Spending Christmas on Anna Maria Island in Florida gives you the best of both worlds: traditional holiday celebrations and unbeatable weather. The Christmas season brings many events to this small island on the Gulf Coast from holiday parades to festivals and live music.
Since Christmas travel is already stressful, we prepared this visitor’s guide to Christmas on Anna Maria Island to make it easy for you to plan your getaway. Don’t forget to book your Anna Maria Island Condo Rental – perfect for couples or families looking for a tropical spin on the holiday spirit.
Anna Maria Island Christmas Events
You’ll be pleasantly surprised at all of the Christmas events you can attend and participate in during your holiday. The Chamber of Commerce posts its community and chamber events every month, but we wanted to highlight our favorite must-attend events.
Photo Credit: Elena Yakusheva
The Anna Maria Island Privateers is a non-profit organization that promotes activities and hosts events for the benefit of the local youth and community. In true holiday spirit, they create the annual Children’s Christmas Parade and After Party.
Decorated floats from local businesses meet up to start the parade through the three island cities - Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach - and provide gifts and food for the kids at the end.
2. Check Out the Holiday Boat Parade (December)
Photo Credit: holidayboatparade.org
The Holiday Boat Parade event is another you can’t miss. The show kicks off at sundown in Bradenton, which is the best time to appreciate the decorated boats and vessels with their Christmas lights. They have a chance to win prizes for the best decorations, so you’ll love how creative people get with their Christmas lights and themes.
There are several places where you can enjoy the Holiday Boat Parade, many of which are located at VIP viewing parties. These are at the Riverhouse, Pier 22, and the Bradenton Yacht Club or in the public viewing areas of Green Bridge and the Palmetto Pier. So, arrive early, pick a spot, and enjoy!
3. See Ana Maria Island Christmas Tree Lighting (November)
Photo Credit: Sergio Photone
There’s nothing like the Christmas Tree Lighting to officially kick off the holiday season. This is a free event taking place on Bridge Street and includes a myriad of activities for the whole family. Besides the tree lightning, there are carolers, face-painting, hot chocolate, and, of course, a visit with jolly old Santa Claus.
Photo Credit: Karen Dole
While the Winterfest is not a Christmas event, it is a two-day event taking place in winter where local artists, such as painters, sculptors, jewelers, and glassblowers, get to showcase their work.The Winterfest is hosted by Blue Ribbon Events, but it’s not the only arts and crafts event that you can attend. They host many more at AMI from November through March, including the Mistletoe Market in early December so you can pick and choose a day to attend, depending on your holiday weekend getaway.
Packing for Your Christmas Getaway
You’ll find the perfect Christmas weather balance during your stay on Anna Maria Island. The average highs are around the 70s, while the lows are in the mid-to-high 50s. That means an unexpected packing list compared to traditional winter getaways in the mountains.
Here’s what you can bring to keep you comfortable and ready to attend the Christmas events:
- Light layers: long sleeves, cardigans, or a light jacket for the cooler evenings.
- Casual outfits: sundresses or lightweight pants and shirts.
- Casual and comfortable walking shoes for exploring, biking, or walking tours.
- Light scarf or wrap, sun hats, and sunglasses.
- Sunscreen and bug spray.
- Beach towels or blankets - perfect for beach picnics.
- Christmas accessories! Get in the holiday spirit with a Santa hat, holiday headband, and your favorite “ugly Christmas sweaters”!
Anna Maria Island Christmas Time Things to Do
We have you covered with many other things to do for your Christmas on Anna Maria Island holiday.
Photo Credit: fornStudio
You can experience a full day packed with Christmas activities on Bridge Street, from live music performances, Christmas carolers, ornament-making, last-minute shopping at the boutiques, and, of course, delicious food. Check the Chamber of Commerce site for more information on island event dates!
Photo Credit: Linda White Wolf
Outside of Anna Maria Island, you can visit the St. Armands Circle in Sarasota, which has become another exciting location to enjoy all Christmas traditions. You can expect Christmas carols, a Santa parade, and the lighting of its Christmas tree.
Photo Credit: Wirestock Creators
Painting with a Twist is perfect for a girl's night, date night, trivia night, or family or kids' events. As the name may imply, this is an art studio in Bradenton, and it’s a fun way to sit back, sip, and let your creativity shine.
During the winter, there are plenty of themes you can pick for a night of painting, such as a Christmas gnome, the Northern Lights, or a pine forest. Check out their website to see the Christmas edition themes and book your paint night.
Photo Credit: JLco Julia Amaral
Shop for holiday treasures at one of the many boutiques located on historic Bridge Street. There are gift shops, clothing stores, coffee shops, and jewelry and bait shops to get you started on your holiday shopping.
Photo Credit: Chris Ferrara
One of the best ways to move around Anna Maria Island is with one of its hop-on, hop-off trolleys. The trolleys loop around the island and take you from Coquina Beach on the south up to the City Pier in the north. Running in 20 to 30-minute intervals until 10:30 pm, it’s a great way to see the Christmas lights and decorations from homes and local businesses.
Christmas Dining on Anna Maria Island
Don’t forget to plan your Christmas dining and make reservations! We’ll give you some options for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner since this small island has plenty of restaurants. Many of these have take away catering menus if you’d prefer a more intimate gathering at your vacation home.
- Bridge Street Bistro: The bistro perfectly blends elegance and beach charm. You’ll get stunning Gulf Coast views and a refined atmosphere along with its menu.
- Island Time Bar and Grill: Perfect for casual dining and offers fresh seafood, juicy burgers, and tropical-inspired drinks.
- AMI Beach Cafe: Relaxed spot with an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast.
- Pier 22: Located in Bradenton, Pier 22 is an upscale waterfront restaurant with views of the Manatee River. Perfect location to celebrate a special occasion.
These restaurants tend to offer holiday themed menus during the Christmas season, so check out their website for more information on their holiday hours and menus.
Book Your Christmas Stay on Anna Maria Island
Celebrating Christmas on Anna Maria Island promises you an amazing blend of festive events, warm weather, and island charm. And, since it’s the low season, it’s the perfect escape for a holiday getaway and avoid the big crowds.
Between the Christmas parades, tree lightings, and holiday events and menus, all that’s left is to secure your stay at one of our vacation rentals at Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals. Let us host you for the most magical season of the year!
