The 15 Best Things To Do This Holiday Season at University Town Center

Make the most of the most wonderful time of the year at a place brimming with holiday cheer. From spectacular light shows to outdoor ice skating, there’s so much festive fun happening this holiday season at UTC! Check out our guide to the top 15 merry things to do.

1. Prepare to be wowed by the Nightly Light Shows along Cattlemen Road. See millions of lights dance to music every 30 minutes from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. now through January 5.

2. On Saturday nights after the 9:00 p.m. light show, watch the night sky light up with a Festive Fireworks show.

3. Take a charming Carriage Ride around UTC to see the twinkling lights and dazzling decor. Rides offered Thursday through Sunday from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. for $10 per passenger.

4. Grab a cup of cocoa and watch your favorite festive flicks. Snuggle up with your family and friends to see free Holiday Movies Under the Stars every Friday and Saturday night starting at 7:00 p.m. in the lot by Ford’s Garage. Arrive early to stock up on onsite concessions and meet special characters.

5. Take a spin at The Rink at UTC presented by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Lace up your skates and enjoy some wintertime fun on our real ice rink in the West District at UTC, located across from Foxtail Coffee Co. Tickets are $17 per skater.

6. Meet the man in red inside the Mall at UTC for a picture-perfect moment and take off on an interactive adventure at Santa’s Flight Academy complete with his 22-foot-tall sleigh and magical snowfall. Make your reservation before he leaves in his sleigh on December 24.

7. Get your tickets to Wonderland: Illuminate and enjoy a dazzling, never-before-seen production that will whisk you away on a magical journey through holiday traditions from around the globe. This year’s show under the big top at UTC features fan favorites like the hilarious Johnny Rockett, the electrifying Ty McFarlan and Sarasota’s own legendary Nik Wallenda.

8. Find something for everyone on your list – including you! – at the Holiday Night Market on November 21 and December 19. Shop for unique gifts from over 30 local vendors while enjoying live music, seasonal sips and more on The Green.

9. From November 25 through December 17, stroll the upper level of the Mall at UTC to discover a collection of nearly 40 creatively decorated holiday trees by local charities. During the 5th Annual Festival of Trees, vote for your favorites online or bid in the silent auction for a chance to take a tree home. All of the money raised goes back to the participating charities.

10. Rock around the Christmas tree on December 5 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Live on The Green featuring high-energy party band 22N.

11. Take your furry family members for photos with Santa at Barks & Brews on December 10 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The holiday paw-ty will include live music, dog-friendly vendors, brews from Oak & Stone, and a raffle to benefit Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue Center.

12. Test your holiday music knowledge at Holiday Music Bingo on December 16 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Listen to the song, guess the title or artist, mark it on your card, be the first to yell “BINGOOOO!!” and win an awesome prize!

13. Celebrate the Festival of Lights early at UTC’s Hanukkah on The Green on December 17 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. held in partnership with Temple Emanu-El. The joyous community celebration will feature acclaimed Jewish a capella group Six13, festive treats, face painting and more. Guests are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties.

14. Enjoy the soulful sounds of the season at UTC Holiday Soul on The Green presented by Greatness Beyond Measure. Listen to an impressive lineup of artists perform under the holiday lights on December 27 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

15. Ring in 2025 early at our family-friendly New Year’s Eve on The Green on December 31 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Partygoers of all ages can enjoy an evening of fun with a live DJ, face painting, games, special entertainment and a 9:00 pm fireworks show.