The holiday season on Anna Maria Island is nothing short of magical. With its tropical charm, stunning sunsets, and a strong sense of community, Anna Maria Island transforms into a festive paradise where holiday cheer meets island vibes. Whether you're visiting for Christmas or ringing in the New Year, the island offers a variety of holiday events, parades, and celebrations, as well as Christmas church services that add a spiritual dimension to the season.
At Once Upon A Beach, we believe the holidays are a time for joy, family, and reflection. Whether you’re strolling along decorated streets, attending a Christmas Eve service, or celebrating with fireworks, here’s your guide to the best Christmas and New Year’s events on Anna Maria Island, including church services for those looking to celebrate the spiritual side of Christmas.
Christmas on Anna Maria Island
From light displays to festive parades, the Christmas season on Anna Maria Island brings a unique blend of island warmth and holiday cheer. With the island community coming together to celebrate, there’s no shortage of family-friendly events to enjoy during your stay.
1. Anna Maria Island Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Open House
- Location: Pine Avenue, Anna Maria
- Date: Early December
One of the most anticipated events of the holiday season is the Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Open House on Pine Avenue. Held in early December, this family-friendly event kicks off the holiday season with festive cheer and twinkling lights. The island’s main street, Pine Avenue, transforms into a winter wonderland with shops and galleries beautifully decorated for the season.
The evening starts with the lighting of the island’s Christmas tree, followed by an open house where local businesses offer holiday treats, warm beverages, and seasonal sales. Stroll along Pine Avenue, enjoy live Christmas carol performances, and indulge in holiday shopping at charming boutiques. Kids will love the appearance of Santa Claus, who greets children and poses for photos.
Why We Love It: The Christmas Tree Lighting and Open House capture the spirit of the island community, offering a festive, cozy atmosphere where families and friends come together to celebrate the season.
2. Holiday of Treasures on Bridge Street
- Location: Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach
- Date: Mid-December
Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach is one of the island’s most lively destinations, and during the holiday season, it hosts the annual Holiday of Treasures event. This evening celebration invites visitors to explore the area’s shops and restaurants, all decked out in their holiday finest.
Stroll along Bridge Street and discover “treasures” at each participating shop, where local vendors offer special holiday-themed products and unique island gifts. The festive atmosphere is heightened by live music, holiday lights, and appearances from Santa and Mrs. Claus. The Bridge Street Merchants group organizes this event, ensuring that every corner is filled with holiday cheer.
Why We Love It: The Holiday of Treasures is the perfect mix of festive fun and island charm, giving visitors a chance to explore Bridge Street’s vibrant businesses while soaking up the Christmas spirit.
3. Privateers Christmas Parade
- Route: North end of Anna Maria Island to Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach
- Date: Mid-December
The beloved Privateers Christmas Parade is one of Anna Maria Island’s most exciting holiday traditions. Organized by the Anna Maria Island Privateers, this annual parade travels the length of the island, starting at the northern tip in the City of Anna Maria and making its way down through Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach, finishing at Coquina Beach.
The parade features the Privateers’ famous pirate ship float, along with other festive floats, classic cars, and local groups decked out in holiday gear. As the procession moves down Gulf Drive, locals and visitors line the streets to cheer and collect candy tossed from the floats. The festive atmosphere is contagious, and kids will love seeing Santa riding through the parade, often on a pirate ship!
After the parade, families can head to Coquina Beach for the Children’s Christmas Party, hosted by the Privateers. Kids can meet Santa, enjoy games, and take part in holiday crafts.
Why We Love It: The Privateers Christmas Parade is a perfect blend of island culture and holiday spirit. It’s a fun and unique way to celebrate Christmas, island-style, with pirates, floats, and lots of holiday cheer.
4. Christmas Church Services on Anna Maria Island
For many, Christmas is a time of reflection and spiritual renewal, and Anna Maria Island offers several welcoming churches that host Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services. Whether you prefer a traditional candlelight service or a family-friendly celebration, these local churches provide a meaningful way to honor the spiritual side of the holiday season.
Roser Memorial Community Church (Non-Denominational)
- Location: 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria
- Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: Roser Memorial Community Church is known for its beautiful Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, which features carols, scripture readings, and a message of hope. The sanctuary is warmly lit with candles, creating a peaceful and reflective atmosphere to celebrate the birth of Christ.
- Christmas Day Service: A family-friendly Christmas Day service is also held, with hymns and a joyful celebration of the season.
