As the weather in your part of the world begins to wear on you with too much cold, too much wet, too much gray, here in Sarasota, the complete opposite is true, especially when you make our hometown your holiday escape. Offering a heartwarming charm that also includes the benefit of not having to layer on heavy clothes or fight traffic on snow-covered roads, for those who prefer a white Christmas, heading to the white sand beaches of Sarasota can give the same effect, only with a lot more serenity and a lot less frostbite on the bare toes buried in its soft glory. This guide to all the reasons that make spending your 2023 Christmas in Sarasota not just a good thing, but an incredibly wonderful thing to do, begins and ends with the best thing, a stay in one of our RentTheKeys holiday hideaways!
37th Annual Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, December 9, Bayfront Park/Marina Jack
We all love a parade, but when you add the beauty of the water and the sleek wonders of a boat to the activity, well, it just takes the celebration to an entirely new level of excitement. And the fact that the colorfully lit boats skimming across the water on a beautiful December night benefits the Suncoast Charities for Children just brings it all home to create a heartwarming festive celebration sure to be enjoyed by all. It costs nothing to view, but donations and toys are happily accepted and if you really want the best seats in the house, make reservations today for a table at Marina Jacks, enjoying a meal and a show during this magical event.
Holiday Tour of Lights, SRQ Trolley, December 4 through December 30
Viewing of the Christmas lights is a favorite holiday tradition, but if you are new to the area (as most vacationers are) you may find it difficult to go where the best lights are and SRQ Trolley has made it easier for you. Offering two tours a night on the above-mentioned days, their beautiful red and green trolley cars (already decked out in holiday colors) take guests on a colorful tour of the city, doing the driving so that you and your family can see the best of the best and not have to concentrate on the road, something you will really appreciate when you see what Sarasota has in store for you. These tours sell out quickly, so it would be wise to purchase your tickets early, perhaps even before you head south for the holiday.
Shop ‘Til You Drop!
This is the year where Santa’s gifts may all have a coastal flair, especially if his “helpers” do their shopping in Sarasota. The University Town Center is destined to be your new obsession, offering an open-air shopping experience that would be miserable in your hometown but is perfectly idyllic in sunny Sarasota. Dressed in its holiday finest, it will be hard NOT to feel festive as you shop for the perfect gift, letting the sun’s rays warm you to your soul! For visitors who want to be home for Christmas, however, and are visiting a little earlier in the month, there are always a variety of holiday markets that will be popping up all over town, including a Holiday Craft Fair held at New Covenant Family Church on December 9, starting at 9 AM, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled as you explore the town.
Our Version of a White Christmas
With a high in the 70s and the low rarely falling below 50, you may want to take your Christmas celebration to the beach where the white sands will give you and your family the most tranquil white Christmas ever experienced. Sarasota in the winter is a sight to behold and because our white sand beaches provide a festive cheer, snuggled up to the turquoise waters, you may want to enjoy your holiday feast on its colorful acreage and for the heartier guests flying in from cold climates, the water may still be warm enough for a Christmas afternoon swim! Open presents in your RentTheKeys holiday hideaway, toss together some turkey and gravy sandwiches (so moist) and spend the day savoring peace, serenity, and all the joy of this magical holiday.
Ho, Ho, Home with RentTheKeys
Our Sarasota sanctuaries offer all the comforts of home and can even be made more festive with the addition of a small tree surrounded by presents. Watch Hallmark Christmas movies on state-of-the-art televisions, dream about the presents you hope are under the tree in cloud soft beds and make yourself at home in our holiday hideaways. Reserve your favorite and contact us today!
