Free holiday events and more in Sarasota, Bradenton, Siesta Key, and Anna Maria Island
1. Taste of Chanukah Festival
Sure, the seventh annual Taste of Chanukah Festival features delicious kosher food, this year prepared by top caterers such as Michael’s On East and the fun folks from Munchies 420. And, the festival offers exciting entertainment including nationally-acclaimed Sarasota super clown/daredevil Bello Nock as well as a performance by BMX trick stars. Attendees can also ride the Tel-Aviv-Jerusalem Train and, perhaps most fun for the Florida youngsters, slide down a giant snow slide. 3-6 p.m. Sunday; Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $5 (free for children under 13); atasteofchanukah.com
2. Christmas On Bridge Street
Have some yuletide fun island-style during the annual Christmas on Bridge Street block party, held on the restaurant and bar row of Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island. The free event will feature Santa Clause, The Privateers Christmas Sleigh, live music, face painting, sand art, as well as a wide variety of food, beer and wine available. Musical entertainment will be provided by Stone Crab Steve, Rebecca The Song Bird, Bridgids Cross, Barry and The Boomers featuring Washboard Betty and other local favorites. 12-8 p.m. Saturday; 117 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach; visitbridgestreet.com
3. Hunsader Farms Country Christmas
If you're feeling like going to the country for some old time-y Christmas fun, make plans to visit Hunsader Farms in east Manatee County. Best known for its annual pumpkin festival in October, the December dates offer similar, family-friendly activities and attractions such as hayrides, kiddie train rides, petting zoo, Christmas village, live music and Christmas movies on an outdoor screen; all in a setting adorned with more than 250,000 lights. There will be a bunch of food vendors, too, and an antique store. 6-10 p.m. Dec. 15, 16, 20-23; Hunsader Farms, 5500 C.R. 675, Bradenton; $10 admission (children age 5 and younger free); $5 parking; 941-322-2168; hunsaderfarms.com
4. Main Street Live
Kettle of Fish, the Sarasota-based band with a strong regional following thanks to its expert execution of classic vinyl deep tracks and smartly-crafted originals, returns to downtown Bradenton to headline the city's popular block party series Main Street Live. The free event features various vendors and local food trucks in addition to all the great downtown restaurants and bars. 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday on Old Main Street (12th Street West) between Manatee and 3rd avenues, which will be closed to vehicular traffic. Info: facebook.com/independentjones
5. Moonlight Movie on Siesta Beach
Everybody's favorite alien, E.T., will be seen on everybody's favorite beach, Siesta, with a free screening following what should be another glorious sunset. Released in 1982, "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" is probably Steven Spielberg's most beloved movie and one based on an imaginary friend the famed filmmaker had as a child. While watching with your toes in the sand laugh, cheer, and, yes, maybe shed a tear or two. 5-9 p.m. Friday; Siesta Beach, 948 Beach Road, Siesta Key; free; 941-915-1184; siestakeychamber.com