Winter Wonderland is a free winter festival in downtown Bradenton to kick off the holiday season!

The event is the same location as the Bradenton Public Market, on Old Main Street (12th street) in between Manatee Ave and the City Centre Parking Garage. 

Yes! This event is free to the public. The only money you will need is for holiday shopping or food you’ll purchase along the way. 

Winter Wonderland runs from 5:00-8:00pm on Saturday, December 5th. 

The City Centre Parking Garage above Orange Blossom is free to the public, and its entrance is off 10th street across from The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature. For a full list of downtown parking, click here – Downtown Parking – Bradenton, Florida

We have something for everyone at Winter Wonderland! From a giant snow slide and carnival games for the kids, unique vendors for holiday shopping, different food, dessert, and drink vendors for the foodies, music and dance performances on stages throughout the event, larger than life photo ops for the social media lovers, and of course, the classic Christmas tree and snow falling from the sky in the center of it all for the warm fuzzy holiday feels. Check out the full list of performances, vendors, and site map below!

I’m so glad you asked! There will be a holiday COSTUME CONTEST held at our photo frame at the corner of Old Main and 4th Ave. Come show off your holiday spirit and enter to win fabulous prizes! Come in your favorite holiday attire, whether that is a cozy Christmas sweater, or funky candy cane pants, we want to see your style and spirit!

Winter Wonderland is presented by Realize Bradenton. Realize Bradenton is a local nonprofit that enhances the vibrancy of downtown Bradenton through community engagement, events, and the pursuit of insightful and innovative practices to increase social connectivity. In addition to
Winter Wonderland, they bring you the weekly Bradenton Public Market, Music in the Park, BAM!Fest, Youth Booth, and the Start-Up Circle Entrepreneurship Program. Realize Bradenton – We bring people together!

Winter Wonderland is meant for people of all ages and backgrounds. It is a family-friendly event that includes activities for children. With so much to do, there is something for everyone!

This event is going to be loud with lots of movement and activity. Even though we love dogs (very much), this might not be the best environment for them. Anyone bringing an animal to Winter Wonderland will be responsible for and liable for any damage or injury caused by the animal.

Yes! We are bringing some of the best food and drink vendors in town for this event! For a full list check the tabs below. 

There are public restrooms behind the City Centre Parking Facility. Take the sidewalk to the hallway before the mural on the wall.  

For the safety and comfort of all guests, smoking at the festival is discouraged. 

Please dispose of all litter in the appropriate receptacles. Every little bit helps, and we appreciate your consideration in properly disposing of trash. Our City of Bradenton Sanitation team works hard to keep the Downtown area free of litter, and we all appreciate your help by using the trash receptacles throughout the event.

Winter Wonderland is a “Rain or Shine” event. In the rare case of severe or threatening weather or other emergencies, Realize Bradenton management, in consultation with the City of Bradenton, may choose to cancel or close the event.

Notice of Filming and Photography
Please know that photography, audio, and video recording may occur throughout the event. By entering the event premises, you consent to being photographed and for Realize Bradenton, Inc. to use festival images for promotional purposes.