Last updated: November 11, 2024
Plan your festive itinerary in South Bradenton with our guide. Discover all the best holiday events and activities. Whether you're a South Bradenton insider or an outsider looking in, this guide reveals the city's festive heart.
One highlight this season is the Manatee River Boat Parade, where beautifully decorated boats glisten against the backdrop of the water, showcasing the community's festive spirit. Another attraction is the North Pole Express, featuring an enchanting train ride that brings the magic of Christmas to life. And the Palmetto Christmas in the Park is something you definitely don't want to miss, with its charming festive displays and family-friendly activities. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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South Bradenton Holiday Light Displays
Christmas in the Wild
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with illuminated animal sculptures and festive light displays.
- Description
- Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa features Tampa Bay's largest light displays, delectable holiday treats, and amazing wildlife encounters. The event includes new larger-than-life illuminated animal sculptures, interactive light Christmas wreaths, and festive holiday light shows. Guests can also enjoy winter-themed Wildlife Connections and Signature Animal Encounters.
- Where
- Tampa | More Info : Christmas in the Wild
South Bradenton Holiday Markets and Shopping
Manatee Village Historic Park - An Old Florida Christmas
- What to Expect
- Traditional holiday celebration with homemade crafts and live music.
- Description
- Celebrate an old-fashioned Florida holiday at Manatee Village Historic Park with free make-and-take crafts, live music, food vendors, and a wide variety of handmade goods.
- Where
- Bradenton | More Info : Manatee Village Historic Park - An Old Florida Christmas
South Bradenton Other Holiday Activities
Manatee River Boat Parade
- What to Expect
- Cash prizes awarded for creative boat decorations and lighting.
- Description
- The Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade is the county's largest holiday event, featuring a fleet of decked-out vessels touring the Manatee River. Boats of all sizes compete for cash prizes while thousands of area residents and traveling spectators enjoy the spectacle. This 501c3 nonprofit charity event aims to celebrate loved ones, cultivate traditions, support local businesses, and give back to the community.
- Where
- Palmetto | More Info : Manatee River Boat Parade
Palmetto Christmas in the Park
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with agricultural heritage exhibits.
- Description
- Palmetto Christmas in the Park is a festive event featuring holiday activities and decorations at the Manatee County Agricultural Museum. The event includes a Christmas celebration with activities and exhibits showcasing the agricultural heritage of Manatee County.
- Where
- Palmetto | More Info : Palmetto Christmas in the Park
North Pole Express
- What to Expect
- Holiday train ride with Santa and festive activities.
- Description
- The North Pole Express is a festive holiday train ride where passengers enjoy a 35-minute journey to the North Pole, featuring Santa, entertainment, campfires, hot chocolate, and cookies. Additional food and beverages are available for purchase.
- Where
- Parrish | More Info : North Pole Express
GT Bray Park Night Before Christmas
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday activities with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
- Description
- Join us at GT Bray Park for a family-friendly holiday event featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus, professional photo opportunities, a DJ, inflatables, face painting, crafts, a petting zoo, foam zone, and snow slides. The event also includes a Shop Local Vendor Marketplace with food and dessert trucks. Event entry is free, with a suggested donation of a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots.
- Where
- Bradenton | More Info : GT Bray Park Night Before Christmas
Christmas On Bridge Street
- What to Expect
- Annual decorated boat parade with live music and Santa appearances.
- Description
- Christmas On Bridge Street features a holiday boat parade, live music, and family-friendly activities, including face painting and ornament-making.
- Where
- Bradenton Beach | More Info : Christmas On Bridge Street
Winter Wonderland
- What to Expect
- Snowfall and local youth performances.
- Description
- Join us on Old Main Street in Bradenton for a seasonal celebration featuring local youth performances, roaming performers, and Santa. Enjoy holiday-themed activities, games, and shopping from local vendors. Capture beautiful photos in holiday vignettes and watch snow magically fall throughout the evening.
- Where
- Bradenton | More Info : Winter Wonderland
Holiday Festival and Boat Parade
- What to Expect
- Colorful boat parade with festive decorations.
- Description
- The Bradenton Beach Holiday Boat Parade is a vibrant celebration where decorated boats cruise from Longboat Key Pass to Bridge Street Pier, showcasing holiday spirit and community joy.
- Where
- Bradenton Beach | More Info : Holiday Festival and Boat Parade