Manatee County Gears Up for a Week of Holiday Markets, Family Fun, Sports, and Community Events
November 24 – December 1, 2025
Manatee County is entering the holiday season with a full slate of community activities stretching from Thanksgiving week through the start of December. Families, residents, and visitors will find everything from family programs and charity runs to festive markets, sports tournaments, and seasonal entertainment.
SOAR Lab Open for Thanksgiving Break
The SOAR Lab in Bradenton is welcoming families on select days of the holiday week for hands-on learning and creative play.
Open hours include:
Tuesday, Nov. 25: 3–7 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 26: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 29: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Most families qualify for free admission. The SOAR Lab is located at 6423 9th St E, Bradenton.
Astro Skate Family Night on Nov. 26
Astro Skate of Bradenton will host a special holiday break skate event on Wednesday, Nov. 26 from 6:30–8:30 p.m.
For $10, attendees receive all-you-can-eat pizza from 6:30–7:30 p.m. and skate rental. Proceeds support Truly Valued youth programs.
Astro Skate is located at 3611 3rd St W, Bradenton.
28th Annual Bradenton Runners Club Turkey Trot – Nov. 27
A beloved Thanksgiving tradition returns to Robinson Preserve on Thursday, Nov. 27 at 8 a.m.
The 3-mile fun run/walk supports the Food Bank of Manatee and Turning Points, with additional donations collected for One More Child’s diaper drive. A kids’ 1/3-mile race will also take place for ages 5–10.
The event begins at the preserve’s south entrance at 10299 99th St NW, Bradenton.
Worthington Holiday Market on the Lawn – Nov. 30
Worthington For Events in Ellenton is hosting a festive outdoor market on Sunday, Nov. 30 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Visitors can enjoy live music, food trucks, vendors, arts and crafts, Christmas photo minis, and holiday shopping.
The venue is located at 4815 17th St E, Ellenton.
LIT Florida 7s Rugby Tournament – Nov. 29
The Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch will host the first-ever U.S. stop of LIT7s, Europe’s largest rugby sevens series, on Saturday, Nov. 29.
The tournament will feature men’s, women’s, and U18 competitions with teams from across the U.S. and abroad. Fans can expect a festival atmosphere with music, food, and full-day entertainment.
Local Government Events and Community Activities
Manatee County Government, the City of Bradenton, and the City of Palmetto continue to host seasonal programming as the holidays approach:
Manatee County Government
Public buildings and libraries are offering modified schedules for Thanksgiving week and will resume normal hours after the holiday weekend.
Ongoing community programs and park activities continue throughout the holiday break.
City of Bradenton
Downtown businesses are preparing for December’s holiday events, including art walks, outdoor dining, and riverfront festivities.
Bradenton’s parks and public spaces will remain open for families enjoying time outdoors during Thanksgiving week.
City of Palmetto
Local parks and the historic district will host a variety of early holiday pop-up vendors and family activities leading into December.
City facilities will post updated hours due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
A Busy and Festive Week Across Manatee County
From family-friendly play spaces and charity runs to holiday shopping and international sports, Manatee County is offering residents a rich mix of events to enjoy as they head into the final stretch of the year. Whether celebrating with family, supporting local nonprofits, or enjoying live entertainment, the community has no shortage of ways to take part in the season.