Best Holiday Activities on Anna Maria Island

Christmas on Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island is known as the ideal place in Florida to have fun in the sun with your family. However, the fun doesn’t just stop when the warmer seasons fade away. If you’re one of the lucky locals that have set up permanent residence here or are staying at an Anna Maria Island home rental and are looking for some fun things to do during the winter season, look no further. Even in the winter, Anna Maria has numerous things to do that are exciting and family friendly. Some of the best winter activities are right at your fingertips while living on Anna Maria Island or staying at an Anna Maria vacation rental. Here are the top five things to do during the winter holiday season.

The lighting of the annual Anna Maria Island Christmas Tree.

Take time to take your family to go see the lighting of Anna Maria Islands annual Christmas tree display on Bradenton Beach. It’s a site to see and is a giant event that many locals don’t miss because of its beauty and ability to bring everyone together. You will find that most events on this Island are a chance for you to meet the locals and an opportunity you shouldn’t miss.

AMI Privateers Annual Christmas Parade

Though the date changes every year, the event is still exhilarating for all, especially if you have little ones. The parade usually starts at the north end of Anna Maria Island at Bay Front Park and continues down Pine Avenue to Gulf Drive. The parade will continue to proceed all the way to Coquina Beach and is one of the most exciting family fun events that Anna Maria Island has to offer and is near many Anna Maria Island cottages.

Christmas on the beach Anna Maria Island

The Annual Winterfest

The Annual Winterfest is usually held on Holmes Beach city field located at 5901 Marina Drive. The Annual Winterfest is a glamorous opportunity for many to experience and purchase amazing local artwork. Your children can experience the “Young at Art” exhibit as well as the juried art exhibit. Along with art, locals can experience live music, food, and drinks. The Annual Winterfest is an art connoisseurs dream and a budding artist’s opportunity to shine.

Holiday Boat Parade

Another big event that’s on Anna Maria Island during the Holidays is the Holiday Boat Parade. Locals from the surrounding areas circle around Sarasota Bay Area with their lighted boats while locals watch from the Bridge Street Pier. It’s one thing to see a parade on land but entirely different experience to see it on water. The Holiday Boat Parade is a magical experience all locals and vacationers should experience once in their lifetime.

A winter holiday season spent on Anna Maria Island is on that many only dream of.

Christmas on Bridge Street

Another great place to celebrate the season on Anna Maria Island is the annual holiday event called Christmas on Bridge Street. This family friendly event provides free entertainment and is sure to delight all parties of every age in your family. From the professional Dickens Carolers singing and storytelling in full costume to the songs sang from the acclaimed Rowlett Children’s Choir, you will find plenty of Christmas spirit in the air during this time. Remember to create your cozy hot chocolate drink, visit Santa and snap a photo in front of Anna Maria Island’s largest live Christmas tree.

A winter holiday season spent on the Island is one that many only dream of! Pencil these events in your calendar when the winter season approaches so that you can experience Anna Maria Island to its fullest!

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