Spending The Holidays On Anna Maria Island

There’s nothing quite like spending the holidays on Anna Maria Island. Not only do you get to experience the magic of Christmas on the beach, but there are so many fun holiday events to join. 

The island is a magical place during the holidays, and the annual themed events do not disappoint. We’ve put together a list of events that you don’t want to miss during your holiday stay. 

Tree Lighting Ceremony

The top holiday event on the island is the lighting of the annual Anna Maria Island Christmas tree. The tree is displayed on Bradenton Beach, and it’s a sure way to get you in the Christmas spirit. The event is a favorite of locals and visitors alike, as well as a tradition that islanders treasure. It’s also a great way to meet the locals or other island visitors, as it usually draws a crowd. 

Holiday Boat Parade

Many people have been to a parade on land, but have you been to a parade on water? The holiday boat parade is a super fun holiday event where boats, strung with Christmas lights and decoration, make their way through the Sarasota Bay Area. They pass by locals that are gathered to watch on Bridge Street Pier that ooh and aah over all of the beautiful lights.

Christmas on Bridge Street

Christmas on Bridge Street is another holiday event you don’t want to miss. It is the perfect family-friendly event with plenty of free entertainment and holiday cheer. You can experience everything from professional Christmas carolers to taking a picture with Santa Clause. You can even create your very own holiday drink! Plan to spend some time exploring all that Bridge Street has to offer.

Winterfest 

If you love art, then Winterfest is for you! Each year, the festival is held at the Holmes Beach Field and has a little something for everyone. There are a lot of art vendors present, as well as many other goods available to buy. There is a variety of food and beverages for sale as well, which makes it a fun place to explore, grab a bite to eat, and find an amazing piece of art. 

Christmas Parade

Anna Maria Island doesn’t just have a great parade on water, but also one on land. The AMI Privateers Christmas Parade is an annual event that families look forward to all year. It’s especially exciting for the little ones! The parade begins at the north end of Anna Maria Island at Bay Front Park and travels all of the way to Coquina Beach. You’ll be in awe of the spectacular floats, and you’ll be sure to make great memories with your family. 

These are simply a few of the holiday events that Anna Maria Island has to offer. For more information about these events, and other upcoming holiday events, contact us at Serendipity. Not only do we want to help you find the perfect vacation rental for your stay, but we also want to help you make your trip as enjoyable as possible. 

We hope you spend your holidays on Anna Maria Island!