Bradenton Beach Holiday Events Kick Off Saturday With Tree-Lighting Ceremony, Festival

BRADENTON BEACH, FL — A Bradenton Beach tree-lighting ceremony kicks off Bradenton Beach’s Holidays in Paradise event series, which takes place through Jan. 1, according to Love Bradenton Beach.

Light Up Bradenton Beach launches the city’s holiday season festivities Saturday, 3 to 9 p.m., on Bridge Street and the Bradenton City Pier. In addition to the tree-lighting ceremony, the event includes caroling with the Magic of Manatee, an outdoor screening of “A Christmas Story” in the post office parking lot and a chance to meet Santa at the clocktower on the pier. Many shops and restaurants will stay open later for the holiday event, as well.

Christmas on Bridge Street takes place Dec. 4, 3 to 9 p.m. This street festival includes a visit from Santa on his sleigh, songs from the Dickens Carolers and specials from local businesses.

The third annual Bradenton Beach Holiday Boat Parade, hosted by the Bradenton Beach Marina, also takes place Dec. 4 from 6 to 7 p.m. The parade can be best viewed from the Longboat Pass Bridge at the beginning of the parade and the Bradenton Beach City Pier, the marina said on its website.

Like what you're reading? Invite a friend to subscribe to free Bradenton newsletters and real-time email alerts.

Boat owners are invited to light up their vessels and show off their holiday spirit in this parade along Intracoastal Waterway, the marina said on its website.

Boats will gather near the south end of Jewfish Key and head northwest along the Longboat Pass Bridge and north up the Intracoastal Waterway. It will pass the Bradenton Beach City Pier and end at the Bradenton Beach Marina.

Those without a boat are invited to cruise on the Anna Maria Princess paddle wheel boat. Ticket proceeds will be donated to fighting children’s cancer. Register online here.

Love Bradenton Beach is also hosting a Holiday Swagger Contest with prizes valued at $1,500 through Jan. 1. To enter this social media contest, follow them on Facebook or Instagram and share a photo of you, your family, friends or pets in holiday apparel taken somewhere in Bradenton Beach.

There will also be an app-based Holiday Scavenger Hunt with more info coming soon.