Weekend Vibes, What’s Happening In Southwest Florida Dec 16-18

Weekend Vibes, What's Happening In Southwest Florida Dec 16-18. First of all, don't panic. But this is the last weekend before Christmas. If you you have friends and family beginning to descend upon your home for the holidays, we've got you covered. It's likely you will need and want to get them out of the house at some point this weekend. It's a good thing that there are lots of ongoing holiday events, celebrations and lights displays. While it's nearly impossible to list them all, we've managed to wrangle many of them for you. We've expanded the list a little this week to help.

A lot of events have been rescheduled and reimagined due to Hurricane Ian. Even some that are still listed on various calendars may have changed. It never hurts to call ahead or check social media sites for updates.

We understand the holidays are looking a little different for a lot of people this year following the storm. Please take time to take care of yourself. The holidays can be tough. This one is unlike any many of us have experienced. If you need some mental help resources to you get through the next few weeks, click here.

However, if you have the means, the energy, and the desire to do so, please support the local businesses that are open and charities that are still trying to raise money to keep their doors open. If you have any additional events to share, please email me here.

Sorry, now that song is going to be stuck in your head all weekend. The show is Friday night at Hertz Arena. Tickets are $27-$68. 

This weekend is the annual Teddy Bear Toss with the Florida Everblades at Hertz Arena. Show up to Saturday night's game with a teddy bear. At half-time, toss them onto the ice. The bears go to Golisano’s Children’s Hospital. Proceeds from their specialty jersey go to the Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

The event is on for Saturday night. This boat parade is a fun and free, annual event in Punta Gorda Isles.

This is the last  weekend to enjoy Christmas at Farmer Mikes U-pick in Bonita Springs. There is a snow slide, light shows, hay rids and activities for the entire family. The event is from 6-9:30 both Friday and Saturday nights.
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Amusement rides, Santa Clause, music and more. This event has a little something for everyone. It open's Friday and runs through January 1st. It's at the Bonita Springs Poker Room which is the old Naples Fort Myers Greyhound Track on Bonita Beach Road. $10

This is put on by the Naples Players. There lobby is full of beautiful trees by local artists. Enjoy a cup of tea while you check out the exhibit. It runs Tuesday through Sunday.
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The Shell Factory in North Fort Myers is holding a holiday fundraiser to help with rebuild and repair the Nature Park from Hurricane Ian damage. The Shell Factory in on US41. The  event is from Saturday 11-3,  $5-$10

At the historic Burroughs and Langford-Kingston homes along the Caloosahatchee River in downtown Fort Myers, this is another longtime yearly event. The homes are lavishly decorated, open to the public and for the first time ever, the event is free. It kicks off Friday and runs through the 18th. 5-9 nightly.

It's a long standing tradition in Fort Myers, 47 years actually. The historic gardens and buildings of the Edison and Ford Winter Estates are decked out in lights and elaborate decorations for the holiday season. Ticket prices vary and some mights are even free for some people. Holiday Nights run now through January 1st.
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Johnsonville Night Lights in the Garden is at Naples Botanical Gardens. The gardens come alive at night with brilliant lights. There are special events for families and nightly entertainment. The event runs through January 1st.
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Every year, Fisherman's Village in Punta Gorda goes crazy with more than a million lights. It's also a great place to get some stocking stuffers.
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