Anna Maria Island’s favorite Christmas party returns to Bridge Street

There’s even more Christmas on Bridge Street than usual this year.

The annual holiday event gets going earlier this year and keeps going later – it’s set to run from noon until 8 p.m Saturday. In recent years, the event has been about three to four hours long.

So you’ll get a lot more time to enjoy Christmas on Bridge Street, Anna Maria Island’s most popular Christmas event.

As always, it features live music (acts this year include Stone Crab Steve, Rebecca The Song Bird, Brigid’s Cross, Barry and The Boomers featuring Washboard Betty, and many other local musicians). Also part of the party: The tallest Christmas tree on Anna Maria Island, a visit from Santa Claus, the Privateers Christmas sleigh, face painting, sand art and a wide variety of beer, wine and food.

One of the highlights is the return of the Dickens Carolers. They’re a professional company of actors and singers and will be on hand in period costumes to sing seasonal songs and tell stories.

The shops in the Bridge Street area will be open for business, and many hold special sales during the festival.

It’s all free and family-friendly. The proceeds from vendors fees and other festival income will help support Turning Points, a local nonprofit that provides a variety of services to help people reach financial stability and independence.

Details: Noon-8 p.m. Dec. 16, 117 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. Free. 941-896-2222, visitbridgestreet.com.

This story was originally published December 12, 2017 at 9:40 AM with the headline "Anna Maria Island’s favorite Christmas party returns to Bridge Street."