Are you looking for something fun to do with your friends or family this holiday season? Well, look no further! We've put together a list of some of our favorite events going on in Florida.

Sarasota

Sarasota Medieval Fair

If you're a local, then you know this event quite well. If not, then you absolutely should pay it a visit! The Sarasota Medieval Fair is one of Sarasota's most popular events. It's full of magic, fun costumes, great vendors, and even live, full-contact jousting! The Medieval Fair keeps history alive and gives everyone a space to be their most authentic self by encouraging dressing up and even selling costumes there, and they have the BEST turkey legs!

Sarasota Medieval Fair

November 2 - December 1, 2024

Location: Woods of Mallaranny
29847 FL-70 E.
Myakka City, FL 34251

https://www.sarasotamedievalfair.com/

Sarasota Chalk Festival

All patrons of the arts should give this festival a visit. It's truly amazing witnessing what one can do with just chalk! The festival brings together so many talented artists and gives them the opportunity to flex their skills, and gives us the chance to witness mind-blowing techniques and talk to artists about their experiences, It's a great way for you to connect with your community!

Sarasota Chalk Festival

November 8 - 10, 2024

Burns Square Sarasota, FL 34236

https://chalkfestival.org/

Siesta Key Crystal Classic

Have you ever stumbled upon a sand sculpture while walking along the beach? Have you ever wondered, "How did someone make this??" With Siesta Key Crystal Classic, you won't have to wonder anymore. At this event, you can enjoy a stroll around the beach and watch amazing sculptors work in real time, creating wonderous sculptures right before your eyes. It's incredible to watch everyone work and make unique pieces of art. They host a contest for the best sculpture in a few different categories, but how could anyone choose when they all look incredible?

Siesta Key Crystal Classic

November 15 - November 18, 2024

Siesta Beach

948 Beach Road, Sarasota, FL

https://www.siestakeycrystalclassic.com/

Wonderland: Illuminate

The circus is in town! Well, almost. If you love watching daredevil stunts, aerialists soaring mid-air, and other jaw-dropping acts, give Wonderland: Illuminate a visit. It's fun for the whole family during the holiday season! This event in particular goes on until January 5th!

Wonderland: Illuminate

November 22 - January 05, 2025

Big Top at UTC

195 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, FL

https://wonderlandcircus.com/

St. Petersburg

St. Pete Saturday Morning Market

Morning markets are scattered all across Florida, but St. Pete takes the cake on this one. Multitudes of vendors line the streets and bring unique goods and services to the market just for you. Fresh produce and floral arrangements, houseplants for sale, crystals, candles, and a plethora of other homemade goods are available at the market. It's certainly worth walking around and browsing everyone's wares. You're sure to leave with something great! This event goes on even past December, as it is an all-year round event, but it was still worth mentioning.

St. Pete Saturday Morning Market

November 9, 2024 - October 17, 2026

(Occurs weekly on Saturday)

350 2nd Ave. N. OR 100 1st Ave SE
St. Petersburg, FL 33701

https://saturdaymorningmarket.com/

Aqua Lanterns at CMA: Chinese Festival of Lights

Gazing at the aqua lanterns at the Chinese Festival of Lights is a must. If you love the ocean and sea life, check this event out. You'll be guided on a journey through different oceanic scenes with beautiful sea creature lanterns painting a picture for you to enjoy. There's just something about pretty bright lights during the holiday season that is irresistible.

Aqua Lanterns at CMA: Chinese Festival of Lights

Wednesday - Sunday evenings from October 18 - December 30, 2024

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

249 Windward Passage
Clearwater, FL 33767

https://www.cmaquarium.org/aqua-lanterns/

Tampa

Tampa Bay Holiday Market & Expo

The Tampa Bay Holiday Market & Expo is the perfect place to find a unique gift for your loved ones. There's plenty of homemade, original arts and crafts, jewelry, and other trinkets and oddities to explore and choose from. If you're in the area or willing to make the drive, give this market a chance. It's always fun to window shop, but it's even better when you find something that speaks to you and is available for purchase. Treat yourself, or treat someone important to you, or do both! 

Tampa Bay Holiday Market & Expo

November 23 - 24, 2024

The Coliseum

535 4th Ave N
St Petersburg, FL 33701

https://www.tampabay.com/expos/holiday-market/

Tampa Tattoo Arts Festival

This one is for the tattoo lovers. This convention calls all tattoo artists to come together and show us what they got! You'll see plenty of artists tattooing patrons on-site, and it's great for watching their process and understanding how they do their craft and make their art come to life. Tattooing is no easy feat, so it's also nice to have a chance to speak to the artists and find out what led them to tattooing and what their journey has been like.

Tampa Tattoo Arts Convention

November 8 - 10, 2024
Tampa Convention Center (EAST HALL)
333 S Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602

https://villainarts.com/tattoo-conventions-villain-arts/tampa-tattoo-arts-convention/

Definitely take some time to check one of these events out. You'll be glad you did, and it's nice to know what makes Florida, well, Florida!