Christmas Events Happening in Southwest Florida
Thanksgiving is this week and that can only mean one thing…it’s almost time for Christmas! Yay!!!
I don’t know about you, but I am ready to enjoy the Christmas tree, wear matching pajamas with my loved ones, watch Christmas movies on repeat and drink hot chocolate (yes, even in Florida). And of course, listen to all my favorite Christmas music on Sunny 106.3!
If you’re planning to participate in a few holiday festivities this season, we’ve put together a list of all of the events happening over the next month or so here in Southwest Florida! We’ve got ideas for a fun date night. A family fun night out. Even ideas for some fun with your pets this holiday season.
We’ve included several options from Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Naples, North Fort Myers, Fort Myers and even Marco Island!
By the looks of this list, all of Southwest Florida is ready for some holiday cheer after another tough year.
Make sure to check back again for the latest updates as this is an ongoing list. If you know of one, please let us know in the comments and we will add it.
Check out these Christmas Events Happening in Southwest Florida:
Fort Myers - Holiday Nights at Edison Ford Winter Estates
Join us for the 47th celebration of Holiday Nights and see the homes and gardens decorated with thousands of lights!Holiday Nights runs through January 1 (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.For more details, click hereFort Myers - Santa at Bass Pro Shops
Santa’s Wonderland is open now thru December 24, 2022 at Bass Pro Shops In Gulf Coast Town CenterFor more details, click hereNaples - Christmas Walk and Tree Lighting Ceremony
5th Avenue South will be hosting the 49th annual Christmas Walk and Tree Lighting Ceremony! This will be a 2 day event on Friday, December 2nd and Saturday, December 3rd! This signature holiday event will feature live music, live art performances, festive food offerings, a market, and activities for all ages!There will be a Living Nativity, Skating Rink, table dining on 5th, live music and a special appearance by Santa Claus!!2 Day Event!
-Friday, December 2nd: 5pm-10pm
-Saturday, December 3rd, 10am-10pmFree to attend!
*Lighting of the tree will be approximately 6pm on Friday, December 2ndFor more details, click here
Fort Myers - Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
Mark your calendars for the Annual Bell Tower Tree Lighting, Friday December 2nd 6pm-8pm!
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. Filled with holiday cheer and decor, center court will also feature a bounce house, face painting and holiday games & activities plus so much more!
For more details, click here
Fort Myers - Holiday Lights at Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium
Celebrate the Holidays at Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium with our Annual Holiday Lights Celebration!Join us December 9th to 23rd and 26th to 30th, 2022, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.CNCP Members: FREE
Non-Members: Adult $10 • Child 3-12 $5Celebrate 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 or catch our special Holiday Laser Show in the Planetarium.For more details, click hereCape Coral - Free Underwater Pictures With Santa
Join us for FREE pictures underwater with Santa!This year we have upgrade our camera setup, the pool, the backdrop and installed a heater!Ages 8 and up can be on SCUBA (No certification needed)
Ages 7 and younger can snorkel with Santa!For more details, click hereCape Coral - Pet Photos with Santa at Rotary Park
Join us Saturday, December 3 from 10 am -12 pm to get a picture of your pet with Santa.*Bring your own camera to capture the perfect picture.For more details, click hereCape Coral - Reindeer Run 5K & Family Fun Run
Join us for the 1st Annual Reindeer Run 5K & Family Fun Run! This event includes a 5K run and 1.5 mile family fun run/walk on Saturday, December 10 at Coral Oaks Golf Course. The event is a family friendly fun run so come dressed in your holiday spirit! The run will be on the cart path through the golf course, so it is a stroller/family friendly course. Walking entrants are welcome. The first 300 participants to register will receive a medal.Address: 1800 NW 28th Ave Cape Coral, FL 33993Check-in: 4:00 PM
5K Race Time: 5:00 PM
Fun Run/Walk Start Time: 6:00 PMFor more details, click hereFort Myers - Deck The Halls at Barbara B. Mann PAH
Celebrate the spirit of the season with this annual holiday tradition! The Gulf Coast Symphony is joined by the Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers, plus the Kellyn Celtic Arts Dance Academy, and, of course, Santa! 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
This Christmas, bring the whole family back to a simpler time with NUTCRACKER! Magic of Christmas Ballet! The acclaimed holiday tradition is LIVE in theaters for the 30th Anniversary tour. Gather friends and family to re-live your fondest childhood dreams, overflowing with larger-than-life puppets, breath-taking acrobatics and dazzling costumes. Experience the exquisite artistry of the international cast, featuring stars of Ukraine ballet, performing at the highest level of classical technique. Share in the message of Peace and Harmony and get tickets now at nutcracker.com!
