Manatee & Sarasota Counties, Florida Holiday Events

“Dickens at the Crosley” Tuesday, Dec. 16 – Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2008 8374 N.Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL  34243 Local Phone: 941-722-3244 Website: http://www.powelcrosleytheatre.com Charles Dickens and cast of characters will take center stage at the Powel Crosley Theatre this holiday season. Opening and closing festivities in the outdoor courtyard overlooking Sarasota Bay include caroling for all to enjoy.. Transportation/Parking: Free on site parking Hours: Afternoon Performances at 2pm ~ Evening Performances at 7:30pm Admission: $20.00 for individual ticket

The Nutcracker Ballet Date: Saturday, December 13, 2008 Time:7:00 to 9:00 PM Place: Neel Performing Arts Center Address: 5840 26th Street West  Bradenton, FL 34207   The Dance Theatre of Bradenton presents the holiday classic The Nutcracker Ballet. Two performances Dec 13th at 7:00PM Dec 14th at 2:00 PM ticket prices $15 children under 13 $20 adults contact Barb Myers 941 345-7495 or purchase on line at www.allisonsdancecentre.com/nutcracker cost:$15 child $20 adult

“The Florida Orchestra ~ A Baroque Holiday” When: Thursday, Dec 18, 2008 11:00am Cost: $26, $29, $34, $42 Where: 400 FIRST STREET SOUTH ● ST. PETERSBURG, FL 33701 GENERAL INFO: (727) 892-5798

“Holiday Open House and Art Sale” Saturday, Dec 13, 2008 11:00am to 4:00pm Where: Expressive Arts Florida Towles Court Arts District 1967B Morrill Street Sarasota, FL For More Information: (941) 366-9595

“The Irish Tenors ~ Holiday Concert” The Irish Tenors Holiday Spectacular With The Irish Tenors Concert Orchestra Monday, Dec 15, 2008 8:00 pm Cost: $70, $65, $55, $45 Where: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall 777 N. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL For More Information: (941) 955-7676

“Allegro Music Academy Holiday Concert” Student Holiday Concert Sunday, Dec 14, 2008 When: 3:00pm Where: Allegro Music Academy 241 Whitfield Ave. Sarasota, FL Phone: (941) 358-8511 Refreshments will be served. Free Phone: (941) 358-8511

“PAL Sailor Circus Holiday Spectacular” Monday, Dec 29, 2008 7:00pm Where: Pal Sailor Circus Arena 2075 Bahia Vista St. Sarasota, Fl Performers of the PAL Sailor Circus perform their 2008 Holiday Spectacular Winter Show

Holiday of Light Tour Date (s): Monday, December 08, 2008 to Wednesday, December 17, 2008 Hours: 6:30p.m. & 8:30 p.m. (2 tours per night) The Holiday Tour of Lights has become a MUST when you're in the holiday spirits, so get ready to sit back, relax, sip on eggnog, and enjoy what Sarasota's residents have created. SRQ Trolley is famous for the best Holiday Tour of Lights in the area. We've developed a tour of only the best light displays in Sarasota. It's a perfect time to be with your family and enjoy each other's company while letting SRQ Trolley take you around to all the incredible holiday lights. If you're looking to get away from the stress and just enjoy each other's ompany, then let SRQ Trolley take you there! Location And Directions: Burlington Coat Factory parking lot located on Cattlement Road and Bee Ridge. Contact Information:   TootiePhone: (941) 538-1414 Email: contact@srqtrolley.com

Toys for Tots Christmas Drive Date: Saturday, December 20, 2008 106-5 CTQ will be on-site for a Toys for Tots drive on Dec 20 @ the Lane 2 Plaza on SR 64 and Lakewood Ranch Blvd. One Night Rodeo will be playing at this event and all who bring a new, unwrapped toy or other donation for Toys for Tots will be eligible for prizes from the merchants of Lane 2 Plaza. Location And Directions: Lane 2 Plaza on SR 64 and Lakewood Ranch Blvd

