Sarasota's Thanksgiving calendar is beginning to take shape, with holiday productions opening before the turkey reaches the table.

For readers planning the next week or so, the useful distinction is between Thanksgiving celebrations and Christmas-season shows that happen to arrive in November.

This roundup focuses on November 10 through 22, with a separately identified look ahead to Thanksgiving week.

All the venues below are in Sarasota or Tampa, within roughly 100 miles of Sarasota; actual driving distance depends on your starting point and route.

November 21 onward: Nik Wallenda's Wonderland opens

Nik Wallenda's Wonderland Circus presents Home for the Holidays, which begins November 21 and continues through January 2, 2027, at the East District at University Town Center.

The organizer describes a new production featuring circus acts, aerial performance and storytelling, with Nik Wallenda among the featured performers.

The show lasts about two hours including a 15-minute intermission, and advertised starting prices are $20 before tax.

Select a specific date through the official ticket calendar before making plans, because showtimes and seating prices vary.

The opening weekend offers another way to begin a holiday family tradition close to home.

November 21: Cirque Dreams Holidaze

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall presents Cirque Dreams Holidaze on Saturday, November 21, at 7 p.m.

The production combines contemporary circus performance with holiday characters, music and theatrical staging.

Listed ticket prices are $49–$125, with the venue using all-in pricing and noting that prices can change.

The hall is at 777 North Tamiami Trail in Sarasota, making this a local option for an evening out.

It is a holiday-season spectacular rather than a Thanksgiving-themed show.

November 22: a concert alternative

ROCKY in Concert arrives at the Van Wezel on Sunday, November 22, at 7 p.m.

The original film plays while a symphony orchestra and piano perform the score live.

Tickets are listed at $46–$96 with all-in pricing, subject to change.

This is a general entertainment option, not a Thanksgiving or Christmas production.

It belongs on the list for visitors and residents who want live music during the same planning window.

November 18 onward: holiday circus in Tampa

Cirque du Soleil's 'Twas the Night Before runs November 18–29 at the Straz Center's Morsani Hall in Tampa.

The production follows a girl rediscovering the holiday spirit, giving families a Christmas-themed outing before Thanksgiving.

Check the organizer's calendar for your chosen performance, current ticket prices and availability.

For Sarasota readers, this is the longer trip on the list, so leave room in the evening for traffic, parking and the return drive.

Looking ahead: Thanksgiving week

Monday, November 23, brings The Unauthorized Hallmark(ish) Parody Musical to the Van Wezel at 7 p.m.

The holiday movie spoof follows a busy executive returning to her hometown and getting swept into Christmas complications.

Tickets are listed at $41–$71 with all-in pricing, subject to change.

For an event explicitly tied to Thanksgiving, Sarasota's city calendar lists Downtown Turkey Jam on Wednesday, November 25, from 4 to 10 p.m.

The free pre-Thanksgiving gathering on the 1400 block of Lemon Avenue advertises live music, food and drinks; food and beverage purchases are separate.

That date falls outside the main November 10–22 window, but gives readers a Thanksgiving-specific option to put on the calendar now.

Thanksgiving itself is Thursday, November 26.

Buy performance tickets through the organizers, review accessibility and parking arrangements, and confirm the final schedule before leaving home.

Useful links and sources

Cirque du Soleil Tampa dates

Cirque Dreams Holidaze tickets

Wonderland dates and tickets

ROCKY in Concert tickets

Hallmark(ish) musical tickets

Downtown Turkey Jam details