Palmetto Marriott’s 2nd Annual Tree Lighting Set to Bring Festive Fun to the Community
The Palmetto Marriott is ushering in the holiday season with community spirit and big news: the 2nd Annual Palmetto Marriott Tree Lighting will take place on Friday, November 28, 2025 at 5:00 PM, marking one of the first major public holiday celebrations at the resort since the reopening of the newly renovated Bradenton Area Convention Center, now directly connected to the hotel.
This year’s event is being positioned as a signature community gathering, expected to draw families, residents, and visitors from across the region. With the new convention center opening its doors just weeks prior, the tree lighting serves as a celebratory kickoff to a revitalized event corridor in Palmetto—something local leaders hope will boost tourism and economic activity during the holiday season.
The holiday celebration is free and open to the public, offering a lineup of performances, Santa appearances, festive treats, and a community countdown to the ceremonial lighting of the holiday tree in The Yard.
In addition to the tree lighting festivities, the Palmetto Marriott announced that it is still accepting reservations for its Thanksgiving Buffet at The Social on November 27th, giving visiting families and locals an opportunity to enjoy a holiday meal before returning the next day for the seasonal celebration.
2025 Palmetto Marriott Tree Lighting Schedule
Location: The Yard at the Palmetto Marriott
Date: Friday, November 28, 2025
Admission: Free
5:00pm – 5:45pm
• Nutcracker Performance — Major Dance Studio
5:45pm
• Santa is announced as he arrives to see the Grinch on his sleigh
5:50pm – 6:00pm
• “Silent Night / When Christmas Comes to Town” performed by Lauren Taylor Nock
5:55pm
• Santa & Characters appear as “Christmas Comes to Town” plays
6:00pm – 6:30pm
• Christmas Market Opens
• Santa & Friends Meet & Greet
• Tell-an-Elf Activity Opens
6:30pm – 6:35pm
• Cyr Wheel Performance — Mz Dance Company
6:35pm – 6:45pm
• Performance — Star Academy
• Performance — Star Academy
6:45pm – 6:50pm
• Special Performance by Belle from Beauty and the Beast
6:50pm – 7:00pm
• Grinch & Cindy Lou Who Special Performance
7:00pm – 7:05pm
• Mayor Announcements & Grinch Tree Lighting
7:05pm – 8:00pm
• DJ Set