North Fort Myers - Breakfast with Santa
Join us for some holiday fun!
The morning will include a continental breakfast, a holiday craft, letters to Santa
and a picture with Saint Nick himself!PRE-REGISTRATION IS RECOMMENDED. $3 per person, please call (239) 533-7200 to register.For more details, click hereCape Coral - Breakfast with Santa
Coral Oaks Golf Course
Come and Bring the family for a delicious breakfast and the kids get to meet SANTA!
$15. per Adult
$10. per child and 2 and under FREEFor more details, click here
Fort Myers - HOWLiday Yappy Hour at Bell Tower Shops
You’re invited to bring your friends and canine companions EVERY month to Yappy Hour from 6pm – 8pm in Center Court.Join us Friday, December 9th for our HOWLiday Yappy Hour! featuring selfies with Santa!Mingle with fellow dog lovers at this exclusive FUNdraising event benefiting Gulf Coast Humane Society. Sip, snack, and stroll our beautiful shops. Many of our retailers will also have special Yappy Hour surprises for both you and your furry friends.For more details, click hereMarco Island - Christmas Street Parade
Saturday, December 10th, 2022
6:30pm-8:30pmFree 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!For more details, click hereCape Coral - Holiday Craft Fair
Join us for an Indoor Holiday Craft Fair at Lake Kennedy Center on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 9:00am-1:00pm.Vendors are $25 per spot and shopping is free.For more details, click hereLehigh Acres - Winter Wonderland
Celebrate the season with Santa at Veterans Park Recreation Center.
Come join us for a magical Winter Wonderland event! Children can write letters to Santa, make holiday crafts, play games and use the photo booths for family holiday photos. Mr. and Mrs. Clause will arrive and children can put in their wish list in person and receive a gift. Hot cocoa & Cookies, dancers and a tree lighting will spread the holiday cheer!
For more details, click here
Marco Island - Canine Christmas Parade
Tuesday, December 6th, 2022
5:30pm-7:30pmFree! No entry fee! All friendly dogs are welcome!Marco Island’s Christmas Island Style will be hosting their Canine Christmas Parade! Owners and their canine companions compete for the most festive attire! Live music, and prizes will be awarded!For more details, click hereBonita Springs - Holiday In The Park
Tuesday, December 6th, 2022
4:30pm-8:30pmEverything is free!!!*Tree lighting will be at dusk.
***NO PETS ALLOWED!*The City of Bonita Springs will be hosting their annual Holiday in the Park event at Riverside Park! Come enjoy the sounds of the season featuring a visit from Santa, a snow slide, snow flurries in the park, kid-friendly activities, musical and dance performances! Food and beverages will also be available for purchase.For more details, click hereMarco Island - Christmas Tree Lighting
Saturday, December 3rd, 2022
6pm-9pmFree to attend! Please bring your own chair or blanket to sit on.Join Marco Island as they light the Island’s Christmas Tree in this annual event at Veterans Park! There will be plenty of live music, performances, songs, food and beverages for purchases, and the lighting of the tree! This event always draws a very large crowd so be sure to come early to obtain a good seat for the shows!For more details, click hereNaples - Santa Paws
Saturday, December 10th, 2022
12pm-2pmFree!Third Street South will have Santa Claus available for photos with your well behaved pets!
Bring your pet on its leash and pose with jolly Old St. Nick for a treasured memory. Professional photographer not on site, please bring your own camera.For more details, click hereFort Myers - 16th Annual Festival of Trees
Come see the beautifully decorated trees at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center for the 16th Annual Festival of Trees. $2 admission or bring an unwrapped toy for the toy tree which will be donated to Golisano Children’s hospital. You may win your favorite tree and all the gifts with it. Raffle tickets are $10 each or 3 for $25. Proceeds support the SBDAC and Goodwill SWFL.
For more details, click here
Fort Myers - Santa's Block Party
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2022 AT 10 AM – 2 PM
Come out to Santa’s Block Party 2022 in front of the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center downtown Ft. Myers. Santa will arrive by Fire Truck. Children’s workshop bags include crafts, crayons and a coloring book, a Publix decorate a cookie kit, a toy, candy and a ticket to ride the Holiday Express train. Bags are only $6 each. Tables will be set out on First Street for families to work together on crafts. Kits can also be brought home. There will be music and tons of outdoor entertainment. Additional train rides are available for $2 each. After the fun, come in for a photo with Santa, view the trees and get your raffle tickets. You may be a lucky winner of a beautifully decorated tree with tons of prizes!
