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 [email protected] 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.

  48th Annual Holiday Nights Celebration - Edison and Ford Winter Estates

  Don't miss thousands of lights, hundreds of historic decorations, and one unique holiday experience! Returning for the 48th season, Holiday Nights has been revamped with new light displays and much more. Don't miss the Children's Holiday Tree Trail with handmade ornaments created by students from local schools, shopping in the Museum Store and Garden Shoppe [...]

• Fort Myers - Santa at Bass Pro Shops

  Santa’s Wonderland is open now thru December 24, 2023 at Bass Pro Shops In Gulf Coast Town Center.  Advance reservations are required in all locations and can go quickly.

  For more details, click here

• 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. 

  Events | Bell Tower | Fort Myers

  A new redefined Bell Tower offers a vibrant modern design within an open-air space where stylistic boutiques meet fresh, creative cuisine in a "be seen" fun atmosphere.

• 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!

  Holiday Lights | Calusa Nature Center

  Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium 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.

• 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!

  More Info!

  SOLD OUT - The Jingle Jog 5K & Santa Strut

  Event in Pine Manor, FL by 96 K-ROCK on Sunday, December 17 2023 with 148 people interested.

• 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

  https://www.bbmannpah.com/events/detail/deck-the-halls-1

• 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!

  https://www.bbmannpah.com/events/detail/nutcracker-1

• 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!

  Events | Bell Tower | Fort Myers

  A new redefined Bell Tower offers a vibrant modern design within an open-air space where stylistic boutiques meet fresh, creative cuisine in a "be seen" fun atmosphere.

• 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.

  Events | Bell Tower | Fort Myers

  A new redefined Bell Tower offers a vibrant modern design within an open-air space where stylistic boutiques meet fresh, creative cuisine in a "be seen" fun atmosphere.

• 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! 

  Events | Bell Tower | Fort Myers

  A new redefined Bell Tower offers a vibrant modern design within an open-air space where stylistic boutiques meet fresh, creative cuisine in a "be seen" fun atmosphere.

   

• 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.

  Events | Bell Tower | Fort Myers

  A new redefined Bell Tower offers a vibrant modern design within an open-air space where stylistic boutiques meet fresh, creative cuisine in a "be seen" fun atmosphere.

• Marco Island - Christmas Tree Lighting

  Saturday, December 2, 2023 – 6:00pm to 9:00pm at Veterans Community Park

  Annual Tree Lighting presented by Christmas Island Style

  No Description

   

   

• 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.

  Christmas Island Style

  Ho-Ho-Ho Raise Some Dough for Christmas Island Style

• 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.

  

• 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.

  Christmas Boat Parade | MIACC

  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.

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