Pictured: Enjoy a festive and beachy holiday season with an array of events at The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota.

The holiday season in Sarasota arrives with plenty of sparkle, but few places lean into the celebration quite like The Ritz-Carlton. This year, the waterfront resort is serving up a full slate of festive, flavor-driven events that turn the most wonderful time of the year into a truly delicious affair. Foodies of all ages can find something to enjoy at The Ritz this holiday season.

On Sunday, December 14, from 12pm to 2pm, guests and locals can celebrate the magic of the season at a Nutcracker Tea with The Sarasota Ballet School and Studio Company, where festive treats meet enchanting characters. Enjoy a lively tea service featuring signature blends and seasonal sips paired with menu items like truffle chicken salad on mini croissants and smoked salmon tartlets. The menu also includes sweet treats like Grand Marnier cream puffs and Dulce cheesecake, and whimsical children’s favorites, including Rice Krispies “sushi” and “Mad Hatter” marshmallow teacups.

“Our partnership with The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, is a special way to bring the magic of The Nutcracker to life for our community. This festive tea experience allows families to enjoy the artistry and storytelling of the ballet while creating cherished holiday memories together. It’s especially meaningful for our dancers, who take great joy in sharing the beauty and spirit of ballet with new audiences,” said Christopher Hird, Education Director at The Sarasota Ballet School and Studio Company.

The Ritz also started a new coastal tradition this year with S’Mores on the Beach. The final evening of this holiday event will be Friday, December 19, from 5:30-7:30 pm. Attendees can gather around the bonfire on Lido Key and enjoy an upscale take on the campfire dessert with artisanal chocolate, gourmet graham crackers and handcrafted marshmallows, all paired with curated wine, beer and hot chocolate.

The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, 1111 Ritz Carlton Dr., Sarasota, 941-309-2000, ritzcarltonsarasota.com.

On Sunday, December 21, from 9am-12pm, bring your kids to enjoy Breakfast with Santa on the Bay. Partake in a delicious breakfast buffet, and enjoy kid-friendly activities like face-painting, cookie decorating and photos with Santa Claus. And speaking of buffets, The Ritz will be offering their Holiday Grand Ballroom Brunch on Christmas Day. Skip the cooking (and the dishes), and let the talented culinary team at The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota delight your taste buds with an exquisite array of Christmas and Hanukkah delicacies. Learn more about these events on The Ritz-Carlton website, and make reservations while there’s still room!

The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, 1111 Ritz Carlton Dr., Sarasota, 941-309-2000, ritzcarltonsarasota.com. 

Pictured: Enjoy a festive and beachy holiday season with an array of events at The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota.