Another view of the city and the tremendous amount of lights on display.
You wouldn't think a state like Florida, which doesn't see a lot of snow, would be know for it's Holiday light displays. But National Geographic says this is one of the Top 10 holiday light displays in the world. Starting this weekend, St. Augustine, Florida turns into a holiday wonderland with their "Nights Of Lights" display.
The event runs nightly, November 18th through January 28th with millions of tiny white lights from the ground to the rooftops of the St. Augustine downtown area. It's an absolutely amazing sight in America's oldest city. And it's absolutely free. The best place for the lights, according to the Florida Historic Coast Website "White lights drape the city’s unique Spanish Colonial architecture and glow from the downtown sidewalks to the rooftops, over the Bridge of Lions, along historic buildings, public spaces, hotels, restaurants, and inns throughout approximately 20 blocks of the Nation’s Oldest City’s historic district."
If you're looking to grab a selfie for the 'Gram or a Tik Tok, check out The Plaza de la Constitución. It's right if front of the Christmas Tree in the middle of the plaza. Another spot to hit is the Bridge of Lions. The lights reflect beautifully off the water.
If you want to see the Holiday Light Displays, but you'd prefer not to walk, there's options.
You can take the Old Town Trolley’s Famous Nights of Lights Tour or the Santa’s Red Express Tours. To really see the lights from an amazing perspective, many businesses offer boat cruises. One of them even offers a pirate show along with the cruise. Here's some pictures from previous years. I don't want to spoil it for you if you're planning to go this year :)
So what did I miss? The tree. I didn't post any pictures of their Christmas tree. I'm not looking to give it all away. Go see for yourself. A true Florida treat is to go see some amazing Christmas lights without standing outside freezing in the cold. That's a Florida Christmas.
In you're staying in the Southwest Florida area, here's some events going on here.
Southwest Florida Holiday Events Happening in 2023
The year of 2023 is just flying by! Before we know it, it will be the new year! How did we get here so fast?
We're almost half way through November which means Thanksgiving and the mouth watering meal is upon us and it's almost time for Christmas and all the fun holiday cheer that comes along with the season.
I don't know about you, but I am ready to put up the Christmas tree and hang the stocking, wear matching pajamas with my loved ones, watch Christmas movies on repeat and drink hot chocolate (yes, even in Florida).
The weather down here in Southwest Florida is cooling off a bit...just a bit, and getting outside to enjoy the holiday events is so enjoyable.
If you're looking for some fun and exciting holiday festivities, to get your family into the spirit of the holidays this year, look no further. We've put together a list of many of the Southwest Florida holiday events happening over the next several weeks.
Make sure to check back again often for the latest updates as this is an ongoing list. If we missed something, send the event to Diana.Beasley@bbgi.com so we can get it on the list.
Check out these Southwest Florida Holiday Events Happening in 2023:
Fort Myers - Holiday Nights at Edison Ford Winter Estates
Returning for the 48th season, Holiday Nights has been revamped with new light displays and much more.
Holiday Nights runs through December 27th (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Night). Be sure to check the website to see the nightly schedule.
There will be Santa visits, carolers, science shows and Inside-the-Homes tours on select nights. Lee County residents will receive $5 off admission on Sunday nights.
$20 for adults, $10 for teens (13-19), $2 for children (6-12), and children 5 and under get in free.
Fort Myers - Santa at Bass Pro Shops
Naples - Christmas Walk and Tree Lighting Ceremony
The Fifth Avenue South Business Improvement District (BID) will host the 49th annual “Christmas on Fifth” on Friday, December 2nd from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday, December 3rd from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. This special festival will combine holiday themed activities along with the ultimate nights of ‘al fresco’ dining on the street.
Fort Myers - Annual Holiday Tree Lighting & Luminary Extravaganza
Mark your calendars for the Annual Bell Tower Tree Lighting, Friday December 1st 6pm-9pm!
Santa Claus will arrive to Bell Tower at 6:30 p.m. in a South Trail Fire Department fire truck at the main entrance near Grimaldi’s and Blue Pointe.
Following his arrival, the festivities will commence in Center Court with a special tree lighting ceremony and a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus, ideal for holiday photo opportunities.
Fort Myers - Holiday Lights at Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium
All December long!
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in nature’s wonderland, brimming with holiday cheer! Our 1/3 mile trail will be illuminated with twinkling lights. After walking the trail, cozy up to the fire and enjoy roasting a marshmallow with hot chocolate!
https://www.calusanature.org/holidaylights
Fort Myers - Jingle Jog 5K and Santa Strut Fun Run
Jingle all the way for the most fun, family tradition of the holidays this year and years to come! Join Santa at Lakes Regional Park on December 17, 2023, for a competitive timed 5K run, or a family fun 1 mile Santa Strut, and some traditional Christmas fun!
