Family gatherings, home-baked cookies, chilly nights and

A living history demonstration at Crowley Museum and Nature Center

warm memories… the holidays are upon us, and so are some of our favorite traditions. At Sarasota County's museums and historic sites, they go back centuries. Try spicing up this season by reliving Florida's pioneer days or celebrating Christmas in grand Victorian style.

Historic Spanish Point
Step back in time at "Heritage Holidays at Historic Spanish Point - Victorian Traditions on Little Sarasota Bay," an annual celebration, this year held on select dates, Nov. 24 - Dec. 10. History dramas throughout the season by the Historic Spanish Point Performers will bring the past to life for visitors of all ages. The stories of holidays during Florida's pioneer era take place at the Webb citrus-packing house and Mary's Chapel; afterwards, meet "Mrs. Potter Palmer," founder of the estate, and "her guests" in the formal Sunken Garden. The grounds will be beautifully decorated, and guides give enlightening tours of the 30-acre archaeological and historic site.

Traditional holiday decorations with a Victorian theme will beautify the Visitors Center, White Cottage, Mary's Chapel and the pioneer Guptill House through

A lighted panther at Sarasota Jungle Gardens

December 31. Be sure to visit the butterfly garden and "A Window to the Past" archaeology exhibit as well. The Visitors Center, which houses the Museum Store (stocked with holiday gifts), is on North Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41) in Osprey. Call 941-966-5214 or visit www.historicspanishpoint.org for hours and admission prices.

Crowley Museum and Nature Center
Located along the Myakka River, this 190-acre nature and pioneer history center hails the holidays with programs throughout December, including Pioneer Days, which features special recreations of Old Florida traditions. Each is designed to further the museum's mission of preservation, education and appreciation of the area's natural environment and cultural history.

Pioneer Days, on Saturday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., celebrates the life of the Florida pioneer, and includes hands-on crafts for children and adults, as well as storytelling, live folk music by the Myakka Folk Duo and hayrides for kids.

On Dec. 20 at 10 a.m., kids become Wildlife Detectives on a special nature walk on which they search for tracks, scat,

The Powel Crosley mansion decorated for Christmas

nests and other clues left behind by wildlife.

On Dec. 30 at 10 a.m. Laura Wewerka of the Gopher Tortoise Council presents a slideshow titled Gopher Tortoise: The Burrow Kings about this Species of Special Concern.

These special events are free with regular admission, which is $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 5-12 and free for children younger than 5. Visit www.crowleymuseumnaturectr.org for more information.

Sarasota Jungle Gardens
Visitors and locals alike can enjoy panthers, hummingbirds and other creatures peeping through the nighttime foliage at Sarasota Jungle Gardens from 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 24 - Dec. 30. The third annual Holiday Lights and Jungle Nights will feature 43 lighting displays scattered throughout the botanical and zoological gardens in Sarasota. Holiday Cocktail Nights in the open gardens will be held on select nights throughout the event. Kids will enjoy a sneak peek at Santa every night until Christmas Day. Cost for evening admission is $8 per adult, free for children age 12 and younger. Group pricing is available

Sparkling dragonflies during Selby Lights in Bloom

for parties of 10 or more. For more information, call 941-355-1112, ext. 303.

Powel Crosley Museum
Imagine seeing a Christmas tree decorated in living hibiscus blooms, railroad memorabilia - even red hats! A mélange of colorfully adorned trees grace the rooms and porch of the historic Crosley mansion during the Festival of Trees, held from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., Nov. 29 - Dec. 7.

The bay front, Mediterranean mansion and museum honors Powel Crosley, an industrialist, inventor and visionary who is responsible for many innovations, including the fax machine, 35mm camera and the first compact economy car, to name just a few. Every year, members of the Crosley Automobile Club drive from all over the country in their antique Crosley cars to showcase them for the weekend (this year, Dec. 2 and 3) during the festival. There is also a history room with video presentation and historians on site to answer questions, a rarely seen antique railroad display and a holiday boutique. The event also features nightly performances of "A Crosley Christmas Canteen" by The Manatee Players. Admission to the performances is $17 for adults and $10 for children ages 5-12, and includes admission to the Festival of Trees. This year will also feature wine tastings, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Nov. 30 - Dec. 6. Admission is $17. Reservations are required.

Admission to the Festival of Trees is $7 for adults, $3 for children ages 5-12 and free for children younger than 5. The museum is located on Seagate Drive off U.S. 41, across from the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. Call 941-748-5875 or visit www.crosleymuseum.com for more information.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
This botanical attraction is already a Sarasota gem, with its exotic plants and lush foliage, but in December it truly sparkles with the addition of rainforest-themed lights. It's Selby Lights in Bloom, 6-9 p.m., December 8-23 and 26-30. Among the sights and activities are a living bromeliad tree and a Secret Garden for the children. Tour the Selby mansion, which is transformed into a true holiday house with all the trimmings. The Rainforest and Banyan Treasures stores will host holiday gifts. Refreshments are available.

Admission to Selby Gardens is $12 for adults, $6 for children ages 6-11, free for children age 5 and younger. Call 941-366-5731 or visit www.selby.org for more information.