Holiday Events at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

A Sparkling Holiday Season

The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota is proud to offer an extensive array of seasonal experiences, culinary delights, wellness offerings and family friendly activities taking place from late November through New Year's Day. Surprises are in store as the resort decks the halls, ensuring each moment is merry and bright. There is no better place to celebrate the end of 2026 than The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.

Elevate Your Holiday Stay

Plan ahead for a warmer winter escape to Sarasota. This season, indulge in luxurious accomodations that blend coastal elegance with modern style. Our hotel offers a variety of premium rooms, suites and a renowned Club Level designed for a memorable and comfortable stay this season.

Festive Experiences

Festive Dining

Thanksgiving Grand Ballroom Brunch

Let us do the cooking. Experience our legendary traditional Thanksgiving feast in The Ritz-Carlton Grand Ballroom featuring chef-attended action stations and an unforgettable buffet spread for adults and children alike. Reservations are required for this November 26 event.

Christmas star background

Nutcracker Tea

Celebrate the magic of the season at our Nutcracker Tea with The Sarasota Ballet School and Studio Company, where festive treats meet enchanting characters. Reservations are required for both seatings on December 6.

Holiday Season Desserts

Holiday Grand Ballroom Brunch

Tis the season to indulge in an exquisite brunch in The Ritz-Carlton Grand Ballroom on December 25 featuring chef-attended action stations, activities for children and festive entertainment. Reservations are required.

Santa at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

Breakfast with Santa on the Bay

Have breakfast with Santa himself. Children will enjoy fun, interactive activities including face painting, balloon art, cookie decorating and photos with Santa. The breakfast buffet will be served on The Bayview Lawn. Reservations are required for the December 5 and 19 events.

Gingerbread house

Gingerbread House or Dreidel Decorating

While donning chef’s hats and aprons, decorate a festive gingerbread house or gingerbread dreidel guided by The Ritz-Carlton’s pastry team. Light refreshments will be served. Reservations are required for the December 13 and 20 events.

Ritz Carlton Hotel image

S'mores on the Beach

Savor golden hour and enjoy an evening of fireside indulgence with gourmet s’mores at The Beach Club.

Hanukkah at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

Hanukkah Celebration Bundle

Celebrate the Fetival of Lights with your family. Light a candle each evening and enjoy traditional Hanukkah delights. Reserve with the front desk for delivery December 4 through 12.

Signature Shop at The Ritz-Carlton

Holiday Retail Therapy Sip and Shop

Find yourself in need of the perfect gift for that special someone? Stop by the resort's Signature Shop for your last minute gifts and receive a glass of bubbly to enjoy while shopping. The Sip and Shop event occurs Tuesdays at 4 p.m. December 8 through 29.

Champagne celebration

Lobby Activations

Overnight guests can indulge in daily surprise and delight experiences in the lobby including culinary creations from the resort’s talented chefs, decadent holiday-inspired frosted drinks and mocktails, refreshing juices, themed activities and more.

Holiday Happenings and Amenities

Club Lounge Guests at sunset
The Ritz-Carlton Club Level

The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge invites guests to discover their destination in distinct ways. Hosted by a dedicated concierge, this elevated stay extends beyond the luxury accommodations and into the Club Lounge with space exclusive to Club guests. Specialty holiday programming designed to delight all ages is available November 20 through January 1.

Santa's Getaway at The Beach Club
The Ritz-Carlton Beach Club

Embrace the warmth of the season. Our private Beach Club on Lido Key offers guests a beautiful white sand Gulf-front heated zero-entry pool, distinctive beach activities, Ridley’s Porch restaurant and elegant ladies’ and gentlemen’s changing facilities. Located just three miles away, a complimentary shuttle is provided for resort guests. The Beach Club is exclusive to resort guests and members.

Presents
Give the Gift of Luxury

Let them choose. Gift certificates are available for purchase on Marriott’s gift card platform for use at the hotel, spa, dining outlets and Signature Shop.

The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom
Let Us Host Your Holiday Event

Celebrate with colleagues and reflect on your successes in 2026. The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota is the perfect coastal backdrop for your holiday event.

The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club
Closest to the Pole

Players at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club that complete The Lion’s Den in par or better receive a shirt from the golf shop celebrating the achievement. Designed by Tom Fazio, our private course resides 13 miles away from the resort at Lakewood Ranch.The Golf Club is exclusive to resort guests and members only.

Wintry Wellness

The holidays are a time of relaxation and rejuvenation. Our fully reimagined Spa and Salon is happy to offer festive services such as the Winter Luxe Infusion Skin Ritual and Silver Birch Manicure & Pedicure. Day passes are available for the Healing Waters amenities on ResortPass. Hotel guests can enjoy a 2.3 mile complimentary guided Jingle Jog (Dec. 14) or Bike Ride with Santa and his Reindeer (Dec. 15) over the Ringling Bridge.

Festive Dining at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

Coastal Cuisine

Jack Dusty

Celebrate the end of 2026 with curated dining experiences all season long. In addition to regular meal service, guests can enjoy a special à la carte menu on Christmas Eve, a three-course prix-fixe menu on Christmas Day, and an elegant four-course prix-fixe menu on New Year's Eve. Celebrate the New Year a lounge experience, featuring a DJ, dancing, dessert station and champagne. Reservations are required for all specialty dining experiences.

Jack Dusty Lounge
Give Thanks for Full Plates

Thanksgiving Dinner To-Go

Let our chefs prepare a spectacular Thanksgiving feast to serve your friends and family in the comfort of your home. Each thoughtfully prepared meal serves six guests.

Festive Dining
Waterfront Views

Ridley's Porch

All season long, enjoy Gulf views and locally inspired dishes. In addition to regular dining service, the restaurant is pleased to provide special holiday menus for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Year's Eve dinner, along with a festive à la carte menu on Christmas Day. Ridley's Porch is exclusive to resort guests and members.

Ridley's Porch
Spirits. Shareables. Sunsets.

Rufa

Enjoy the fresh Florida winter air at the resort's newest lounge. Soar into 2027 with Rufa's New Year's Eve party, including live entertainment and bottle service.

Outdoor Patio with Ocean View

Secure Your Festive Stay and Experience the Magic of the Season.