Saturday, December 3rd

Holiday Festival & Boat Parade

Come visit Bridge Street and enjoy some shopping, fun for the kids, local youth performers, and live music by many of our favorite local artists.  Be sure to pick out your prime viewing spot for this year’s 4th Annual Bradenton Beach Holiday Boat Parade. Spectators of the boat parade will want to come earlier as parking is limited and this is a very well attended event. The parade is hosted by Bradenton Beach Marina. Check thier website for more information.

One of the best places to view the parade is at the Bradenton Beach City Pier, and the parade will begin passing by at some time approximately between 6:30pm-7:00pm. Be sure to arrive early to get a good spot.

Family Fun & Entertainment 

3:00pm-9:00pm

Bring out the family early to take in an action-packed entertainment lineup including various different youth performance groups, ballet dancers, baton twirlers, face painting, and the Manatee Drum Line & Choir. Retailer and restaurants in the area invite you to visit them and check out all the great seasonal offerings and specials including the limited Light Up Bradenton Beach Christmas ornaments.  

 

Capture the Holiday Moment

3:00pm-9:00pm

Santa makes a return visit just in case you didn’t catch him at the tree lighting. He wants to make sure that he doesn’t miss anyone. Wear you best holiday wears and capture your time with the jolly one!!! 

4th Annual Bradenton Beach Holiday Boat Parade

Get ready for the 4th Annual Bradenton Beach Holiday Lighted Boat Parade, Saturday, December 3rd. The Annual Boat Parade is hosted by Bradenton Beach Marina. There are a number of ways that you can be involved in the parade from either having your own boat in the parade, riding on one of the participating tour boats in the parade, or spectating from the shore. 

To register your boat go to www.boat-parade.com Free to enter!! You can also call or stop in at the Bradenton Beach Marina to register your boat. All types of watercrafts are welcome to enter. CASH PRIZES awarded for BEST DECORACTIONS and MOST ENTHUSIASTIC. 

Best viewing of the parade is done from the Bradenton Beach City Pier! 

 

 

Season of Giving 

During this holiday season it is important for us to remember those that need an extra hand up and be lifted up. Salvation Army will have a bell ringer at the entrance to the City Pier during the event. Those in need this holiday season would appreciate whatever generosity you have in your heart. 

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

2pm Mac and Mac – Drift Inn

2pm Brigid’s Cross – Bridge Tender Inn

7pm Doug Bidwell – Bridge Tender Inn 

7pm – 10pm Social Fabric – Island Time Bar and Grill

9pm Tommy B and the Collectives

 

PARKING UPDATE:

During “Lighting of the Christmas Tree” on November 19th, The FREE Old Town Tram will only run on Bridge Street & south to the beaches. Hail one that passes by (about every 7 minutes). Tips encouraged!