This December marks a special chapter in the Florida Maritime Museum’s Christmas celebration, as we unite with the Anna Maria Island Privateers to create an extraordinary joint community event.
Following the impact of multiple hurricanes, we also joined forces with the Friends of of the Florida Maritime Museum and the Cortez Village Historical Society for this year’s celebration.
We’re celebrating the holidays and the resilience of our coastal communities.
Since the Privateers’ traditional event couldn’t take place on the island due to storm damage, including sand recovery operations at the beach, we are taking advantage of the opportunity to blend two beloved holiday traditions into one memorable celebration.
Not only can festival-goers dress up like a pirate for pictures and games at the Privateers’ awesome pirate ship, but the Privateers also have a Christmas gift for each child who attends.
On the grounds, visitors can make their own holiday crafts, play lawn games and jump around in a bounce house. Inside the Cortez Cultural Center, families can experience a special one-on-one meeting and photo session with the big man himself: Santa!
Kids of all ages can enjoy playing with old-fashioned wooden toys and listening to the Cortez jammers folksy tunes on the porch of the Bratton store.
Thanks to our valued partners and sponsors, who help make Christmas in Cortez shine a little brighter this year: The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, The Anna Maria Islander, the Cortez Village Historical Society, the AMI Privateers and Friends of FMM.
photos, by volunteer Charles Warner during last year’s Christmas in Cortez, show visitors playing games, making crafts, and getting their face painted during the event.
Holiday changes for music in Cortez
While Music on the Porch at the Bratton Store normally takes place on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month, the schedule is getting shaken up by the holidays.
Join us for a special jam session on Saturday Dec. 14, during Christmas in Cortez.
Music on the Porch will not take place on the fourth Saturday, Dec. 28.
The Florida Maritime Museum is closed for structural rehabilitation until further notice. All programs and events continue as scheduled.
This Christmas In Cortez event sound great. I apologize if I am missing something, but I do not see a date, time or location for this event within the article. I do see changes to holiday music events in Cortez, but not the festival with all of the activities. How can I get this information?