Holly jolly time: List of Bradenton-area holiday and Christmas events in 2024
The 2024 holiday season has arrived, and Bradenton and Sarasota are ready to celebrate, Florida-style.
Unique holiday and Christmas traditions around Southwest Florida include illuminated boat parades, street parties and subtropical light displays.
Other events planned this December include holiday concerts, festivals, markets, theme park events and much more.
Here’s a guide to family-friendly holiday fun near you.
Christmas and holiday events
Savor the Season Holiday Festival at Ananda Farm: Ananda Farm, a new agrotourism attraction in Manatee County, is celebrating its grand opening with a holiday festival featuring play areas, a multi-platform tree house, games, decorated photo opportunity spots and live music.
The farm also offers food and drink with locally sourced ingredients. Offerings at the festival include a wine bar, a coffee and doughnuts shop, a rooftop beer garden, artisan pizzas “and other unique bites.”
Details: Weekends Nov. 9 to Dec. 15. 3 to 8 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. 579 Ken Hubbard Road, Terra Ceia. $25 for single-day entry; $55 for festival pass. Discounts available with online purchase.
Info: AnandaFarm.com
Palmetto’s Christmas in the Park: This annual event includes kids’ crafts, reindeer games and festive decorations to see around Palmetto Historical Park. Visits with Santa at this year’s event are sold out.
Details: 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 and 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. Palmetto Historical Park, 515 10th Ave. W., Palmetto. Free; online registration required.
Info: 941-721-2034. ManateeCountyAgMuseum.com/christmas-in-the-park
Walk Through Bethlehem: Samoset First Baptist Church’s “Walk Through Bethlehem” event immerses visitors in a “live, dramatic, walk-through Christmas adventure that re-enacts what it might have been like the night Jesus was born.”
The event features over 100 actors, live animals, demonstrations and storytelling.
Details: 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 8. Samoset First Baptist Church, 3200 15th St. E., Bradenton. Free; donations accepted.
Historic Holiday Tours: Palmetto Historical Museum & the Manatee County Agricultural Museum will host educational tours that explore both museums’ grounds this month, and visitors can see all the historical buildings decked out in Christmas decor.
Spots for the tours are limited, and reservations are required.
Details: Historic Holiday Tours offered at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Dec. 10 to 13. Palmetto Historical Park, 515 10th Ave. W., Palmetto. Free. Reservations required; 10 people per tour.
Chanukah on Main Street: A Chanukah Celebration on Lakewood Ranch Main Street will feature family fun and Israeli singer and entertainer Yoel Sharabi in concert.
Activities will include a community menorah lighting, face painting, balloon sculpting, doughnut decorating, a dreidl bounce house, a latke bar, a fire juggler and food and drink for sale.
Details: 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26. Lakewood Ranch Main Street. Free admission.
Info: ChabadOfBradenton.com
A Celtic Christmas: First Presbyterian Church in Sarasota will offer two chances to witness its annual Christmas musical spectacular this year.
The Lubben Brothers, a triplet folk trio, will be backed by a 50-voice choir composed of the First Presbyterian Choir and the Sarasota-based Via Nova Chorale.
“The Lubben Brothers raise the roof with the energy of fiddles, whistle, accordion, dulcimer, percussion, and other instruments,” an event preview says.
They will also be joined by award-winning bagpiper Kevin Weigand.
Details: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13 and 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St., Sarasota. $25 advanced purchase; $35 at the door.
Info:
Christmas in Cortez: Now in its fourth year, this festival spirits up holiday family fun in the historic fishing village of Cortez. Hosted by the Florida Maritime Museum, “Christmas in Cortez” will feature games, a bounce house, a Santa meet-and-greet and other holiday festivities.
Due to the impacts of the hurricane season, the Anna Maria Island Privateers will also join in the fun at Christmas in Cortez in place of their annual Christmas event. The Privateers’ will bring their pirate ship for the perfect photo op.
Food and drink will be available for purchase at the festival. Event parking can be found at the FISH Preserve, just east of the Florida Maritime Museum. Parking, admission and activities are free.
