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. 5, 2025
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.
Luminary Holiday Stroll
Sanibel and Captiva Islands, Dec. 6-7
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, 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 "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
Downtown Fort Myers, Dec. 4–8
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
Bonita Springs, 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
Cape Coral, Dec. 7
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. 7
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
Fort Myers, tickets available Dec. 6–29, 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.
Holiday Boat-A-Long
Cape Coral, Dec. 21
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.
