Christmas And Hanukkah 2019 In Bradenton, Sarasota, Lakeland

BRADENTON, FL — We may have just finished our Thanksgiving turkeys but it's already time to celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah.

If you are hosting a holiday event in Lakeland, Sarasota or Bradenton, why not list it for free on Patch. Send your event listings to Paul.Scicchitano@patch.com.

The first events are already underway. We'll keep updating this list through December 25 so bookmark this page and refresh your browser for the latest additions:

34th Annual Flight to the North Pole

The foundation for this program started in 1985 by a number of Eastern Airline flight attendants and has grown ever since. For many years, Sidney Ettedgui, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Sarasota/Bradenton Airport Fire Department, and this year, Feld Entertainment, make this a memorable event for terminally ill children, their families and everyone involved. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive via a Manatee County Sheriff's Office helicopter on Friday Dec. 13. This event is not open to the general public.

Bobby Jones Golf Club 12th Annual ‘Reindeer Games’ Christmas Day

The 12th Annual “Reindeer Games” will take place at the city of Sarasota's historic municipal golf course, Bobby Jones Golf Club, 1000 Circus Blvd., on Christmas Day, Wednesday, Dec. 25. The event will begin at 8:45 a.m. It’s a noncompetitive, fun round of golf. “This is one of our most fun events of the year,” said Parks and Recreation General Manager Sue Martin. “What better way to kick off your holiday in true Florida style than with a morning round of golf on our historic course?” The cost is $30, including tax, for 18 holes of golf with a golf cart and includes breakfast. The American and Gillespie Courses will be open at regular prices for 18-hole play until 9 a.m. and 9-hole play until 11 a.m. The Golf Shop closes at 11 a.m. on Christmas Day. The hot breakfast buffet will be available at G’s Southern Kitchen in the clubhouse from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. for golfers participating in the Reindeer Games. Non-Reindeer Game golfers may purchase the breakfast buffet for $9. For more information or to register, contact the Golf Shop at 941-365-GOLF (4653). Bobby Jones Golf Club is a 45-hole golf facility featuring two 18-hole courses and one executive 9-hole course. For details and to book a tee time, click here.

Breakfast with Santa Fundraiser

Applebee’s is getting into the holiday spirit with its annual Breakfast with Santa Fundraiser on Saturday, Dec. 14. The fun begins at 8:30 a.m. to support the Marines Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program, which distributes new toys to economically disadvantaged children. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast along with goodies and the opportunity to take a free photo with Santa Claus. Tickets to Breakfast with Santa can be purchased for $10 each by calling or visiting a local Applebee’s. For every $50 gift card purchased, guests will receive a free bonus card valued at $10. Offer valid through Jan. 5. Bonus cards valid from next visit through March 1, 2020. Bonus cards may be used through Dec. 31, 2019. Breakfast with Santa will be hosted at Applebee’s locations owned and operated by Doherty Enterprises in Florida, Georgia, New Jersey and Long Island. Florida locations hosting Breakfast with Santa events on Dec. 14 include those in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Venice, Doral, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, Greenacres, Port St. Lucie, St. Augustine and Jacksonville. Applebee’s of Okeechobee will host its Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 7.