10 Holiday Happenings This Weekend In Southwest Florida

The week has been highlighted by numerous Christmas tree lighting ceremonies across Southwest Florida. There is at least one more big one planned for this weekend. It takes place Friday night on 5th Avenue South in Naples. Scroll down or find more details here. The fun doesn't end or even begin with that popular, annual event. Here are your Weekend Vibes for December 8th through 10th. 10 holiday happenings this weekend in Southwest Florida that have both Christmas and Hanukah covered.

Santa and Mrs Claus are making the rounds. They'll be doing everything from eatting pancakes with the kids in North Fort Myers to posing with pets in Naples. Some of these events have arts and crafts attached to them. It is a perfect way to celebrate and get some shopping done at the same time.

It's not all about Santa. The Grinch himself is hosting a big party in Cape Coral. A pajama party. If you love Christmas lights, there are several displays not to miss. They are both on land and sea. The Bonita Springs Holiday Boat Parade is Saturday. We have the route below so you can have some waterside cheer.

Finally, if you have any upcoming events that you would like to share, please send them here. There are lots of festive and fun things to do for this first weekend of the last month of the year in Southwest Florida. Here are your Weekend Vibes for December 8th through 10th. Get out and have some local fun at these 10 holiday happenings this weekend.

*Please note, events are subject to change. It never hurts to confirm.

The highlight of this annual event is the lighting of a giant menorah. There will be live music, food, mini golf and more. It's organized by Chabad Lubavitch of Southwest Florida. The celebration is Sunday at Castle Golf in Fort Myers. More info here.

This event also surrounds the lighting of a giant menorah. Enjoy traditional foods such as latkes and a kosher deli. There will be activities for the kids, music and more. It's Sunday at 4:30 at Chabad of Bonita Springs. More info here.  

Naples' famous Fifth Avenue South gets extra sparkly for this annual event. The 20-foot artificial Christmas tree in Sugden Plaza has some 10,000 lights. The stage will be filled with performances and the streets lined with cars from Porsche Naples. Friday, December 8th 5-10pm. More info here.

Put your pets on a leash and head to Third Street South in Naples Saturday. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be there posing with your pets of all shapes and sizes. From 12-2pm. More info here.

It's an outdoor pajama party where the Grinch is the star of the show. Santa Claus will also be there. Enjoy games, a hula-hoop contest, music, crafts, food trucks, cotton candy and more. Saturday 11-2pm, Free. At the Big Johns Plaza. More info here.

The 5th annual event happens through December 23rd. There is a snow slide, hayride, and Santa. Enjoy three acres of lights and even roast s'mores.  6-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $14, free for ages 2 younger. Farmer Mike’s U Pick., Bonita Springs. More info here.

The annual holiday boat parade travels along the Imperial River Saturday begining at 5:30. It begins at Bay Water Boat Club on Bonita Beach Road and traverses under the U.S. 41 bridge at Riverwalk Park to Jolly Roger Lane. More info here.

The outdoor walking trail at the Calusa Nature Center in Fort Myers is adorned with Christmas lights. There is also a holiday laser show in the planetarium for a seperate fee. Friday through Sunday until December 30th. $10, $5 for ages 3-12. More info here.

Have a pancake breakfast with Santa at the Shell Factory in North Fort Myers Sunday from 9-11 a.m. Reservations are required 239-995-2141. Adults $9. Children 12 and under $8. More info here. 

6th Annual Paradise Christmas Fair is Sunday at Laishley Park in Punta Gorda. Shop crafts, take photos with Santa, enjoy food trucks and more. 10-3pm. Free. More info here.