A Guide to Christmas in Venice Florida

It’s the most magical time of the year! Christmas in Venice, Florida is a beautiful time to drive down historic Venice Avenue as the palm trees sparkle with Christmas lights, local shops are bustling with people looking for unique gifts for their loved ones and restaurants are filled with families enjoying their time together.

Are you celebrating Christmas in Venice Florida in 2022?

Then you are in for a wonderful holiday season. Christmas in Venice is a magical time of twinkling lights, delicious meals and fun experiences all around town. From tree lighting ceremonies to parades and festivals, there’s fun for the whole family. This year may look different than years past, but I’m sure that we’ll be able to find the magic of Christmas in Venice for 2021! This guide has the restaurants that will be open for Christmas, where to find take out or catered meals for Christmas, virtual events and local events… everything you need for the holiday season!

Be A Christmas Miracle For A Local Family

I have been passionate about making sure every child has a beautiful Christmas morning. Starting in 2013 under my group, Venice Moms Helping Hands, I began coordinating efforts between local residents and families in need to make sure every child had a Christmas. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I took a step back in 2018 which resulted in the program being taken in a different direction under new ownership. After seeing the increasing need in 2020, I knew that I needed to help again. I reopened my group, Christmas Miracles to start the process of matching families with miracles again. In 2022, we are changing the way families are adopted by posting their Amazon wishlists, allowing the families to make specific requests and show what they really need. After the hurricane this year, there are SO many families who need our help.

Where can I see a Live Performance in Venice for Christmas?

A Christmas Carol
Travel to Victorian London for our original musical adaptation of Dickens’ classic story where you’ll meet Ebenezer Scrooge (played by Brad Wages) as he reflects on his past, present, and possible future.

Performance Dates:
Dec 2 – 19

Tickets: / Buy Now
$26 adult | $21 college/educator | $15 youth

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What Restaurants are Open for Christmas in Venice, FL?

There are a number of restaurants in Venice that will be open either Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day.

I am still confirming the restaurants that will be open and offering catering for Christmas 2022 Keep watching this page for updates!!
Please use the phone number to confirm with the restaurant and make your reservations.

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Bodrum Restaurant

225 Miami Ave W, Venice, FL 34285
(941) 412-0090
www.bodrumfl.com

Bodrum is consistently ranked as one of the top restaurants in Venice. Always noted for their exceptional flavors and outstanding service, Bodrum is easily one of the favorites restaurants for the locals in the know. They started with a small space in the back of the alley behind Burgundy Square Cafe, eventually expanding into the space next door and out into the breezeway. Coming in 2022, they are expanding again into the space across the breezeway and we are so thrilled to see how far they’ve come! They will be open for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Call the restaurant to make reservations, as space fills up quickly!

Côté France French Bistro

218 Tampa Ave W,
Venice, FL 34285
(941) 220-7189
https://www.cotefrancevenice.com/

Cote France is serving a special Christmas Eve dinner. Reservations are required, but the menu looks absolutely divine!

• Tournedos Rossini – $45
• Scallops Butter Truffle – $33
• Branzino Orange Grand Marnier Sauce – $35
• Burgundy Beef $29
• Yule Log Chocolate Cake – $12
• Cheese Plate – $15
• Dome Red Fruits – $10

Other Restaurants Open For Christmas

• Chaz 51 Bistro (Christmas Eve Only)
  549 US-41 Bypass, Venice, FL 34285
  (941) 484-6200
  www.chaz51.com
• Rosebud’s Steak & Seafood House – 2215 S Tamiami Trl
  Osprey, Florida 34229
  (941) 918-8771
  www.rosebudssarasota.com
• Tikka Indian Cuisine – 525A U.S. 41 Bypass N,
  Venice, FL 34285
  (941) 303-5073
  https://www.tikkaindian.com
• Irma’s Tacos, Craft Beer and Tequila Bar – 12221 Mercado Dr,
  Venice, FL 34293
  (941) 681-2348
• Burgundy Square Cafe – 227 Miami Ave W,
  Venice, FL 34285
  (941) 451-8261
  burgundysquarecafe.net
• British Open Pub – 367 Jacaranda Blvd,
  Venice, Florida 34292
  (941) 492-9227
  britishopenpub.com
• Trattoria Da Mino – 335 W Venice Ave
  Venice, Florida 34285
  (941) 840-4466
  www.trattoriadamino.com
• Da Vinci German Restaurant – 1080 S Tamiami Trail
  Osprey, Florida 34229
  (941) 966-6347
  https://www.davincigermanrestaurant.com/

