Socially-distanced fun: 5 things to do around Bradenton this weekend

It can be tough to find fun in the days of COVID-19.

Fortunately, there are some local entertainment options that add in ample social distancing and other risk-reducing measures for those that feel comfortable venturing out.

Here are some ideas for keeping the doldrums at bay around Bradenton this weekend.

Don’t forget to bring a mask.

Drive-thru Christmas fun

This Saturday, G.T. Bray Park in Bradenton will transform into a holiday wonderland for a family-friendly, drive-thru Christmas extravaganza.

The event, sponsored each year by Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department, will feature holiday light displays, Christmas music and an opportunity for young ones to deliver their letters to Santa Claus. Speaking of Mr. Claus, he’ll be there, too.

The event is free, but organizers request a donation of one new, unwrapped toy per vehicle for a Toys for Tots drive.

Vehicles should enter the event at 59th Street West and exit at 51st Street West.

Details: 6-8:30 p.m. Saturday. G.T. Bray Park, 5502 33rd Ave. Dr. W., Bradenton (enter at 59th Street West). Free.

Info: facebook.com/manatee.parks.natural.resources.

Farmers’ Markets

The Bradenton Farmers’ Market is back on Old Main Street with COVID-19 safety measures in place. Stock up on fresh fruits and veggies, shop for arts and crafts, listen to local live music and more. Booths will be socially distanced along Old Main as well as Third Avenue West and Fourth Avenue West. Vendors will be masked, and face coverings are highly recommended for customers.

Details: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. 400 Old Main St., Bradenton. Free.

Info: realizebradenton.com/farmers-market.

The Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch has returned for the season with more than 50 local vendors to peruse. Offerings include produce, prepared foods and breads, crafts, plants and pet treats. Vendors will be socially-distanced and masks are encouraged.

Details: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, 8330 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. Free.

Info: mylwr.com/185/Farmers-Market-at-LWR.

The Beach Market at Coquina Beach offers fresh produce, arts and crafts, jewelry, local artists, apparel, pottery, purses, health and beauty items, music and more. The fresh ocean air and sunshine are free.

The market will be held on Sundays and Wednesdays through March.

Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Dr. S., Bradenton Beach. Free.

Info: islandsandbeaches.com/market.

Holiday ornament showcase and pottery sale

Need a little holiday spirit? A festive new exhibit at ArtCenter Manatee shows off hundreds of ornaments handmade by local artists. The pieces are also for sale, so you can take one home and add it to your own tree.

Also on display at the gallery is ArtCenter Manatee’s 2020 Member Show. The exhibit features local, regional and national artists skilled in painting, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, woodwork and more.

And on Saturday, ArtCenter Manatee will host a holiday pottery sale from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Details: Ornament exhibit and Member Show on display through Dec. 31. Gallery hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon., Fri. and Sat.; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Tue., Wed. and Thurs. ArtCenter Manatee, 209 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Free.

Info: artcentermanatee.org.

Drive-in movie

Ruskin Family Drive-In plays classic flicks and family favorites every day of the week. This weekend, the outdoor theater will screen the newly-released, computer-animated adventures of a lovable family of neanderthals, “The Croods: A New Age.”

For the late showing, strap in for “Krampus,” a Christmas horror/comedy about a family who attracts the attention of Santa Claus’ demonic counterpart, Krampus.

Bring a portable radio if you don’t want to leave your car turned on during the films. Face masks are required to enter the snack bar or restrooms.

▪ The Croods: A New Age: 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sun.

▪ Krampus: 9 p.m. Fri.-Sun.

Details: 5011 U.S. 41 N., Ruskin. Ages 9 and up: $6. Ages 5-8: $1. Cash only. $5 fee for bringing your own food. Alcohol not permitted.

Info: ruskinfamilydrivein.com.

North Pole Express

The Florida Railroad Museum’s annual holiday train ride event is back this year in a socially-distanced format with 50% capacity inside of the train cars. The North Pole Express transports guests through rural Manatee County to a Christmas village with activities, campfires, hot chocolate, cookies and a chance to meet Santa.

Seats from coach to first class are available, or you can rent a party caboose for up to 16 guests ($589-$769).

Details: Trains depart at 5:30 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. Florida Railroad Museum, 12210 83rd St. E., Parrish. $20.50-$59.50.

Info: 941-776-0906. frrm.org.