SARASOTA, Fla. – Sarasota County has a flurry of holiday events this season for travelers looking for a tropical, yet festive destination to enjoy time with loved ones.

Holly Days and Mangrove Lights
November 28, 2014-January 1, 2015
Historic Spanish Point
337 N Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL 34229

Enjoy a stroll through the grounds and gardens of this “Old Florida” historic site on Sarasota Bay as it celebrates the holiday season with lots of lights.

Annual Light up the Village Parade and Open House
November 29, 2014; 6-9 p.m.
Siesta Key Village
Ocean Blvd. Sarasota, FL
www.siestakeyvillage.org

Siesta Key Village will salute the holidays with a family-friendly affair. Free trolley rides from one of America's best beaches, Siesta Beach, will be available throughout the evening.

Venice Holiday Parade
November 29, 2014
www.veniceholidayparade.com

Music, lights and food precede this holiday parade assembled of more than 3,000 merry participants.

Holiday Splendor at The Ringling
December 4, 2014
The Ringling
5401 Bay Shore Road Sarasota, FL 34231
www.ringling.org

The Ringling extends their hours into the evening once a year for a holiday celebration with music and performances by local elementary, middle and high schools. Admission is an unwrapped toy per guest.

Holiday Night of Lights on St. Armands Circle
December 5, 2014
St. Armands Circle
300 Madison Drive Sarasota, FL 34236
www.starmandscircleassoc.com

Join merchants and guests at the annual lighting of the tree in the heart of St. Armands Circle shopping and dining district. Performances by the Cuban Ballet School, a sing-a-long of carols and a Santa parade will get guests into the spirit.

38th Annual Sandy Claws Beach Run
December 6, 2014; 7 a.m.
Siesta Beach on Siesta Key
965 Beach Road

Runners will hit the snow-white sands of Siesta Beach for this festive annual 5K race and one-mile fun run.

Venice Boat Parade of Lights
December 6, 2014; 6 p.m.
Along the Venetian Waterway
Albee Road Bridge
www.venicechristmasboatparade.com

Decorated boats will cruise the waterways of Venice for this evening spectacle of lights.

Atomic Holiday Bazaar
December 6&7, 2014
Sarasota Municipal Auditorium
801 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236
www.atomicholidaybazaar.com

Shop for hand-crafted gifts from local vendors at this popular extravaganza.

Holiday Parade in Downtown Sarasota
December 6, 2014; 6 p.m.

Sarasota's Main Street turns into a wonderland of boats, floats and motorcycles at this themed holiday parade.

Holiday Boat Parade
December 12, 2014; 6 p.m.
Sarasota Bayfront/Marina Jack's
2 Marina Jack's Plaza, Sarasota, FL 34236
sarasotachristmasboatparade.com

This annual favorite draws a crowd. A parade of boats decked with holiday lights and seasonal charm coast along Sarasota Bay after the sun goes down making the night sparkle with joy.

For a complete list of events and happenings, please go to www.visitsarasota.org/events . To request more information regarding the above-listed events, please contact Lynn Hobeck Bates at 941-955-0991 Ext. 103 or lhobeck@visitsarasota.org.