The Sarasota area has 10 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Venice Holiday Parade with the Pop-Up Library in Venice on November 28 to Holiday Music with the Hawaiian Shirts Ukulele Band in Sarasota, on December 22. Every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in Florida, part of our guide for every state.
The short version
- 10 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Sarasota for 2026, in Sarasota and Venice
- First: Venice Holiday Parade with the Pop-Up Library, Venice, November 28. Runs latest: Holiday Music with the Hawaiian Shirts Ukulele Band, Sarasota, through December 22
- Every event here charges admission or a ticket; check each host
- Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Florida Christmas train rides page.
Sarasota Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 10 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Sarasota and Venice
- Season
- November 28 to December 22, 2026
- Free events
- 0
- Kinds of events
- holiday show, holiday parade, tree lighting and breakfast with Santa
- Last checked
Plan your December
When each Sarasota Christmas event for kids happens
The first is Venice Holiday Parade with the Pop-Up Library in Venice on November 28; the last runs to December 22. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- Venice Holiday Parade with the Pop-Up LibraryVenice · Nov 28
- Wellen WonderlandVenice · Dec 4 to Dec 5
- A Visit with SantaSarasota · Dec 5
- A Christmas CarolVenice · Dec 9 to Dec 22
- A Christmas Carol Read-AloudVenice · Dec 10
- Holiday SplendorSarasota · Dec 10 to Dec 17
- Holiday Craft NightVenice · Dec 17
- Ring Sarasota: A Hand Bell Program of Holiday MusicSarasota · Dec 17
- Holiday Concert: Amy MendonVenice · Dec 22
- Holiday Music with the Hawaiian Shirts Ukulele BandSarasota · Dec 22
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Sarasota? Bring Rally home.
Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $16.99 on Amazon.
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Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Christmas events for kids in Sarasota
4 confirmed events for kids in Sarasota, soonest first.
Sarasota: A Visit with Santa
Breakfast with SantaThe John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art · Sarasota
- Host
- The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 9 am to 2 pm
- Cost
- Santa visit includes complimentary Bayfront Gardens admission; breakfast pricing to be announced
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Ringling offers two chances to see Santa on Saturday, December 5. From 9 to 11 am there is a breakfast with Santa in the Ringling Grillroom, and the museum notes that more information will be posted, so it is worth checking back for details before you plan to eat there.
From 11 am to 2 pm, everyone is invited to visit Santa in the John M. McKay Visitors Pavilion, and that visit comes with complimentary admission to The Ringling Bayfront Gardens. Between 10 am and 1 pm, families can also take part in free art making in the MakerSpace, which gives children something hands-on to do while they wait or after they have seen Santa. The campus sits right on Sarasota Bay, so the gardens make a good place to walk off the morning before heading home.
Parent tip: Breakfast details were still marked as coming soon, so confirm the Grillroom menu and any cost on the event page before you go.
See dates and details from The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art (opens in a new tab)Sarasota: Holiday Splendor
Santa visitThe John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art · Sarasota
- Host
- The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Museum of Art Courtyard, The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
- When
- Thu December 10 and Thu December 17, 2026, 5 to 8 pm
- Cost
- Free with one unwrapped toy per person; otherwise $15 adult, $5 child
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Holiday Splendor returns to the Museum of Art Courtyard on two Thursday evenings, December 10 and December 17, from 5 to 8 pm. The evening includes a visit with Santa, face painting, food trucks with food for sale, and live music from local school groups.
The event supports the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots. Bring one unwrapped toy per person and you receive complimentary admission. Without a toy donation, regular admission applies at $15 for adults and $5 for children. If you forget a gift, the Museum Store sells a large selection of toys under $20, and guests are asked to enter through the Visitors Pavilion. It is a relaxed, outdoor setting on the Ringling campus, so children can wander the courtyard while adults listen to the performances.
Parent tip: Toys must be unwrapped. Enter through the Visitors Pavilion, and shop the Museum Store if you need a last minute toy.
See dates and details from The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art (opens in a new tab)Sarasota: Ring Sarasota: A Hand Bell Program of Holiday Music
Holiday showSarasota County Libraries · Sarasota
- Host
- Sarasota County Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Gulf Gate Library, 7112 Curtiss Ave, Sarasota, FL 34231
- When
- Thursday, December 17, 2026, 2 to 3 pm
- Cost
- No fee listed; first come, first seated
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Gulf Gate Library hosts the Ring Sarasota handbell ensemble for an hour of holiday music in Meeting Room AB. The library describes it as a fun-filled hour of holiday handbell sparkle and invites visitors to bring a friend.
