Christmas is always an exciting time of year for families and friends to gather and enjoy beloved traditions in good company. That said, when you could do without the seasonal cold and plummeting temperatures, getting out of town for the holidays is always a refreshing option. This year, if you’re longing to pair holiday fun with sun, sand, and surf, be sure to make time to make your way to scenic Anna Maria Island. This gem of a vacation destination on the Florida coast is a great pale to relax, unwind, and relish magical holiday moments too. Whether you’re here for a few days or enjoying an extended holiday stay, this Anna Maria Island Christmas guide can be your starting point to making the most of the fun ahead this December.
Head to Winterfest Alongside Your Family and Friends
When nothing sounds more inviting this Christmas than an event on your Anna Maria Island itinerary that pairs art, culture, and flavor, making time to attend the annual Winterfest celebration is a must. This is a highly anticipated event on the annual lineup that’s well-attended by locals and visitors alike for good reason. Winterfest is typically hosted right on Bradenton Beach and goes off without a hitch thanks to a dedicated team of holiday volunteers. It’s a one-stop hub for unique entertainment of all types whether you’re looking forward to browsing local art, enjoying live music in good company, or dropping by the many tents to speak with locals about Anna Maria Island and conservation projects you can contribute to while you’re here. There are fun holiday raffles hosted at Winterfest and a wide array of great food and beverages to enjoy as well. With a delicious hot chocolate in hand, you can make your way to the Christmas Tree Lighting portion of the festival and pick up last-minute gifts or souvenir ornaments while you’re here too.
Get out on the Water in Style
If you’re looking to make it a very non-traditional Christmas enjoyed on Anna Maria Island, the waves are probably calling your name. The temperatures this time of year are balmy during the day and rarely drop below 55 degrees in the evening hours. That means there isn’t any reason to gather your traveling crew and enjoy some quality time on the water. Christmas is a great time of year to book your place on a chartered boat tour when you want to include sightseeing and wildlife watching into your holiday adventure. There are also options for thrill seekers to enjoy parasailing their way through a Christmas stay here when nothing would hit the spot quite like a bird’s eye view out and over everything.
Be a Part of the Local AMI Privateers Christmas Party Experience
A highlight event for many visitors who find themselves on Anna Maria Island at Christmas is always the annual local Christmas Party put on by the team at AMI Privateers. This event is designed for family-friendly fun and is hosted on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. For the little ones in your crew, the holiday parade that’s a part of the lineup will likely be their favorite part of the day. This is in large part thanks to the holiday costumes, cars, candy, floats, dancers and more that show up to entertain spectators in the name of the holiday spirit. There’s a potluck dinner built into the Christmas party as well as live music, and an undeniably welcoming vibe that will make you feel right at home even if you’ve traveled far to be here enjoying Christmas on Anna Maria Island.
Check Out the Annual Holiday Boat Parade
Yet another must-see event when you’re spending time on Anna Maria Island over Christmas is the annual Holiday Boat Parade. This is one that visitors of all ages will enjoy as illuminated vessels of all kinds head out to sea to delight spectators lined up along the shorelines and bridges. From catamarans and fishing boats to speed boats and yachts, this parade is all-inclusive and always a blast. Many who drop by to admire the watery fun pair their moment with a sunset picnic, toast, or hot cocoa too.
Enjoy the Anna Maria Island Christmas Tree Lighting at Holmes Beach
For a more traditional take on the holidays on Anna Maria Island, consider making time on the itinerary to check out the annual Christmas Tree lighting that happens at Holmes Beach. Locals and visitors alike gather together to watch the tree illuminated in style, setting a decorative tone for your stay and marking the official arrival of the holiday season.
Book Your Getaway to Anna Maria Island Today
When travel plans have you heading to Anna Maria Island in the name of vacation fun, the team at Anchor Down Vacation Rentals will make sure you have incredible accommodations in place to top off your stay in style. Reach out today to learn more and to get your well-deserved getaway underway soon!
