It’s the most wonderful time of the year, full of holiday cheer, happiness, and celebrations. Don’t miss any of the festive events in the area this month!
December 2, 2021 : City Christmas Tree Lighting The annual Downtown Sarasota Christmas tree lighting is fun for the whole family! Enjoy refreshments, music, photos with Santa and a holiday performance by Ring Sarasota. Admission is Free. 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with the Christmas tree lighting at 7:00 p.m. Selby Five Points Park 1 Central Ave Sarasota, FL 34236. December 3 – 4, 2021: Bradenton Blues Festival Witness a weekend full of talented blues musicians for the ten-year anniversary of the Bradenton blues festival. Local craft beer and wine, delicious food, and cool festival merchandise will all be available for purchase. The festival will take place at Lecom Park 1611 9th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205. Friday Dec. 3rd 4:00pm tickets range from $20.00 – $30.00, Saturday Dec. 4th 11:00am tickets range from $55.00 – $150.00. December 3 – 4, 2021 : Palmetto’s Christmas in the Park Kick off Christmas with this fun filled event hosted by The Manatee County Agricultural Museum and Palmetto Historical Park. Visit with Santa and tour the decorated historic buildings while stopping by the activities including reindeer games and crafts. This is a free event. Palmetto Historical Park 515 10th Ave West Palmetto, FL 34221. December 4, 2021 : Bradenton Beach Holiday Boat Parade Boat owners are invited to show off their holiday spirit and their beautifully lit vessels in a Parade along the Intracoastal Waterway. You can view the parade at the Longboat Pass Bridge at the beginning of the Parade (6:00 PM to 6:30 PM), and The Bradenton Beach City Pier as the Parade ends (6:30 PM to 7:00 PM). The Bradenton Beach City Pier will be the best viewing location. December 3 – 19, 2021 : Holiday Magic On East Grand From nightly snowfall, cocktails and candy canes, Santa’s workshop craft series, Saturday night fireworks, to holiday character jingle bell dance parties, yuletide holiday performances, and so much more. Admission is free. Located outside the East Grand Entrance of The Mall at UTC. December 10, 2021 : A Night Before Christmas at G.T. Bray Park This annual event is fun for the whole family with face painting, bounce houses, snow, hayrides, and a visit from Santa. Concessions will be available for purchase. Admission is Free. 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. G.T Bray Park, 5502 33rd Ave Dr West in Bradenton. December 11, 2021 : Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade Enjoy the sights of the lighted boats as the compete for prizes for the best Christmas Light boat! Viewing parties will be held at Riverhouse, Caddy’s, and Pier 22 or you can view the parade from the Green Bridge or Bradenton Riverwalk. Parade starts at 6:00 p.m. December 10 – 12, 2021 : Showfolks Holiday Circus Festival Sarasota’s longest running circus event!! Fun for the whole family. Enjoy live circus performances, shows, animals, food, exhibits, pictures with Santa, and a flea market all in one event. Tickets starting at $8 for children (3-12) and $12 for adults. Sarasota fairgrounds 3000 Ringling Blvd Sarasota, FL 34237. December 17 – 19, 2021 : Bradenton Riverwalk Seafood and Music Festival Enjoy live musical performances, fresh food cooked onsite, and your choice of alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages. All seafood dishes are prepared using sustainable ocean resources from the Florida Gulf coast. Live musical performances ranging from R&B to Rock, and even some Caribbean sounds. Admission is Free. Bradenton Riverwalk 452 3rd Ave W Bradenton, FL 34205 December 10 – 12 and 17 – 19, 2021 : Country Christmas at Hunsader Farms Over 300,000 lights in this Christmas winter wonderland. Hayrides, Train rides, snow tubing, campfires, Christmas music, display Christmas village, petting zoo, Christmas movies, and Santa all included with admission. You can also enjoy dinner, kettle corn, Pony rides, craft vendors, smore’s station, and hot chocolate. Enjoy all the festivities from 6pm-10pm. Parking is free, Admission is $12.00, kids 5 and under are free. At Hunsader Farms located at 5500 C.R. 675 Bradenton, FL 34211. December 22, 2021 : Christmas on Main Lakewood Ranch is throwing a winter bash on Main Street! Games, rides, and attractions for the whole family! Event starts at 4:00 p.m. with a candle service on Main St wrapping up the night at 6:45 p.m. December 31, 2021 : Sarasota’s Annual New Year’s Eve Pineapple Drop! You don’t want to miss one of Sarasota’s largest events of the year! Starting at 1:00 p.m. event goers can spend the day enjoying amusement rides, games, food and live musical performances. Drinks and full bar beverages will be available for purchase. The pineapple drops at midnight followed by a fantastic firework display on Sarasota Bay! Admission is free. Downtown Sarasota.