10+ things to do near Bradenton on Christmas weekend: Holiday lights, farmers markets and more

Another December weekend is here, and there’s plenty of local fun on tap to help you enjoy it.

The Christmas weekend will bring holiday happenings and family fun, including light displays and farmers’ markets.

Still need plans? We’ve got you covered.

Here’s a hand-picked guide to fun times around Bradenton and Sarasota this weekend, Dec. 23-25.

Christmas and holiday events

Lights of Palmetto: Opened in 2018, Lights of Palmetto is a free, drive-in Christmas light attraction that features over 100,000 color-changing lights synced with holiday and popular music. The show happens nightly in December and early January on the 4-acre property of the Stallings family near Buffalo Creek Road. Simply pull in and tune your radio to 96.1 FM to enjoy music with the lights.

This year’s display includes an illuminated barn and house, a mega Christmas tree at about 30 feet tall, over 100 3D-printed snowflakes, a manger scene and more.

• Details: Open 5:45-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 5:45-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday through the second week of January. Lights of Palmetto is located at 5220 69th Street East. Visitors can park and watch in their cars or walk up the sidewalk on nearby Buffalo Creek Road for another vantage point. Tune to 96.1 FM for music. Free; donations for charity accepted.
  
  
• Info: facebook.com/lightsofpalmetto

Lights in Bloom: “Lights in Bloom” transforms Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota into an illuminated winter wonderland.

More than 2 million lights are in place to illuminate Selby’s gardens and walkways.

The event also includes arts and crafts, activities, entertainment and holiday photo ops. Food and drink will be available for purchase in the gardens.

• Details: 6-9 p.m. Dec. 10-23, Dec. 26-Jan. 1 and Jan. 3-5. Selby Botanical Gardens, 900 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota. Adults: $30. Ages 5-17: $15. Children under 5: Free. Early entry tickets available for an upcharge.
• Info: selby.org.

Country Christmas at Hunsader Farms: Hunsader Farms in Bradenton is getting in the holiday spirit this December with displays of more than 300,000 lights, hayrides, train rides, campfires, snow tubing, Christmas movies, pictures with Santa, a petting zoo and more.

Check out craft vendors, fresh produce and plenty of food and drink options, too.

• Details: 6-10 p.m. Dec. 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 22 & 23. Hunsader Farms, 5500 C.R. 675, Bradenton. Admission: $15. Ages 5 and under: Free. Cash only. Free parking.
• Info: hunsaderfarms.com

St. Armands Circle Winter Spectacular: St. Armands Circle in Sarasota is transforming into a winter wonderland on the water this holiday season.

St. Armands Circle Winter Spectacular features an ice skating rink, rides, holiday activities and live entertainment. There are also light displays and a 60-foot Christmas tree to gaze upon.

Rides include the Polar Palm Express trackless train, a carousel and a gingerbread bounce house.

• Details: 4-9 p.m. daily through Jan. 3; closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. General admission is $10 for ages 3 and up. Ice skating: $10 add-on. Crafting experience: $10-add on.
• Info: winteronthecircle.com

Enchant St. Petersburg presented by the Hallmark Channel: The popular annual event at Tropicana Field returns with over 4 million lights.

There is ice skating, a Christmas Light Maze to a 100 foot tall tree, live entertainment, a shopping Village with vendors, crafts and food.

• Details: Nov. 25 through Jan. 1. Tickets start at $35 for adults and $20 for children, kids free on select Wednesday nights. Discounts for seniors and military. Ice skating is an additional $18 per person. VIP passes and private event rentals available.
• Info: https://enchantchristmas.com/st-petersburg-fl-tropicana-field

Christmas at Busch Gardens: The Busch Gardens annual Christmas Town celebration puts a holly jolly twist on Florida theme park fun.

The park is decked out in lights and decorations for the holiday party, and there are festive eats, shows, rides and music to enjoy.

A $132.99 Fun Card allows unlimited entries to the Christmas Town event and free entry to the park through the end of 2023.

• Details: Nov. 14 through Jan. 9. Busch Gardens, 10165 McKinley Drive, Tampa. Single day ticket: $132.99.
• Info: buschgardens.com/tampa/events/christmas-town

Holiday food and drink

Several Bradenton area eating and drinking spots will be open this holiday weekend with special events. Here’s a look.

Feast of the Seven Fishes at Mattison’s: An Italian-American, Feast of the Seven Fishes-inspired menu awaits at Mattison’s restaurants in Bradenton and Sarasota this Christmas Eve.

At the Bradenton location, the $80 the four-course meal features crab-stuffed oysters, tiger prawn pasta, poached European bass and a dessert of espresso and Italian cookies. The special meal will only be available from 3-8 p.m. on Christmas Eve, while the restaurants’ regular menus will be available all day.

• Details: 3-8 p.m. Saturday. Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille, 101 Riverwalk Blvd., Bradenton.
• Info: mattisons.com.

Christmas at BeerSauce: Bradenton’s recently-opened franchise of beer and barbecue joint BeerSauce will host a Christmas Day craft beer party. Stop by to enjoy “epic hazy IPAs, milkshake sours and pastry stouts,” the event page says. Visitors can also sample from the shop’s extensive offering of sauces and rubs. The kitchen will be closed.

