When are the holiday boat parades? Where to find them in Bradenton and Anna Maria Island

Ryan Ballogg
·3 min read

Few traditions say “Christmas in Florida” like the illuminated boat parades that take to local waterways in December.

To put it nautically: It’s a time to feel less stern and ding(h)y and put your best bow forward, with holiday cheer at the helm.

Around Bradenton and Anna Maria Island, the floating festivities have become beloved annual traditions, the largest of which is the Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade.

Boat parades at Jiggs Landing and from Longboat Key to Bradenton Beach offer more fun.

On land, the Anna Maria Island Privateers Children’s Christmas Parade is another returning tradition.

Here’s what to know about 2023’s parades:

Jiggs Landing Holiday Boat Parade

Jiggs Landing Outpost will host an Old Florida holiday boat parade on the Evers Reservoir and Braden River on Saturday, Dec. 2.

Boat decoration starts at noon with a backdrop of live music from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

The parade starts at sunset. Spectators can bring a lawn chair and set up waterside or rent a screened tent for $50.

Jiggs Landing Outpost is open until sunset with food, drinks and sweets.

  • Details: Parade starts around 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. Jiggs Landing Outpost, 6106 63rd St. E., Bradenton. Free. No entry fee for participants.

  • Info: 941-727-4181. jiggslanding.com

Bradenton Beach Marina’s Holiday Boat Parade

The fifth annual parade will start near the Longboat Pass Bridge. Festive boats will then float north up the Intracoastal waterway, ending at the Bradenton Beach Marina.

Recommended spots to view the parade are the Longboat Pass Bridge (6-6:45 p.m.) and Bradenton Beach City Pier (6:30-7:30 p.m.).

The parade coincides with Bradenton Beach’s Christmas on Bridge Street event.

AMI Privateers Children’s Christmas Parade

This annual parade spreads holiday cheer all along Anna Maria Island with a procession of colorful floats.

The parade steps off at 10 a.m. from the Coquina Beach North Ramp and travels down Gulf Drive through Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach and ends on Pine Avenue in the City of Anna Maria.

The parade will be followed by an after-party at Holmes Beach City Field with free hot dogs for kids and a visit from Santa.

Decorated boats sail through the waters near the Bradenton Yacht Club in Palmetto for the 18th year of the holiday boat parade on Manatee River in 2015.
Decorated boats sail through the waters near the Bradenton Yacht Club in Palmetto for the 18th year of the holiday boat parade on Manatee River in 2015.

The Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade

This Bradenton and Palmetto tradition keeps the holiday spirit afloat with a festive nautical display down the famous waterway that attracts thousands of spectators each year.

Boat owners will compete for cash prizes based on theme creativity, lights, music and crowd reaction.

Parade viewing points include Snead Island, the Green Bridge Fishing Pier and sidewalk areas, 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

The parade coincides with Bradenton’s Winter Wonderland downtown festival.