We found three Christmas parades and tree lightings in and around Sarasota–Bradenton with 2026 dates: two parades and one tree lighting or lighting night, all free to watch. Each one has the date, start time, price and a link to the organizer’s page.
By date
Filter to what fits your evening, then tap one for its time, price and kid notes.
Parade · Kids zone 3 to 5 p.m.5DecSatSarasota Holiday ParadeParade · See the site for the start time12DecSatManatee River Holiday Boat Parade
Tree lighting · Staging 5:30 p.m.Nothing matches that filter yet.
Christmas parades
Start time, price and what to know with little kids, from each organizer’s own page.
N. Cattlemen Road at University Town Center · Sarasota
Good to know: Giant balloons, floats and marching bands, with Santa at the end. The afternoon kids zone on The Green has games and crafts, which helps fill the wait with little ones.
Main Street · Downtown Sarasota
Good to know: Sarasota’s holiday parade comes down Main Street downtown.
Tree lightings
Most lightings are short and happen at dusk, often with Santa, music or cocoa.
Manatee River, Bradenton and Palmetto · Bradenton
Good to know: Decorated boats travel up the Manatee River after dark. The public viewing spots are the Green Bridge and the Palmetto Pier. Organizers say the timing is an estimate, so bring layers for the kids if you get there early.
More to come.Tree lightings are often announced late. We recheck every week through early December.Email me when one’s addedBefore you go
SpotGet there earlyA curb spot near the start means little ones see everything and you can leave before the end.
WarmDress for standing stillWatching is colder than walking. Bring a blanket for the stroller and an extra layer.
TimingCheck the start timeLighted parades start after dark. Daytime parades are easier for nap schedules.Keep planning
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Santa's Grand Arrival Parade at UTC: Sat, Nov 14, 2026, Kids zone 3 to 5 p.m.; tree lighting 6 p.m.; parade 6:30 p.m.; fireworks 7:30 p.m. (Sarasota). Sarasota Holiday Parade: Sat, Dec 5, 2026, See the site for the start time (Downtown Sarasota).
Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade at Manatee River, Bradenton and Palmetto: Sat, Dec 12, 2026, Staging 5:30 p.m.; boats head out at sundown. Organizers estimate the boats reach the Riverhouse area around 7 p.m. and Pier 22 between 7:30 and 8:30 p.m.
All of the ones we list are free to watch: Santa's Grand Arrival Parade at UTC, Sarasota Holiday Parade and Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade. Some charge for extras like Santa photos or rides, and each card says so.
Daytime ones are easiest with toddlers: Sarasota Holiday Parade. Evening ones start after dark and are colder, so bring layers and a blanket for the stroller. Get there early for a curb spot near the start so little ones can see.
Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 30, 2026, and we recheck them every week through early December. How we choose and check.
One short email every Thursday evening with the best things to do with little ones in Sarasota that weekend, parades included.
