Holidays at UTC

The holidays shine brightest at University Town Center. Join us for nightly light shows choreographed to music, dazzling décor at every turn and festive fun, including outdoor holiday movies, Saturday night fireworks, horse-drawn carriage rides, a Festival of Trees featuring over 50 charity-trimmed trees, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida’s Gingerbread Festival, lively entertainment and more.

Find the perfect gift for everyone on your list, with unique finds at more than 250 retail locations. And delight in festive sweets and holiday eats at over 100 restaurants.

Festive Fun for Everyone

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in a place brimming with holiday cheer. Enjoy seasonal experiences, including:

• FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS: Nightly from 6:30 – 9:30 PM, light shows run every 30 minutes
• HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES*: Thursdays-Sundays from 6-10 PM | Pick up/drop off at the Stable on Cattlemen Dr. *$10 per passenger
• FIREWORKS: Every Saturday at 9 PM
• PHOTO-WORTHY DISPLAYS: Be sure to visit Ugly Sweater Avenue between BurgerFi and Ethan Allen

Holly jolly festivities include:

Holiday Movies under the Stars

Fridays & Saturdays | 7:00 PM | West District UTC

Watch holiday movies under the stars Fridays and Saturdays starting at 7:00 PM. Presented by First Watch, families and friends of all ages are welcome to watch holiday classics in an open-air setting in the West District at UTC, in the lot across from DSW.

Festival of Trees

December 1-19 | 6:30 – 9:00 PM | West District UTC

A showcase and silent auction of more than 50 whimsical trees decorated by local charities.

Gingerbread Festival

December 1-19th | 6:30 PM | West District UTC

Celebrate another magical holiday season and marvel at a display of over 150 gingerbread houses crafted by local schools, youth groups, businesses, and other non-profit organizations. Held at 119 N Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, Florida 34243 (retail space adjacent to Old Navy  at UTC). Presented by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida.

Mall at UTC Outdoor Holiday Markets

December 4-5 & December 11-12 | Sat 1:00 – 9:00 PM & Sun 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM | The Mall at UTC

Shop for holiday gifts from 70+ crafters artisans & entrepreneurs from all over Florida, and feast from some delicious local food trucks. Bring out the whole family for tree lightings and more festive fun.

Holiday Magic On East Grand

Every Weekend in December | The Mall at UTC East Grand Entrance 

UTC Holiday Night Market 

December 16 | 5:00 – 9:00 PM | West District UTC

This month’s outdoor market event is bringing all the festive feels with an electric live music performance by NoFilter Band, seasonal sips and sweets, and 40+ local vendors offering fresh produce, handcrafted goods, jewelry and more.

Ugly Sweater Crawl

December 18 | 6:30 PM | West District UTC

Slip into your most hideous holiday sweater on Saturday, December 18 and join us for our Ugly Sweater Crawl with iHeart Radio. The crawl starts at 6:30 pm at Ugly Sweater Ave., located between BurgerFi and Ethan Allen, and includes fun and festive stops at eateries along Cattlemen.

Strings Con Brio Concert

December 19 | 5:30-6:20 PM | The Green at UTC

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the season at a special outdoor concert by Strings Con Brio. The nearly 40-piece string orchestra will perform a selection of seasonal favorites, conducted by Kenneth Bowermeister. The free, festive concert will be performed in the open air under the holiday lights on The Green at UTC. Limited seating available. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs.

Christmas Glow Run 5K

December 18 | 6:00 PM | Nathan Benderson Park

Enjoy some family-friendly fun at the Christmas Glow Run 5K. Featuring dozens of Christmas decorations at the start and finish line and music for the perfect holly jolly atmosphere.