All New Year’s Eve Guides
EN

    Sarasota

    Sarasota New Year's Eve Guide 2026-2027: Events, Fireworks & Where to Stay

    Sarasota gives you a sunny, Gulf Coast take on New Year's Eve. At University Town Center, the family-friendly celebration on The Green is set to count down to fireworks at 9 p.m. Holiday light shows and an outdoor ice rink add extra sparkle, while mild winter days make it easy to mix festive plans with beach time. Bring a light layer for after sunset, then pick the kind of night that suits you.

    Want a dress-up evening? Marie Selby Botanical Gardens plans a black-tie gala with dinner, dancing and a midnight toast. Prefer laughs? McCurdy's Comedy Theatre has a late show, and Florida Studio Theatre schedules an improv performance. You can also book a five-course dinner downtown. From a family fireworks countdown to a ticketed night out, Sarasota offers plenty of ways to welcome 2027.

     

     

    Adults  
    Children  

     

     

    New Year's Eve fireworks in Sarasota

    Sarasota New Year's Eve at a Glance

    Where to Celebrate New Year's Eve in Sarasota

    Where to Celebrate New Year's Eve in Sarasota

    Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: Dress Up for a Bayfront Gala

    Want a polished night out with a garden setting? The New Year's Eve Gala at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens runs from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Your ticket includes private access to Lights in Bloom, passed hors d'oeuvres and a seated four-course dinner. The program also features a performance by The Sarasota Ballet's Margaret Barbieri Conservatory, then dancing to DJ Karim.

    The evening wraps with a midnight countdown and champagne toast. The organizer advertises views of fireworks over Sarasota Bay, adding a local touch to the black-tie affair. Wear formal attire, as the dress code is black tie. Ticket prices, the menu and dietary options are details to check before booking. This is a good pick if you want an all-in-one celebration rather than hopping between venues.

    The Westin Sarasota: Dance Above the City

    For rooftop nightlife and a late countdown, head to The Westin Sarasota's Roof Bar & Eats. This 21-plus soirée runs from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. and features a live DJ, dancing, a chef-selected lite-bites buffet from 9 to 11:30 p.m. and a midnight champagne toast. Cocktails, wine and beer are available to buy. Cocktail attire is encouraged.

    General admission is listed at $200 per person, and advance tickets are required. Lounge seats and high-top tables are first-come, first-served, so arrive early if you want to claim a spot. The rooftop closes at 6 p.m. for preparations, then reopens to ticket holders at 9 p.m. Paid parking is available. The venue says local fireworks views are not guaranteed, so choose this for Sarasota nightlife, dancing and rooftop atmosphere-not a sure-fireworks view.

    McCurdy's Comedy Theatre: Laugh Your Way to Midnight

    Trade the dance floor for a comedy club and ring in 2027 with a live show at McCurdy's Comedy Theatre. The Green Room opens at 8:30 p.m., showroom seating starts at 9 p.m. and the show begins at 9:30. Les McCurdy hosts, with Adam Yenser headlining and other guest performers on the bill. Expect raffle door prizes, party favors, a Times Square ball-drop broadcast and a midnight champagne toast.

    Tickets are listed at $79, and guests must be at least 18 with valid ID. There's a two-item minimum per person in the showroom, plus an 18% gratuity. Tickets are non-refundable, and the theatre accepts Visa and Mastercard only. There's no valet; the attached Links Parking Garage and nearby garages offer parking options. This is a fun fit if you want a structured night of laughs instead of a full night of Sarasota nightlife.

    Florida Studio Theatre: Catch a Playful Improv Countdown

    Kick off your night with quick-witted comedy at FST Improv: Resolution Rewind, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre's Bowne's Lab. The show looks back at audience-favorite games and sketches from 2026, with room for audience participation and a toast. It's a lively downtown option if you want an interactive performance before making other plans. The scheduled end time and ticket price are details to check when booking.

    Tickets are available through Florida Studio Theatre. For parking, Palm Avenue Garage offers the first two hours free, and evening or weekend parking is listed at the ICORR Garage. Reserved disabled parking is listed in the First Street lot across from FST's Hegner Theatre Wing. Age guidance and event-specific accessibility details are not stated, so check with the theatre if those details matter for your plans.

    Where to Watch Fireworks in Sarasota on New Year's Eve

    Where to Watch Fireworks in Sarasota on New Year's Eve

    I The Green at University Town Center

    For the clearest plan, head to The Green at University Town Center, where the holiday celebration includes a countdown to fireworks at 9 p.m. The open-air setting makes this the main spot to watch the show, with the UTC shopping and dining district nearby for a meal before the countdown. Event hours, admission and parking details are still to come, so check the venue's updates before you set out.