What Restaurants are Offering Catering or Platters for Christmas?

Papa’s Meat Market & Prepared Foods

324 Tamiami Trail S
Venice, FL 34285
941-209-1888
http://papasmeatmarket.com

Fully Cooked Individual Meals or Raw Specialty Meats

Choose from a Prime Rib Dinner or a Fresh Amish Ham Dinner. Prices are per person and include the choice of sides and dessert. If you prefer to cook your own meal, Papa’s Meat Market has incredible specialty meats perfect for your holiday meal. Call and speak to someone during their open hours to place your order.

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Yummies Donuts & BBQ

2001 Tamiami Trl S
Venice, Florida 34293
(941) 493-7170

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Git-Chew-Sum BBQ

Delicious BBQ packages for Christmas that includes a choice of 3 sides that will feed 10-12 people with prices ranging from $160-$289 depending on your choice of meat. These packages can be either turkey, ham, briskey or prime rib. They are also offering an a la carte menu with various side dishes or just meat… even Cheesecake or Sweet Tea! Pick up will be either Dec 22nd or 23rd from 11 AM to 7 PM.

http://gitchewsumbbq.com/
(941) 915-2662

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Artic Alligator Creamery

If you are looking for delicious Christmas Cookies, Artic Alligator has you covered! These beautiful platters are available in either a small platter of 30 cookies for $34.99 or large platter of 45 cookies for $44.99. Platters include an assortment of fresh baked Christmas cookies including White Chocolate Cranberry, Oatmeal, Buckeyes, Pecan Puffs, M&M, Hersey Kiss and Sugar Cookies.

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Christmas Gift Ideas from Venice

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Sunkis’d Creations

Looking for a custom shirt or gift for the holidays? Check out Sunkis’d Creations!
Here’s the Link to their Facebook Page –> https://www.facebook.com/SunkisdCreations/

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What Events Are Happening in Venice for Christmas?

Venice Holiday Parade

November 27th
6:30 p.m
Downtown Venice Island

New this year is an interactive map of the parade route! Visit the link below to see where you can find a portable restroom, locations of trash receptacles, and where to avoid street closures! Interactive Parade Map

The parade also will be live streaming from Youtube this year thanks to the Venice Chamber of Commerce. Click here to join just before 6:20PM.

For more information, please visit the parade website at https://veniceholidayparade.com/ or call 941-488-8780.

Venice Christmas Walk

December 1st
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m
Downtown Venice Island

Each year, downtown Venice offers a day of extended hours at local shops, treats and live music up and down Miami Ave, Tampa Ave and West Venice Ave. With sparkling decorations and the palm trees lit up, it’s a magical experience!

North Jetty Park Food Truck Rally

December 2nd
5:00 p.m. – 9 p.m.
1000 S Casey Key Rd, Nokomis, FL 34275

Join #SRQCountyParks for the North Jetty Park Food Truck Rally featuring entertainment, food trucks and games. For more information, call 941-861-5000.

North Port Poinsetta Festival and tree lighting

December 3rd
4 PM – 8 PM
4970 City Hall Blvd, North Port, FL 34286

Enjoy a holly-jolly holiday at our signature Poinsettia Parade and Festival event. Join us as we celebrate this year’s theme: “What a Wonderful North Port Life”! The event is perfect for the whole family, and includes a tree lighting ceremony, food and merchandise vendors, entertainment, attractions, and a parade.

