Island Holiday Traditions: Thanksgiving and Christmas 2025 on Anna Maria Island
February 9, 2026
Celebrate the holidays sunshine style with AMI Locals. Instead of bundling up, gather your family poolside, under the palms, and around spacious dining tables in your luxury island home. From Thanksgiving feasts to twinkling Christmas parades, Anna Maria Island offers a coastal spin on your favorite traditions—made even better with our Sunshine and Savings Sales Event.
Now through October 2, 2025, book your holiday stay for travel through December 26, 2025, and choose from two exclusive offers:
COASTALCHEER10 – Save 10% on select AMI Locals vacation homes.
BONUSCOASTAL10 – Save 10% on eligible 1–4 bedroom homes with a 7+ night stay plus receive a $100 gift card at check-in.
Anna Maria Island & Bradenton Halloween Events 2025
Trail of Treats (Anna Maria Island) – Holmes Beach & AMI Chamber lot, Oct. 31, 2025. A local favorite where kids can trick-or-treat safely at island shops and businesses.
Goblin Gathering (GT Bray Park, Bradenton) – Oct. 18, 2025. Costumes, candy, games, and family activities in a park setting.
Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival (Bradenton) – Weekends Oct. 12–27, 2025. Pumpkin patches, hayrides, corn mazes, and seasonal fun.
BooFest (Lakewood Ranch) – Oct. 25, 2025. Trick-or-treating, entertainment, and fall festivities on Main Street.
Bradenton Riverwalk Trick-or-Treat – Oct. 26, 2025. A family-friendly evening along the waterfront with decorated booths and candy stops.
Thanksgiving by the Gulf: A Feast to Remember
This year, let your Thanksgiving memories be framed by Gulf breezes. Many AMI Locals homes feature gourmet kitchens, rooftop decks, and outdoor dining perfect for multi-generational gatherings.
Thanksgiving Tips:
Cook together in your fully stocked rental, or order a holiday spread from local favorites.
Dine poolside, then toast the sunset from your balcony.
Pick up a fresh holiday pie or dessert from Anna Maria Island’s local bakeries like Hometown Desserts to sweeten your family gathering.
Holiday Events on Anna Maria Island 2025
Bridge Street Christmas Tree Lighting
Saturday, November 22, 2025
Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach
Kick off the season with carols, lights, and Santa’s arrival.
Holmes Beach Holiday Open House & Tree Lighting
Friday, December 5th, 2025
Holmes Beach / AMI Chamber Lot
Local shops stay open late with treats, caroling, and community cheer.
Christmas on Bridge Street
December 2025, date TBD
Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach
Holiday shopping, music, kids’ crafts, and a towering 40-foot tree.
AMI Privateers Christmas Parade
Mid-December 2025, date TBD
From Coquina Beach north to City Pier
Floats, marching bands, and the iconic pirate ship procession.
Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Bradenton Riverfront
A shimmering flotilla of decorated boats lighting up the water.
Traditions, Sunshine Style
Swap snow for sand and create new holiday rituals:
Decorate palm trees with lights and seashell ornaments.
Gather around the pool for surf-and-turf holiday feasts.
Stroll island neighborhoods aglow with festive lights.
Sip cocoa or cocktails on the rooftop while watching holiday fireworks or the sunset.
Where to Spend Your $100 Gift Card
If you book with BONUSCOASTAL10, your gift card can be enjoyed during your stay:
Savor fresh seafood at The Waterfront Restaurant or casual bites at Ugly Grouper.
Treat the kids to ice cream at Two Scoops.
Browse boutiques along Pine Avenue for coastal holiday gifts.
Rent bikes or paddleboards to explore the island your way.
Plan Your Holiday Escape with AMI Locals
Large homes. Large celebrations. Memories as endless as the horizon! Whether it’s a Thanksgiving reunion or a Christmas getaway, AMI Locals provides the perfect setting to celebrate together, sunshine style.
Don’t wait, holiday homes book fast! Secure your 2025 holiday retreat today and start your own Island Holiday Tradition.