Top 15 Festive Things to Do This Holiday Season at University Town Center

It’s the most wonderful time of the year — and UTC is shining brighter than ever. With dazzling light shows, real ice skating, outdoor movies and endless merry moments, there’s something magical for everyone this season. Gather your favorite people, grab a cup of cocoa and explore 15 ways to make your holidays extra merry at UTC.

1. Be dazzled by the nightly light shows

Millions of lights dance to holiday music along Cattlemen Road every 30 minutes from 6:30–9:30 PM, now through January 4.

2. See festive fireworks

On Saturday nights after the 9 PM light show, watch fireworks sparkle above UTC. A perfect grand finale to a Saturday evening here.

3. Enjoy a charming carriage ride

See the twinkling lights from a cozy horse-drawn carriage ride around UTC. Rides are offered Thursday–Sunday, 6–10 PM, for $12 per passenger, with extended holiday dates December 22-24.

4. Watch holiday movies under the stars

Catch free holiday classics every Friday and Saturday at 7 PM in the lot across from Natuzzi. Come early starting at 6 PM for concessions, character meet & greets, and plenty of cozy cheer.

5. Skate on real ice

Who says you can’t ice skate in Florida? Lace up at The Rink at UTC presented by the Tampa Bay Lightning, located in the West District beside Ford’s Garage. Enjoy a DJ spinning holiday hits every Friday & Saturday, plus special themed skate nights throughout the season.

6. See Santa

Meet the man in red inside The Mall at UTC for a picture-perfect moment. Then step into Santa’s Flight Academy, featuring a 22-foot sleigh, magical snowfall, and interactive adventure. Reservations recommended before Santa heads out on December 24.

7. Step inside the big top for Wonderland: Believe

Experience Nik Wallenda’s Wonderland: Believe, a spectacular, all-new holiday circus that delivers high-flying thrills, breathtaking aerial artistry, side-splitting comedy, and dazzling performances for the entire family— all under the big top at UTC.

8. Explore the Festival of Trees

From December 5–18, wander through a pop-up winter wonderland in the West District at UTC (next to Menchie’s) and discover 30+ beautifully decorated trees created by local Sarasota-Bradenton charities. View the trees nightly from 6:30–9 PM, vote for your favorites, and bid in the online silent auction for a chance to take one home after the showcase concludes on December 18. Every dollar raised goes directly back to the charity that created it.

9. Bring your pups for free photos with Santa

Barks and Brews returns on Tuesday, December 9 from 6 to 8 PM on The Green, and it’s the ultimate holiday hangout for dog lovers. Enjoy free pet photos with Santa, brew samples, live music, pup-friendly vendors, a puppy petting station and a raffle benefiting Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue Center.

10. Rev up your holidays

Fuel the festive spirit at Sarasota Cars & Coffee on December 13 from 8–10 AM. Bring an unwrapped toy or gift for Toys for Tots, then spend the morning exploring beautiful cars, enjoying free coffee and OMNI Energy drinks, and soaking in holiday cheer with 92.1 CTQ’s Maverick & Lulu.

11. Call out your carols at holiday music bingo

On December 16 from 7–9 PM, test your holiday tune knowledge, mark your cards, and be the first to shout BINGOOOO for fun prizes.

12. Celebrate the Festival of Lights

Gather under the Big Top at UTC for a free Hanukkah celebration on Wednesday, December 17 from 6:30–8:30 PM featuring the acclaimed Jewish a cappella group Six13, festive treats, face painting and more.

13. Sleigh your shopping list at the Holiday Night Market

On December 18 from 6:30–9:30 PM on The Green at UTC, shop 30+ local vendors and discover unique gifts for everyone on your list. Enjoy live music, seasonal sips and sweets, and a special visit from Santa — the perfect night to wrap up holiday shopping.

14. Soak up the soulful sounds of the season

Enjoy an evening of live music at Holiday Soul on The Green on December 27 from 7–9 PM, presented in partnership with Greatness Beyond Measure and the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition. The evening features live performances from top regional artists, plus local vendors offering holiday gifts and treats.

15. Celebrate the New Year

Ring in 2025 early at a family-friendly NYE celebration on The Green on December 31 from 7–9 PM. Enjoy a live DJ, face painting, special entertainment including the Spheres Bubble Show with Blaise Ryndes and a countdown to a 9 PM fireworks show.