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 2021?
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. I have also created a registry for the wishlist items and a diaper fund.
Where can I see a Live Performance in Venice for Christmas?
Performance Dates:
Dec 10 – 20 @ 7:30p
Sunday 2p matinees
Tickets:
$25 adult | $20 college | $15 youth
A Christmas Carol
Original Book and Lyrics by Scott Keys
Original Music by E. Suzan Ott
Additional Music by Scott Keys, Jason Brenner & Eli Schildkraut
Adapted from the original story by Charles Dickens. A magical Venice Theatre tradition celebrating its 21st year! Our original musical adaptation of Dickens’ classic story follows Ebenezer Scrooge as he reflects on his past, present and possible future.
Videos and Phone Calls from Santa!
-Make Christmas even more Magic with Portable North Pole
-Spread the Christmas magic this holiday season, with Portable North Pole, the original -Santa App with over 250 million video views, where children can receive personalized calls and videos directly from Santa Claus, himself.
-Get your 2021 Magic Pass today including: calls and video calls from Santa, videos for the whole family where Santa can say up multiple names, Kids Corner games and activities, interactive videos where children decide the outcome, and much more!
Expires: Dec 7, 2021
The Venice Symphony: A Holly Jolly Holiday
December 17th – 7:30 p.m.
December 18th – 3:30 p.m & 7:30 p.m.
Venice Performing Arts Center
1 Indian Avenue., Venice, FL 34285
A time-honored tradition with a twist featuring classic carols and Chanukah music, beloved standards, music from The Nutcracker and holiday film favorites. Sarasota’s Key Chorale, the area’s premier symphonic chorus, is scheduled to return to our stage for Handel’s majestic “Hallelujah Chorus” and a traditional sing-a-long. Tickets range from $31-$56 and can be purchased on their website by clicking the button below.
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 2021. Keep watching this page for updates!!
Please use the phone number to confirm with the restaurant and make your reservations.
L’Olive
1262 Jacaranda Blvd
Venice, FL 34292
(941) 445-4904
www.loliverestaurant.com
L’Olive is a new restaurant to the Venice area this year. Serving a delicious menu of Mediterranean dishes. They will be open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Years Eve. In addition to their regular menu there will be a Christmas special on the menu as well: Turkey confit with eggplant purée. It is highly encouraged to make reservations in advance!
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!
Chaz 51 Bistro
549 US-41 BYP
Venice, FL 34285
(941) 484-6200
www.chaz51.com
Côté France French Bistro
218 Tampa Ave W,
Venice, FL 34285
(941) 220-7189
https://www.cotefrancevenice.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
Read Our Review of Irma’s Tacos!
Ristorante San Marco
Rosebud’s Steak & Seafood House
2215 S Tamiami Trl
Osprey, Florida 34229
(941) 918-8771
www.rosebudssarasota.com
British Open Pub
367 Jacaranda Blvd,
Venice, Florida 34292
(941) 492-9227
britishopenpub.com
Read my review from our visit to British Open Pub!
Trattoria Da Mino
335 W Venice Ave
Venice, Florida 34285
(941) 840-4466
www.trattoriadamino.com
2021 – Open Christmas Eve from 11 am – 7:30 PM
Da Vinci German Restaurant
1080 S Tamiami Trail
Osprey, Florida 34229
(941) 966-6347
https://www.davincigermanrestaurant.com/
Croissant & Co will be open Christmas Eve 8am – 3pm and Christmas Day 8am – 12:30pm. (Dine in area will be closed both days) Don’t forget to place your order !
Posted by Croissant & Co on Wednesday, December 16, 2020
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
Yummies Donuts & BBQ
2001 Tamiami Trl S
Venice, Florida 34293
(941) 493-7170
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
Artic Alligator Creamery
Mad Dog Hot Dogs
Metro Diner
Christmas Gift Ideas from Venice
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/
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 Facebook this year thanks to the Venice Chamber of Commerce. Search for the Facebook Live event titled “Live Stream: Venice Holiday Parade” or 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.
Chanukah Festival
November 28th
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 Freylekh Klezmer Band and other festivities. This event is open to the public and free of charge.
Organized by Rabbi Sholom Schmerling. For more information click here
Venice Christmas Walk
December 2rd
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 3rd
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.
3rd Annual Jingle Jam
December 4th and 5th
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.
Sertoma’s Breakfast with Santa
December 4th
8 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Venice YMCA
701 Center Rd, Venice, FL 34285
Though we had to take a break last year, Sertoma’s Annual BREAKFAST WITH SANTA is back! Bring your family by the YMCA at 700 Center Road in Venice for a memory-making morning with everyone’s favorite jolly fellow. **FREE EVENT** No tickets necessary.Sertoma is a non-profit dedicated to SERvice TO MAnkind. Proceeds from Sertoma events fund community projects, scholarships, and the Sertoma Speech Clinic which serves local children with speech difficulties.
Holiday Boat Parade
December 4th, 2021
Starting at 6 PM
The Holiday Boat Parade is always the First Saturday in December at 6 PM. If there is rain, it’s held the next day. The route starts just north of the Albee Road bridge at Casey Key and travels all the way down the intercoastal, Roberts Bay and down to just before the Circus Bridge. It’s recommended to find a spot early as this is a popular event! There are SO many viewing areas along the parade route including several restaurants, so be sure to check it out!
For more information, visit their website at www.venicechristmasboatparade.com
Ugly Sweater Christmas Party
December 9th
6 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Made in Italy Italian Restaurant and Martini Bar
117 W Venice Ave, Venice, FL 34285
Story Time with Santa
December 11th
2 p.m.
Fable Books
234 Tamiami Trl S., Venice, FL 34285
Hear a story about The Gingerbread Man, then grab your gingerbread house kit and begin construction. Tables will be available for the children to build their very own gingerbread house. The kit will be provided for $10.00. Payment taken at the event. RSVP required by 12/10. You can RSVP by checking that you will attend on the event page, call the store at 941-445-5682, or email at Fablebookshop.com
Winter Arts and Crafts Show
December 11th
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Venice Community Center
326 Nokomis Ave S., Venice, FL 34285
The Winter Arts and Crafts Show is taking place at Venice Community Center, Saturday, Dec. 11.- Local vendors.
– Holiday gifts.
– Food concessions on site.For more information, call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 941-861-5000.
Santa Firehouse Pancake Breakfast
December 17th
8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
112 S Harbor Dr, Venice, Fl 34285
Reservations are highly recommended. Please call 941-480-3030
Christmas Spectacular at the Hollow
December 18th
5:30 PM – 8 PM
826 S Moon Dr, Venice, FL 34292
Hear what goes on The Night Before Christmas, from the man himself. Santa will be available for pictures after.
Story Time with Santa
December 18th
11 a.m.
Fable Books
234 Tamiami Trl S., Venice, FL 34285
Hear what goes on The Night Before Christmas, from the man himself. Santa will be available for pictures after.
Christmas Breakfast Party
December 19th
10 a.m.
Venice- Nokomis Elks Lodge
1021 Discovery Way, Venice, FL 34275
Breakfast Donation $10
Children under 12 eat free! Santa would love to provide a gift for each child if possible. Please let us know if attending: Children’s name, age, and a gift idea by Email [email protected] or call the lodge 941-486-1854
Did I miss something? Please email me and let me know! [email protected]
Check Out Our Experiences At Local Restaurants
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- L’Olive Restaurant in Venice, Florida
- Finding The Best Burger in Venice, Florida
- Big Cat Habitat – A Charity Event
- Côté France in Venice
