Guide to Celebrating the Holidays in Sarasota, Florida

I've always loved Christmas pageants, and festivals. My first pageant was when I was about 4 years old. I cried for days, because I was told I couldn't be in it. They told me I was too young to remember my lines. After some badgering from my cousins, the teachers finally gave in. I don't know if it was because of my forlorn look, or that they were just tired of me crying all the time. So, I was told to learn my lines, and if I could repeat them at rehearsal, without too much trouble, I could be in the pageant. Being the determined person I am, I proved to them that I could do it. I learned my lines and everyone was so impressed, they gave me a bigger part in the pageant. Needless to say, that made me feel very grown up, and I bragged about that part, until my family told me to zip it, they'd heard enough.

I'm sorry to say, I never went to any outdoor Christmas festivals until I became an adult. The only thing that came close to it, was going to the community youth center, and waiting for Santa Claus to arrive by fire truck, so that all the children could stand in line, with our brown paper bags, and have someone fill them with apples, oranges, nuts, candy and a small Christmas toy. Usually a bolo bat, or jack stones, or pencils. I loved it, and looked forward to that until I became a teenager.

So, here I am, a lot of years later, and it doesn't matter if it's a Christmas pageant or a Christmas festival, I look forward to going to as many as I can. I'm sure it has a lot to do with the time of year, that makes them so special for me. I love Christmas! It's my favorite holiday, and I want to share with you, some of the annual events that take place at some of the churches in my neighborhood. I think it's a wonderful way for families to enjoy an inexpensive holiday outing.

The Tabernacle
4141 Desota Road
Sarasota, Florida 34231

The first time I attended the outdoor amphitheater at The Tabernacle, I didn't exactly know what to expect. I had read that their Christmas pageant was worth seeing, that it was free, and that they had great parking and seating. So, with this information, a friend and I thought we would go one evening, after work.

Their Christmas pageant is an outdoor living nativity, which is performed mainly by church members, and the students that attend their school. There are live animals in stalls, and live angles suspended in the air from cables. They have the three wise men, the shepherds, and even a real baby...in the role of "baby Jesus". This is all done with beautiful costumes, wonderful songs, scriptures, and holiday music.

On December 20th through the 23rd, The Tabernacle will present, "The Story of Christmas". There are two shows nightly, one at 7:00 p.m, and one at 8:00 p.m. This is a wonderful outing for the entire family. I enjoyed it tremendously. Especially when the sky is clear, the weather is cool and crisp, and there are plenty of stars and a full moon in the sky. For more information call, 941 355-8858.

Sarasota Christian Church
2923 Ashton Road
Sarasota, Florida 34231

The "Christmas Wonderland" festival has become so popular, that the Sarasota Christian Church, decided to hold it every year. This is a free outdoor event, and last year it drew at least 2000 people. It's also the churches' way of giving a Christmas gift to the community. I personally think it's a wonderful gift. This is a festival where the entire family can go, for an exciting and fun-filled, evening celebration with other people in the community.

I love this festival! I love the walk, the colors, and the smells. The smell of food, that is. It reminds me of being at the fair. It has something for all your senses. Christmas lights are hung every where they can be hung! There is even a tunnel of lighted trees. You will see hundreds of balloons...all the colors of the rainbow, and don't forget the clowns. There are Christmas puppet shows, and a nativity petting zoo...with costumed bible characters. There are holiday musicians and carolers. What about free pony rides, a roller racer rink, and family sleigh-bell rides.

You can also visit the elves' workshop, where you will find Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Or perhaps a lighted miniature village display...complete with falling "snow"! There is also an area where children can decorate cookies! But wait, I haven't even started on the free Whoville cotton candy...featuring none other than the Grinch, or the free snow cones, free cookies, hot dogs, and s'mores, and when you finish eating all of that, you can wash it all down with free hot cocoa, hot apple cider or other free drinks. As if this wasn't enough, they also have door prize drawings.

This is truly a wonderful gift from Sarasota Christian Church, this is a gift given freely, from the heart of a church who cares about the people, and although I'm only one person, I'm sure I can safely say thank you, from the people. The "Christmas Wonderland" will be held on the 3rd of December, and will start at 6:00p.m. Sarasota Christian Church, invites everyone to come and help them celebrate the reason for Christmas joy! For more information call, 941 924-0107

Sarasota Baptist Church
7091 Proctor
Sarasota, Florida 34241

Each year I can count on a fabulous Christmas pageant from Sarasota Baptist Church. Their pageants are performed so well, that people from all over the United States and other countries attend them. The stories are basically centered around everyday life and events that happen to all of us. They have a way of appealing to all our senses, our emotions, as well as bringing back memories of past events in our own lives.

I love Broadway style plays, and I also love music, dancing and drama. If you do to, then you'll love their pageants. The most amazing thing about this production, however, is that the cast, crew, musicians, actors and dancers, are all volunteers. These are people who enjoy what they're doing, and love bringing a story to life.

This year, Sarasota Baptist Church will present, "His Eyes of Love". It's about a religious man who doesn't believe in Christ. But after meeting certain people, and seeing certain events unfold before him, he comes to a point in his life, where he has to make a choice in what he believes. All of their past performances were outstanding, and I'm sure this year's performance will be the same.

"His Eyes of Love", will be performed at the Sarasota Opera House, on the 1st through the 4th of December. Ticket prices are $7.00 to $9.00 dollars. The price depends on where you sit. Even though this event is not free, it still makes for a beautiful and exciting evening out on the town, for the entire family. It gives me the opportunity to dress up just a little, and attend and an event that is equal to the plays on Broadway. The pageant is approximately 2 hours long and the doors don't open until 30 minutes before curtain.

This is only part of what I do, and the events I attend, during the Holiday season. There is so much out there, I won't have a problem finding something I'll enjoy. However, finding the time to attend these events, is another story. For more information call, 941 922-1449.