Fort Myers - Deck The Halls at Barbara B. Mann PAH
Sunday, December 3rd at 7pm
Celebrate the spirit of the season with Gulf Coast Symphony’s annual holiday tradition! The festive sounds of the season ring through the Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall, as the Gulf Coast Symphony presents your most favorite symphonic pops holiday medleys. From Leroy Anderson’s endearing Sleigh Ride, a medley of music from Christmas movie classics, to the Mannheim Steamroller Silent Night, and much, much more! Deck the Halls is your favorite Southwest Florida holiday tradition, perfect for the whole family!
For more details, click here
Fort Myers - Nutcracker! Magic of Christmas Ballet at Barbara B. Mann PAH
Friday, December 29th at 1pm and 5pm
Gather your loved ones for the warm-glow-nostalgia of America’s favorite Christmas celebration. Experience the extraordinary international cast and Ukrainian Principal Artists performing at the peak of classical European Ballet. Be transported by the magic of jaw-dropping acrobatics, larger-than-life puppets and stunning hand-crafted sets and costumes. Don’t miss this chance to experience the wonder of NUTCRACKER!
Fort Myers - Breakfast With Santa at Bell Tower Shops
Join us Saturday November 25th 9am to 11am as Cantina Laredo will be hosting our Annual Breakfast with Santa once again! Proceeds for this event will go to one of our favorite charities, Valerie's House!
Fort Myers - HOWLiday Yappy Hour at Bell Tower Shops
Join us Friday, December 8th for our HOWLiday Yappy Hour featuring pet photos with Santa! A minimum of a $20 donation to Gulf Coast Humane Society for your pet photo with Santa.
Fort Myers - Strolling Santa at Bell Tower Shops
Santa Claus is coming to Bell Tower Shops this holiday season and YOU can snap selfies with the big man himself! Santa's first public appearance will be at our annual Tree Lighting & Luminary Extravaganza but there are many more dates for you to visit him here at Bell Tower throughout the holiday season!
Fort Myers - Holiday Family Fun Night at Bell Tower Shops
Thursday, December 21st from 5-7pm
To provide families a time to bond, have fun doing activities together and get their family rhythm going again.
Marco Island - Christmas Tree Lighting
Saturday, December 2, 2023 - 6:00pm to 9:00pm at Veterans Community Park
Marco Island - Christmas Street Parade
Saturday, December 9th, 2023 6:30pm-8:30pm Free to attend!
*Parade begins at Balfour and San Marco Road and will end at San Marco and Barfield.
San Marco Road is lit up every year for the annual Marco Island Street Parade! The parade will feature floats, marching bands, music, costumes, candy and Santa Claus!
Marco Island - Christmas Boat Parade
Saturday, December 16th at 6pm
Marco Island - Canine Christmas Parade
Tuesday, December 5th, 2023 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Watch festive pets in the holiday parade from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at CJ’s on the Bay 740 N. Collier Blvd., Marco Island.
Bonita Springs - Holiday In The Park
The City of Bonita Springs Holiday in the Park event is scheduled for Tuesday, December 5th, 2023, from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The event will include the annual tree lighting, the arrival of Santa Claus, children’s activities, musical performances, as well as food and beverages.
Bonita Springs - Holiday Stroll
Throughout Riverside Park from December 1st, 2023- January 1st, 2024
The park will sparkle with holiday lights and holiday-themed photo opportunities will be available throughout the park for the public to take pictures with. Holiday music will play throughout the park. The music will be scheduled from dusk-9pm nightly unless there is an event scheduled.
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Bonita Springs - Movies in the Park
Friday, December 8th. The aminated holiday movie, A Christmas Carol (2009) [PG], will be shown. Enjoy a magical evening in the park this holiday season with an outdoor movie. The park will be lit up with holiday lights. The movie starts at dusk! The event is free for the community.
Fort Myers - 17th Annual Festival of Trees
The 17th Annual Festival of Trees returns to the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center! Experience the beautiful trees decorated by local businesses to raise money for Goodwill of Southwest Florida and SBDAC. See these gorgeous creations for just $2 per person, beginning on November 30th!
Naples - Christmas Boat Parade
Saturday, December 9th, 2023
The parade may be viewed from: Naples City Dock (ticketed), Pinchers Tin City, Riverwalk Restaurant, Naples Landing, Kelly’s Fish House, The Boat House on Naples Bay, and Bayview Park.
