What’s better than shopping local for the holidays? Doing it while enjoying a mimosa brunch! Stop by 3 Keys Brewery for their Brew and Browse Craft Market and pick up some great gifts from local vendors and artists.

Some of the things you’ll find here include CBD and hemp products, essential oils, jewelry and keychains, apparel, home decor, diffuser jewelry, homemade bows, vegan baked goods, and homemade ice cream!

Give your tree some extra special sparkle this year by picking up a unique handcrafted ornament during ArtCenter Manatee’s Ornament Extravaganza. They have thousands of ornaments for sale made from clay, wood, glass, metal, egg, fabric, mosaic, and more!

This event begins on December 3rd and runs continually during gallery hours (Mon, Fri, Sat 9 am- 5 pm, Tues, Wed, Thurs. 9 am – 6 pm ) until the 13th. Find some time to stop by – you’ll be glad you did!

Ringling Museum’s Holiday Splendor for Toys for Tots is definitely an event you won’t want to miss!

The museum will have extended hours, holiday music, and performances by local schools. Food and beverages will also be available for purchase. The Ca’ d’Zan, Museum of Art, and Tibbals Learning Center will all be open. Admission is free with one unwrapped gift per person.

The December Artwalk in Bradenton’s Village of the Arts is arguably the most popular Artwalk of the entire year — and with good reason!

You’ll love wandering through the village and soaking in all the holiday lights and decorations, live music, and strolling entertainment. This is also a great place to #shoplocal for the holidays. Here you’ll find unique gifts for everyone on your list, as well as tasty treats to enjoy along the way!

The Bradenton Blues Festival may be sold out, but you can still enjoy the festivities at the FREE Blues Appetizer Concert held at the Riverwalk Event Pavilion. This concert features incredible performances by the Rusty Wright Band and the Duffy Bishop Band.

Get there early for the best seats, and don’t forget to bring your chairs! There will also be vendors on hand.

The Manatee Performing Arts Center presents a wonderful new twist on the holiday classic with their rendition of It’s a Wonderful Life a New Musical. The entire family is sure to enjoy this show, so book your tickets soon.

Shows run on various days and times, so check their calendar before making your plans!

If you have kids, you won’t want to miss Brunch with Santa at the Metro Diner. They’ll be serving special holiday treats and will have tons of fun children’s activities. And — the big guy himself will be visiting tables and posing for pictures.

Best of all, 10% of your check will go to support The Boys and Girls Club of Manatee County (be sure to mention this to your server when you order!)

Kick the holidays off right with Palmetto’s Christmas in the Park. This free event will feature children’s games and activities, a real snow hill for sledding, and a visit from Santa!

There will also be several food trucks and vendors including Basic Witches, Kona Ice, Word of Mouth BBQ, and Alex’s Lemonade Stand.

Celebrate the sounds of the season with the Manatee Community Concert Band’s free Holiday Concert.

This fun event is perfect for all members of the family and is a great way to get into the holiday spirit!

Burn off those holiday treats while supporting a great cause at the Marauders Holiday Dash and Drive.

This event features a 5k race, 1-mile family fun run, and a post-race party. During the event, they’re also hosting a toy drive to benefit the Salvation Army.

Join Tri-Countyjeepers, Inc. and Firkins Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram for their 7th annual Jeep Jam Toy Drive and Jeep show.

Bring a new unwrapped toy and help make the holidays special for local children in need. There will also be games and raffles and delicious treats from Cigar City Smokers BBQ and American Honey Creamery.

Get your home “Pinterest Perfect” for the holidays during Maker’s Market’s Holiday Projects night.

Choose from a variety of projects including holiday signs, light-up signs, stocking hangers, door hangers, porch decor, holiday countdown “clocks,” and more! Don’t miss your chance to make one of these limited-edition projects!

Little girls will love getting dressed up and enjoying the fun and fancy Nutcracker Tea Party at Mixon Farms.