Candy Cane Hunt

December 3rd
10 AM
The Children’s Garden and Art Center
1670 10th Way, Sarasota, FL 34235

This Annual Event at the Garden is our sweet way to kick off the holiday season. Grab your scavenger hunt in the gift shop and solve the clues to find all of the hidden candy canes, then enjoy your treats while you color your Gingerbread House.

This event is included with admission and free for garden members, no RSVP needed.

4th Annual Jingle Jam

December 3rd and 4th
CoolToday Park
18800 South West Villages Parkway, Venice, FL 34293

Cool Today Park’s 3rd Annual Jingle Jam. This event will feature the Tomahawk 5k, Pet Sweater Parade, Holiday Market, Caddy Carts Golf Cart Parade, Carriage Rides, Kids Crafts and Activities, Holiday Entertainment and Appearances by Mr. & Mrs. Claus. For a full schedule of events including registration for the Tomahawk 5K, see the Facebook Event by clicking the button below.

Sertoma’s Breakfast with Santa

December 3rd
8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
United Way of South Sarasota
4242 S Tamiami Trail, Venice

**FREE EVENT** No tickets necessary.

Bring your family to meet Santa and get your child’s picture taken by professional photographers. And don’t forget to bring your appetite…there will be free pancakes!.

Sertoma Club of Venice is partnering with United Way to host this event. It will be held at the United Way office at 4242 Tamiami Trail S in Venice (located behind the Outback on the other side of the building from Books A Million).

Supper with Santa

December 14th
5 PM – 7 PM
400 Field Ave E, Venice, FL 34285

A fun event at Grace on the Island. Supper will be served and consist of pasta, salad, bread, cookies, and drinks.
Adults $5 Kids $2
Santa will be available for pictures! Registration in advance is not required, but preferred. Payments are collected at the door.

Venice Holiday Lighted Boat Parade

Dec 17th
6 PM

A holiday tradition here in Venice is the beautiful parade of lights down the Intracoastal waterway around the island. The Venice Christmas Boat Parade sets sail at 6pm, starting just north of Albee Rd Bridge and traveling south, ending just before the Circus Bridge in Venice. Chairs are allowed to be setup starting at 5 AM on the day of the event. To learn more about the route and more, visit venicechristmasboatparade.com

Chanukah Festival

December 18th
4:30 PM
Centennial Park
200 W. Venice Ave, Venice, FL 34285

The Chanukah Klezmer Festival this year will consist of lighting a giant menorah, music by the The Yiddish Cowboys and other festivities. This event is open to the public and free of charge.

Catch and Collect Chocolate Coins Dropped by the Firefighters from 25 feet up in the air!

• Special Live Appearance by Judah the Maccabee & Local Dignitaries
• Lighting of the 16 ft Giant Menorah
• Performance by Chabad Hebrew School Students
• Chanukah activities for children
• Latkes, Donuts, Kugel, Stuffed Cabbage and Matzah Ball Chicken Soup will be available for sale
• Grand Raffle

Organized by Rabbi Sholom Schmerling. For more information click here

Looking For Something to Do For New Years in Venice?

There are several hot spots in Venice for New Years Eve. Most fill up with reservations quickly, so grab tickets and make your plans early!

Pop’s NYE Masquerade Party

Reserve your table today – https://www.popssunsetgrill.com/store/event/nye23

Each table will be reserved from 7:30 PM until 12:30 AM

The pre-purchase amount of $125 per seat will be applied to your table’s food, beverage, tax and 20% gratuity on New Year’s Eve.

Full dinner menu will be available in addition to NYE Chef’s Specials.

Complimentary passed hors d’oeuvres from 10 p.m. to Midnight & a complimentary champagne toast at Midnight will punctuate this magical night.

Premium Champagne or Sparkling Wine, such as Dom Perignon 2012 Luminous, will be available to pre-order for your table. Options will be offered in the follow up to purchasing a table.

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