• 4-10 p.m. Sunday. BeerSauce Shop, 419 Cortez Road W., Bradenton.
• Info: facebook.com/BeerSauceBDT

Christmas dinner at Caddy’s: A waterfront Christmas dinner awaits at Caddy’s on the Manatee River. The restaurant will be open and offering a roasted spiral ham dinner, plus the regular menu of seafood, burgers and more.

• 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Christmas Day. Caddy’s Bradenton, 801 Riverside Dr. E., Bradenton.
• Info: caddys.com

Get outdoors

Incoming cold weather this weekend will give Floridians the rare chance to bundle up and enjoy some brisk, wintery air.

A hike or stroll at a local park is the perfect way to enjoy.

Still need some ideas for your Florida winter adventure? We recommend Robinson Preserve, Emmerson Point Preserve, DeSoto National Memorial and Celery Fields.

Performing arts and shows

West Coast Black Theatre Troupe presents “Black Nativity”: Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will once again present its popular rendition of the Langston Hughes gospel musical “Black Nativity” this holiday season. “The music is combined with dance, poetry and narrative to deliver a message of joy, hope and liberation,” a show preview says.

• Details: Nov. 30-Dec. 23. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota. Adults: $50. Students and active military: $20.
• Info: 941-366-1505. westcoastblacktheatre.org

A Place in the Sun: A Tribute to Stevie Wonder | Nov. 16 - March 26: “With a catalogue spanning six decades and multiple genres, Stevie Wonder has earned the status of the most-awarded solo artist of all time. ‘A Place in the Sun’ highlights Wonder’s significant artistic contributions and features such timeless hits as ‘I Just Called to Say I Love You,’ ‘Superstition,’ and ‘Isn’t She Lovely?’”

• Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday. Through March 26. Playing at Florida Studio Theatre’s Goldstein Cabaret dinner theater, 1239 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota. Starting at $37.

West Coast Black Theatre Troupe presents Guys and Dolls: “A Tony Award winner for Best Musical, ‘Guys and Dolls’ tells the story of New York City gambler Nathan Detroit, who dreams of setting up a big dice game while avoiding the authorities—and marriage to his longtime fiancée. WBTT will add its own special twist to this crowd-pleasing show,” a preview says.

• Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Through Nov. 20. Donelly Theatre at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Campus, 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota. Adults: $50; student/military: $20.
• Info: 941-366-1505. westcoastblacktheatre.org

Mike Rivera at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre: “As America’s Most Hilarious Teacher, Mike Rivera is a versatile performer who brings high energy with a brazen sense of humor for one knockout show in and out of the classroom,” the comedian’s bio says.

• Details: 7 p.m. Thursday, 6:30 and 8:50 p.m. Friday. McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. $25.
  
  
• Info: mccurdyscomedy.com

Farmers’ markets

Downtown Bradenton Public Market: This weekly market is a community gathering place that welcomes vendors offering fresh local produce, meat, pantry and home goods, packaged foods, plants, clothing, accessories and more.

Food, drink and dessert vendors make the market a great place to grab a tasty snack.

This year, the market is nearly doubling in size with plans to host about 100 vendors each week, including a core group of businesses and some rotating selections, organizers say.

The market also features live music performances from different regional artists each week. Kid’s activities, special events and cooking demonstrations add to the fun throughout the season.

• Details: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, Oct.-May. Old Main Street, Bradenton. Free.
• Info: realizebradenton.com/public-market

The Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch welcomes more than 90 regional vendors to Waterside Place each Sunday. Offerings include produce, meat and seafood, prepared foods and breads, crafts, jewelry, plants and pet treats. Live music from a rotation of local musicians and yoga sessions are another regular feature at the market.

• Details: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. Waterside Place, 1561 Lakefront Dr., Lakewood Ranch. Free.
• Info: mylwr.com/185/Farmers-Market-at-LWR

Oneco Farmers Market is open seven days a week. The permanent market boasts more than 100 vendors in one location, including meats and seafood, fresh produce, sweets and treats. There are also restaurants and arts and crafts vendors to check out, and the market frequently hosts free community events.

• Details: Open 7 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. Oneco Farmers Market, 5108 15th St. E., Bradenton.
• Info: onecofarmersmarket.com

Sarasota Farmers Market brings vendors selling arts and crafts, goods and services, produce, food, plants and more to downtown Sarasota. There’s also live music to enjoy.

• Details: 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Lemon Avenue and Main Street, downtown Sarasota.
• Info: sarasotafarmersmarket.org

Newtown Sarasota Farmers Market offers local produce, fresh-baked goods and other items twice a week in the Newtown neighborhood. The market also hosts community gatherings including events for kids and food festivals.

• Details: 10 a.m.-5p.m. Friday and Saturday. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, 2523 Cocoanut Ave., Sarasota.
• Info: newtownfarmersmarketsrq.org

Meadows Farmers Market: Started in Oct. 2021, the Meadows Farmers Market promises organic fruits and vegetables straight from local farmers. Other attractions include artisans, food vendors and live music. Events at the market include yoga, tai chi, wellness talks and holiday celebrations.

