Looking for something to do? Our top 5 things in Sarasota and Manatee this weekend
It's another great weekend for December events in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties, with plenty of fun holiday happenings taking place as we quickly approach Christmas. This weekend also marks the start of Hanukkah, and we have a pair of our favorite annual events occurring Sunday to celebrate the beginning of the Jewish Festival of Lights.
You'll also find Santa at a breakfast event in Sarasota and another Christmas celebration on Anna Maria Island. Looking for some last-minute gifts? There's a festival on Bradenton Riverwalk you'll want to read more about.
Plus, while not included in this week's Top 5, don't forget about the St. Armands Circle Winter Spectacular featuring rides and live entertainment continuing through Jan. 3, as well as the million lights and holiday-themed decorations that adorn Fishermen's Village on Charlotte Harbor in Punta Gorda.
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1. A Taste of Chanukah in Sarasota
Chabad of Sarasota's annual A Taste of Chanukah festival returns to Phillippi Estate Park featuring a helicopter in the sky to rain down gelt from above, a three-ton snow slide, and kosher food favorites by famed local restaurant Michael's on East. Attendees will also find a balloon menorah, live music by DJ CJ Koenig, and a trackless train. 4-6 p.m. Sunday; Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $10 (free for children under 13); 941-925-0770; atasteofchanukah.com
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2. Grand Chanukah Klezmer Festival in Venice
Chabad of Venice's annual Chanukah Klezmer Festival at The Gazebo in Centennial Park will feature a performance by klezmer band the Yiddish Cowboys and chocolate coins dropped by firefighters from 25 feet in the air. Other activities include the lighting of the 16-foot menorah and there will be lots of tasty food for sale including latkes, stuffed cabbage and matzo ball chicken soup. 4:30-6:30 p.m. Sunday; Centennial Park, 200 W. Venice Ave., Venice; free; 941-493-2770; chabadofvenice.com
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3. Bradenton Riverwalk Holiday of the Arts Festival
Attendees are invited to give the gift of art this weekend at the free admission Holiday of the Arts Festival held along the Bradenton Riverwalk. There will be original artwork by more than 100 artisans from throughout Florida including paintings, photography, sculpture, metalwork, digital art, jewelry, glass, ceramics, woodworking, mixed-media, fiber art, and metalwork. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; Bradenton Riverwalk, 452 Third Ave. W., Bradenton; free admission; 941-487-8061; paragonfestivals.com
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4. Christmas on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach, Anna Maria Island
Bustling Bridge Street in the small and charming Anna Maria Island city of Bradenton Beach will celebrate the holiday season on Saturday with the The Crosley Theater Dickens Carolers dressed in period costumes and singing traditional and contemporary Christmas carols. At approximately 6:30-7 p.m., there will also be a screening of the movie "Home Sweet Home Alone" outdoors in the post office's parking lot. 3-9 p.m. Saturday; Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach; lovebradentonbeach.com
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5. Breakfast with Santa at Newtown Estates Park and Laurel Park in Sarasota
Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources invites children ages 12 and under and their families to the free Breakfast with Santa event on Saturday morning. Enjoy breakfast, holiday music, and a visit by Santa at Laurel Park and at Newtown Estates Park. Register children ages 12 and under online. 10 a.m.-noon Saturday; Laurel Park, 509 Collins Road, Nokomis and Newtown Estates Park, 2800 Newtown Blvd., Sarasota; free; 941-861-5000 to register; scgov.net/parks
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Wade Tatangelo is Ticket Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and Florida-Georgia Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. He can be reached by email at wade.tatangelo@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota Bradenton things to do this weekend Christmas Hanukkah events