The program is marked for all ages, so children can watch and listen to the bells along with adults. Seating is first come, first seated, and the page does not list a registration requirement or a price. The performance takes place on Thursday afternoon, December 17, from 2 to 3 pm. Families who want to learn more about the ensemble can follow the link to Ring Sarasota on the library page. Handbell music is a gentle, short concert format that works well for children who like music but may not be ready for a long show.
Parent tip: Seating is first come, first seated, so arrive early if your group wants to sit together.
See dates and details from Sarasota County Libraries (opens in a new tab)Sarasota: Holiday Music with the Hawaiian Shirts Ukulele Band
Holiday showSarasota County Libraries · Sarasota
- Host
- Sarasota County Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Gulf Gate Library, 7112 Curtiss Ave, Sarasota, FL 34231
- When
- Tuesday, December 22, 2026, 2 to 3 pm
- Cost
- No fee listed; first come, first seated
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Hawaiian Shirts Ukulele Band brings an hour of holiday tunes to the Gulf Gate Library in Meeting Room AB. The library promises a joyful program with laughter and lighthearted fun as the ukuleles ring and festive spirits soar.
The program is listed for all ages, which makes it a relaxed pick for families during winter break. Seating is first come, first seated, and the page does not mention registration or a ticket price. The concert is on Tuesday, December 22, from 2 to 3 pm. A ukulele band is a friendly, informal sound for young children, and the short hour length helps keep little ones comfortable. Gulf Gate Library is in south Sarasota on Curtiss Avenue, with the library phone number listed on the event page for questions.
Parent tip: Arrive early for seats, since seating is first come, first seated.
See dates and details from Sarasota County Libraries (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Venice
6 confirmed events for kids in Venice, soonest first.
Venice: Venice Holiday Parade with the Pop-Up Library
Holiday paradeSarasota County Libraries · Venice
- Host
- Sarasota County Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Venice Holiday Parade, downtown Venice (route not listed on the library page), Venice, FL 34285 (near Sarasota)
- When
- Saturday, November 28, 2026, 6:30 to 9 pm
- Cost
- No fee listed
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Sarasota County Libraries brings its Pop-Up Library to the Venice Holiday Parade to help launch the season. The library page explains that this parade is especially notable for three anniversaries: 50 years of the City of Venice Holiday Parade, 100 years for the City itself, and 250 years for America.
The library listing covers 6:30 to 9 pm on Saturday, November 28, and welcomes all ages. The page gives the location as still to be decided, so before you leave, read the parade details from the City of Venice for the route and spots to watch. An evening parade makes an easy family outing, and the Pop-Up Library lets you meet library staff and hear about coming kids programs. The event page has contact information for the library outreach team.
Parent tip: The library page says the location is still to be decided, so check the parade route and a spot to watch with the City of Venice first.
See dates and details from Sarasota County Libraries (opens in a new tab)Venice: Wellen Wonderland
Tree lightingWellen Park · Venice
- Host
- Wellen Park (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Downtown Wellen Park, Wellen Park Blvd, Venice, FL 34293 (near Sarasota)
- When
- Fri December 4 (5:30 to 9 pm) and Sat December 5 (6 to 9 pm), 2026
- Cost
- Price not listed; Glow Bike Ride requires registration
- Ages
- All ages
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Wellen Wonderland kicks off on Friday, December 4 with a Christmas tree lighting with Santa by the Grand Lake at about 6:15 pm. Friday evening also brings a Christmas market, holiday figure skaters, live music on the Solis Hall Stage, and Christmas crafts for kids, where children decorate ornaments while supplies last starting at 5:30 pm.
Pictures with Santa run Friday from 6:30 to 8 pm and again on Saturday, December 5 from 6:15 to 8 pm. Saturday adds Holiday Dueling Pianos from 6 to 9 pm and a Glow Bike Ride at 6 pm from the Hammock Lawns next to Banyan House. Riders decorate their bikes with lights, and everyone must wear a helmet regardless of age. The event is held outdoors in Downtown Wellen. If the weather turns bad, the organizers say it will be canceled or rescheduled.
Parent tip: Register ahead for the Glow Bike Ride and bring helmets. Check the Wellen Park page on the day in case of weather changes.
See dates and details from Wellen Park (opens in a new tab)Venice: A Christmas Carol
Holiday showVenice Theatre · Venice
- Host
- Venice Theatre (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Venice Theatre, 140 W Tampa Ave, Venice, FL 34285 (near Sarasota)
- When
- Wednesday, December 9, 2026 to Tuesday, December 22, 2026 (performance days and times vary; see box office)
- Cost
- Youth (child to high school) $19, adults and seniors $35, college students and educators $26
- Ages
- Youth tickets for child through high school
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Venice Theatre presents its own original musical based on Charles Dickens' classic tale, with book and lyrics by Scott Keys and original music by E. Suzan Ott. The production runs December 9 through 22, giving families a number of dates to choose from.
