Where to see Bradenton’s best holiday light displays and events this Christmas season
Holiday lights are beginning to illuminate Southwest Florida with Christmas cheer for the 2024 season.
Around Bradenton and Sarasota, several major light displays are ready to set the night aglow.
This year’s light shows include returning holiday events and some festive new attractions. Botanical gardens, boats, homes, shopping malls and a local racetrack will be illuminated.
Here’s where to see some of the most impressive Christmas light displays around Bradenton.
Pilos Family Christmas Show
Lights of Palmetto, a popular local light display since 2018, will sadly be dark this year. But Tom Stallings, the local man behind the production, has helped another local family start a new show.
The Pilos Family Christmas Show in Bradenton will feature a display of thousands of Christmas lights synchronized to popular holiday music.
Visitors can park, tune in to 96.1 FM and enjoy the show. Check the event’s Facebook page before you go for updates to the schedule.
- Details: Opens Dec. 7. Light display is open from 6 to 10 p.m. nightly. The show closes the second week of January. 1811 72nd St. N.W., Bradenton. Free.
Bradenton Holiday Lights Festival at the Freedom Factory
The Freedom Factory car racing track in Bradenton is revving up the Christmas spirit this year with a drive-thru holiday light experience.
Cars will be guided along a route illuminated by over 100,000 lights synchronized to music. The route includes a light tunnel and an opportunity to drive your own vehicle on the popular racetrack.
At the end of the drive, visitors can park and go inside to experience a Christmas village with a 50-foot Christmas tree, a Santa meet-and-greet, games, rides, Christmas movies, vendors, food and drinks.
- Details: Dec. 6 to Jan. 4. 5-9 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays; 5-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Freedom Factory, 21050 E. S.R. 64, Bradenton. $20 per vehicle.
- Info: FreedomFactoryUSA.com
Winter Nights Under the Lights at Palma Sola Botanical Park
Palma Sola Botanical Park will host its fifth annual holiday light display this year with lots to see and do.
Take a stroll and snap family photos among acres of illuminated Florida foliage. Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Grinch will make appearances.
Other attractions this year include live holiday music, a gift market, a tree decorating contest and crafts.
Food trucks will offer bites to eat, and hot cider, cocoa, coffee, tea, beer, wine and seltzers will be available for purchase.
- Details: 6-9 p.m. Dec. 11 to 15. Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave. NW, Bradenton. Admission is free; donations are requested.
- Info: PalmaSolaBP.org
Lights in Bloom at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
“Lights in Bloom” transforms Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota into an illuminated winter wonderland.
More than two 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: Dec. 6 to Jan. 1. Early entry: 5:30-9 p.m. General entry: 6:30-9 p.m. Selby Botanical Gardens, 900 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota. Adults: $34 general admission; $44 early admission. Ages 5 to 17: $19 general admission; $24 early admission. Children under 5: Free.
- Info: Selby.org
Christmas lights at University Town Center
University Town Center in Sarasota has a calendar packed with holiday events this December, including a nightly Christmas light show along Cattlemen Road.
- Details: Through Jan. 5. University Town Center, 210 North Cattlemen Road, Sarasota.
- Info: UTCSarasota.com/holidays
Lights on the water
The Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade keeps the holiday spirit afloat with a festive nautical display down the famous waterway.
Boat owners will compete for cash and raffle prizes with categories for boats under 40 feet and over 40 feet.
VIP viewing parties will be held at the Bradenton Yacht Club, Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant and Pier 22. Public viewing points include Snead Island, the Green Bridge, parts of Riverside Drive in Palmetto and the Bradenton Riverwalk.
Alternatively, grab a reservation at Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant, Caddy’s or Pier 22 Restaurant for a view with food.
Estimated viewing timeline:
6 p.m. — Staging begins at Shaw Point
6:30-7:30 p.m. — Bradenton Yacht Club (Private Members Club)
7:15-8:15 p.m. — Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant
7:30-8:30 p.m. — Pier 22 Restaurant/Twin Dolphin Marina/Oak & Stone
- Details: 6-9 p.m. Sat., Dec. 14 on the Manatee River. Free.
- Info: HolidayBoatParade.org