Photo courtesy of The Westin Sarasota

We may be a bit biased, but nothing quite compares to celebrating Noel on the Gulf Coast—white and green lights wrapped around towering palms, snowmen molded of white "powder" sand and an outdoor ice rink that doesn't demand earmuffs or gloves. Sure, everyone knows about the most common and beloved holiday traditions (ferociously tearing open those poised presents that have been teasing temptations under the tree), but there are plenty of under-the-radar hot spots to visit and family-fun activities to enjoy after Santa has come and gone. We tapped into local tried and true favorites—undeniably hometown heroes for remaining open on the most merriest day of the year. Scroll down for a roundup of festive ideas to spend your 2018 Christmas, SRQ style. 

ATTRACTIONS:

Bobby Jones Golf Complex: the 11th Annual Reindeer Games, an 18-hole shotgun golf event, 8:30am-12:30pm.

Yoga from the Heart Studio: Christmas morning yoga class: ‘The Perfect Gift’, 9:00am-10:30am.

Annual Pinecraft Christmas Parade: Starts at the Der Dutchman parking lot at 1:00pm and parades around the Sarasota Amish neighborhood streets.

Regal Hollywood 11, Lakewood Ranch Cinemas and Cinebistro Siesta Key:  Put your feet up and relax at a big screen in one of the nearby movie theaters. Playing today: The Grinch, Aquaman, Bohemian Rhapsody, Mary Poppins Returns, Spider-Man, Holmes & Watson, Green Book, Second Act, Mortal Engines and more.

Mote Marine Aquarium: Visit the underwater locals from 10:00am-5:00pm.

Ca' d'Zan: Spend the afternoon strolling the beautiful park grounds and Bayfront surrounding the historical Venetian Gothic landmark

The Sun: Get outside and bask in what the majority of the country can't this time of year. The Florida ball of fire is open today from Sunrise, 5:17am to Sunset, 5:42pm. Enjoy it shining at a perpetual 76° wandering around Marina Jack Bayfront Park, walking over the John Ringling bridge, collecting shells at Siesta Key’s “Pier” decorated with its traditional lighted Christmas tree or hanging at Lido Beach Pavilion. Then head up to Art Ovation or Westin Hotel rooftops to end the daylight and holiday with a cocktail in hand.

DINING:

Jack Dusty Coastal Cuisine/ Ballroom Brunch, 11:00am-4:00pm - The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota

Pier 22 Chef-Created Christmas Buffet, 11:00am-8:00pm - Bradenton

H20 Bistro Christmas Dinner, 5:00pm-9:00pm - Hotel Indigo, Downtown Sarasota

Overture Restaurant - Art Ovation Hotel, Downtown Sarasota

Evoq - Westin Hotel, Downtown Sarasota

Eliza Ann’s Coastal Kitchen - Waterline Marine & Resort, Holmes Beach

Grove - Lakewood Ranch

Phillippi Creek Restaurant & Oyster Bar - South Tamiami Trail

Drunken Poet Thai Bistro & Sushi Bar - Downtown Sarasota

Café Baci - South Tamiami Trail

Chart House Restaurant - Longboat Key

Blu Kouzina - St. Armand’s Circle

Le Colonne Restaurant - St. Armand’s Circle

Chef Rolf’s New Florida Kitchen - South Tamiami  

Hotel Venezia Restaurant & Bar - Venice

The Coolinary Restaurant & Bar - Downtown Sarasota

Cafe Gabbiano - Siesta Key Village

Giorgio’s on Hillview - Southside Village

Clayton’s Siesta Grill - Stickney Point, Siesta Key

Euphemia Haye - Longboat Key

Check for availability and make reservations here— Open Table

Merry Christmas from Team SRQ. Enjoy your Tuesday tinseling around the (941).

Photo courtesy of The Westin Sarasota