Christmas, Hanukkah Events In Bradenton: Parades, Tree Lightings, More

BRADENTON, FL — There are plenty of things going on around Manatee County to celebrate the 2023 winter holidays.

Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival of lights, starts at sundown on Dec. 7, and ends at nightfall on Dec. 15. Christmas, of course, is on Dec. 25, but you don’t have to wait to start taking in all the sights and sounds of the season.

Menorah lightings in the Bradenton area are:

• Chanukah on Main Street Lakewood Ranch, Dec. 7, 6 p.m. Join Chabad of Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch for this celebration on Main Street featuring live music, a chocolate gelt drop and the lighting of the color Orbeez menorah.
• Light Up the Night, Dec. 8, 7 p.m., at Temple Beth El in Bradenton. Bring your menorah from home for this service and lighting.
• Chanukah Fest!, Dec. 10, 4 p.m., at Temple Beth El in Bradenton. This outdoor celebration features bounce houses, a craft fair, games, an ice cream truck and a menorah lighting.
• Grand Menorah Lighting, Dec. 14, 6 p.m., hosted by Chabad of Bradenton at the Ellenton Premium Outlets.

Christmas tree lights occur:

• UTC Festival of Trees, on display Dec. 1-17 on the upper level of the Mall at UTC.

Christmas parades, often complete with Santa Claus, festively decorated floats and marching bands, are a holiday tradition, both nationally and locally.

Attending the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade is a bucket list item for many families. If you can’t be in New York City, the parade will be livestreamed on NBC and Peacock, the network’s streaming service, from 8:30 a.m. to noon Eastern Time.

Parades in Manatee County may not be able to match that in size, but the heart behind them is just as big. Parades to catch here at home include:

• Bradenton Beach Holiday Boat Parade, Dec. 2, 6 p.m. View the boat parade from Bradenton Beach Marina’s Paddle Boat or from the Bradenton Beach Pier.
• Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade, Dec. 9, A fleet of decked out vessels will tour up the Manatee River.

Holiday lighting displays are another holiday favorite. Some to catch in Manatee County are:

• Winter Nights Under the Lights, Dec. 13-17, 6 to 9 p.m., at Palma Sola Botanical Park in Bradenton.