    II Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

    Want a garden setting with a bayfront backdrop? The Selby Gardens New Year's Eve Gala runs from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. and advertises a view of fireworks over Sarasota Bay. The black-tie evening includes dinner, a Sarasota Ballet conservatory performance, dancing to DJ Karim and a midnight champagne toast. The downtown campus is the venue itself, with private access to its Lights in Bloom display. This is a ticketed gala, not a casual public viewing lawn.

    III The Roof Bar & Eats at The Westin Sarasota

    For a rooftop atmosphere, The Westin Sarasota's Soirée pairs a live DJ and dancing with a midnight countdown and champagne toast. The event runs from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; general admission is listed at $200, and guests must be 21 or older. The rooftop's city-and-bay setting makes it a scenic place to celebrate, but local fireworks views are not guaranteed. Paid parking is available, and the hotel's own bar and lounge give you a built-in spot to gather.

    How to Get the Best Fireworks View

    Choose your viewing plan early

    The Green is the listed location for the 9 p.m. fireworks show, so make it your first choice if seeing the display is the priority. Check event updates for admission and parking details before traveling.

    Arrive with time to spare

    Give yourself time to park and find a comfortable spot before the countdown. If you're heading to a ticketed event, check its entry time and seating rules so you're not rushing.

    Plan a ride home

    Don't assume regular trolley hours apply on New Year's Eve; check Breeze Transit's holiday schedule before relying on public transport. A pre-booked ride or designated driver can make the trip back simpler.

    Family-Friendly New Year's Eve Activities in Sarasota

    Sarasota makes a relaxed family getaway, with mild winter weather, beaches and festive activities that work around your own schedule. You can keep the day active, take breaks when little ones need them, and save the evening for the celebration that suits your family.

    Family-Friendly New Year's Eve Activities in Sarasota

    Go Ice-Skating at The Rink

    Add a winter-style skate to your Florida holiday. The outdoor rink at UTC is open on New Year's Eve from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets cost $16-$20 per skater and include skate rental. Book a timed online session, since walk-up entry isn't guaranteed. The rink is weather-dependent.

    Spend the Day at Siesta Beach

    Build your own easy beach day with a shoreline walk, playground time, volleyball or a stop at the scenic overlooks. Public beach access and parking are free, and beach wheelchairs are available at no cost. The Gulf is cooler in winter, so pack layers and check holiday trolley schedules before relying on a ride.

    Start New Year's Day with a Family 5K

    Keep the celebration going on January 1 at this all-ages 5K in nearby Bradenton. The flat course welcomes walkers and strollers, with music, giveaways, themed medals, a selfie wall and a team prize. It runs from 8 to 10 a.m. In-person registration is listed at $37 through October 31, then rises in stages; race-day registration is $50, plus fees.

    Best Restaurants for New Year's Eve in Sarasota

    Best Restaurants for New Year's Eve in Sarasota

    Upscale Dinner Spots

    For a special-occasion meal, Mademoiselle Paris has a New Year's Eve dinner with an exclusive five-course French menu, served from 4:50 to 10 p.m. Its preview includes an amuse-bouche and mini beef Wellington. For a classic seafood setting, Chart House offers waterfront dining, while fine-dining Crab & Fin features live music. Check each restaurant's holiday hours and reservation details as you plan.

    Where to Eat with Kids

    Traveling with kids? Yoder's Restaurant serves American and Dutch dishes and has highchairs available. Columbia Restaurant is another option, with Spanish and Cuban cuisine, outdoor seating and highchairs. These spots give your group a more relaxed meal than a formal dinner. Ask about the menu and seating when booking to find the best fit for your family.

    Budget-Friendly Options

    For a meal that's easier on your travel budget, look at Sarasota's mid-range restaurants, listed in the $$-$$$ range. Owen's Fish Camp serves seafood and offers live music and outdoor seating. Yoder's Restaurant is another mid-range choice, with American and Dutch fare. These are useful options when you want a casual meal without booking a fine-dining experience. Confirm New Year's Eve hours before you go.

    Where to Stay in Sarasota for New Year's Eve

    Where to Stay in Sarasota for New Year's Eve

    Downtown Sarasota

    Stay downtown if you want restaurants, shows and waterfront walks close by. Florida Studio Theatre and McCurdy's Comedy Theatre are among the listed NYE events in this area. The bayfront setting also makes it easy to enjoy the city without planning a beach commute.

    For a full-service stay, consider The Westin Sarasota, which hosts a rooftop NYE soirée. The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota offers a luxury option, while Aloft Sarasota is a more casual-style pick. NYE room prices vary by hotel, room type and booking date, so compare live quotes before choosing; no reliable price ranges are available here. Book early if you want to stay near downtown events.