Naples - Christmas Boat Parade
A Naples favorite holiday tradition ~ MIACC’s Christmas Boat Parade on Naples Bay, December 10th!!!Entry Forms available at MIACC.org or email: [email protected]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 ParkAnnual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Gulf Coast Town Center
What: Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
When: Saturday, November 26th from 5-8 PM
Tree Lighting starts at 6 PM
Where: Gulf Coast Town Center, 10021 Gulf Center Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33913
Located in the West Village
Tree Lighting at ZOCALO Immokalee
Thursday December 1st 6p-9p
Come join us for our annual Tree lighting at Immokalee Zocalo event pictures with Santa. FREE Event
4th Annual Christmas at Farmer Mike's
Our 4th Annual Christmas at Farmer Mike’s event kicks off Black Friday evening. We are excited to share the Holiday cheer with all of you !!!! The event will run on Friday and Saturday nights 6pm-9:30pm starting Black Friday for 8 total nights. Yes we will have fresh live Christmas trees here for you everyday starting on Black Friday until they’re sold out. Santa will be here on event nights reading and singing to you in our 5 acre field of lights. New this year is our animated lightshow you will find in the field of lights. Come back out to the farm and relax with us and get into the holiday spirit!!
Winter Celebration at Golden Gate Community Center
December 3rd 11a-1pAll Aboard! The Golden Gate Express! Come and join Santa and the elves at Santa’s workshop. Enjoy arts & crafts, jolly dancing, photo opportunities and food vendors for all to enjoy. Cost is $3 per person (3 & older)Register Online at http://apm.activecommunities.com/…/Activity_Search/21030Snowfest 2022 at Paradise Coast Sports Complex
December 3rd 3p-9p
December 3rd is a Snowday! The 38th Annual Snowfest is celebrating Collier County’s 100th Anniversary! The event is set for Saturday, December 3rd, from 3-9pm at Paradise Coast Sports Complex!
SnowFest will feature three giant snow mountains made up of nearly 100 tons of snow for kids of all ages to enjoy.
Santa’s Wonderland will be at SnowFest, along with an amazing Snow Maze, the great centennial snowball hunt and selfies photo booth, “Elf” starring Will Ferrell on the 32-foot-wide big screen, a holiday fun bounce land, a holiday train for kids, live music and performances, Domestic Animal Services pet adoptions, prize basket giveaways and more!
Entry wristbands are $5 in advance at PlayParadiseCoast.com, and $8 on Dec. 3 at the gate.
CAT Shuttle service will run free of charge from Golden Gate Community Center and Paradise Coast Sports Complex.
For more information visit PlayParadiseCoast.com.Naples Christmas Parade
Tuesday, December 6th, 2022
6pm-8pmFree to attend!Bring your chairs and Christmas Spirit to this much anticipated Christmas event, the Naples Christmas Parade!There will be floats, fire engines, school groups, bands, dance troupes, boy and girl scouts and civic groups! Santa will be making a special appearance to conclude the parade.The parade will begin at 6pm and travel north up 3rd Street South from Broad Ave, travel east on 5th Ave South and then travel south on 8th Street. This is always a VERY popular event and parking/space for seating along the street, goes very quickly.Just a reminder to patrons that to keep the parade traveling smoothly and to keep it on time, please do not interfere with the floats and run out into the street. This is for your safety.Free parking is available at the 2 downtown parking garages as well as nearby side streets. Private lots may be charging a fee to park. Do NOT park on private property or block driveways.For more information or to participate please contact the city of Naples at (239) 213-7120.Marco Island Christmas Boat Parade
Saturday, December 17th, 2022
6pm-9pmFree to attend! Entry form must be completed a turned in for boat parade participants.
https://christmasislandstyle.com/…/2022-boat-parade…Countless lights and garland grace vessels large and small will travel up and down Marco River for the 35th Annual Marco Island Christmas Boat Parade! Decorated boats will be passing by The Esplanade Shoppes and Snook Inn Restaurant & Chickee Bar along Collier Bay.Fort Myers River District Downtown Countdown to New Year's Eve
Saturday, December 31st, 2022
6pm-12:30amFree to attend!Come join the 5 stage musical performances, ball-drop and fireworks in the Downtown Fort Myers River District for New Year’s Eve! There will be food trucks, vendors and entertainment to help ring in 2023!
