Holly Jolly Trolley Christmas Parade Brings Holiday Magic to Manatee County Seniors
On Friday, December 19, the Holly Jolly Trolley Christmas Parade will roll through Manatee County once again, bringing music, laughter, and holiday cheer to older adults across the community.
Organized by Home Helpers Home Care of Bradenton and Still Alive Inside, this year’s event will feature two decorated trolleys, a dancing Santa, and a lively crew of holiday helpers. Together throughout the day, they will make short, cheerful visits at nine organizations that serve seniors, including assisted living communities, skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and adult day care.
Residents, family members, and staff at each stop can look forward to festive music, dancing, photo opportunities, and plenty of smiles. At some locations, volunteers will step off the trolleys for quick 20-to-30-minute celebrations before heading to the next location, keeping the energy high from morning through late afternoon.
“We do this because the holidays can be a lonely time for many seniors,” said Jonathan Marsh, Owner of Home Helpers Home Care of Bradenton. “For one day, we get to surround them with music, color, and connection. The amazing part is that everyone on the trolleys leaves feeling just as filled up as the people we visit. It is pure joy in both directions.”
Although the visits themselves are private events, the trolleys will be on public roads all day, and community members are encouraged to keep an eye out. If you see the Holly Jolly Trolleys, you are invited to wave, take pictures, and share them on social media using the hashtag #HJTrolley.
Based on the current schedule, the trolleys are expected to be in the following general areas on Friday, December 19, 2025:
10:00 AM to 11:30 AM: West Bradenton near 59th Street West, 21st Avenue West, and surrounding neighborhoods
11:30 AM to 1:30 PM: Traveling east through central Bradenton toward Lakewood Ranch along major corridors such as US 301, State Road 70, and Lakewood Ranch Boulevard
1:30 PM to 2:30 PM: Around the University Parkway and Lockwood Ridge Road area
2:30 PM to 4:00 PM: Returning through West Bradenton side streets, including areas near 32nd Avenue West, Pointe West Boulevard, and 59th Street West
This community effort is made possible through the support of the following participating organizations:
Home Helpers Home Care of Bradenton (Organizer)
Still Alive Inside (Organizer)
ArchWell Health
Cox Chevrolet
Dementiability
Florida Health Resources
Harbor Chiropractic
Keller Williams - Bruce Abramson
Lang Hall Law Offices
Mobile Wound Care Partners
My Care Finders
Parkwood Dental
Photography by Lisa E.
Tranquil Transitions Partners
We Care Senior Relocation Services
Together, these partners are helping ensure that seniors across Manatee County feel remembered, celebrated, and loved this holiday season.
For more information, contact Jonathan Marsh at 813.495.8560 or jmarsh@homehelpershomecare.com.
