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Where to see Bradenton’s best Christmas light displays this holiday season

Looking for Christmas light displays around Bradenton?

This holiday season, several local spots are lighting the night with festive illumination, including decorated botanical gardens, drive-thru experiences and lights set to music.

Here’s a guide to some of the Bradenton area’s best holiday light displays.

The Pilos Family Christmas Show

The Pilos Family Christmas Show in Bradenton is back for a second year with thousands of twinkling Christmas lights set to popular holiday music.

Visitors can park, tune in to 96.1 FM and enjoy the show, which features over two hours of music. Folding chairs are also welcome.

  • Details: Open now. Light display hours: 6 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 6 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The show will continue through at least Dec. 31. 1811 72nd St. N.W., Bradenton. Free.
  • Info: Facebook.com/PilosFamilyLightShow

Bradenton Holiday Lights Festival at 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 a chance to drive on the 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. 5-7, 11-14 and 17-27. Sundays-Thursdays: 6 to 9p.m. Fridays and Saturdays: 6 to 10 p.m. 5 to 9 p.m. Freedom Factory, 21050 E. State Road 64, Bradenton. $25 per vehicle, up to eight passengers. Over eight passengers: $50.
  • Info: FreedomFactoryUSA.com

Winter Nights Under the Lights at Palma Sola Botanical Park

Palma Sola Botanical Park will host its sixth 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 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18 to Sunday, Dec. 21. Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave. NW, Bradenton. Admission is free; donations are requested.
  • Info: PalmaSolaBP.org
Palma Sola Botanical Park’s free annual Christmas event, “Winter Nights Under the Lights,” returns from Dec. 18-21, 2025.
Palma Sola Botanical Park’s free annual Christmas event, “Winter Nights Under the Lights,” returns from Dec. 18-21, 2025. Provided Image Palma Sola Botanical Park

Lights in Bloom at Selby Botanical Gardens

Lights in Bloom: “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: Saturday, Dec. 6 to Saturday, Jan. 3. Early entry: 5:30 to 9 p.m. General entry: 6:30 to 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
Marie Selby Botanical Garden’s “Lights in Bloom” returns to the Sarasota bayfront with more than two million lights illuminating the night from Dec. 6, 2025, to Jan. 3, 2026.
Marie Selby Botanical Garden’s “Lights in Bloom” returns to the Sarasota bayfront with more than two million lights illuminating the night from Dec. 6, 2025, to Jan. 3, 2026. Dylan Jon Wade Cox Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

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.

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 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
Boats glide past the Bradenton Yacht Club in Palmetto during the Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade.
Boats glide past the Bradenton Yacht Club in Palmetto during the Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
RB
Ryan Ballogg
Bradenton Herald
941-745-7024
Ryan Ballogg is a local news and environment reporter and features writer at the Bradenton Herald. His work has received awards from the Florida Society of News Editors and the Florida Press Club. Ryan is a Florida native and graduate of USF St. Petersburg. Support my work with a digital subscription
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