Happy Holidays! The holiday season in Southwest Florida is always fun and festive with a wide variety of fun activities for you and the whole family to indulge in. Afterall, when the weather is this perfect, why not get out every chance you get for some holiday cheer! Here are a few events that might put some jolly in your holly this season.
Edison & Fort Winter Estates thru Jan 5th: The historical Edison and Ford Winter Estates transform into an illuminated wonderland during their Holiday Nights event. Walk the Children’s Holiday Tree Trail adorned with handmade ornaments, take a nightly guided holiday tour, and enjoy select evenings with carolers and visits from Santa.
Sanibel & Captiva Luminary Holiday Stroll Dec 6th & 7th: Enjoy the 36th annual Luminary Holiday Stroll on Sanibel and Captiva Islands Friday, December 6th on Sanibel and Saturday, December 7th on Captiva. Stroll the festive trail filled with creative decorated storefronts and merchants hosting holiday celebrations. From visits and photos with Santa to a live nativity scene and music, fun activities await for your entire family.
Holiday House Christmas Stroll Fort Myers thru Dec 31st: Since 1956, the Fort Myers Woman’s Community Club has created holiday-themed spaces in historical Fort Myers homes. This year’s event will be a Christmas Stroll along the store windows of First Street, centered around the theme of “Christmas Stories Through the Eyes of a Child,” featuring a unique Christmas story, both traditional and modern, in every display.
Fort Myers Festival of Trees Dec 4th-8th: Celebrating its 18th anniversary, Fort Myers Festival of Trees brings holiday cheer to the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in downtown Fort Myers. View a display of trees uniquely decorated by local businesses and vote for your favorite, then dance the day away at Santa’s block party and enjoy live music plus a giant wreath lighting.
Bonita Springs Holiday Stroll throughout December: The park sparkles, and the music will keep your spirits bright. Every night from dusk to 9 pm, you can walk through colorful Downtown Bonita Springs Riverside Park and take holiday-themed selfies along the way. Also enjoy other festive events like Holiday in the Park on Dec. 3, featuring a tree lighting, a visit from Santa, a snow slide, musical and dance performances, and more.
Cape Coral Holiday Festival of Lights Dec 7th: For more than 30 years, this family festival has brought holiday cheer, pictures with Santa and even snow to Cape Coral. Hop aboard the Tiny Tots Train Ride and slip down the Snow Drift Slide. Local musicians, dance troupes and other entertainers will keep the party going late into the night.
Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade Dec 7th: For 36 years, locals have celebrated the holidays Southwest Florida style — by boat! Watch the Christmas Boat Parade, full of brightly festooned vessels sailing from Salty Sam’s Marina under the Matanzas Pass Bridge to Bowditch Point Park. Vote for your favorite and enjoy food and drinks while watching the parade from several restaurants along the route, including Parrot Key Caribbean Grill, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, and Bonita Bill’s Waterfront Café.
Holiday Lights at Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium thru Dec 29th: Light up the night both indoors and out at Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium. Take a stroll along a twinkling path in a natural wonderland. After walking the trail, grab a seat by a crackling fire and roast marshmallows while enjoying a cup of hot chocolate.
Holiday Boat-A-Long Dec 21st: Grab a seat by the water and wait for sunset to fall as boats take over Bimini Basin in a festive floating parade. Once the Holiday Boat-A-Long procession is over, sit back for a free viewing of “Polar Express” in the park. Live entertainment, food trucks, crafts, and a visit from Santa complete this celebratory night on the water.
Margaritaville Tree Lighting Dec 6th: This Friday night Margaritaville will be lighting up a 30-feet Christmas Tree on the terrace of the resort. The event runs from 5PM to 7PM with Santa making an appearance at 6PM. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served and the event is open to the public. The resort is also collecting unwrapped toys for the Fort Myers Beach Kids Foundation. Each toy donation will earn you a raffle ticket for a chance to win 2 Massage Gift Certificates, 2 Fins Up Beach Club Passes and a $100 Gift Card.
Holiday House of Hope Dec 6th-8th: Holiday House at the Tarpon Lodge to benefit the Beacon of Hope will help you get in the holiday spirit! There will be lots of vendors and authors, food and entertainment. There will also be the Christmas tree auction and raffles.
St. James City Christmas Boat Parade Dec 14th: Get ready to celebrate the holiday season in a truly unique way at the St. James City Annual Christmas Boat Parade. This beloved local tradition will take place Saturday, Dec. 14, at 6 p.m., as beautifully decorated boats light up the local waterfront and canals, bringing festive cheer to the community. The parade will feature a dazzling array of boats, each decked out in holiday lights and decorations, creating a magical spectacle on the water. From twinkling lights to festive music, it’s a must-see event for families, friends, and holiday lovers of all ages.
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays! -Elise & Tom
