The holiday season is upon us. Thanksgiving is next week and then it's full throttle to Christmas. Southwest Florida wastes no time in putting on holiday events and this year things are looking particularly bright in one Lee County city. Christmas in Bonita Springs kicks off with family friendly events that are bigger and better than ever.
Downtown Bonita Springs is charming. It's narrow streets with traffic round abouts are lined with local businesses. There is a thriving art scene as well as an iconic, Old Florida attraction called Wonder Gardens. Find more on this attraction below. The city and other organizations have numerous celebrations planned for the holiday season and they are about to kick off.
The annual Holiday In The Park typically gets the season going. Each year Santa arrives sitting on the back of a convertible corvette, escorted by Bonita Springs fire trucks and other first responders. The stage in Riverside Park comes alive with all kinds of performances from local dance troupes, bands and choral groups. Besides Santa, the highlight is the lighting of the Christmas Tree and the fake snow that fills the park. The event this year is Tuesday December 5th from 4:30-8:30.
Christmas in Bonita Springs
Holiday In The Park may get the party going but there is a lot more where that came from. The decorations in Riverside Park stay up all season and through January 1st for the Holiday Stroll. There will be twinkling lights, holiday music, photo booths and more. Downtown businesses compete with their decorations and nearby artist cottages are open for holiday shopping.
The park is also home to the Movies In The Park series. Friday, December 8th, the classic film A Christmas Carol will be shown on the big screen. All of these events are family friendly and BYOC or bring your own chair for the lawn. Best of all they are free.
Wonder Gardens In Bonita Springs Is A Fabulous Find
With the kids out of school, many parents and guardians are looking for ways to entertain the entire family during the long summer. We are fortunate to have lots of great things to do in Southwest Florida. I have driven by this spot hundreds of times but it has been more than a decade since I've stopped. Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs is a Fabulous Find for summer and all year round.
Bonita Springs Wonder Gardens
It is a hidden gem on Old 41, a slice of old Florida that has been welcoming tourists since the 1960's as Everglades Wonder Gardens. Over the years the mission has changed a bit and today it is a non-profit. The gardens are still home to native flora and fauna, but now has more than 300 animals. The historic spot offers all kinds of special events and educational activities.
One of the big attractions at the gardens has always been the flock of American Flamingos. However, that flock is now down to two. Both were hatched on Wonder Gardens property during the 1960’s/ 1970’s. Their pink color is starting to fade as they age but they are still graceful and fascinating to watch in their lagoon with a peaceful waterfall.
Wonder Gardens activities
You can only feed the animals during special, daily animal encounters. With these, a staff member carefully guides visitors into turtle pins, lorikeet aviaries and along the the alligator pit. During the experience they educate visitors on the animals. Next, they provide food and let you do the work. The lorikeets are the most interactive. They fly around and even land on your head.
Check out this video of the alligators. Some are about to outgrow the pond and will be relocated soon.
The gardens were damaged by Hurricane Ian but everything is opened again with the exception of the welcome center. However, repairs are nearly complete and it is expected to reopen in July. A bonus for locals, Bonita Springs residents enjoy free admission on the first Sunday of the month. Here are some photos. Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs is a Fabulous Find
