Experience Fresh Fridays With a Tree Lighting, Live Music, and Holiday Spirit

November 22, 2024 | Sarasota

The holiday season is about to get a whole lot brighter! Fresh Fridays is back on Dec. 6 with the highly anticipated “Light Up The Night” event, kicking off the festive season in style with a spectacular tree lighting ceremony, live music, and a whole lot of holiday cheer in downtown Sarasota.

From 7 to 10 p.m., Selby Five Points Park will be transformed into a magical winter wonderland, as the Downtown Improvement District (DID) unveils its brand-new holiday tree. This first-of-its-kind lighting ceremony promises to be a truly unforgettable experience. Plus, visitors can snap a holiday-themed photo in the inflatable snow globe booth, adding a little extra holiday fun to the evening’s festivities. “We are thrilled to ‘Light Up The Night’ at Selby Five Points Park and celebrate the holidays with the Sarasota community! It’s a way for us to bring people together and make this holiday season truly special. We encourage everyone to come out, gather with friends and family, and enjoy an unforgettable evening of music, fun, and holiday spirit,” said Chris Voelker, Chair of the DID Board of Directors.

The tree lighting ceremony begins at 7:45 p.m. and marks a significant investment by the DID to enhance Sarasota’s holiday spirit. It’s more than just lights—it’s a celebration of community, togetherness, and the joy of the season. Along with the lighting ceremony, the vibrant sounds of The Rockefellers will take center stage, providing live entertainment with

a mix of classic holiday favorites and energetic dance tunes. The party will continue throughout the evening, ensuring that everyone is in the festive mood from start to finish. “We wanted to create an experience that’s both festive and unforgettable,” said Joseph Grano, president of Next-Mark and Fresh Fridays event organizer and promoter. “The Rockefellers are the perfect band to energize this event, their music brings people to their feet, making them the ideal soundtrack for this special occasion. From the tree lighting to the snow globe photo ops and giveaways, this event is designed to be enjoyed by everyone in our community.”

Of course, what’s a celebration without food and drink? As always, Fresh Fridays will feature an exciting array of delicious offerings from downtown Sarasota’s top restaurants and bars. Attendees will be able to sample a wide variety of local cuisine, from savory bites to sweet treats, with something for every taste. For those in the mood for a festive libation, local bartenders will be mixing up signature cocktails, serving craft beers, and offering seasonal beverages to enjoy while you soak in the atmosphere.

Whether you’re strolling through the twinkling lights, enjoying the live music, or indulging in mouth-watering local fare, “Light Up The Night” is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season in downtown Sarasota. So, round up your friends and family, and join us for a night of holiday magic you won’t want to miss!

Be sure to also come early to claim your Fresh Fridays giveaway and take home a memento of this special event. Supplies are limited, so arriving early is the best way to secure your exclusive gift and start the night off right! Accessible and convenient parking will be available at Palm Avenue and State Street parking garages. Guests can stay up to date by following Fresh Fridays on their social media channels or by visiting their website at www.downtownsarasotadid.com/fresh-fridays.