Details: 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Free.
An Old Florida Christmas at Manatee Village Historical Park will offer “make and take” crafts, live music and vendors selling handmade goods like crafts, wreaths, gifts, jewelry, ornaments, T-shirts and snacks. Historic buildings will be decorated in Victorian and Old Florida styles, and there will be a selection of food trucks.
Details: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Manatee Village Historical Park, 1404 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton. Free.
Info: ManateeVillage.org
Night Before Christmas at G.T. Bray: G.T. Bray Park in Bradenton will transform into a holiday wonderland for this family-friendly Christmas extravaganza.
The annual event is sponsored by Manatee County Government and will feature bounce houses, a petting zoo, a “foam zone,” a snow slide, face painting and crafts. Kids will also be able to say hello to Santa and Mrs. Claus and take a free picture with them.
Local vendors and food and dessert trucks will be there to add to the fun.
Entry is free, but organizers request a donation of one new, unwrapped toy per family for a Toys for Tots drive.
Parking will be available in several lots around the park.
Details: 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. Event parking available near the G.T. Bray Recreation Center, 5502 33rd Ave. Drive W., Bradenton. Free entry.
Info: MyManatee.org/things_to_do/signature_events/a_night_before_christmas
The Path to Christmas: Peace Presbyterian Church in Lakewood Ranch will host an illuminated walk through the woods with live nativity characters this Christmas season.
The event will include Christmas cookies and warm beverages, plus live music with favorite seasonal songs.
The church sanctuary will be open for visitors to pray and light candles in memory of loved ones.
Details: 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. Peace Presbyterian Church, 12705 S.R. 64, Lakewood Ranch. Free.
Info: PeacePCUSA.com/path
Bradenton’s Winter Wonderland: This downtown Bradenton Christmas tradition will return in 2024 with a snow slide and other festive activities.
“Winter Wonderland transforms Bradenton’s Old Main Street into a seasonal celebration with fun for the entire family,” an event preview says.
Enjoy holiday-themed family photo ops, performances by local youth music groups and strolling performers as snow falls on Old Main Street. A free winter carnival will feature games like a snowball toss and ice fishing, and there will be a market of holiday gift vendors and food and drink merchants.
Winter Wonderland takes place near the waterfront, where the Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade will pass by between 7:30 and 8:30 p.m.
Details: 5 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Old Main Street, Bradenton. Free.
North Pole Express at the Florida Railroad Museum: The North Pole Express transports guests through rural Manatee County to a Christmas village with activities, campfires, hot chocolate, cookies and a meet-and-greet with Santa. The experience lasts about three and a half hours.
Tickets for this local favorite are quick to sell out.
Details: Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 4-8, 11-15 and 18-22. Florida Railroad Museum, 12210 83rd St. E., Parrish. Tickets start at $28.50 for children and $33.75 for adults.
Info: (941) 776-0906. FRRM.org
Holiday parades
Jiggs Landing Outpost will host an Old Florida holiday boat parade on the Evers Reservoir and Braden River on Nov. 30.
Boat decoration starts at 3 p.m. with a backdrop of live music.
The parade starts at sunset. Spectators can bring a lawn chair and set up waterside or rent a screened tent.
Jiggs Landing Outpost is open until sunset with food, drinks and sweets.
Details: Parade starts at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30. Jiggs Landing Outpost, 6106 63rd St. E., Bradenton. Free. No entry fee for participants.
Info: (941) 727-4181. JiggsLanding.com
The Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade keeps the holiday spirit afloat with a festive nautical display down the famous waterway.
Boat owners will compete for cash and raffle prizes with categories for boats under 40 feet and over 40 feet.
VIP viewing parties will be held at the Bradenton Yacht Club, Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant and Pier 22
Public viewing points include Snead Island, the Green Bridge, parts of Riverside Drive in Palmetto and the Bradenton Riverwalk.
Alternatively, grab a reservation at Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant, Caddy’s or Pier 22 Restaurant for a view with food.
