Where To See Santa In Sarasota This Christmas Season

SARASOTA COUNTY, FL — Santa Claus will be back in the Sarasota area this holiday season after a couple of years of COVID-19 restrictions that made it difficult for kids to crawl up on his lap and make their case that they’ve been good boys and girls over the last year.

Visits and pictures with Santa are at the heart of many families’ holiday traditions, but the coronavirus pandemic gave them a lump of coal. Malls and other places took social distancing measures in both 2020 and 2021 to help contain the spread of the virus, moving Santa meet-ups largely online.

Virtual visits are still an option in many places, but there’s nothing quite like seeing jolly old St. Nick live and in person. In Sarasota County, kids have several chances:

• Sarasota Christmas Tree Lighting at Selby Five Points Park in Sarasota: Dec. 1, 6 to 8 p.m. Take photos with Santa at this annual Christmas tree lighting.
• Sensory Santa at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 2256 Bahia Vista Street, Sarasota: Dec. 10, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Presented by Face Autism, this visit with Santa features lower lighting, soft music, therapy dogs, no standing in line and more.
• Breakfast with Santa at Laurel Park and Newtown Estates: Dec. 17, 10 a.m. to noon. Hosted by Sarasota County. Enjoy breakfast, holiday music and a visit by Santa. Registration is required. Unwrapped toy donations for children 12 and under are accepted at various county locations through Dec. 12.
• Breakfast with Santa at Old Miakka United Methodist Church, 1620 Myakka Road, Sarasota. Dec. 17, 9:30 to 11 a.m. This is a free event.
• Breakfast with Santa at Old Salty Dog City Island, 1601 Ken Thompson Pkwy., Sarasota: Dec. 18, 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. This annual breakfast features Santa, Mrs. Claus and members of the Sarasota Police Department.
• The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota: Take pictures with Santa and visit Santa’s Flight Academy in UTC’s Grand Court through Dec. 23. Reservations are recommended.

Santa arrived Nov. 12 at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Santa’s Wonderland and will hold court through Christmas Eve. Reservations are encouraged.

JC Penney stores, including stores in the Sarasota area, are offering professional portraits with Santa through Dec. 18.