It is the holiday season once again on Anna Maria Island. The holiday events in Anna Maria are only getting bigger and the excitement is growing each year.
Below is a quick overview of some of the top upcoming fall and winter events on Anna Maria Island for the whole family. There is plenty of excitement to be found right on the beaches of Anna Maria Island.
The AMI Tree
Have your Christmas day primer on Bridge Street. Bradenton Beach hosts a huge Christmas Tree light-up right up by the water. Watch the spectacle on November 24th.
The lighting is at 6 p.m. but you can come to Bridge Street anytime before or after. Carolers will be positioned around the tree and candy treats may be available for the kids.
You can also participate in a number of fun activities, including mini golf, live music, pier fishing, and art gallery showcases. Parking will be limited on the street, so it’s recommended that you use the free trolley which stops right there or taxi on over.
Bridge Street plays host to many other small Christmas and Thanksgiving events in Anna Maria. Local restaurants provide exclusive Thanksgiving and Christmas menu options, and live music events are aplenty.
Bridge Street also really kicks it into high gear in the third Saturday of December for the official “Christmas on Bridge Street” party.
AMI Other Downtown Events
Bridge Street is not the only city to celebrate Christmas – both Holmes Beach and Anna Maria get in on the fun as well. This year, Holmes Beach will host their Tree lighting and open house in downtown Holmes Beach on December 7th. Christmas Carols, snacks, and a little shopping will be in store as shops will be open later for the event. The following weekend, December 14th, starting at 4pm, festivities will begin on Pine Ave. Greet Santa in the park and then walk down Pine Ave visiting shops and sipping on hot cocoa. Both events are family friendly and are staples for the locals as we prepare for Christmas Day!
The AMI Privateers Parade
This family-friendly event is a community staple. It features a slew of floats as they make their way along the coast of the island. Starting at Bayfront Park, continuing through the island, and ending at Coquina Beach, the event is an epic introduction to the season.
All kids who attend get a special gift. Hot dogs, soda, and other accessible treats will be available. The event is free, so pick a spot and watch as the parade glides on by. Don’t forget to wave at Santa Claus. You may just capture his attention!
The parade is followed by a Santa Open House hosted at Coquina Beach where gifts will be handed out. It begins at 10 a.m. the second weekend of the month. This year it’s Saturday December 8th.
Movies in the Park!
Starting December 5th, each Wednesday at 6:30PM a Christmas Movie will be shown at the east end of Pine Avenue (right where the pier will be rebuilt). Included in the list of movies is The Santa Clause and How the Grinch stole Christmas. Call 941-708-6130, ext. 121 or email amadmin@cityofannamaria.com for more details. Refreshments will be served and it is weather permitting.
Come on over for the seasonal excitement located close to many of our vacation rentals.
Plan Your Visit
Experience your vacation to the fullest with these Anna Maria Island events in November and December! This is just the place to be for a cool (but not cold) family vacation for the cozy winter season.
