The holidays are the perfect time to head to Anna Maria Island and celebrate the Christmas season. While you can lounge out on the beach, why not do it while being festive? You can do so much on Anna Maria Island, from shopping and dining to Anna Maria Island parks and recreation. Your Anna Maria Island Beach resort room is perfect for relaxing during the holiday season.
You can also participate in one of the many holiday festivals, like the Chamber of Commerce tree lighting or one of the many parades. Here is what you can expect from each holiday event.
Chamber of Commerce Tree Lighting
The Chamber of Commerce Tree Lighting is the perfect place to witness the holiday spirit and experience a true “Old Florida Christmas.” On Saturday, December 10th, there will be food, crafts, music, and vendors all over the square selling handmade goods. The Village staff and volunteers even offer to help with the “make and take” seasonal crafts.
The buildings around Manatee Village are decorated with Victorian and old Pioneer décor. While you are wandering around the museum grounds, you can also explore all the many exhibits on display. The annual festival begins at 10 a.m. and runs until 3 p.m. Admission is free for everyone to come in and enjoy. More details about the musical performances and the times will be announced as the festival gets closer.
Island Christmas Parade
Join the Privateers Christmas Parade! The Anna Maria Island Privateers host the annual Christmas parade on December 10th from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The parade starts on Coquina Beach and ends at City Pier Park, running south to north on AMI. After the parade, the Privateers keep the excitement going by hosting a children’s party with Santa!
Kids will love the captivating lights, festive music, and seeing the one and only Santa Claus! Join the parade for the music, food, lights, and fun for the whole family. More details about the Privateers parade will be available on their website.
Bradenton Beach Holiday Boat Parade
On December 10th, line the waterway for one of the most exciting Christmas Anna Maria Island events. The Bradenton Beach Holiday Boat Parade is the largest holiday event of the year! Take the entire family with you as you watch these boats parade down the river with their ships adorned in lights as they compete for the best-looking vessel.
Set up with your lounge chair along the river to spend the night out with your family in the beautiful Florida air as these boats leave you in wonder and awe. This is the perfect time to come and celebrate Christmas on Anna Maria Island with loved ones while starting all new traditions with your family and enjoying the holidays in Florida.
Plan Your Visit
Are you ready to book your Anna Maria Island resort stay? Contact us today to get the rental process started!
Christmas on Bridge Street
Bridge Street is the perfect place to wander around during the holiday season. This is the largest light display that can be seen on the island! The streetlights are all covered in lights, as well as the palm trees, business fronts, and clock towers. In the center of town is a 40-foot tree covered with Christmas lights.
The tree lighting ceremony is a spectacular all-day event. It begins with the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Clause, who arrive in golf carts. Live music plays during the day, and at 6 p.m., the crowd chants the countdown for the tree to be lit. In the evening, there is a showing of the classic Christmas movie A Christmas Story. This event is perfect for everyone in the whole family. The Community Redevelopment Agency makes it all possible by putting on and funding the Bridge Street Tree Lighting Festival.
Our Anna Maria Island resort rooms are the perfect place to call it a night after celebrating and taking part in all the festivities and things to do on Anna Maria Island. Whether you are taking it easy and watching the boat parade or shopping for gifts around the square, our resort rooms are the perfect place to relax afterward. With plenty of space in each of our Anna Maria Island accommodations, you and your entire family will get to rest the way they deserve. There are plenty of resort rentals around, but no one can compare to ours! Our staff will help get you settled and even provide you with all the information about the things to do on AMI. When you stay with us, you’ll have your very own home away from home.
Ready to book your Christmas on Anna Maria Island? Contact us today to get your resort room rental started today!
