Sarasota Family Christmas Activities (Venice, Siesta Key: houses, restaurant, prices)

[Hot Chocolate]

Hello Everyone
My family will be in Sarasota from 12/20-12/30. I was wondering what kind of activities we can find in Sarasota or the surrounding areas. Our kids are 18, 15, 12(twins), and 9. Hoping to find a couple of family friendly events that will appeal to everyone and aren't terribly expensive. We're from Indiana and we like seening new things on our annual Christmas roadtrip. Any suggestions?

[gettinoutofjersey]

theres been alot going on such as downtown parades, boat parades, arts and crafts fairs etc. i looked at all the sites i know and there is not much going on between now and christmas. maybe others can suggest something.

[Ladywithafan]

We've already had the boat parade, the dog parade & the atomic bazaar; SRQ likes to get all the big events in prior to the 25th of December when everyone's in full frenzy with shopping & family plans (my opinion). However, all the museums will be open, Ringling is family friendly. We've got Circus Sarasota, The big cat retreat (great shows)...get on facebook & see what comes up under sarasota for free/events...

[joeyddog]

Check out the Sarasota Tribune on-line. There is a place to click on the lower right side for a local calendar of events. You can filter by type of activity or child friendly, etc. I like to browse the entire listing cuz you never know what will turn up. I believe there is a fun trolley tour of lights that leaves from Burlington Coat Factory parking lot. I plan on doing it this year. Maybe someone can weigh in on whether it's worth it. The airboat in Myakka State Park is loads of fun: alligators galore, armadillos. There's also a canopy bridge over the park( short but a lot of fun with a great view of the area).I'd also recommend a trip to Bob's Train (a circus train converted to a restaurant and circus museum). Great Sunday brunch, open for lunch. Check my posts to get more info or DM me.

[Ladywithafan]

Solomon's Castle!!! Everybody loves Solomon's Castle. Just google it & check out the website. Took my sons a few years ago and they loved it.

[davery5872]

Originally Posted by joeyddog

Check out the Sarasota Tribune on-line. There is a place to click on the lower right side for a local calendar of events. You can filter by type of activity or child friendly, etc. I like to browse the entire listing cuz you never know what will turn up. I believe there is a fun trolley tour of lights that leaves from Burlington Coat Factory parking lot. I plan on doing it this year. Maybe someone can weigh in on whether it's worth it. The airboat in Myakka State Park is loads of fun: alligators galore, armadillos. There's also a canopy bridge over the park( short but a lot of fun with a great view of the area).I'd also recommend a trip to Bob's Train (a circus train converted to a restaurant and circus museum). Great Sunday brunch, open for lunch. Check my posts to get more info or DM me.

We did the trolley tour on Christmas Eve last year. It was pretty good, but we are not doing it this year. I think the newspaper has a section where people list the different houses with lights. We will probably just make on own tour this year.

[SoFLGal]

Herre are some events:

The Official Event Calendar of Sarasota, Siesta Key, Venice & Longboat

http://www.sarasota.com/events.php

[Rushmore]

Go to the Moscow Ballet's The Nutcracker ("The Great Russian Nutcracker") at the Van Wezel on the 26th.

My wife and I went to the Florida Nutcracker at the Sarasota Opera House last week, and it will definitely be a tradition. It is exceptionally festive. I don't even really like the ballet, but this is a perfect Christmas event: dinner at The Bijou, then across the street to the Opera House for the Nutcracker, then drinks next door at the Chop House.

Sorry, got derailed. The tickets aren't cheap, but they're nothing like what you would pay in NY or DC, and they're actually less than you would pay for Busch Gardens or Disney, so I think it's a bit of a no-brainer. It's The Moscow Ballet; there are no big dancing mice.

Oh wait. Yes there are.

[Ladywithafan]

Check out WSLR events as well; going to see Gandulf Murphy & the Slambovian Circus of Dreams Friday night @ Holly Hall...

[davery5872]

Originally Posted by Rushmore

Go to the Moscow Ballet's The Nutcracker ("The Great Russian Nutcracker") at the Van Wezel on the 26th.

My wife and I went to the Florida Nutcracker at the Sarasota Opera House last week, and it will definitely be a tradition. It is exceptionally festive. I don't even really like the ballet, but this is a perfect Christmas event: dinner at The Bijou, then across the street to the Opera House for the Nutcracker, then drinks next door at the Chop House.

Sorry, got derailed. The tickets aren't cheap, but they're nothing like what you would pay in NY or DC, and they're actually less than you would pay for Busch Gardens or Disney, so I think it's a bit of a no-brainer. It's The Moscow Ballet; there are no big dancing mice.

Oh wait. Yes there are.

We were going to see the Moscow Ballet's Nutcracker, but decided to see it in Ohio before we came down. The ticket prices for the Moscow Ballet are not really bad. I wish we could make to the local version of the Nutcracker.