The Nutcracker Ballet Performed by The Dance Theatre of Bradenton Date (s): Saturday, December 13, 2008 to Sunday, December 14, 2008 Hours: 7 pm Saturday, 2 pm Sunday Dance Theatre of Bradenton performing the holiday Nutcracker Ballet Tickets $15 child $20 adult Location And Directions: Neel Preforming Arts Centre Manatee Community College 5840 26th St W Bradenton, FL Contact Information:   Barb Myers Phone: (941) 345-7495

The 22nd Annual Sarasota Christmas Boat Parade of Lights Date: Saturday, December 13, 2008 Hours: Beginning at 6 pm The best areas for viewing are Bayfront Park, City Island and Centennial Park. The event will be televised live on SNN6 at 7:00 pm as well as rebroadcast several times during the Holiday Season. A cash donation will be made to The Florida Center for Children and Families from the proceeds from this event. Location And Directions: Bayfront Park, City Island and Centennial Park

Holiday Crafts Bazaar Where: 8231 Planters Knoll Terrace, Bradenton, FL, 34201 Holiday Crafts Bazaar Saturday, Dec 13, 2008 12:00 to 5:00pm at Artist's Home Studio, Bradenton, FL featuring crafts from MPP Designs (one-of-a-kind beaded jewelry), G.O'Metrics (modern painted and beaded silk scarves), Handmade Jules (handpainted silk designs, handmade glass beads) and more. Food, drink, fun & free drawings For more info call: (941) 355-7955

Breakfast with Santa at Westfield Sarasota Square Date: Saturday, December 13, 2008 Hours: 8 am - 10 am Breakfast & Crafts with Santa Claus on Saturday, December 13. Festivities will be held in the Food Court from 8-10am. Tickets are available at the Westfield Concierge for $5. Location And Directions: Westfield Sarasota Square

Santa Paws - Bring Your Pet to Westfield Sarasota Square Date: Thursday, December 18, 2008 Hours: 6 pm - 8 pm Bring your pet to Westfield Sarasota Square to meet the big man that fulfills their dreams of squeaky toys and scratching posts. Pet photos will take place on Thursday, December 11 and 18 from 6-8pm near Macy's. Location And Directions: Westfield Sarasota Square

“Winter Wonderland” Thursday, Dec. 11 – Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008 Old Main Street Bradenton, FL   Local Phone: (941) 932-9400 X 449 Winter Wonderland is three evenings of fun for the family! The Jingle Bell Run along the Riverwalk is on Thursday evening, the Holiday Boat Parade is on Friday at sunset, and the Street Festival, with snow mountains, Santa, crafts, and live entertainment is on Saturday from 5 pm to 10 pm.

" Annual Holiday Show " Saturday, Dec 13, 2008 10:00am to 5:30pm Where: Artlofts at Florida Craftsman 10 Fifth St. North St Petersburg, FL,

“Holiday Concert at Selby Public Library" Holiday Concert Monday, Dec 15, 2008 at 6:00pm Selby Public Library – Geldbart Auditorium, Sarasota, FL Performance by “Out of Door Encore Orchestra” with “Church of Palms Orchestra”

“The Florida Orange Festival” Date: Sunday, December 14, 2008 Hours: 10 am - 5 pm Family event, including … Wide Range of Diverse Entertainment including RECORDING ARTIST FROM HOLLYWOOD - ROBBIE HAZEN, one of the hottest new groups in SW Florida - THE ARCH and of course the GRAND ENTRANCE of Mr. Diabetes® Diabetic Food Displays, Season Preview Performance by PAL Sailor Circus Martial Arts and Dance Demonstrations (chances for lessons too!) Healthy Food and Beverage Vendors Health Screenings and Testing Supplies, along with the WALGREENS mobile unit. Home Fitness and Sports Equipment and Supplies Health and Fitness Information Booths Raffles and Orange Recipe Contest Games,Interactive fun and healthy activities for children of all ages! Location And Directions: PAL Sailor Circus 2075 Bahia Vista Street Sarasota, Florida

For Information about Real Estate… Contact: DIRECT: (941) 928-1248 EMAIL: info@TheSerenaGroup.com WEBSITE: www.TheSerenaGroup.com 941-238-7810