Looking for fun things to do, Christmas cheer? Top 5 events in Sarasota area this weekend

Wade Tatangelo, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
·4 min read

It's a big weekend for Christmas and winter holiday events in Sarasota and Bradenton. We have boat parades taking place in both Sarasota Bay and the Manatee River on the same evening, along with a land Christmas parade on Anna Maria Island. Additionally, Selby's Lights in Bloom kicks off on Friday, and on Sunday, you'll want to check out the annual A Taste of Chanukah festival.

Craving more Christmas cheer? Be sure to visit the University Town Center shopping district, where Santa will be available for photos at The Mall at UTC through Christmas Eve. Also, numerous other holiday events will be happening through Jan. 2, including the nightly holiday light shows taking place along Cattlemen Road every 30 minutes from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. by several of my favorite 10 restaurants in UTC.

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1. Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights at Sarasota Bayfront

The Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, pictured here in 2018, returns Satuday.
The Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, pictured here in 2018, returns Satuday.

Presented by Suncoast Charities for Children and Marina Jack, the 37th annual Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights is best viewed from the Marina Jack patio or dining room (reservations required). However, you can also have a great time watching the parade for free from Bayfront Park — and then perhaps grab a bite and beverage from Marina Jack's more casual sister restaurant O'Leary's Tiki Bar. 6 p.m. Saturday; Bayfront Park, 5 Bayfront Drive, Sarasota; free admission, but donation of new unwrapped toy or book encouraged; suncoastcharitiesforchildren.org

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2. Winter Wonderland and Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade in downtown Bradenton

The Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade, pictured here in 2021, returns Saturday.
The Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade, pictured here in 2021, returns Saturday.

Saturday is all about the holidays in downtown Bradenton, where the annual Christmas light display is a popular attraction along Barcarrota Boulevard and First Avenue West across from Twin Dolphin Marina. Winter Wonderland is on Old Main Street from 5 to 8:30 p.m. with live music, dancing, vendors, food and activities for the kids including a hayride.

Meanwhile, Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade finds lots of brightly decorated boats traveling along the banks of Bradenton and Palmetto starting at sundown Saturday from Snead Island. The best viewing is from Pier 22 and the rooftop deck at Oak & Stone in Bradenton (reservations/tickets required), as well as Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant in Palmetto; however, you can also have a great time watching for free from the Green Bridge and Palmetto Pier. 5 p.m. Saturday, downtown Bradenton and Palmetto. For more information, visit cityofbradenton.com/events or holidayboatparade.org.

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3. Lights in Bloom at Selby Gardens in Sarasota

Lights in Bloom at Selby Garden, seen from above in 2020, returns Friday.
Lights in Bloom at Selby Garden, seen from above in 2020, returns Friday.

Featuring more than two million lights, the 20th annual Lights in Bloom display will again illuminate the gardens and walkways of Selby Gardens. You’ll also find holiday photo opportunities, activities, and entertainment, with food and drinks available for purchase from the Michael’s on East grill and a cash bar. 6:30-9 p.m. (5:30 p.m. early entry) Friday (Dec. 8)-Jan. 3 on select nights; Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota; $30-$40 adults, $25-$35 members, $15-$20 ages 5-17, free ages 4 and younger; 941-366-5731; selby.org

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4. ​Privateers Christmas Parade and Gifts from Santa

The Anna Maria Island Privateers host their annual Christmas parade on Saturday.
The Anna Maria Island Privateers host their annual Christmas parade on Saturday.

Those swashbuckling Privateers will be back with their beloved Christmas parade rolling through Anna Maria Island. It starts at Coquina Beach's north entrance and continues north to City Pier Park in the city of Anna Maria. The parade is immediately followed by a children's party with Santa at Holmes Beach Field. Kids will be provided a hot dog, chips, drink and free gift from Santa. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; Anna Maria Island; free; amiprivateers.wildapricot.org

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5. A Taste of Chanukah

A helicopter drops gelt, little chocolates wrapped in silver to resemble coins, during the Taste of Chanukah event returning Sunday.
A helicopter drops gelt, little chocolates wrapped in silver to resemble coins, during the Taste of Chanukah event returning Sunday.

Chabad of Sarasota's Taste of Chanukah festival held at Phillippi Estate Park will feature a snow slide, helicopter raining down gelt from above, kosher food, live music and entertainment. There will also be a selection of menorahs including a balloon and Lego menorah. 4-6 p.m. Sunday; Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $7, free children under age 12; 941-925-0770; atasteofchanukah.com

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Wade Tatangelo is Ticket Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and Florida Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. He can be reached by email at wade.tatangelo@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.​​​​​​

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Best things to do in downtown Sarasota and Bradenton this weekend