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Christmas Events in the Bradenton Area
When Santa’s not at the North Pole, you can find him on Florida’s West Coast. Come dip your (mistle)toes in the Bradenton Area’s sugar-sand white beaches and refresh your white Christmas in our temperate climate.
Manatee River Boat Parade
When: Saturday, December 14th, 2024
Where: Manatee River, between the De Soto and Green Bridges
The grandest holiday celebration in the county is undoubtedly the Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade. A dazzling array of adorned boats will cruise along the Manatee River, vying for coveted cash prizes and the prestigious winning title. As thousands of residents and visitors gather along the riverbanks, the air will be filled with festive magic.
Palmetto Christmas in the Park
When: Friday, December 6th, 3-7 PM and Saturday, December 7th, 2-7 PM
Where: Palmetto Historical Park & Manatee County Agricultural Museum, 515 10th Ave. W, Palmetto FL 34221
Embrace the festive spirit on Friday, December 6, 2024, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm, and Saturday, December 7, 2023, from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm, as Palmetto welcomes back Christmas in the Park at the Palmetto Historical Park & Manatee County Agricultural Museum. Explore the grounds adorned with holiday cheer, featuring activities like reindeer games and crafts. Take in the enchanting decorations within all the open buildings at this delightful and free event. Tickets open at 8 a.m. on Nov. 16.
North Pole Express
When: November 30th – December 22nd
Where: The Florida Railroad Museum, 12210 83rd St E, Parrish, FL 34219
Hop on board! Come along with the Florida railroad museum this December for a delightful 35-minute journey from Parrish, FL to the enchanting North Pole. Upon reaching the destination, all passengers will disembark at the festive North Pole station, where Santa eagerly awaits to share moments with each child. Throughout your visit, enjoy a mix of entertainment, engaging activities, cozy campfires, and unlimited hot chocolate and cookies—all bundled up with your train ticket.
A Night Before Christmas at GT Bray park
Where: 5502 33rd Ave Dr W, Bradenton, FL 34209
When: Saturday, December 7, 2024, 4 to 8 PM
Get ready for the best family fun at the Annual A Night Before Christmas event at GT Bray Park. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting and taking professional FREE pictures with the children. Inflatables, face painting, crafts, petting zoo, foam zone, snow slides and Christmas Carolers.
Local vendors will be showcasing their holiday spirit, and the food truck lineup is ready to satisfy your dinner cravings!
An Old Florida Christmas
Where: Manatee Village Historical Park, 1404 Manatee Ave. E, Bradenton, FL 34208
When: Saturday, December 14, 2024 10 AM–3 PM
Join Manatee Village Historic Park for a nostalgic Florida holiday experience. Immerse yourself in the charm of “An Old Florida Christmas,” complete with delectable food, live music, complimentary seasonal crafts to create and take home, and a variety of vendors offering handmade treasures. Wander through the grounds adorned with Victorian and Florida pioneer-inspired decorations and discover the festive spirit within landmarks such as the Old Cabbage Head locomotive, museum exhibits, and the Whistle Stop Gift Shop. Admission is free.
Winter Wonderland
Where: Old Main Street Downtown Bradenton, FL 34205
When: Saturday, December 14th from 5:00 – 8:30 pm
Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 14, as Bradenton’s Old Main Street undergoes a magical transformation into a Winter Wonderland, complete with magically falling snow, from 5 to 8:30 pm. This cost-free, family-friendly celebration promises a festive atmosphere with local student performances, holiday-themed activities, exciting prizes, an opportunity for local gift shopping, and of course, a visit from Santa himself!
European Holiday Market
Where: Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd. Palmetto, FL 34221
When: Wednesday, Dec. 4 – Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024
Mark your calendar for November 29 – December 8 and step into a holiday experience like no other at the European Holiday Market, hosted at the Bradenton Area Convention Center and The Yard at the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa. This unique event blends the old-world charm of European holiday markets with the vibrant spirit of the Gulf Coast. Guests can explore artisan stalls filled with handcrafted treasures, enjoy festive food and drink, and take part in interactive activities and live performances that capture the magic of the season.
christmas on bridge street
Where: Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, Anna Maria Island
When: Saturday, December 7th, 2:00 pm
Join the festivities on Saturday, December 7, from 4:30 to 8:30 pm, as Bridge Street lights up with holiday cheer! Enjoy a 42-foot Christmas tree, over 20,000 twinkling lights, live music, and holiday activities. Savor delicious food and drinks from local restaurants, shop at unique stores, and soak in the vibrant community spirit of Bradenton Beach. Don’t miss this magical evening!
Winter nights under the lights
Where: Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave NW, Bradenton, FL 34208
When: Wednesday, Dec. 4 – Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024
Step into a magical winter wonderland at Palma Sola Botanical Park’s Winter Nights Under the Lights. This enchanting event offers acres of dazzling holiday lights, visits with Santa, delicious bites from food trucks, live holiday music, a tree decorating contest, a gift market with unique treasures, hot cocoa and cider, hayrides, children’s crafts, a decorated golf cart parade, and more. Don’t forget to bring a toy for the Toys for Tots donation drive. Admission is free, with donations appreciated to support the park. Celebrate the season with holiday magic under the stars.
Arts & Culture
Whether you’re an art lover, history buff, or just looking for inspiration, our area offers experiences that celebrate the vibrant spirit of our community.