Southwest Florida Weekend Events For The Entire Family

Hurricane season officially ended Thursday and now the countdown to Christmas and Hanukah is on. The cool weather this week has helped to get Floridians in more of a holiday spirit. There are so many Southwest Florida weekend events for the entire family beginning Friday. We've rounded up some of the top ones in Naples, Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Bonita Springs, and Punta Gorda. Here are your Weekend Vibes for December 1st through 3rd.

It's the first weekend in December and the calendar is full of holiday related fun. If you feel the need to burn some calories, there are holiday themed runs and walks in Punta Gorda and Naples that you don't need to register for. Just in case you wake up in the morning and are feeling ambitious.

Fort Myers Beach is still undergoing a massive recovery and rebuilding effort from Hurricane Ian. However, a long standing tradition returns to the shores this year. The Annual Fort Myers Beach Boat Parade is back for it's 35th year. It is scheduled for Saturday. Scroll down for details. And if you're interested in catching a tree lighting ceremony, we have a rundown here.

While the majority of events are holiday related or have some kind of holiday theme, there are a few exceptions. For instance, Naples is hosting its Centennial Celebration this weekend at Cambiar Park. There is also a big art show in Naples' Fleishmann Park. It's a good place to do some holiday shopping and support local artists. Information on both events is below.

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 1st through 3rd. Get out and have some local fun. Cheers.

Play in 100 tons of snow at the 39th annual Collier County SnowFest Saturday at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex in Naples. Besides snow mountains and snow slides, there are photos with Santa, kids activities, food vendors, live music, local vendors and more. The movie "The Polar Express" plays on 32-foot wide screen at 7:30. The fun begins at 4:00. $5 in advance, day of event  $8. VIP Experience $30. More info here.

The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in downtown Fort Myers is transformed into a forrest of Christmas Trees for the four day event. Each tree is decorated in various themes. Some come with gifts underneath them. Vote on your favorite, win them even buy them. This annual event serves as a fundraiser for Goodwill of Southwest Florida. It goes through Sunday. $2 admission waved with donation of a teddy bear. More info here.

This event is in conjuntion with the Festival of Trees. Enjoy a holiday block party in downtown Fort Myers in front of the historic Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center on First Street. There are live performances, photos wth santa, kids workshops and lots more. Saturday 10am-2pm.  More info here.

This parade of lights is Florida style, in the water and on boats. It kicks off at Salty Sam's Marina and winds throuugh the back bay. Boats of all shapes and sizes show thier holiday spirit with lights, bikini clad Santa's and more.  Starts at 6 p.m. Saturday. More info here. 

The Lee County Black History Society is hosting the 11^th Annual Holiday in the Park and Soul Santa Parade. Holiday In The Park is Friday begining at 3. It is capped off with the outdoor showing of  the movie “Candy Cane Lane.” Bring your own chairs and blankets.The community parade is Saturday and ends with a tree lighting ceremony at 6pm. There will be a firetruck parade and lots of kids activities. Both events are free and at Roberto Clemente Park in Fort Myers. More info here.

This annual holiday presentation is by the Gulf Coast Symphonya. Listen to your favorite holiday music and enjoy a variety of performances. It's great for the entire family. Sunday 7pm, Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Myers. More info here.

Stroll the beautiful properrty of the historic Wonder Gardens in downtown Bonita Springs and taste wine along the way. The wines are paired with cheeese and snacks along the way. $50, Saturday 5:30 to 8:30. More info here.

The city's big Centennial Celebration is at Cambier Park Saturday. Enjoy interactive activies, kids actitivies, arts and crafts, entertainment, local vendors,  food and more. Free 12-4pm. More info here.

Get your holida shopping done early while supporting local artisans at this iconic event. Established in the mid 50's it is said to be Naples' first outdoor art show. Saturday, 10-4. Free. More info here.