Tickets are $35 for adults and seniors, $26 for college students and current educators, and $19 for youth, which covers children through high school. The theatre notes that the schooltime performance is sold out, but public performances are listed through its ticket page. A stage musical is a good way to introduce older children to the Dickens story, with songs to keep the pace moving. Individual performance days and start times are on the theatre's ticket page, so check them before choosing a date.
Parent tip: The schooltime performance is sold out. Check the ticket page for public show times before you go.
See dates and details from Venice Theatre (opens in a new tab)Venice: A Christmas Carol Read-Aloud
Holiday story timeSarasota County Libraries · Venice
- Host
- Sarasota County Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library, 300 Nokomis Ave S, Venice, FL 34285 (near Sarasota)
- When
- Thursday, December 10, 2026, 4 to 6 pm
- Cost
- No fee listed; registration required
- Ages
- Children, tweens, teens, adults and families
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Venice Library hosts a festive evening built around an abridged version of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Actors from the Venice Theatre play Scrooge and the Narrator, and the library will ask for volunteers from the audience to take the other main roles, so children who like to perform can join in.
The program also has live music, carols, cookies and hot cocoa. At the end, two tickets to A Christmas Carol at the Venice Theatre will be raffled off. The Community Room event runs from 4 to 6 pm and is open to children, tweens, teens, adults and families. Registration is required, and the page showed 119 seats remaining when checked. Registration closes at the start time on the day of the event, so sign up ahead.
Parent tip: Register through the library event page before 4 pm on December 10. Volunteers are chosen from the audience for the story roles.
See dates and details from Sarasota County Libraries (opens in a new tab)Venice: Holiday Craft Night
Holiday craftsSarasota County Libraries · Venice
- Host
- Sarasota County Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library, 4143 Woodmere Park Blvd, Venice, FL 34293 (near Sarasota)
- When
- Thursday, December 17, 2026, 3:30 to 4:30 pm
- Cost
- No fee listed
- Ages
- Youth, children and tweens
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Jacaranda Library in Venice invites youth, children and tweens to get into the holiday spirit with an afternoon of festive crafts in the Youth Activity Room. The page lists bejeweled Christmas trees, beaded snowflakes and ornament decorating as the featured projects, so children can choose what to make.
The session runs from 3:30 to 4:30 pm on Thursday, December 17, a convenient after-school time for families. The library lists contact details for questions, and no price is shown on the page. Because the page is aimed at school-age children and tweens rather than toddlers, it suits kids who can handle small beads and decorations on their own. Wear clothes that can handle a little glitter or glue.
Parent tip: The page does not mention registration, so call the library at the number on the event page if you want to confirm space for a larger group.
See dates and details from Sarasota County Libraries (opens in a new tab)Venice: Holiday Concert: Amy Mendon
Holiday showSarasota County Libraries · Venice
- Host
- Sarasota County Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library, 300 Nokomis Ave S, Venice, FL 34285 (near Sarasota)
- When
- Tuesday, December 22, 2026, 3 to 4 pm
- Cost
- No fee listed; no registration required
- Ages
- Children, tweens, teens, adults and families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Venice Library welcomes back soprano Amanda Mendon and pianist Jesse Martins for its annual holiday concert in the Community Room. The duo performs all-time holiday favorites, and the soprano leads a sing-along so the whole audience can join in.
The program is listed for children, tweens, teens, adults and families, which makes it an easy outing for a mixed age group during winter break. No registration is required, but seating is limited, so plan to arrive early if you want a spot together. The concert runs from 3 to 4 pm on Tuesday, December 22, a few days before Christmas, and it fits well into an afternoon of errands or other holiday plans in Venice. Venice Library is on Nokomis Avenue South, and the library phone number is on the event page.
Parent tip: Seating is limited and first come, so arrive a little early with younger children.
See dates and details from Sarasota County Libraries (opens in a new tab)Looking further afield? Our Florida Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, Tallahassee, Pensacola, Gainesville, Fort Lauderdale, St. Petersburg and West Palm Beach. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.
A story for the drive home
A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on AmazonSarasota Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Sarasota in 2026?
We confirmed 10 Christmas events for kids in Sarasota for 2026 on each host’s own page: Venice Holiday Parade with the Pop-Up Library in Venice (November 28), Wellen Wonderland in Venice (December 4), A Visit with Santa in Sarasota (December 5), A Christmas Carol in Venice (December 9), A Christmas Carol Read-Aloud in Venice (December 10), Holiday Splendor in Sarasota (December 10), Holiday Craft Night in Venice (December 17), Ring Sarasota: A Hand Bell Program of Holiday Music in Sarasota (December 17), Holiday Concert: Amy Mendon in Venice (December 22) and Holiday Music with the Hawaiian Shirts Ukulele Band in Sarasota (December 22). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.
