Where To See Santa In Bradenton This Christmas Season

BRADENTON, FL — Visits and pictures with Santa are treasured traditions for many Bradenton families. For them, there’s nothing quite like seeing jolly old St. Nick live and in person.

In Manatee County, kids have several chances:

• The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota: Take pictures with Santa and visit Santa’s Flight Academy in UTC’s Grand Court through Dec. 24. Reservations are recommended.
• Santa at Main Street in Lakewood Ranch: Dec. 5, 12, 14, 19 and 21, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• North Pole Express at the Florida Railroad Museum in Parrish: Nov. 30 and Dec. 1-3, 6-10, 13-17, and 20-21. This 30-minute train ride brings you to the North Pole, where Santa visits with every child. Also enjoy entertainment, activities, campfires, and hot chocolate and cookies. Registration required.
• Christmas in the Park at Manatee County Agricultural Museum, 1015 6th Street W., Palmetto: Dec. 1, 3 to 7 p.m., and Dec. 2, 2 to 7 p.m. Visit with Santa in the chapel and feel free to bring him a letter.