Things to Do in Lakewood Ranch | Holiday Edition! 2020

​'Tis the season for spreading some cheer and here in Lakewood Ranch, this is as much a priority this year as it ever has been (in the safest ways possible!)
Main Street's halls have been decked, the tree looks beautiful, and the elves are hiding! (I’ll explain, below) 
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Today, we share some fun activities happening  in and around Lakewood Ranch this holiday season so you can get a taste of what life on the Ranch is all about! 


1. Spot the Elves on Main Street! 
Nineteen mischievous elves are hiding throughout Main Street. Can you find them all? Find at least ten elves to enter the contest for a chance to win $500 in Main Street gift cards. 
The contest ends on January 1, 2021. Winners will be announced on January 8, 2021.


2. Carriage Rides on Main Street
Take a relaxing carriage ride down Main Street and celebrate the Christmas season with us! Free to the public. Pickup and drop off is at the Christmas Tree.
Thursday, December 3rd – 6:30-8:30
Wednesday , December 9th -6:30-8:30
Thursday, December 17th – 6:30-8:30
Rides will be limited to two adults or one family at a time. Seats and carriage will be disinfected after each ride. Social distance will be in effect while waiting.


3. Virtual Lakewood Ranch Holiday Art Project 
Create a fun craft with Kori! Saturday December 19th at 3PM (online)


4. Hunsader Farms Country Christmas 
Visit the farm for Country Christmas this year! They will have over 300,000 lights, hayrides, train rides, pony rides, food, Christmas music, petting zoo, snow tubing, and more!
12/11/20, 12/12/20, 12/13/20, 12/18/20, 12/19/20, 12/20/20
Hours: 6pm-10pm

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5. UTC Holiday Festival of Lights
This year’s reimagined holiday experience – UTC Holiday Festival of Lights – is aimed at inspiring awe and wonder in the hearts of friends, families and communities through millions of lights over 44 nights. Take in the sights and sounds of the season with fresh-air festivities including:

Light shows choregraphed to music
Nightly | 6:30-9:30 PM, every 30 minutes | Viewing areas around Cattlemen Drive

Holiday movies under the stars
Fridays & Saturdays | 7 PM | West District, parking area across from DSW

Fireworks
Saturdays | 9 PM

Horse-drawn carriage rides* ($5 per passenger)
Thursdays-Saturdays, 6-10 PM | Sundays 6-8:30 PM | Pick up/drop off at Mall at UTC valet area
* Rides provided on first-come, first-served basis

Outdoor holiday market
Nov. 21-22 & Dec. 5-6 | 11 AM - 7 PM Saturday and 11 AM - 6 PM Sunday | Mall at UTC, parking area adjacent to Brio Tuscan Grille

Ugly Sweater Alley
West District, between BurgerFi and Ethan Allen

Giant holiday greeting card displays, decorated by local schools
Plus so much more magical, memorable experiences!
Help us spread cheer, not germs! 


6. Rye Road Giraffes Christmas Celebration and Circus 
The Christmas Carol Circus, featuring their caroling ringmaster that will be singing some of our favorite Christmas songs live, will be performing on scheduled Saturdays and Sundays throughout December.🎉🎄🎅

There will also be optional children's activities happening before the show, such as Pony rides, camels rides, face painting, bounce houses, and of course animal feedings that will be available for all ages.
(Fees apply) 
The farm will be decorated for the holidays, so don't forget your camera 📸 
Choose one of the following🎟️

Saturday Dec 5th at 11am or 3pm
Sunday Dec 6th at 11am or 3pm
Adult tickets - $15
Childrens tickets - $5 (ages 4 - 10)
(a non refundable deposit may apply)

7. St. Armand’s Circle Holiday Night of Lights
Friday December 4 at 6:00PM
Kick off the season on the circle as they light the largest tree on the Gulf coast! 


8. Sarasota Christmas Glow Run 5K
Saturday December 19 at 6PM
This family friendly event at Nathan Benderson Park features Christmas lights and music to get you in the spirit (and make you run faster!)


9. Holiday Splendor Drive-Thru Experience: The Ringling will hold a drive-thru version of its Holiday Splendor event, with holiday decorations and a toy drive. Cars can drive through Central Campus Gate, complete the loop around the Museum of Art, and exit via the South Gate. Guests who donate unwrapped new toys will receive a coupon for $5 off their next museum visit, with free cocoa and cookies served by Metz Catering. 
6-8 p.m. Dec. 3


10. Sarasota Trolley’s Holiday Tour of Lights
See homes decorated for the holidays from the comfort of the Sarasota Trolley with tours departing nightly at 6:15 and 8:15 p.m. Dec. 4-30.
Guests are welcome to bring along a beverage and a snack. The trolley departs from the parking lot at Burlington Coat Factory at the corner of Cattlemen and Bee Ridge roads. Tickets are $15 per person.
Reservations and masks are required and trolleys are sanitized between each tour. 


11. A Taste of Chanukah: 
The 10th annual event will feature a snow slide, BMX performers, kosher food by Michael’s on East, a helicopter Chanukah gelt drop, Latkes by Sam, Kona Ice and more.
4-6 p.m. Dec. 13; Phillippi Estate Park

....and more! 🎄☃️🎁☕️🎅🏼💫✨


We live in Lakewood Ranch and love sharing local events and news with you because we truly do love it here! 

If you’re considering a move, let us help you find the perfect spot. Contact us today! Give yourself the gift of a new home and Florida lifestyle for the holidays! 😎🌴

Michael & Courtney Chenkus
Charles Rutenberg Realty | Lakewood Ranch
(941) 348-2653 
Contact@chenkus.com

​Happy Holidays!

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