What Christmas events for kids are in Sarasota, Florida?
For families in and around Sarasota, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: A Visit with Santa (Sat, Dec 5, 9 am to 2 pm (breakfast 9 to 11, Santa 11 to 2), santa visit includes complimentary bayfront gardens admission; breakfast pricing to be announced); Holiday Splendor (Thursdays, Dec 10 and Dec 17, 5 to 8 pm, free with one unwrapped toy per person; otherwise $15 adult, $5 child); Ring Sarasota: A Hand Bell Program of Holiday Music (Thu, Dec 17, 2 to 3 pm, no fee listed; first come, first seated); Holiday Music with the Hawaiian Shirts Ukulele Band (Tue, Dec 22, 2 to 3 pm, no fee listed; first come, first seated). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Sarasota section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Venice, Florida?
For families in and around Venice, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Venice Holiday Parade with the Pop-Up Library (Sat, Nov 28, 6:30 to 9 pm, no fee listed); Wellen Wonderland (Fri, Dec 4, 5:30 to 9 pm and Sat, Dec 5, 6 to 9 pm, price not listed; glow bike ride requires registration); A Christmas Carol (Dec 9 to 22 (see the theatre for show times), youth (child to high school) $19, adults and seniors $35, college students and educators $26); A Christmas Carol Read-Aloud (Thu, Dec 10, 4 to 6 pm, no fee listed; registration required); Holiday Craft Night (Thu, Dec 17, 3:30 to 4:30 pm, no fee listed); Holiday Concert: Amy Mendon (Tue, Dec 22, 3 to 4 pm, no fee listed; no registration required). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Venice section of this page.
Where can kids see Santa in Sarasota this December?
Santa appears at Wellen Wonderland in Venice (December 4), A Visit with Santa in Sarasota (December 5) and Holiday Splendor in Sarasota (December 10). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Sarasota?
Holiday story times on this page: A Christmas Carol Read-Aloud in Venice. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.
Where can we have breakfast or a meal with Santa in Sarasota?
Meals with Santa confirmed for 2026: A Visit with Santa in Sarasota (Sat, Dec 5, 9 am to 2 pm (breakfast 9 to 11, Santa 11 to 2)). These usually sell out, so book as soon as you pick a date.
How much is Venice Holiday Parade with the Pop-Up Library in Venice?
No fee listed. Venice Holiday Parade with the Pop-Up Library is on Saturday, November 28, 2026, 6:30 to 9 pm at Venice Holiday Parade, downtown Venice (route not listed on the library page). Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Wellen Wonderland in Venice?
Price not listed; Glow Bike Ride requires registration. Wellen Wonderland is on Fri December 4 (5:30 to 9 pm) and Sat December 5 (6 to 9 pm), 2026 at Downtown Wellen Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is A Visit with Santa in Sarasota?
Santa visit includes complimentary Bayfront Gardens admission; breakfast pricing to be announced. A Visit with Santa is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 9 am to 2 pm at The Ringling. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is A Christmas Carol in Venice?
Youth (child to high school) $19, adults and seniors $35, college students and educators $26. A Christmas Carol is on Wednesday, December 9, 2026 to Tuesday, December 22, 2026 (performance days and times vary; see box office) at Venice Theatre. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is A Christmas Carol Read-Aloud in Venice?
No fee listed; registration required. A Christmas Carol Read-Aloud is on Thursday, December 10, 2026, 4 to 6 pm at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holiday Splendor in Sarasota?
Free with one unwrapped toy per person; otherwise $15 adult, $5 child. Holiday Splendor is on Thu December 10 and Thu December 17, 2026, 5 to 8 pm at Museum of Art Courtyard, The Ringling. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holiday Craft Night in Venice?
No fee listed. Holiday Craft Night is on Thursday, December 17, 2026, 3:30 to 4:30 pm at Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Ring Sarasota: A Hand Bell Program of Holiday Music in Sarasota?
No fee listed; first come, first seated. Ring Sarasota: A Hand Bell Program of Holiday Music is on Thursday, December 17, 2026, 2 to 3 pm at Gulf Gate Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holiday Concert: Amy Mendon in Venice?
No fee listed; no registration required. Holiday Concert: Amy Mendon is on Tuesday, December 22, 2026, 3 to 4 pm at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holiday Music with the Hawaiian Shirts Ukulele Band in Sarasota?
No fee listed; first come, first seated. Holiday Music with the Hawaiian Shirts Ukulele Band is on Tuesday, December 22, 2026, 2 to 3 pm at Gulf Gate Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Sarasota?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Sarasota Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