This event will feature excerpts from the beloved Nutcracker Ballet performed by the Dance Theater of Bradenton as well as a lunch buffet with finger foods, sweet treats, and a self-serve candy bar. Tickets are $30 for children 2 and over and $40 for adults.

Feeling crafty? Head over to Gypsea Soul for their Christmas Tree Resin Art class.

They have a wide variety of coastal embellishments to stir your creativity, and you’re welcome to personalize your piece by adding some of your own items as well. This is a two-hour beginner-friendly class.

While you create, you can also enjoy a holiday-themed cocktail on the house!

We’re so lucky to enjoy beautiful weather during the holidays. Why not celebrate by watching a beloved family classic — The Polar Express — outside on the patio at Caddy’s Holiday Movie Night?

They have plenty of delicious dinners and tasty bar beverages to keep you full and happy all through the night.

Come on out to the beach and enjoy fresh food and beverages while listening to live music at the Coquina Beach Seafood and Music Festival.

The three-day music lineup features a wide array of genres including R&B, jazz, rock, reggae and Caribbean sounds.

We all love our furry friends, so why not create a unique keepsake that you can enjoy forever? At Painting with a Twist’s Paint Your Pet event, you can do exactly that, and have a blast while doing it!

Just send a photo of your pet ahead of time, and when you arrive your image is already drawn on your canvas. Then an experienced instructor will walk you through creating your masterpiece.

The cost is just $55 and includes all the supplies you need. Best of all, part of the proceeds from this class will support Friends of Manatee County Animal Shelter (FOMCAS).

To celebrate their third anniversary, Three Keys Brewery is hosting the 1st Annual Giving Back Beer Fest which will support Manatee Operation TroopSupport (M.O.T.S.).

The event will feature beer tastings from several local breweries, plus tasty treats, ice cream, and live music. Purchase your advance tickets now, since prices increase the day of the event.

The family-friendly Reindeer River Run 5k will feature a 5k run/walk, kid’s candy cane dash, and a holiday-themed post-run party.

This is a chip-timed race and all participants will receive a race shirt and finisher’s medal. Stick around after the race is done to enjoy the Holiday Boat Parade!

One of Bradenton’s favorite holiday traditions – the Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade is one event you won’t want to miss.

The 22nd annual event begins on Snead Island at sundown and makes its way up the river to Caddys. There are many great viewing locations along the Green Bridge and Manatee Riverwalk.

Ready to get your kids out of the house and away from their devices? Bring them out to A Night Before Christmas at GT Bray Park! Here they can enjoy a bounce house, SNOW, hayrides, face painting, and more. They better behave, because rumor has it SANTA will be stopping by as well!

Wristbands for this event are just $5!

Selby Garden’s Lights in Bloom is another holiday event that’s worth the short drive.

You’ll be stunned by the gorgeous display that features over 2 million lights throughout the garden. There will also be arts and crafts for the kids, games, and entertainment — as well as nightly visits from Santa!

Food from Michael’s on East and a cash bar will be available and the Selby House Cafe will also be open.

If you want to #shoplocal this holiday season, you definitely won’t want to miss The Friendly City Flea!

This gathering of local makers, musicians, and creatives is always a great time! Can’t make it on the 14th? Mark your calendar for the next market on the 21st from 10 am until 2 pm!

Take a step back in time and enjoy An Old Florida Christmas at the Manatee Village Historical Park.

Here you’ll find beautiful decorations inspired by the Victorian era and Florida’s pioneer history. The whole family is also sure to enjoy the make-and-take crafts, vintage silent films, live music, food vendors, and more. You can also wrap up your holiday shopping — local artisans will be there selling candles, soaps, ornaments, jewelry, blankets, books, purses, shell art, ceramics, and more

Ring in the New Year at Bradenton’s biggest and best block party, Main Street Live!

Enjoy vendors, food trucks, and great live music by the Daisy Dukes Band and Southbound. Don’t forget to stop by some of the nearby bars and pubs to check out their New Year’s Eve events and specials as well!