Where to see holiday boat and float parades around Manatee County
The holiday season is here, and with it comes several annual Christmas parades around Bradenton.
In true Florida fashion, the area’s annual holiday parades all take place waterside.
From colorful floats streaming down Anna Maria Island’s Gulf Drive to illuminated boats cruising the Manatee and Braden rivers, these parades offer a visual treat on land and off.
Here’s a look at what’s in store for the 2025 holiday parade season.
Holiday Boat Parade at Jiggs Landing Outpost
Jiggs Landing Outpost will host an Old Florida holiday boat parade on the Evers Reservoir and Braden River on Saturday, Dec. 6.
There will be live music starting at 3 p.m., and the Outpost will be open until sunset serving food, drinks and sweets.
The parade starts at sunset. Spectators can bring a lawn chair and set up waterside.
You can also watch the boats go by at Linger Lodge, where the parade ends.
- Details: Parade starts at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Jiggs Landing Outpost, 6106 63rd St. E., Bradenton. Free. No entry fee for participants.
- Info: (941) 727-4181. JiggsLanding.com
Downtown Sarasota Holiday Parade
This annual holiday parade in downtown Sarasota features an estimated 4,000 participants, including decorated and illuminated floats, marching bands and musicians, circus performers and Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
This year’s theme is “Celebrate Sarasota,” and parade participants will compete for the title of best entry in several categories.
- Details: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Parade begins at at Main Street and U.S. 301 in downtown Sarasota and ends at J.D. Hamel Park on Sarasota Bay. Free to attend.
- Info: Facebook.com/SarasotaHolidayParade
AMI Privateers Christmas Parade
After last year’s parade was canceled due to hurricane damage, this annual beach tradition returns to Anna Maria Island in 2025.
The daytime parade features colorful floats decorated for the holidays. It steps off at 10 a.m. from the Coquina Beach South Ramp and travels up Gulf Drive through Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach, ending at City Pier Park in Anna Maria.
The parade will be followed by an after-party at Holmes Beach City Field with free hot dogs and drinks for kids and a visit from Santa.
- Details: 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. Anna Maria Island. Free.
- Info: Facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandPrivateers
Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade
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 prizes with categories for boats over and under 30 feet.
VIP viewing parties will be held at the 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:
5:30 p.m. — Staging begins at Shaw Point
6:15 to 7:30 p.m. — Bradenton Yacht Club (Private Members Club)
7:15 to 8:15 p.m. — Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant
7:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Pier 22 Restaurant / Twin Dolphin Marina / Oak & Stone
- Details: 6:15 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 on the Manatee River. Free.
- Info: HolidayBoatParade.org