The holidays can be a time of chaos and cold weather, or they can be a time of magic, joy, and the warmth of the Florida sun shining down on you as you participate in your favorite holiday traditions. The choice is yours, and to add a little extra incentive towards making the right choice, a stay in our Anchor Down Vacation Rentals holiday hideaways will bring comfort, luxury, and style to the magic and excitement of your Christmas away. This guide to some of our favorite Christmas events in Florida will give you even more reasons to choose travel to Sarasota or Bradenton as part of your new holiday tradition!
European Holiday Market, December 4 through 8, Bradenton Area Convention Center
Shopping for Christmas gifts can be such a chore, but if you are in Bradenton on December 4 through 8, you are about to discover a charm and excitement about the activity simply by choosing to visit the European Holiday Market. Offering an old world charm to your modern day adventures, guests can experience live entertainment that includes musical performances and what is described as character experiences which we think might be carolers in period garb. Also offering an epicurean exploration of Europe, there will be mulled wine, German pretzels (tasting so good when served warm with spicy mustard!), French pastries that will probably include colorful macarons, hot cocoa, and so much more, you may want to arrive hungry! Finally, there are the gifts, most offering a European flair that will delight, but of course, there will be a scattering of Florida artisans offering their masterpieces for your shopping pleasure, enabling you to cross all the names off your holiday shopping list.
A Night Before Christmas, December 7, GT Bray Park in Bradenton
Is there a greater magic than the one felt when looking into the eyes of a child that wholeheartedly believes in the whimsy and wonder of Christmas? We think not, and when you attend our Night Before Christmas event at GT Bray Park, the magic will be real as your kiddos meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus and enjoy photo ops with both, have their faces painted with holiday themes, bounce around in bounce houses, pet the animals at the petting zoo, and laugh out loud while playing in the foam zone or playing on snow slides. Offering something for the parents as well, a Shop Local vendor marketplace will be set up in the parking lot, offering more treasures for those you have yet to shop for, and food and beverage trucks will stave away the hangry. This is a free event, but Toys for Tots would sure appreciate a “fee” in the form of a new-in-package unwrapped toy.
The Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, December 14, Sarasota Bay
We love a parade, and we especially love a boat parade of lights, including this one in Sarasota Bay that has been occurring for nearly 40 years. Viewers line the shores of Sarasota Bay, sitting in their lawn chairs, some arriving long before the sun sets, armed with coolers filled with snacks and beverages and hearts filled with Christmas joy. When night falls, boats of all sizes create a colorful procession, their bright lights shimmering off the dark waters, holiday music playing (the music can be heard from the shore), and on occasion, happy elves will be seen dancing on deck, their happiness and joy being expressed with every move their body makes. Cash prizes are offered for the best decorated boats, so you can count on seeing some truly wonderful displays, adding magic to your holiday experiences.
Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade, December 14, Green Bridge and Palmetto Pier
Because choices are important even during the holidays, our Bradenton guests will appreciate the shorter drive to the Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade, held on the same night as the one in Sarasota and offering much of what the Sarasota one has to offer. Happy captains will pilot their festively decorated boats covered in colorful lights and whimsical inflatables, hoping to win the cash prizes; there are six of them, ranging from $500 to $1000. The best viewing spots for the public are at Green Bridge and Palmetto Pier.
Magic Begins at Home with Anchor Down Vacation Rentals
The holiday magic begins in the comfortable and luxurious surrounds of our Anchor Down Vacation Rentals holiday hideaways. Watching your favorite holiday movies on state of the art televisions, baking Christmas cookies in our fully equipped kitchens, and keeping up with your favorite traditions, only in warmer, more friendly surroundings: Every moment will be magical ones when you reserve your favorite escape today and discover that the magic of the holidays will never be forgotten.