Santa Swaps His Sleigh for a Trolley in the Holly Jolly Trolley Christmas Parade: Christmas in July Edition
Santa is leaving the North Pole on Friday, July 18th and heading to Florida in full tropical style for the Holly Jolly Trolley Christmas Parade: Christmas in July Edition, a joyful community event bringing smiles to seniors and veterans throughout Manatee County, FL.
This special celebration is being organized by Home Helpers Home Care of Bradenton and Still Alive Inside, with support from a number of local partners. The trolley will make cheerful stops throughout the day at a variety of senior living communities, rehabilitation centers, and adult day care.
Residents, patients, and members at each stop can look forward to festive music, tropical holiday outfits, fun giveaways, and a visit from Santa himself, who will be decked out in tropical attire. Volunteers will spread joy with singing and photos during these short but high-energy visits.
“We wanted to surprise our seniors with something completely unexpected,” said Sissy Ramos, Director of Client Care at Home Helpers Home Care of Bradenton. “We see how much joy the holidays bring to those we serve, so we thought, why not bring that happiness to the middle of summer? It’s about laughter, memories, and connection.”
While each of the stops are private visits, the trolley will be on public roads throughout the day. Community members are encouraged to be on the lookout and wave when they see it. If you spot the trolley, snap a photo and share it on social media using #HollyJollyTrolley.
The trolley will follow this general route on Friday, July 18, 2025:
- 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM: Traveling along Manatee Avenue (FL-64) in West Bradenton
- 11:30 AM to 12:45 PM: Heading east on Manatee Avenue, then south on 1st Street East, US 41, and 301, continuing onto University Parkway
- 12:45 PM to 2:45 PM: Returning west on University Parkway, then north on US 41
- 2:45 PM to 3:15 PM: Weaving through West Bradenton side streets, including 26th Street West and 21st Avenue West
- 3:15 PM to 4:00 PM: Wrapping up along 59th Street West in West Bradenton
Participating organizations include:
- ArchWell Health
- Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota
- Florida Health Resources
- My Care Finders
- WeCare Senior Relocation Services
Together, these organizations are bringing the spirit of the holidays to life in the middle of summer and reminding the community that joy has no season.
For more information, contact Jonathan Marsh of Home Helpers Home Care of Bradenton at 813.495.8560.