You made it to the crystal blue waters of the Florida Gulf Coast Islands. Winter seems like a dream far away, now that you are relaxing on the sugar sand beaches. But with Christmas right around the corner, you may be looking for some family or couple activities to ring in the season.
Dec 1, 2017:
Tree Lighting ceremony and holiday walkabout hosted by the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce. Visit the local merchants with for the holiday open house and artwalk. Santa and the Privateers will be on hand for Photos and Family fun Pirate style. Get your tasty holiday treats (and wine at the RE/MAX OFFICE) and stop in and say hello. From 5 to 7pm begining at the Chamber parking area at 5313 Gulf Drive. Click here for a list of participating Merchants
St. Armonds Circle is kicking off the season with special holiday performance from 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm, with Christmas Caroling at 6:00pm followed by Santa in his sleigh and the tree lighting ceremony in the Circle Park. Continued entertainment and holiday cheer goes on til 9pm.
From Dec 1-3 the Fine art and craft show is the perfect start for Christmas shopping. With over 100 national crafters and artists, displaying ceramics, painting, basketry,leather, metal, wood, glass, jewelry, and lots more. Admission is~Adults: $11, Seniors: $10, Students: $6, under 10 are free. Friday and Sat: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sun: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Robarts Arena off Fruitville Road at the Sarasota County Fairgrounds. 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota
Dec 2:
Come to the Bethlehem walk (one block in Anna Maria) with Mary, Joseph, and the animals (llama, donkeys and goats) in search of shelter. While traveling from “inn” to “inn” we sing Christmas carols. Back at the church we celebrate the birth of Baby Jesus followed by cookies, cocoa and fellowship. Costumes are available in the Fellowship Hall to borrow on a first come, first serve basis, create your own or just come as you are. Don’t forget to bring your flashlight! Roser Community Church is located at 512 Pine Avenue, Anna Maria, near the City Pier. For more information go to www.roserchurch.com, call 941-778-0414 from 6:30 – 8:30
Christmas Boat Parade~From 5-10 pm enjoy the sights and sounds of the Holidays, on the water, at Jiggs Landing Fish Camp. Parade starts at 7pm. Santa will here at 5pm so bring the little ones for pictures and other treats. Then Santa will lead the parade and when they return he will be available for photos again. We will have a campfire going and hot cocoa to warm you up. We are also seeking participants for the parade. If you have a boat and would like to be in the parade, please give us a call. 91-727-4181. 6106 63rd St E, Bradenton, Florida 34203
Dec, 3:
LeAnn Rimes will be starting her Christmas Concert Tour in Sarasota at 7 p.m. Dec. 3, in the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Ticket are $51-$81. 941-953-3368, vanwezel.org.
Dec 8:
Holiday of Treasures on Pine Avenue~5:30 pm – 8:00 pm. The City of Anna Maria is sponsoring a choral group performance AND the appearance of Santa Claus at City Pier Park. Cookies and Eggnog will be served. 6PM – See the Roser Children’s Choir perform in the the Historical Park at 402 Pine Avenue
Dec 9:
Privateers Christmas Parade and Gifts from Santa Saturday, December 09, 2017 10:00 AM Anna Maria Island. Beginning at Bayfront Park in the City of Anna Maria then travels south along Anna Maria Island, through the three island cities. The parade ends at Coquina Beach, where the man in red will be handing out gifts to the youngsters.
Winterfest Craft, music, food and family fun as well as top artists and photographers. Get a jumpstart on Holiday shopping or just enjoy the festivities from 10 am – 4pm. Holmes Beach City Hall Field at 5801 Marina Drive on Anna Maria Island Florida.
Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade at 6 pm at the Pier 22 river bank. This is a free viewing event or you can reserve tickets and dinner to the holiday party inside. Adults $69.95, Children (under 12) $24.95 Reservations 941-748-8087
The 32nd Annual Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights will be held on Saturday December 09, 2017 beginning at 6:00 p.m. The best areas for viewing are Marina Jack Restaurant, Bayfront Park, City Island and Centennial Park.
Dec 15:
Holiday Open House at Anna Maria Island Centre – The shops between Publix and Walgreens, will be staying open late to spread holiday cheer with entertainment, eats, treats and fun for all!12/15/2017 – 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm at 3300 East Bay Drive – Holmes Beach
Dec 16:
Christmas on Bridge Street. Offering 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 acclaimed Rowlett Children’s Choir. Browse the Kids’ Craft & Cookie Bazaar where young entrepreneurs sell their own handcrafted items, art and baked goods. Visit Santa. Create your perfect hot chocolate drink. Take a photo in front of the island’s tallest live Christmas tree. 4:30-8:30
Dec24:
Christmas Eve Services will be held at Roser Church at 512 Pine Ave. At 5:30 pm, A Candlelight Service in the Sanctuary featuring the Joyful Noise Children’s Choir. Then at 9:00 pm, A traditional Candlelight Service in the Sanctuary with Special musical guests: Relative Harmony.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services at St. Bernards Catholic Church are Scheduled here. Located at 248 South Harbor Drive
Holmes Beach, FL 34217-1918
For a list of Other Denominations and service info click here.
We hope you and your loved ones have a Very Merry Christmas and safe travels if you venture out for the Holidays. Start your new family tradition and make great Memories with an Island holiday stay at www.BeachRentals.Mobi
Look at our Black Friday Newsletter for December Savings of up to 25% before Dec 16
