The Christmas Lights Boat Parade

Saturday, December 12th was a perfect evening for the Christmas Boat Parade of Lights in Sarasota Bay. With balmy temperature and a mild breeze, it was comfortable for hundreds (thousands?) of people to gather on lawn chairs and picnic blankets on the grassy areas of Bayfront Park.


A few vendor tents offered appetizers and comfort food. The air was full of anticipation as everyone waited for the first bejeweled boats to come into view.
There were lots of oohs and aahs as the lead boats approached the marina.

We may not have snow in Sarasota, but we surely have beautiful light displays during the holiday season.

Island Park at the Sarasota Bayfront

Downtown Sarasota's Island Park is a beautiful multi-use greenspace that follows the arc of the shoreline at the west end of Main Street.


It's one of Sarasota's many delights that one minute you're walking along a city street with shops and restaurants, and the next minute you're ambling along the water's edge, surrounded by yachts,

small craft,
walking paths,
a playground, and numerous spots to read or rest under the shade of a banyan tree.


The panoramic view towards the John Ringling Bridge, which connects downtown to Lido Key, is not to be missed.
And, Sarasota being the artsy town that it is, you can enjoy permanent sculpture such as this exuberant dolphin fountain
and the very interesting "Season of Sculpture", a biannual temporary outdoor exhibit of large-scale creations that follows the curve of the bayfront. This year's selection is now installed, so make sure to schedule an amble along the Bayfront to see the artwork up close.