Estimated viewing timeline:
6 p.m. — Staging begins at Shaw Point
6:30-7:30 p.m. — Bradenton Yacht Club (Private Members Club)
7:15-8:15 p.m. — Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant
7:30-8:30 p.m. — Pier 22 Restaurant/Twin Dolphin Marina/Oak & Stone
Details: 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 on the Manatee River. Free.
Info: HolidayBoatParade.org
Where to get Christmas trees
Christmas tree lot opens: The longest-running Christmas tree lot in Bradenton opens Nov. 29.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County’s 70th annual Christmas Tree Lot will offer 3- 12-foot tall Fraser fir trees and wreaths.
“Your purchase supports Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County and helps fund programs for local youth,” organizers say.
Purchases can be made using credit or debit cards, checks or money orders; cash will not be accepted this year.
Details: Accessible via Publix at Westgate Shopping Center, 3913 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29 and Saturday, Nov. 30; Then open noon to 7 p.m. Sundays, 5 to 9 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 15, while supplies last.
Holiday shows
Manatee Performing Arts Center will bring an old favorite to life this holiday season with its “Mainstage Musical” production of “The Wizard of Oz.” “Filled with brains, heart, and courage, and featuring the iconic score from the MGM film, ‘The Wizard of Oz’ is fun for the whole family,” a preview says. A special Christmas version of the show will play on Dec. 21.
Details: “The Wizard of Oz” is showing Dec. 5-15. “A Christmas Wizard of Oz” shows 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21. Tickets start at $35.
Roser Church hosts Christmas concerts on Anna Maria Island: Roser Church in Anna Maria will bring some cheer to the island with two outdoor Christmas concerts this holiday season.
On Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 4 p.m., the church will welcome the Stan Collins Trio for a night of holiday jazz featuring piano, saxophone and drums.
On Saturday, Dec. 7 at 4 p.m., the church will host local musician Morgan Bryant for a concert of seasonal favorites.
Details: Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Free.
Info: RoserChurch.com
Sarasota Orchestra will celebrate the holidays with “Merry and Bright,” a medley of classical holiday music. The program includes “A Klezmer Nutcracker,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Skater’s Waltz” and “Joy to the World.”
Details: 5:30 p.m. Dec. 11 and 13; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 and 14; 4 p.m. Dec. 15. Sarasota Orchestra’s Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Tickets start at $47.
Info: SarasotaOrchestra.org. (941) 953-3434.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will bring back original favorite “A Motown Christmas” for 2024.
“’A Motown Christmas’ selects traditional favorite carols—the kind we can all sing along to—and pairs them with the company’s trademark mix of soulful, rocking hits from the Motown record company,” a preview says.
Details: Nov. 27 to Jan. 5. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota. Adults: $57. Students and active military: $22.
Info: (941) 366-1505. WestCoastBlackTheatre.org
Holiday shopping and markets
Anna Maria Island art markets: After Hurricane Helene damaged the gallery and home of the Artists Guild of Anna Maria Island, the local arts group is starting a new outdoor market this holiday season.
“The market will include paintings, jewelry, books, pottery, and much more artwork by AGAMI members,” a preview says.
Details: Market opens Saturday, Nov. 30 from noon to 4 p.m. In December, open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, 1 to 5 p.m. Fridays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. Artists Guild of Anna Maria Island, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.
Holidays at UTC: University Town Center has more than a month of holiday activities planned.
Attractions include nightly light shows along Cattlemen Road, an ice rink, outdoor holiday movie showings, horse-drawn carriage rides, Saturday night fireworks shows, an outdoor exhibit of holiday greeting cards created by local schools and holiday trees decorated by local charities.
Tightrope walker Nik Wallenda and the Circus Arts Conservatory will present a holiday circus show, “Wonderland: Illuminate,” from Nov. 22 to Jan. 5.
Details: Through Jan. 5. University Town Center, 210 North Cattlemen Road, Sarasota.
