Festive Week Ahead: Manatee County Celebrates the Holidays With Events From December 8–15
Manatee County is gearing up for a vibrant and activity-filled holiday week, with communities across the region hosting concerts, markets, family festivals, and special seasonal gatherings from December 8 through December 15, 2025. Local governments, arts organizations, and community groups are bringing residents a full lineup of ways to celebrate the season.
One of the biggest waterfront traditions of the year returns Saturday, December 13, with the Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade. Beginning around 6:15 p.m., decorated vessels will cruise the river between Bradenton and Palmetto, competing for prizes as crowds line the shoreline to enjoy one of the area’s most dazzling nighttime spectacles.
Also on December 13, Manatee County hosts its popular A Night Before Christmas at G.T. Bray Park from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Families can enjoy a snow slide, foam zone, petting zoo, inflatables, crafts, face painting, and food trucks. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for free professional photos, and attendees are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots.
Earlier that morning, Santa’s Breakfast Bash will take place from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at The Haven on DeSoto Road. Benefiting Selby Preschool, the event includes breakfast, photos with Santa, crafts, and activities for young children.
The week continues with seasonal entertainment throughout the Bradenton and Anna Maria Island area. On Wednesday, December 10, Blue Öyster Cult performs live at The Center of Anna Maria Island as part of the Bradenton Gulf Islands Concert Series.
In Bradenton, Manatee Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build Committee hosts its Roaring 1920s Tea Party on Thursday, December 11, at the Bradenton Woman’s Club, with proceeds supporting the 2026 Women Build home.
Local theater productions also shine this month. Frozen: The Musical runs through December 21 at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, presenting a spectacular live version of the beloved Disney story. DraMature Presents: Holiday Follies offers a 90-minute cabaret-style show on December 9 and 10 featuring holiday classics and lighthearted sketches.
Beginning December 12, A Christmas Carol: The Concert brings a Broadway-caliber retelling of the Dickens classic to Manatee High School’s Davis Performing Arts Center, with an additional performance at Riverview Performing Arts Center on December 13. Tickets for these shows are available through the Florida Cultural Group’s website.
Parrish joins the festivities on December 14 with its Hometown Christmas Event, held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Parrish Community Park. This free event features food trucks, local entertainers, craft vendors, free cotton candy and hot chocolate, a snow slide, and a visit from Santa. Fans of holiday nostalgia can also see Uncle Eddie’s RV from Christmas Vacation.
For those looking to get active, a free Tennis for Fun clinic will be held on December 14 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Lakewood Ranch Park. The inclusive clinic is open to players of all ages and abilities, including individuals with special needs.
Adding to the seasonal charm, the Bradenton Holiday Lights Festival continues nightly at Freedom Factory through December 27, offering festive displays, glowing decorations, and holiday-themed activities for families.
With music, theatre, markets, recreational activities, and family-centered celebrations, Manatee County’s holiday calendar is packed with opportunities for residents and visitors to embrace the spirit of the season throughout the week.