    University Town Center

    The UTC area suits you if the 9 p.m. fireworks countdown at The Green is your main plan. It's near I-75 and University Parkway, with shopping and seasonal activities nearby. This location can also work well if you're driving between Sarasota and other Gulf Coast stops.

    For different stay styles, look at Homewood Suites by Hilton Sarasota-Lakewood Ranch, Hyatt Place Sarasota/Lakewood Ranch and Courtyard Sarasota at University Town Center. These give you a choice of suite-style, standard hotel and familiar chain options. Specific New Year's Eve prices depend on the dates and room selected, so check current rates directly and compare parking costs before booking.

    Lido Key and Longboat Key

    Choose the barrier islands for a slower beach getaway. Lido Key links to downtown by the Bay Runner trolley on its usual schedule, while the Siesta Islander serves Siesta Key. Holiday service can differ, so check transit plans before relying on a ride after midnight.

    Lido Beach Resort is a beach-focused choice, Cirque St. Armands Beachside keeps you near the St. Armands area, and Zota Beach Resort on Longboat Key offers another resort-style stay. These properties suit travelers who want beach time alongside their celebration. Island hotel rates change with room type, demand and booking date; check current NYE quotes rather than relying on a fixed estimate. Factor in transport to your chosen event, too.

    Best Hotels in Sarasota

    These picks cover different holiday needs, from resort-style stays and beach access to pet-friendly trips and budget-conscious rooms. They're grouped by the kind of stay each hotel name and category suggests, not by a verified ranking or review score.

    Click a pin or a hotel in the list to link them.
    Hotel type

    Resort-Style Holiday Stays

    1

    Carlisle Inn Sarasota

    Carlisle Inn Sarasota is a resort-style option if you want your lodging to feel like part of the getaway. Use it as a home base for your New Year's plans, and check travel times to your chosen event before booking. Its inn-style name points to a stay focused on lodging rather than a large beachfront resort setting. Compare room options and policies directly to see whether it fits your trip.

    • Resort category
    • Inn-style stay
    • Check event travel time before booking
    Resort-Style Holiday Stays Check availability
    2

    Lido Beach Resort - Sarasota

    Lido Beach Resort - Sarasota suits travelers who want to pair their holiday plans with a beach-focused stay. It can be a handy base for a relaxed trip, but check the route to your New Year's event and plan your ride in advance. The resort name identifies its beachside setting on Lido Key. Compare room types and current rates to find an option that works for your budget.

    • Beach-focused resort name
    • Lido Key setting
    • Compare room types and rates
    Resort-Style Holiday Stays Check availability
    3

    Aloft By Marriott Sarasota

    Aloft By Marriott Sarasota is a hotel-style choice for travelers who prefer a contemporary brand stay over a resort setting. Check its location against your event plans so you can map out the trip home ahead of time. The Aloft name makes it easy to compare this option with the other hotel styles in this list. Review the current room details and policies before you book.

    • Marriott Aloft brand
    • Hotel-style stay
    • Check location and room policies
    Resort-Style Holiday Stays Check availability

    Beach-Trip Bases

    4

    Kompose Boutique Hotel Sarasota

    Kompose Boutique Hotel Sarasota is a boutique-style base for travelers who want to explore Sarasota during the holiday break. Check the distance to your chosen event and beach plans before settling on a room. Its name signals a boutique hotel rather than a large resort. Compare its current room options with nearby stays to find the right fit for your group.

    • Boutique hotel style
    • Sarasota base for holiday exploring
    • Compare nearby room options
    Beach-Trip Bases Check availability
    5

    La Quinta By Wyndham Sarasota Downtown

    The downtown name makes La Quinta By Wyndham Sarasota Downtown worth considering if you want to base your trip around city plans. Before booking, check the route to your event and confirm how you'll get back after midnight. It's a branded hotel option rather than a standalone beach resort. Review current room rates and policies to match your dates and budget.

    • Downtown location in the hotel name
    • Wyndham-branded stay
    • Check late-night transport plans
    Beach-Trip Bases Check availability
    6

    Regency Inn & Suites Sarasota

    Regency Inn & Suites Sarasota gives you an inn-and-suites option to compare for a holiday visit. Check its location against your New Year's plans, since getting between neighborhoods can shape your evening. The name offers a choice beyond resort-style lodging. Look over available room types and booking terms before you commit.

