5 Christmas Light Displays and Tree Lightings in Sarasota and Bradenton for 2026
The biggest light displays in Sarasota and Bradenton for 2026 are Lights in Bloom at Selby Gardens, Holidays at UTC and Winter Nights Under the Lights at Palma Sola Botanical Park. Venice adds a Christmas tree lighting on November 27 and a Christmas Walk on December 3.
This list only includes displays whose 2026 dates are posted by the organizer. Some drive through and neighborhood displays had not posted 2026 dates when we checked, so we left them out rather than guess.
1.Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Sarasota
More than two million lights across the gardens and walkways at Lights in Bloom.
Lights in Bloom is Selby Gardens' holiday light show on its Downtown Sarasota campus, with more than two million lights illuminating the gardens and walkways. The 2026 season runs December 5, 2026 to January 2, 2027.
- Know before you go
- Downtown Sarasota campus, 1534 Mound Street. Selby lists both campuses closed on Christmas Day; the page does not list other closed nights, so check before you go.
- Best time
- December 5, 2026 to January 2, 2027. Early entry 5:30 to 9:00 PM, general entry 6:30 to 9:00 PM.
- Local tip
- Advance purchase is strongly encouraged, so book your entry time before you go.
2.The Mall at University Town Center
Nightly light shows, carriage rides and Saturday fireworks at Holidays at UTC.
Holidays at UTC runs November 14 to January 3 with a nightly light show from 6:30 to 9:30 PM and festive fireworks every Saturday night. The season page also lists Santa's Grand Arrival Parade, The Rink at UTC, Wonderland Circus by Nik Wallenda and Holiday Movies Under the Stars, which it describes as free.
- Know before you go
- Carriage rides, the rink and the circus are separate attractions; the season page does not state admission for them.
- Best time
- November 14 to January 3. Light shows nightly 6:30 to 9:30 PM; carriage rides Thursday to Sunday 6 to 10 PM; fireworks every Saturday night.
- Local tip
- Check the season page for the specific date and time of each add on event, since the page does not list dates for the parade, rink or circus.
3.Palma Sola Botanical Park
Free botanical garden holiday lights with Santa, food trucks and a gift market.
Winter Nights Under the Lights fills the park with acres of holiday lights, decorated trees and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Food trucks, a gift market, hot cider, crafts and live holiday music are also listed, and Toys for Tots is part of the event.
- Know before you go
- Admission is listed as free. Pets are not allowed.
- Best time
- Thursday to Sunday, December 17 to 20, 2026, 6 to 9 PM.
- Local tip
- Plan an evening visit; the event runs only four nights.
4.Historic Downtown Venice, FL
Venice's Christmas Walk lights up decorated trees and storefront windows.
The Christmas Walk keeps local shops open later, with treats, live music and decorated trees lit along the downtown avenues. Strolling past the decorated holiday storefront windows is part of the evening.
- Know before you go
- Organized by Venice MainStreet. The page does not say whether the event is free.
- Best time
- Thursday, December 3, 2026, 5 to 8 PM.
- Local tip
- Walk the Miami, Tampa and West Venice avenues for the lit trees and window displays.
5.Centennial Park
Venice's Christmas tree lighting at Centennial Park, with choirs and Santa.
The Mayor's Hometown Christmas kicks off the season in downtown Venice with a Christmas tree lighting, performances by local choirs including The Venice Chorale, and time with Santa. You can also shop and dine in the Historic Downtown Venice businesses.
- Know before you go
- At Centennial Park, 200 West Venice Avenue. The organizer page does not say whether the event is free.
- Best time
- Friday, November 27, 2026, 5 to 7 PM.
- Local tip
- Bring chairs or blankets, as the organizer advises.
Dates and hours can change, so check each organizer page before you go. Plan more of your Florida Christmas season on Wayfind at https://www.gowayfind.com/christmas-in-florida.
Frequently asked questions
When does Lights in Bloom at Selby Gardens start in 2026?
Selby Gardens lists Lights in Bloom for December 5, 2026 to January 2, 2027 on its Downtown Sarasota campus, with early entry 5:30 to 9:00 PM and general entry 6:30 to 9:00 PM.
Is there a free Christmas light display in Bradenton?
Palma Sola Botanical Park lists Winter Nights Under the Lights as free admission on December 17 to 20, 2026, from 6 to 9 PM. Pets are not allowed.
When are the light shows at Holidays at UTC?
The University Town Center season page lists light shows nightly from 6:30 to 9:30 PM during its November 14 to January 3 season.
When is the Venice Christmas tree lighting?
The Mayor's Hometown Christmas is Friday, November 27, 2026, from 5 to 7 PM at Centennial Park, and includes a Christmas tree lighting.
Should I buy Lights in Bloom tickets ahead?
Selby Gardens says advance purchase is strongly encouraged.
