The holidays are on their way, and Bradenton and Sarasota's businesses and non-profit organizations are ready to celebrate. They've got a bevy of fun holiday events coming up over the next few weeks that are sure to get you feeling festive. Fill out your December calendar with this list of top local holiday events handpicked by our brokers. 

5 Festive Events and Light Displays Around Bradenton and Sarasota 

Lights in Bloom 

Address: 1534 Mound Street, Sarasota, FL 34236 

The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens' Lights in Bloom holiday event is widely recognized as one of the best botanical garden holiday events in the country. You'll see hundreds of enchanting light sculptures of tropical plants and insects walking through the 15-acre waterfront Sarasota garden. Some areas also use light tunnels and light projections to enhance the fantastical atmosphere. 

You can visit the gardens every evening from 6:30 PM to 9 PM starting December 6th. They'll be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve before wrapping up for the year on January 3rd.

Standard tickets cost $34 per adult or $19 per child aged 5 to 17. Kids under 5 enter for free with an adult. Early admission tickets cost $44 per adult or $24 for kids and get you an extra hour to explore the attraction.  

Winter Nights Under the Lights 

Address: 9800 17th Avenue NW, Bradenton, FL 34209 

Palma Sola Botanical Park is hosting their annual Winter Nights Under the Lights holiday event from December 18th to 21st this year. Each evening, the park's trees, plants, and structures will light up with thousands of tiny festive lights.  

That's not all this event has to offer, though. Kids can enjoy holiday games and crafts and spend time with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Adults can browse a vendor market full of unique gift items from small businesses, sip on hot cocoa or cider, and listen to live holiday music.  

The attraction will be open from 6 PM to 9 PM on all four nights. It's free to attend, but donations are encouraged. Every dollar of every donation goes toward funding the park's operations for the next year. 

Manatee River Annual Holiday Boat Parade Viewing Party 

Address: 1200 1st Avenue W, Bradenton, FL 34205 

PIER22 Restaurant and Bar is hosting a viewing party for Bradenton's beloved Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade at 7 PM on December 13th. Sitting at a table on their waterfront terrace, you'll have the best seats in the house to watch all the illuminated yachts and sailboats go cruising down the river.  

Adult tickets cost $145 per person and include bottomless soft drinks and a chef-crafted all-you-can-eat buffet. Kids' tickets are $45 each with the purchase of an adult ticket. You can also purchase alcoholic drinks separately with a valid ID. 

Holidays at UTC 

Address: 201 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, FL 34243 

You won't believe how much there is to do during Holidays at UTC. On top of all the shopping opportunities inside the mall, this event features: 

• Nightly light shows set to festive music 
• A chance to meet and take photos with Santa 
• A skating rink 
• An outdoor movie screen with free holiday film screenings 
• Wonderland: Believe, a holiday-themed circus show at the mall's East District Big Top (ticket costs vary by seat) 
• Horse-drawn carriage rides for $10 per person 
• A fireworks show every night at 9 PM 

You've got until January 4th to experience it all, so get out there and have some fun!

Bradenton Holiday Lights Festival 

Address: 21050 FL-64 Bradenton, FL 34212 

During the Bradenton Holiday Lights Festival, the Freedom Factory's high-octane racetrack turns into a dazzling two-part holiday wonderland.  

Start your night with a drive through spectacular light tunnels and past dozens of illuminated holiday scenes, all flashing in sync to your favorite holiday tunes. After the show, park your car in the racetrack parking lot and head into the Christmas Village. This bustling holiday carnival filled with games, rides, and a Jumbotron playing classic holiday movies will keep your kids busy for hours.

This event is only open on specific dates this year: December 5th to 7th, December 11th to 14th, and December 17th to 27th. Hours are 6 PM to 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and 6 PM to 9 PM the rest of the week. Tickets cost $25 per car, but bring cash or a credit card – some activities cost a little extra. 

Happy Holiday Season from Wagner Realty 

Dreaming about what a holiday on the Gulf Coast might be like? We think it's time you found out. Contact us today to learn more about our collection of homes for sale in Bradenton and Sarasota, and get ready to spend next year's holiday season in paradise.