There are plenty of fun things to do on Anna Maria Island. It is located on the gulf coast of Florida and is the perfect spot to visit during the holidays. Because of where it is located, Anna Maria is a great holiday getaway spot for those who are trying to avoid the colder weather. The highest temperatures are in the 70s, and the lows are in the 50s throughout the month of December.
Despite the warmer weather, there are plenty of family things to do on Anna Maria Island during the holidays.
This beautiful seven-mile island is known for having beautiful white sand beaches and activities for everyone to enjoy! With the warmer waters available year-round, the beach is a perfect activity to enjoy at any time of year. Or maybe you want to do some sailing, fishing, swimming, or kayaking during your visit to Anna Maria Island, and lucky for you, you can do these at any time of year!
It is beautiful year-round, but it is particularly stunning during the holiday season, and there are plenty of things to do on Anna Maria Island to celebrate the festivities. From the thousands of lights to the incredible decorations, Anna Maria Island has plenty of annual events available for those wanting to start a new tradition for their families or continue their old ones. Whether you are looking for interactive activities or places where you can visit Santa, Anna Maria Island has something for everyone!
The Privateers Christmas Parade
If your family enjoys parades, Anna Maria Island has an annual Christmas parade that is a must-see event! The Privateers Christmas Parade is a weekend event that takes place early in December. You can expect to see various different floats and, of course, an appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
What makes this parade unique, though, is what happens afterward! Parents are encouraged to take their kids to an assigned spot where they will not only meet Santa but also receive a gift from him too! Some years, they even have simple lunches available for kids and parents, so be sure to do your research before you in case you want to grab lunch there!
Winterfest Fine Arts & Crafts Festival
The Winterfest Fine Arts & Crafts Festival is an art exhibit where you and your family can experience art firsthand and even purchase some of your favorite pieces. They also have a “Young at Art” exhibit tailored specifically for children to begin making connections with art at an early age.
Not only is this event an art exhibit, but you will also find other things that make it a staple attraction. At the Winterfest Fine Arts & Crafts Festival, you will find live music, food, and drinks to make your experience more eventful.
Plan Your Visit
Contact the Lizzie Lu’s Island Retreat team to get started planning your Christmas vacation and to find out about more fun things to do on your trip. We look forward to hosting you on Anna Maria Island!
Christmas on Bridge Street
Bridge Street offers everything you can expect to see during the Christmas season, conveniently located in just one street! From lights to decorations and a 40-foot Christmas tree, expect to feel festive as soon as you are on this magical street.
The Christmas tree is decorated with over 600 ornaments, and you may even like to join the many who head over to the tree lighting ceremony! Expect to see carolers, and in the past, they have had a special showing of “A Christmas Story.” Of course, you can also count on special visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Holiday Boat Parade
It isn’t very often that you can experience a boat parade, but on Anna Maria Island, you can enjoy a holiday-lighted boat parade every year! This boat parade runs along different spots down Bridge Street and is sure to be an impressive event for people of all ages. Before the parade begins, you can find various activities along Bridge Street, including a Kid Zone.
The Kid Zone includes things like face painting and holiday crafts that can keep your kids entertained while they wait for the long-anticipated boat parade. You will also find plenty of food and drink options down the street, and different shops will be open as well for your enjoyment. As if that wasn’t enough, there will also be photo opportunities with Santa and his sleigh.
Once it gets dark, you can enjoy the holiday decorations and lights as you wait for the light parade to start. During the parade, be prepared to see boats with plenty of lights and decorations to light up the entire marina!
Where to Stay: AMI Rentals
With all the fun things to do on Anna Maria Island during the holidays, it is understandable that you would want to book a vacation to this magical place to celebrate with your loved ones. Thankfully, there are plenty of Anna Maria Island rentals for you to look at and find a home that meets your needs. Lizzie Lu has everything you would want during your vacation stay and more. Our amenities would only make your vacation even more magical this time of year.
Anna Maria Island events are especially fun during the holiday season. The beautiful lights and decorations and the plenty of things to do all make this island the perfect getaway during any holiday season. Enjoy staying on the beautiful white sand beaches that AMI rentals have to offer while being nearby to some amazing events that are sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.
