Sarasota Ballet Presents A Circus-Themed Nutcracker At Van Wezel

1. Sarasota Ballet will present John Ringling's The Nutcracker at the Van Wezel on Friday and Saturday. 

This circus-themed version is set to the traditional Tchaikovsky score and brings the fairy tale to audience in a very Sarasota fashion. 

Performances are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and both shows include a pre-show dinner at 6:30 p.m. A Saturday 2 p.m. matinee also features a 11:30 a.m. circus-themed family lunch.

Pricing and ticket information can be found online at www.sarasotaballet.org  or call The Sarasota Ballet box office at (941) 359-0099 x101. 

2. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow in Sarasota.

Snow Fest Sarasota starts Friday, Dec. 14, and runs through Sunday, Dec. 23 at the Fairgrounds bringing more than 240 tons of snow complete with snow tubing, a snow mountain, ice skating and more. Admission is free, parking costs $5. The parking donation goes to The Lazarus Foundation's Kids Force program to help disadvantaged or critically ill children. Several games and activities charge a fee. Read our complete preview for more information.

3. Enjoy the sounds of the season at the Holiday Harmonies show at The Glenridge Performing Arts Center at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16.

The award-winning Chorus of the Keys will perform holiday favorites along with other barbershop choirs and quartets. Cost is $15 and tickets are available at gpactix.com or by calling 553-5325. 

4. Help provide bikes for the poor at a bike drive and bike part collection at the Unitarian Universality Church of Sarasota at noon on Saturday, Dec. 15.

The start-up nonprofit called Suncoast Community Bikes is co-sponsoring the event. For more information, call Ryan Feller at 410-894-4333.

5.  The Riverview High School Performing Arts Center will be filled with sounds of the season when the Riverview Chorus joins the Kiltie Band for a special holiday performance at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 18.

The 90-minute show will feature traditional Christmas songs and early English and Russian holiday music. Donations of $5 per person will be requested at the door.