Top Ten Holiday Happenings this Season on Anna Maria Island

Get ready for a jolly good time as we dive into the holiday spirit with a lineup of enchanting and festive events on and around Anna Maria Island! 🎅🌟

Bradenton Beach Tree Lighting

🗓️ Saturday, November 18th

⏰ 5:30-7:00 pm

📍 Post Office on Bridge St., Bradenton Beach

Don't miss this magical evening as we light up the Christmas tree on Bridge Street! From 5 to 7 pm, the Post Office on Bridge St. will transform into a winter wonderland, with Santa and Miss Claus making a special appearance. It's the perfect way to kick off the holiday season with your loved ones!

Holmes Beach Tree Lighting and Holiday Market

🗓️ Friday, December 1st

⏰ 5:00-8:00 pm (Tree lighting at 6:00 pm)

📍 Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, Holmes Beach

Experience the charm of Holmes Beach as businesses and merchants stay open until 8:00 pm, offering lite bites and refreshments. The tree lighting at 6:00 pm will illuminate the night, making it a delightful start to your holiday festivities.

Christmas on Bridge Street

🗓️ Saturday, December 2nd

⏰ 3:00-9:00 pm

📍 Pier Circle on Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach

The AMI Privateers are bringing Santa and his sleigh to the Pier circle, with a family outdoor movie at 7:30 pm at the Post Office. Join the street celebration with lots of festive activities, and let the holiday spirit fill the air!

Bradenton Beach Holiday Faire & Boat Parade

🗓️ Saturday, December 2nd

⏰ 3:00-9:00 pm

📍 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach

Bridge Street comes alive with holiday cheer (open alcohol containers allowed) featuring a boat parade at night and fantastic Santa photo opportunities by the tree. Best views of the parade will be found down by the historic Bridge Street Pier. It's a delightfully festive night out you won't want to miss! Bridge Street will be closed to traffic from 12 noon to 12 midnight so plan accordingly and take the Free Island Trolley.

Santa in the Park

🗓️ Friday, December 8th

⏰ 4:00-5:30 pm

📍 City Pier Park, City of Anna Maria

Santa is spreading joy in City Pier Park with goody bags for the little ones. Bring the whole family for a heartwarming afternoon of holiday magic!

Holiday Walk of Treasures

🗓️ Friday, December 8th

📍 Pine Ave., City of Anna Maria

⏰ 5:30-8:00 pm

Embark on the Holiday Walk of Treasures hosted by the Anna Maria Island Historical Society and AMI Sun. Museum, businesses, and merchants will stay open late, offering lite bites and refreshments. Discover the treasures of the season!

Christmas in Cortez

🗓️ Saturday, December 9th

⏰ 1:00-4:00 pm

📍 Florida Maritime Museum, Cortez

Dive into the holiday spirit at the Florida Maritime Museum with a free family-friendly event featuring crafts, games, a bounce house, maze, and a special meet and greet with Santa. All activities are free, and food is available for purchase.

Privateers Christmas Parade and Gifts from Santa

🗓️ Saturday, December 9th

⏰ 10:00 am-1:00 pm

📍 Coquina Beach to City Pier Park, Anna Maria Island

Join the festive parade on Anna Maria Island, starting at Coquina Beach and ending at City Pier Park. Stick around for an after-party with Santa at Holmes Beach City Field. Visit amiprivateers.org for more information.

City of Holmes Beach Sleigh Bell Social (1st Annual!)

🗓️ Thursday, December 14th

⏰ 3:30 pm - 7:30 pm

📍 5801 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach

Ho, ho, ho! Join the merriment at the City of Holmes Beach Sleigh Bell Social for an afternoon of family fun, FREE food, prizes, and holiday cheer! This new event is open to the public and promises an unforgettable experience for everyone. There will be lots giveaways you won't want to miss, including Girl's and Boy's bicycles donated by Beach Boutique Rentals

Palma Sola Botanical Park's Winter Night Under the Lights

🗓️ Wednesday through Sunday, December 13-17th

⏰ 6:00-9:00 pm

📍 Bradenton, FL

Off the island but definitely worth the trip! Experience the magic of the season at Palma Sola Botanical Park with acres of lights, Santa, food trucks, live holiday music, a gift market, hot cocoa and cider, hayrides, a tree decorating contest, children's crafts, Toys for Tots, a decorated golf cart parade, and more. Don't miss this spectacular winter night under the twinkling lights.

Make this holiday season unforgettable with the memories you will create at these fantastic holiday events! 🎁🎉