HOLMES BEACH – It’s beginning to look a lot more like Christmas, with the holiday decorations up and the Christmas tree of lights shimmering at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce.
Despite a rainy night, dozens of people gathered in front of the Chamber in Holmes Beach on Dec. 4 to take part in the annual tree lighting, which featured music and a visit from Santa Claus courtesy of his pirate elves, the Anna Maria Island Privateers. Hot apple cider and individually-wrapped sweet treats were provided by the members of CrossPointe Fellowship Church. The tree, sponsored by Anthony’s Cooling, Heating and Electrical, lit up the night sky right on time at 6 p.m., drawing cheers from the masked crowd in attendance.
In addition to the festivities at the Chamber, local businesses also were welcoming visitors with treats of their own.
At Sun and Surf Beach Shop, visitors were greeted by the shop’s birds and a table full of individually-wrapped treats. A little further down at the Artists’ Guild Gallery, shoppers were invited to shop right from the gallery’s Christmas trees, choosing from a selection of handmade ornaments. At RE/MAX, the ladies of the realty company greeted passersby with sweet treats. Both Irene’s clothing boutique and The Original Sand Dollar were open for business, with children able to make their own Christmas ornaments at the Sand Dollar while parents were serenaded by violinist Danae Tran.
And while this year’s festivities were somewhat more subdued than in years past, it didn’t stop anyone in attendance from enjoying a festive start to the holiday season.
Delighted by the lights, a little child enjoys playing in the Christmas tree. - Kristin Swain | Sun
A game of chase breaks out in the Chamber parking lot before the Dec. 4 tree lighting. - Kristin Swain | Sun
While kids couldn’t climb in the sleigh with Santa this year, they were able to tell him what they wanted and take a socially distanced photo with the big guy. - Kristin Swain | Sun
In lieu of elves, Santa brought along some of his favorite pirates from the Anna Maria Island Privateers. - Kristin Swain | Sun
The ladies of RE/MAX greet passersby with a smile and a selection of sweet treats. - Kristin Swain
Children wanting to add a little sparkle to their family’s tree were invited to make their own ornaments using seashells at The Sand Dollar. - Kristin Swain | Sun
Violinist Danae Tran enchants visitors to The Sand Dollar with a selection of holiday tunes. - Kristin Swain | Sun
Santa greets a bashful little Santa in training. - Kristin Swain | Sun
Volunteers from the Chamber and CrossPointe Fellowship Church hand out cups of hot apple cider and individually-wrapped treats to attendees at the tree lighting ceremony. - Kristin Swain | Sun
