Free, or Nearly Free, Christmas Events in Bradenton, Florida

If you live in Bradenton, Florida, or any of the little surrounding towns, you might often feel that the only good entertainment is in the bigger cities to our north and south. Not true this holiday season! Bradenton, Florida is host to a great variety of events celebrating Christmas, with little or no cost. There is something for everyone, from the very young to the very young-at-heart.

Holiday Music Magic
South Florida Museum Bishop Planetarium
201 10th St W, Bradenton, Florida
Friday, November 24, 2011 though Saturday, December 24, 2011
Tuesday – Friday 2:15 pm, Saturday 12:00 pm, Sunday 12:30 pm
This special Planetarium presentation is a local holiday tradition. With a soundtrack playing a variety of Christmas favorites, the full-dome planetarium shows festive 3-D animation and scenery. FREE event for members of the museum. Admission for all others – $15.95 for ages 12 and up, $13.95 for seniors and $11.95 for children 4 – 11

Old Fashioned Village Christmas
Village of the Arts
4 blocks south of ManateeAve between 9th St W & 14th St W, Bradenton, Florida
Friday, December 2, 2011 6 pm – 9:30 pm
Saturday, December 3, 2011 11 am – 4 pm
Not only will artists in the area provide their unique and eclectic variety of arts and crafts, this two-night event will feature Christmas carolers, holiday tea room, storytelling and a strolling barbershop quartet. The 11th annual Lighting of the Village takes place on Friday at 6 pm. Stroll through the area to see the galleried decorated in festive and old-fashion Christmas decor. FREE event.

Breakfast with Santa
Lakewood Ranch YMCA
5100 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Bradenton, Florida
Saturday, December 3, 2011 9:30 am – 11 am
Enjoy breakfast with Santa, hosted by local restaurants and businesses, held at the Lakewood Ranch YMCA facility. A children’ts dance troupe will entertain Santa and the crowd. FREE event

A Night Before Christmas
GT Bray Park
5502 33rd Avenue Dr W, Bradenton, Florida
Saturday, December 3, 2011 4 pm – 7:30 pm
Welcome Santa when he arrives by helicopter at 4 pm, setting the stage for a wonderful seasonal event for the whole family. Ten tons of snow will put everyone in the holiday spirit. There are fun things to play on, play with, cookies to decorate and a hayride through the park. FREE event

Holidays Around the Ranch
Lakewood Ranch Main Street, Bradenton, Florida
Friday, December 9, 2011 6 pm – 9 pm
Santa kicks off the night with a spectacular tree lighting that is sure to put everyone in the mood for holiday fun. There is an ice-skating rink, cookie decorating, crafts to make, train rides and the most fun carriage rides on a horse-drawn buggy. Local dance studios provide a variety of entertainment throughout the night. FREE event

Breakfast with Santa
Parrish YMCA
12214 US 301, Parrish, Florida
Saturday, December 10, 2011 10 am – 11:30 am
Enjoy breakfast with Santa, hosted by local restaurants and businesses, held at the Lakewood Ranch YMCA facility. A children’ts dance troupe will entertain Santa and the crowd. FREE event

1911 Florida Cracker Christmas
Manatee Village and Historical Park
1404 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton, Florida
Saturday, December 10, 2011 11 am – 3 pm
See this historical site looking like the Victornian Christmas it was a hundred years ago. Local artisans and craftsmen of the time share their wares, vintage silent films, and hands-on crafts for all ages. Live entertainment throughout the day. $5 admission for everyone over 13, FREE admission for ages 12 and under.

Winter Wonderland on Old Main Street
Old Main Street, Bradenton
Saturday, December 10, 2011 5 pm – 9 pm
Enjoy sledding down snow mountains, visit Santa’s workshop, take a hayride on Old Main St, or just stroll through the entertainment and vendors for food and gifts. FREE event

Bradenton Yacht Club Holiday Boat Parade
Downtown Bradenton, Florida
Saturday, December 10, 2011 6:30 pm
Everyone loves a parade and the boat parades are a sight to behold. Excellent viewing throughout the downtown area. FREE event

Advent Concert: G.F. Handel’s “Messiah”
St Joseph Catholic Church
3100 26th St W, Bradenton, Florida
Sunday, December 11, 2011 6 pm
Celebrating their 20th anniversary of Advent concerts, St Joseph Catholic Church is presenting Handel’s “Messiah.” This concert is free to the public and is sure to delight your musical senses. The concert also features prominent local soloists as well as the Sarasota Orchestra. FREE event

An Astronomer’s View of the Star of Bethlehem
South Florida Museum Bishop Planetarium
201 10th St W, Bradenton, Florida
Wednesday, December 14, 2011 7 pm – 9 pm
Part of the museum’s “think+drink(science)” series, learn about the stars of that special December more than 2000 years ago. This is a less-than-typical-science-guy presentation; informal, relaxed and interactive. Beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks are available for purchase but you’re invited to bring your own snack (not beverages). FREE event

Reels at McKechnie Field
McKechnie Field
1611 9th Street, Bradenton, Florida
Friday, December 16, 2011 5 pm
Enjoy a holiday classic, “White Christmas,” from the lawn of the ballfield on a large screen. Special pre-show entertainment will be provided by the superb local talent of the Manatee Players. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for a fun evening. Food and drink are available for purchase. FREE event

Winter Luminary Festival
DeSoto National Memorial
8300 Desoto Memorial Hwy, Bradenton, Florida
Saturday, December 17, 2011 6 pm
The Winter Luminary Festival joins living history, live music and a luminary-lined park trail to create a memorable holiday event. Start your traditional pilgrimage to this special event this year. FREE event

Christmas on Bridge Street with Boat Parade
Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, Florida
Saturday, December 17, 2011 3 – 7 pm
The Bridge Street Merchants are hosting a holiday open house starting at 10 am. At 3 pm the real fun starts! Music will be streaming from the DJ booth all night, as well as performances by the Rowlett Magnet School drama and choir. Raffles will be held through the event for gift baskets and other great holiday items. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in attendance and it’s forecast that snow will be falling on Bridge Street. Around 7 pm the Cortez Yacht Club boat parade begins with dozens of lighted and festive boats. FREE event


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