org for 2026 dates and buy tickets early.
When is The Nutcracker in Sarasota in 2026?
The Sarasota Ballet performs The Nutcracker Dec. 20 to 22, 2026, at the Sarasota Opera House, plus Dec. 11 and 12 in Venice. A separate touring production plays the Van Wezel on Dec. 29.
What time is sunset in Sarasota in December?
Around 5:35 to 5:45 p.m. through the month, so plan to be on the beach by about 5 p.m.
Is Sarasota busy at Christmas?
Yes. The weeks from Christmas through New Year's are among the busiest of the year, so book lodging, flights and dinner reservations early.
What should I pack for Sarasota in December?
Shorts and T-shirts for the day, plus a sweatshirt or light jacket for evenings, sunscreen and a hat. If you forget the warm layer, we carry sweatshirts and hoodies on St. Armands Circle.
Come See the Circle Lit Up
If you're in town for the holidays, come see us at 410 St. Armands Circle. The Circle is at its prettiest in December, and we're happy to point you to parking, the trolley stop or a good spot to watch the tree lighting. Can't make it this year? You can shop the Keys online and send a little Sarasota to someone back home.