Come enjoy a holiday season full of light!
Sunny Days, Sparkling Nights
We may be known as a winter escape that’s filled with sunshine, but we also love to celebrate the season with some sparkle. See where you can enjoy holiday cheer.
Holiday Nights
Edison and Ford Winter Estates, through Jan. 1, 2024
The historical Edison and Ford Winter Estates transform into an illuminated wonderland. 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. This event begins in late November and runs through December, except for Christmas Eve and Christmas night.
Holiday House Christmas Stroll
Fort Myers, through Dec. 31
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 “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” — a time-honored salute to our members of the military.
Fort Myers Festival of Trees
Downtown Fort Myers, Nov. 30–Dec. 3
Celebrating its 17th 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
Bonita Springs, Dec. 1, 2023–Jan. 1, 2024
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. Look out for other festive events like the tree lighting ceremony and kid-friendly activities at Holiday in the Park.
Cape Coral Holiday Festival of Lights
Cape Coral, Dec. 2
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.
Christmas Boat Parade
Fort Myers Beach, Dec. 2
For 35 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
Fort Myers, tickets available Dec. 8–30, event on select dates
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.
Lighting of the Lighthouse
Boca Grande, Dec. 9
Join the countdown and let out a cheer as Port Boca Grande Lighthouse is decked out for the holidays. Not only will its beacon of light shine across the water, but thousands of lights come to life during this special event on Gasparilla Island.
Holiday Boat-A-Long
Cape Coral, Dec. 16
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.