• Details: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays October through April. Held in the parking lot of 5041 Ringwood Meadow, Sarasota.
• Info: sites.google.com/view/meadowsfarmersmarket

Red Barn Flea Market combines the best of a farmers market, a flea market and a food court in one stop. At Red Barn, you’ll find permanent storefronts, vendor booths, fresh produce, local food offerings, live entertainment and more.

• Details: Open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday-Sunday. 1707 First St. E., Bradenton.
• Info: redbarnfleamarket.com.

See a movie

Ruskin Family Drive-In: In operation since 1952, this drive-in plays new movies, classic flicks AND family favorites with showings Wed.-Sun.

There are two options for audio: bring a portable radio or leave your car radio turned on during the film. You can also bring folding chairs to set up outside of the vehicle (bug repellent is recommended if you go this route).

▪ “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” (PG): 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sun.

▪ “Ticket to Paradise” (PG-13): 9:15 p.m. Fri.-Sun.

• Details: 5011 U.S. 41 N., Ruskin. Ages 9 and up: $7. Ages 5-8: $2. Cash only. $5 fee for bringing your own food. Alcohol not permitted.
• Info: ruskinfamilydrivein.com

Sarasota Film Society: Sarasota Film Society’s Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota theaters are a great place to catch a weekend flick. Screenings include independent and art films as well as blockbusters. Check the society’s website for the current lineup of movies.

Some of the society’s movie offerings can be streamed virtually from home.

• Details: Lakewood Ranch Cinemas, 10715 Rodeo Drive 8, Sarasota and Burns Court Cinemas, 506 Burns Lane, Sarasota. Online streaming available any time.
• Info: filmsociety.org or 941-955-3456

Other Bradenton area movie theaters:

• AMC Bradenton 20, 2507 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton. amctheatres.com. 941-752-3796

• AMC Sarasota 12, 8201 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. amctheatres.com. 941-922-4900

• CMX CinéBistro Siesta Key, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail #1100, Sarasota. cmxcinemas.com. 941-361-2456

• Regal Oakmont, 4801 Cortez Rd. W., Bradenton. regmovies.com. 844-462-7342

• Regal Hollywood, 1993 Main St., Sarasota. regmovies.com. 844-462-7342

Fun at the museum

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature: Explore the past, present and future of the natural world with interactive displays and exhibits, stellar shows in the famed Planetarium, an indoor manatee habitat, the Mosaic Backyard Universe for kids and more at The Bishop in downtown Bradenton.

• Details: Open Tue.-Sat. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Ages 18-64: $25. Ages 65 and up: $23. College students with ID: $19. Ages 5-17: $16. Ages 4 and under: Free with paying adult.
  
  
• Info: bishopscience.org or 941-746-4131

Florida Maritime Museum: Florida Maritime Museum documents the age-old relationship between Floridians and the water. Visitors will find marine life displays, historical photos and documents, revolving exhibits and a gift shop.

On the second and fourth Saturday of each month, the museum hosts a “Music on the Porch” outdoor jam session. From 2-4 p.m., local pickers and players come together to share tunes and singalongs with the crowd.

Masks are currently required inside museum buildings.

• Details: Open 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Free.
• Info: floridamaritimemuseum.org or 941-708-6120

Manatee County Agricultural Museum: Explore Manatee County’s rich agricultural past and present at the Manatee County County Agricultural Museum. Permanent exhibits include displays of authentic farm tools and equipment and highlights of various crops and industries that have taken root in Manatee County over the decades. There’s also a revolving lineup of special exhibits to check out.

• Details: Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and on the first and third Saturday of each month. Manatee County Agricultural Museum, 1015 Sixth St. W., Palmetto. Free. Donations accepted.

• Info: manateecountyagmuseum.com or 941-721-2034

Sarasota Art Museum: Operated by Ringling College of Art and Design, the Sarasota Art Museum displays revolving exhibits of contemporary artwork.

The museum is housed in the former Sarasota High School building and offers 15,000 square feet of gallery space to showcase paint, sculpture, photography, furniture making, experimental art and more.

Events at the museum include curator and artist talks, live jazz every second Thursday of the month and free entry and family fun on the second Sunday of each month.

Visitors can also enjoy a gift shop and a bistro.

• Details: Museum open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Ages 17 and up: $15. Ages 0-16: Free with paying adult. Veterans and active military: Free with ID.
• Info: sarasotaartmuseum.org

The Ringling in Sarasota offers a treasure trove of fine art and architecture. See collections of European works from the Baroque period and modern and contemporary art; witness the colorful history of the big top in the Circus Museum; take a tour of the Ca’ d’Zan, a Mediterranean revival mansion; and stroll The Ringling’s 68 acres of waterfront grounds and gardens.

• Details: Open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Ages 6-17: $5. Ages 18 and up: $25. Ages 65 and up: $23. Ca’ d’Zan entry $10 extra. Admission to the Museum of Art and grounds is always free on Mondays.
  
  
• Info: ringling.org or 941-359-5700

This story was originally published December 22, 2022 at 1:58 PM.