The Anna Maria Island Privateers invite people to rock around the Christmas tree and parade from the beach to the bayside in two holiday traditions.
Here’s a look at those events and others on and around AMI.
On AMI
- Anna Maria Holiday Walk, Pine Avenue, Anna Maria. The community event features shopping, treats and visits with Santa at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. 5-9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 12. For more info, go to cityofannamaria.com or call 941-708-6130.
- Anna Maria Island Privateers Christmas Parade, islandwide. The parade rolls from Coquina Beach north on Gulf Drive to Holmes Beach and onward to Anna Maria. It’s followed by a party with Santa and lunch for kids at Holmes Beach city field. 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 13. For more, go to amiprivateers.org.
- Roser Memorial Community Church Bethlehem Walk, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. The island church celebrates the reason for the season with a holiday tradition. 5:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 14. For more information, call 941-778-0414 or go to roserchurch.com.
- Christmas at the Drift-In AMI, 120 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. The Anna Maria Island Privateers and the Drift-In will celebrate the season with sales, raffles, music and a holiday buffet. 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20. For more, call 941-778-8565.
Off AMI
- Christmas in the Garden, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. The event is a celebration of lights, music and community. 5-9 p.m., through Dec. 31. For more, go to longboatislandchapel.org.
- Christmas in Cortez, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. The Florida Maritime Museum event features entertainment, vendors, games and crafts. Noon-3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13. For more, go to floridamaritimemuseum.org.
- A Night Before Christmas, G.T. Bray Park, 5502 33rd Ave. Drive W., Bradenton. The event includes photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, a snow slide, foam zone, inflatables, face-painting, letters to Santa and a petting zoo. A Shop Local vendor marketplace will operate in the parking lot alongside food and dessert trucks. 4-8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13. For more information, go to mymanatee.org/night or call 941-742-5923.
- A Christmas Carol, the Concert with the Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota, Manatee High School Davis Performing Arts Center, 902 33rd Court W., Bradenton. The production features a 65-piece orchestra, full chorus, actors, vocalists and dancers performing the story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation. Tickets start at $35. 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13. For more info, go to thepopsorchestra.org.
- Palma Sola Botanical Park’s Winter Nights Under the Lights, 9800 17th Ave. NW, Bradenton. The park transforms into a wonderland with acres of light displays, visits with Santa, music and a market. 6-9 p.m., Thursday-Sunday, Dec. 18-21. For more info, call 941-761-2866 or go to palmasolabp.org.
- Holiday Open House, Robinson Preserve NEST, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. The preserve hosts crafts and activities for all ages. 9 a.m. Monday-Wednesday, Dec. 29-30. For more, call 941-748-4501.