2016 Manatee County Holiday Events: What To Know Before You Go

BRADENTON, FL – The holiday season is in full swing, and so are all the sights and sounds of all the traditional events.

Whether it’s parades on and off the water, classic and new holiday plays or a trip back in time, Bradenton and the surrounding communities in Manatee County have a little something for everyone during the season.

Here’s what area residents need to know before you go to any one of these 2016 Bradenton-Manatee holiday events:

Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade

The 2016 Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade will take place Saturday, Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m. The lighted boat parade will feature festive music coming from the boats, kayaks and canoes.

From its starting point near Snead Island, the parade will proceed past the Bradenton Yacht Club, the Riverhouse Reef & Grill and Regatta Pointe Marina, then turn down the Green Bridge Pier, and ending at Pier 22 at the Twin Dolphin Marina.

Best views: Green Bridge Pier, Riverhouse Reef & Grill Restaurant in Palmetto, the Bradenton riverfront or the Pier 22 Restaurant in Bradenton.

A 1915 Florida Cracker Christmas

The eighth annual “A 1915 Florida Cracker Christmas” will take place Sunday, Dec. 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Manatee Village Historical Park, 104 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton. Each year, the park takes a year in history as its theme, and welcomes visitors to experience an authentic holiday festival with family-friendly entertainment, heritage artisans, “make-and-take” crafts, seasonal exhibits, vintage silent films and a Victorian Father Christmas.

Admission is $5; children 12 years old and younger are free. Parking is free.

Carols and Classics at the Crosley

Enjoy an evening of holiday wonder at the Powel Crosley Estate as the Crosley Theater presents its annual Carols and Classics on select days and times from Monday, Dec. 12 through Friday, Dec. 23.

Visitors will go through the estate and hear tales of Christmas and Hanukkah performed by Crosley Theater regulars:

• “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens: Powell and Gwendolyn Crosley portray Charles & Catherine Dickens, and many other characters as well, while they perform this classic tale of redemption during the Christmas season in the estate’s Great Room.
• “The Boy Who Laughed at Santa Claus” by Ogden Nash and “A Visit from Saint Nicholas” by Clement C. Moore: Join little Victoria as she shares her favorite songs and stories of the holiday season in Gwendolyn’s room.
• “Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins” by Eric A. Kimmel and other holiday treats: A delightful Hanukkah story mixed together with other tales and songs that will warm the heart of children of all ages, performed in the library.

The cast includes Eileen Earnest as Gwendolyn Crosley, Lauren Wood as Mrs. Dibler, Patrick Croce as Joe, Kristen Herbert as Victoria, and Ann Morison as Aunt Victoria.

Click here for show times and ticket information.

De Soto National Memorial’s Winter Luminary Walk

The Hernando De Soto Historical Society will present its Winter Luminary Walk on Sunday, Dec. 18 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the park, located at the north end of 75h Street Northwest in Bradenton. This free event will feature holiday-themed performances along the lighted trails.

Click here for more information about the Winter Luminary Walk.

Christmas on Bridge Street and Tree Lighting

The annual Christmas on Bridge Street and Tree Lighting will take place Monday, Dec. 19 from 4 to 8 p.m. on Bridge Street on Anna Maria Island.

This family-friendly event features free live holiday entertainment featuring the professional Dickens Carolers singing and storytelling in full period costume, along with Island duo Russ & Brandi and a set from the Rowlett Children’s Choir.

There will also be a Kids’ Craft & Cookie Bazaar where young entrepreneurs sell their own handcrafted items, art and baked goods.

Children can also visit with Santa Claus and visitors can create their perfect hot chocolate drink and take photos in front of the island’s tallest live Christmas tree.

For more information, call (215) 906-0668.

Star of Bethlehem

The Bishop Planetarium at the South Florida Museum, 201 10th St. W. in Bradenton, will host “What was the Star of Bethlehem?” on Wednesday, Dec. 21 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Howard Hochhalter, one of the South Florida Museum’s staff astronomers, will lead participants on a journey to Jerusalem some 2,000 years ago using the planetarium’s ability to travel though time and space. Take a look at the skies and see what the magi saw. The event is $10 for non-members and $8 for members. For more information, call (941) 746-4131.

Lakewood Ranch Christmas and Chanukah celebrations

Lakewood Ranch Main Street will play host to two holiday-themed events with fun for the whole family:

Christmas Celebration: Grace Community Church will host a Christmas Celebration on Wednesday, Dec. 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. on Main Street. The event will feature food, games, rides, music, elves, pictures with Santa Claus and Elsa, and snow. Following the event, the church, 6932 Professional Parkway E., will host a candlelight service. For more information, call (941) 907-9243.

Thanksgiving Chanukah: Chabad will celebrate a Thanksgiving Chanukah on Main Street on Tuesday, Dec. 27 from 6 to 10:30 p.m. A menorah made from cans of food will be lit at Lakewood Ranch Main Street. Participate by donating canned food, which will be used to assemble the menorah. Cans can be brought to the event or to the Chabad House at 5712 Lorraine Road prior to the event.

The event will feature design your own dreidel, doughnut decorating, meet Judah Maccabee, hot latkes, live music and raffles. For more information, call (941) 752-3030.

Image via Manatee County Government Facebook page