    • Inn-and-suites style
    • Alternative to a resort stay
    • Compare room types and terms
    Beach-Trip Bases Check availability

    Bring Your Pet Along

    7

    Hampton Inn & Suites Sarasota / Bradenton - Airport

    Hampton Inn & Suites Sarasota / Bradenton - Airport is a practical name to consider if your trip includes airport travel. Confirm the pet policy directly before booking, then check the route to your New Year's plans. The Hampton Inn & Suites format gives you a hotel-and-suite option to compare. Review current room details and any pet-related rules so there are no surprises.

    • Airport-area name
    • Inn-and-suites format
    • Confirm pet rules and fees
    Bring Your Pet Along Check availability
    8

    Hyatt Place Sarasota/Bradenton

    Hyatt Place Sarasota/Bradenton is another branded option for travelers planning a Sarasota-area stay with a pet. Check the hotel's current pet policy and any related fees before reserving. Its Hyatt Place name makes it easy to compare with other chain-hotel stays. Map the trip to your event and plan a return ride before the night begins.

    • Hyatt Place brand
    • Sarasota/Bradenton area
    • Verify pet policy and fees
    Bring Your Pet Along Check availability
    9

    Sleep Inn Sarasota North

    Sleep Inn Sarasota North may suit travelers who want to compare a straightforward hotel stay in the northern part of the Sarasota area. If you're bringing a pet, confirm permission and fees directly with the property. The hotel name makes its north Sarasota positioning clear, so compare the drive to your event before booking. Check the room details and policies for your dates.

    • North Sarasota positioning
    • Sleep Inn hotel brand
    • Confirm pet rules and event travel time
    Bring Your Pet Along Check availability

    Distinctive Stays

    10

    Voco Sarasota By Ihg

    Voco Sarasota By Ihg gives you a branded hotel option to compare for a holiday stay. Check its location against your plans for the evening and choose transport before heading out. The voco name sets it apart from the inn and suite options in this list. Review room types, current rates and booking rules for your dates.

    • IHG voco brand
    • Distinct option among the listed hotel styles
    • Compare current rates and room types
    Distinctive Stays Check availability
    11

    The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

    The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota is the luxury-brand pick here for travelers who want an upscale hotel base for the holiday. Check event locations and transport plans before booking, especially if you expect to return late. The Ritz-Carlton name identifies its luxury positioning. Compare available room choices and rates to see whether it suits your trip.

    • Luxury hotel brand
    • Sarasota location
    • Compare room choices and rates
    Distinctive Stays Check availability

    Keep Your Stay Budget-Minded

    12

    Super 8 By Wyndham Sarasota Near Siesta Key

    Super 8 By Wyndham Sarasota Near Siesta Key is a budget-category choice to compare if keeping lodging costs in check matters. The name points to the Siesta Key area, so check the route to your event and plan how you'll get back. Its Wyndham brand gives you a familiar option among the listed budget stays. Check the total cost, including any fees, before booking.

    • Budget hotel category
    • Near Siesta Key in the hotel name
    • Compare total price and fees
    Keep Your Stay Budget-Minded Check availability
    13

    Siesta Key Beachside Villas

    Siesta Key Beachside Villas is a villa-style option for travelers who want a stay linked to Siesta Key. Check the precise location and travel time to your New Year's plans before you reserve. The villa name offers a different style from a standard hotel room. Compare available units, rates and booking policies for your dates.

    • Villa-style accommodation
    • Siesta Key in the name
    • Compare unit details and policies
    Keep Your Stay Budget-Minded Check availability
    14

    Siesta Inn Sarasota - Indian Beach

    Siesta Inn Sarasota - Indian Beach is another budget-category name to consider when comparing places to stay. Check its location against the event you plan to attend, since your ride home matters on a busy night. The inn-style name offers an alternative to resorts and villas. Review current rates and room details before making a reservation.

    • Budget hotel category
    • Inn-style option
    • Check event route and current rates
    Keep Your Stay Budget-Minded Check availability

    New Year's Eve Planning Tips for Sarasota

    Book Your Stay and Tickets Early

    Reserve accommodation and paid events ahead of time. The Westin soirée requires advance tickets, and Selby Gardens encourages advance gala purchases. Check prices and refund rules before paying.

    Pack for a Warm Day and Cool Night

    December averages about 18°C (65°F), with a typical high near 24°C (75°F) and low near 13°C (55°F). Sunset is at 5:46 p.m., so bring a light layer for evening plans.

    Match Your Outfit to the Event

    Selby's gala calls for black tie; cocktail attire is encouraged at The Westin. Check dress rules before you pack, and wear comfortable shoes if your plans include walking.

    Plan Your Ride and Route Home

    No target-date trolley schedule or event road-closure plan is available yet. Check Breeze Transit and event updates before heading out; don't count on ordinary holiday service. Save your route, charge your phone and arrange a backup ride.