Info: UTCSarasota.com/holidays
Village of the Arts in Bradenton will host a market on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 30, with lots of opportunities to find unique gifts and a scavenger hunt.
The shops of the live-work community display and sell a wide range of crafts and art styles. Live music and eats and drinks at Village restaurants and cafes are another reason to stop by.
On Dec. 6 and 7, “A Holly Jolly Village Christmas” will offer another chance to shop.
Friday’s Art Walk will feature music by the Southeast High School choir and the Sentimental Gents Barbershop Quartet, and on Saturday Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown and wife Gina will visit the Village as Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Check VillageOfTheArts.com/calendar for individual business hours.
Details: Small Business Saturday market is 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30. December Art Walk is 6 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. Village of the Arts, downtown Bradenton. Free.
Info: VillageOfTheArts.com
European Holiday Market: The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau is ready to welcome guests for its first-ever European Holiday Market this Christmas season.
The event “will transform the convention center into a turn-of-the century European inspired city center, buzzing with market stalls and authentic holiday treats complete with a Gulf Coast twist,” organizers say.
Video projections will help immerse guests in the European atmosphere. Attractions will include European-inspired delicacies, festive beverages, interactive activities, live stage productions and more entertainment, organizers say.
Details: Noon to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 and Saturday, Dec. 7; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8. General admission: $15 pre-order, $20 at the door. Ages 8 and under: Free. Veterans and educators pay $7.50 on Dec. 4 and 5. $5 discount per ticket for purchases of five tickets or more.
Holiday light displays
Bradenton Holiday Lights Festival at the Freedom Factory: The Freedom Factory car racing track in Bradenton is revving up the Christmas spirit this year with a drive-thru holiday light experience.
Cars will be guided along a route illuminated by over 100,000 lights synchronized to music. The route includes a light tunnel and a chance to drive on the racetrack. At the end of the drive, visitors can park and go inside to experience a Christmas village with a 50-foot Christmas tree, a Santa meet-and-greet, games, rides, Christmas movies, vendors, food and drinks.
Details: Dec. 6 to Jan. 4. 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays; 5 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Freedom Factory, 21050 E. S.R. 64, Bradenton. $20 per vehicle.
Info: FreedomFactoryUSA.com
“Winter Nights Under the Lights”: Palma Sola Botanical Park will host its fifth annual holiday light display this year with lots to see and do.
Take a stroll and snap family photos among acres of illuminated Florida foliage. Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Grinch will make appearances.
Other attractions this year include live holiday music, a gift market, a tree decorating contest and crafts.
Food trucks will offer bites to eat, and hot cider, cocoa, coffee, tea, beer, wine and seltzers will be available for purchase.
Details: 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 11 to 15. Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave. NW, Bradenton. Admission is free; donations are requested.
Info: PalmaSolaBP.org
Lights in Bloom: “Lights in Bloom” transforms Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota into an illuminated winter wonderland.
More than two million lights are in place to illuminate Selby’s gardens and walkways.
The event also includes arts and crafts, activities, entertainment and holiday photo ops. Food and drink will be available for purchase in the gardens.
Details: Dec. 6 to Jan. 1. Early entry: 5:30 to 9 p.m. General entry: 6:30 to 9 p.m. Selby Botanical Gardens, 900 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota. Adults: $34 general admission; $44 early admission. Ages 5 to 17: $19 general admission; $24 early admission. Children under 5: Free.
Info: Selby.org
Holiday theme park fun
Christmas at Busch Gardens: Busch Gardens’ annual Christmas Town celebration puts a holly jolly twist on Florida theme park fun.
The park is decked out in lights and decorations for the holiday party, and there are festive eats, shows, rides and music to enjoy.
A $142.99 Fun Card allows unlimited entries to the Christmas Town event and free entry to the park through the end of 2024.
Details: Nov. 15 through Jan. 5. Busch Gardens, 10165 McKinley Drive, Tampa. Single-day ticket: $142.99.
Did we miss a major holiday event? Send an email with details to rballogg@bradenton.com.
