It’s the final weekend before Christmas, and we have five fun events happening in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
These include dazzling holiday lights at Selby Gardens in downtown Sarasota, a festive market with live music at Oscura in Bradenton, a free showing of the beloved Christmas comedy “Elf” at University Town Center, Nik Wallenda’s holiday circus under a big top nearby at UTC, and a Sunday afternoon of live music and smoked meats with Kettle of Fish at Stottlemyer’s.
Crab & Fin restaurant reopening this weekend
In addition to the five events featured below, I’m happy to share that St. Armands Circle dining icon Crab & Fin, which has been serving Sarasota since 1978, is set to reopen following an extended temporary closure caused by damage from hurricanes Helene and Milton.“Just wanted to let you and your culinary followers know that, after an extensive remodel and the replacement of every piece of equipment in our restaurant, Crab & Fin on St. Armands Circle will be reopening this weekend,” owner Scott Macdonald said via email.Crab & Fin, located at 420 St. Armands Circle, will reopen at 11:30 a.m. Friday. For more information, call 941-388-3964 or visit crabfinrestaurant.com.
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1. Lights in Bloom at Selby Gardens in Sarasota
Selby Gardens’ Lights in Bloom is back at the downtown Sarasota campus, featuring more than two million lights, illuminating the gardens and walkways. New this year, Selby’s sustainable restaurant The Green Orchid by Michael’s on East, will be open from 5 to 9 p.m. for full sit-down dinner service.
Featuring more than two million lights, the annual Lights in Bloom display illuminates the gardens and walkways of Selby Gardens’ downtown Sarasota campus, which overlooks Sarasota Bay. Visitors can enjoy holiday photo opportunities, activities, and entertainment, with food and beverages available for purchase from vendors including Michael’s on East Food Tent, Purple Belle Ice Cream, Five-O Donuts, Reform Coffee, and Uncle Dave’s Popcorn. Additionally, The Green Orchid by Michael’s on East, one of my favorite new restaurants of 2024, will be open from 5 to 9 p.m. for full sit-down dinner service. 6:30 p.m. general entry (5:30 p.m. early entry) today through Saturday and other select dates through Jan. 1 on select nights; Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota; $34-$44 adults, $29-$39 members, $19-$24 ages 5-17, free ages 4 and under; 941-366-5731; selby.org
2. Groovehive Market Festive Faire at Oscura in Bradenton
Oscura — a café offering locally sourced, vegan, and gluten-free options, along with live entertainment and events — is located at 816 Manatee Ave. E. in Bradenton.
Shop in indie style for that special someone at this market featuring 30-plus vendors offering thrift and vintage items, handmade art, clothing, goods, food trucks, and alcoholic beverages. In addition, enjoy live music by Wyatt Norton of Beach Terror, Lesa Silvermore & Gabe Hernandez, Ending Apathy, Cherish This, and Neverglades. 2-7 p.m. Sunday; Oscura, 816 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton; free admission; 941-201-4950; oscura.live
3. Free showing of ‘Elf’ at University Town Center in Sarasota
University Town Center’s popular Holiday Movies Under the Stars series continues with the 2003 Christmas comedy classic “Elf,” starring Will Ferrell, James Caan, and Zooey Deschanel. First, though, consider dining at one of UTC’s 10 best restaurants, and then enjoy on-site concessions starting at 6 p.m. The outdoor theater is located in the West District at the UTC parking lot, right by Ford’s Garage, which is convenient for those seeking an adult beverage. Limited seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets, with early arrival suggested. 7 p.m. Saturday; University Town Center, 295 N. Cattlemen Road, Sarasota; free; utcsarasota.com
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4. Wonderland Presents: Illuminate! at UTC in Sarasota
High-wire artists Nik Wallenda and Erendira Wallenda perform during Wonderland Presents: Illuminate! at University Town Center in Sarasota.
World-famous Sarasota-born high-wire artist Nik Wallenda presents his holiday-themed circus show in partnership with the Circus Arts Conservatory. Held under a big top outside The Mall at University Town Center, this family-friendly production promises “thrilling circus acts,” “mesmerizing aerial performances,” and “uplifting holiday storytelling.” Today through Jan. 5; University Town Center, 257 N. Cattlemen Road, Sarasota; $35-$100, $10 parking; 941-355-9805; wonderlandcircus.com
5. Kettle of Fish at Stottlemyer’s Smokehouse in Sarasota
Dana Lawrence is the lead singer, songwriter, and rhythm guitarist of Kettle of Fish, which performs at 4 p.m. Sunday at Stottlemyer’s Smokehouse in Sarasota.
Stottlemyer’s Smokehouse is always a fun destination for barbecue or fried chicken, perhaps paired with some adult beverages, but it’s especially a good time on Sunday afternoons under the tiki when Kettle of Fish is playing. Led by singer, songwriter, and rhythm guitarist Dana Lawrence, this talented band delivers a winning mix of classic rock, blues, reggae, and New Orleans soul chestnuts, along with equally exciting originals by Lawrence. 4-7 p.m. Sunday; Stottlemyer’s Smokehouse, 19 East Road, Sarasota; 941-312-5969; stottlemyerssmokehouse.com
Wade Tatangelo is Ticket Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and Florida Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram and X. He can be reached by email at wade.tatangelo@heraldtribune.com.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: 5 best things to do in Sarasota, Bradenton this weekend: Dec. 20-22
