Photo Credit: Cliff Roles

Escape the holiday stress and ring in the winter solstice in style with the Ringling Museum of Art this weekend at Greet The Light. Not your typical party for this time of year, the focus is not so much the holidays as it is just having a good time and getting away from the all the planning and gift-buying and cooking that can make the holiday build-up so taxing.

Evoking a lounge-style atmosphere in the open air of the courtyard, guests will be schmoozing and sharing, drinking and dining, all with a soft light and cool breeze. Seasonal comfort food will be on hand from Treviso Restaurant, as well as ample servings of Red Apple Ginger martinis. With DJ Imminent working the crowd, playing classics and requests and whatever seems right in the moment, the dance floor is certainly open, and guests are expected to cut a rug and work out their worries with a bump and a shake. For the twirling-averse, the Hoola Monsters pick up the slack, covering their looping hoops with flames and LED lighting, putting on a circus-worthy performance. But be sure to take a quiet moment for the James Turrell Skyspace “Joseph’s Coat,” which opened with the inaugural Greet The Light in 2011. Lie back on the floor or one of the museum’s teak benches and enjoy the LED display for a little “Zen” amongst the frivolity.

“We are part of the community and have a great relationship,” said Alyssa Esteban, public functions coordinator for Ringling Museum. “The estate goes so far back for Sarasota, that it’s only fitting that we have something for Sarasota where people can come and relax and de-stress.”

Greet The Light in the Ringling Museum of Art courtyard on Dec. 20 from 7pm-11pm. Tickets are $15 or $10 for Museum members.

Photo Credit: Cliff Roles