St. Bernard Catholic Church (Roman Catholic)
- Location: 248 S Harbor Dr, Holmes Beach
- Christmas Eve Mass: St. Bernard Catholic Church offers a Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, complete with traditional carols, candlelight, and a sacred Nativity celebration.
- Christmas Day Mass: Christmas Day Mass is celebrated in the morning, allowing families to come together in worship and celebration.
CrossPointe Fellowship (Non-Denominational Evangelical)
- Location: 8605 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach
- Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: CrossPointe Fellowship offers a lively Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, blending contemporary worship music with traditional elements. Families are welcomed to participate in this joyful and uplifting service.
Episcopal Church of the Annunciation (Episcopal)
- Location: 4408 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach
- Christmas Eve Service: The Episcopal Church of the Annunciation offers a reverent Christmas Eve Service, with beautiful music, Holy Communion, and candlelight.
- Christmas Day Service: A traditional Christmas Day service is also available for those seeking a quieter, more reflective worship experience.
Why We Love It: The Christmas church services on Anna Maria Island are a beautiful way to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. Whether you’re attending a candlelight service or a joyful Christmas morning celebration, these welcoming churches offer a peaceful and spiritual retreat during the holiday season.
5. Holiday Light Displays
- Locations: Throughout Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island is known for its laid-back vibe, but that doesn’t mean it holds back on holiday decor. Throughout December, the island’s neighborhoods and businesses light up with festive displays. Some of the best light displays can be seen along Pine Avenue, where local shops go all out with beachy, Christmas-themed decorations. The homes along Gulf Drive and in residential neighborhoods are also decked out with twinkling lights, inflatable holiday characters, and island-inspired decor.
One popular spot to visit during the holiday season is the Rod and Reel Pier, which is often adorned with Christmas lights, creating a picturesque holiday scene along the water.
Why We Love It: The holiday light displays on Anna Maria Island add a touch of magic to your evening strolls, creating a festive island atmosphere that’s perfect for families.
New Year's Eve on Anna Maria Island
After celebrating Christmas, the island kicks off New Year’s Eve with more excitement and celebration. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back beachside countdown or a lively party with fireworks, Anna Maria Island has several events to help you ring in the new year.
1. New Year's Eve Celebration at Pier 22
- Location: Pier 22, Bradenton
- Date: New Year’s Eve
Just a short drive from Anna Maria Island, the New Year's Eve Celebration at Pier 22 offers an elegant and exciting way to welcome the new year. Situated on the waterfront in downtown Bradenton, Pier 22 is known for its upscale dining and stunning views of the Manatee River, making it an ideal location for ringing in the new year.
The New Year's Eve event at Pier 22 typically features a special prix-fixe dinner menu, complete with gourmet dishes and a range of cocktails and wine pairings. As midnight approaches, guests can head outside to the restaurant’s waterfront patio to enjoy a fireworks display over the river. The festive atmosphere, live music, and elegant dining experience make this a perfect option for couples and families looking for a more refined New Year’s Eve celebration.
Why We Love It: Pier 22 offers the perfect combination of elegance and excitement. The beautiful setting on the river, paired with fine dining and a fireworks display, creates a memorable way to ring in the new year in style.
2. New Year’s Eve Celebration on Bridge Street
- Location: Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach
- Date: New Year’s Eve
As midnight approaches, partygoers gather along Bridge Street to celebrate the countdown to the new year. Many of the local businesses offer New Year’s Eve specials, making it easy to enjoy the final hours of the year with delicious food, drinks, and good company. Once the clock strikes midnight, you’ll hear cheers throughout the street, often accompanied by fireworks displays and beach bonfires.
Why We Love It: Bridge Street is the island’s hub for New Year’s Eve excitement, offering a lively and fun atmosphere for those looking to celebrate in style. It’s the perfect way to enjoy music, food, and the energy of a community ready to welcome the new year.
Celebrate the Holidays on Anna Maria Island with Once Upon A Beach
Whether you’re looking to embrace the magic of Christmas or celebrate the New Year with fireworks on the river, Anna Maria Island and its surrounding areas offer the perfect holiday escape. With festive parades, light displays, Christmas church services, and unforgettable events, the island provides a unique and family-friendly holiday experience.
At Once Upon A Beach, we’re here to help you plan the perfect holiday vacation. Let us find you the ideal luxury vacation rental, and we’ll guide you to the best local events, parades, church services, and celebrations. From Christmas tree lightings to New Year’s Eve parties, your holiday season on Anna Maria Island will be filled with joy, reflection, and unforgettable memories!
