Free holiday events and more in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, and Lakewood Ranch
1. Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Secure a spot pretty much anywhere on downtown Sarasota’s Bayfront Park, City Island or Centennial Park and admire the boats decorated with holiday lights and other dazzling decorations during the 32nd annual Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. The parade route has been expanded by an additional turn marker at the southwest side of Bayfront Park so now all boats must now pass approximately one third of the Sarasota Bay side within a few yards to be considered for judging. The Bayfront Park spectator viewing area has been expanded to include the entire northern tip of the island near the fountain and the VIP viewing area has been moved to the Marina Jack's fuel dock. 6 p.m. Saturday; sarasotachristmasboatparade.com
2. Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade and Sounds of the Season
Decorated boats are best viewed from the Green Bridge Fishing Pier in Palmetto or Bradenton Riverwalk. If viewing from the Bradenton side, be sure to also check out the light displays on Barcarrota Boulevard. Pro tip: The landmark Bradenton restaurant Pier 22 is a designated judging stop with the boats expected to pass by at 8:30 p.m. Meanwhile, on Old Main Street in Bradenton, Sounds of the Season will celebrate the Christmas spirit with live music, movies, Santa village, snowblowers and more. 6 p.m. Saturday; Bradenton and Palmetto; realizebradenton.com
3. Atomic Holiday Bazaar
The hippest holiday shopping happening in Sarasota, the annual Atomic Holiday Bazaar is an indie craft and arts show features fun and funky handmade items. 12-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $5 for adults, and free for children ages 12 and younger (with free entry into the Bay Front Room and the street fair); atomicholidaybazaar.com
4. Holidays Around the Ranch
Lakewood Ranch Main Street’s annual holiday celebration features Santa Claus making a grand entrance in a horse-drawn carriage, an outdoor snow slide, numerous street vendors, and stage performances by local dance and music studios. 6-9 p.m. Friday; Lakewood Ranch Main Street; 941-757-1530; lwrcac.com
5. Privateers Christmas Parade
The Anna Maria Island Privateers will again sail their pirate ship down Gulf Drive, leading their annual Christmas Parade. It begins at Bayfront Park, 316 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, and travels south through the cities of Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach where it will end at Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., with Santa handing out gifts to children. 10 a.m. Saturday; Anna Maria Island; amiprivateers.memberlodge.org