Weekend Vibes, What’s Happening In Southwest Florida Dec 2-4.

Here are your Weekend Vibes, What's Happening In Southwest Florida Dec 2-4.

Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, it is full steam ahead for Christmas and Hanukah. Almost every community in the area has some kind of holiday celebration on tap. From tree lightings to Santa Clause visits, there are also a few arts and crafts shows. I suppose they could be considered the  Southwest Florida versions of Christmas markets.

Art in the Park is from 10am-5pm both Saturday and Sunday, at Mercato in North Naples. This event features the work of local artists. It runs from 10-5 both days. In addition, in Fort Myers at The Bell Tower Shops there is another craft show. Find this one in the parking lot near Bed Bath and Beyond. The show is 1-5 Saturday, 10-4 Sunday.  Santa is at the shopping center Friday night to kick off the weekend festivities. Find some unique gifts for anyone on your holiday shopping list here.

If you like big trucks and mud, you'll love at least one of theses. There is also a big concert to celebrate the end of hurricane season. It involves some hurricane flag burning, something many of us would like to do. Scroll down to find out more on both events.

We understand the holidays are a little different for a lot of people this year following Hurricane Ian. Please take care of yourself. If you need some mental help resources to give you that extra push to you get through the next few weeks, click here.

Finally, if you have the means, the energy, and the desire to do so, please support the local businesses that are up and running again. If you have any additional events to share, email them to me here.

Here are your Weekend Vibes, What's Happening In Southwest Florida Dec 2-4.

Christmas arrives in downtown Punta Gorda Friday night with the annual tree lighting celebration. There will be food, drinks and even Santa Clause. The event is from 5-9:30.

Naples 5th Avenue South comes alive with lights, entertainment and Santa Clause for this annual event. It's not just Friday night either. The events take place Saturday as well. Hours are 5-10pm both days.

With the theme “Celebrating African American Inventors at Christmas,” the free community event includes food and music, the Soul Santa Parade, community tree lighting, Soul Santa & Elves Fire Truck Parade. It's from 3 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, at Roberto Clemente Park in Fort Myers.

Farmer Mikes U-pick in Bonita Springs has a big Christmas event Friday and Saturday night with a snow slight, light shows, hay rids and activities for the entire family. The event is from 6-9:30 and runs through December 17th.
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Say good by to hurricane season with music and a hurricane flag burning this is Saturday from 5-10 at The Caloosa Sound Amphitheater in downtown Fort Myers. Live music, food trucks and a benefit for the Harry Chapin Food Bank as well.

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.

The Trucks Gone Wild Fall Classic was rescheduled to this weekend, December 1-4 at the Redneck Mud Park in Punta Gorda. If you like big trucks, loud music, and mud, this might be for you. You can also camp on site. Tickets range in prices.

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:

2 Day Event!
-Friday, December 2nd: 5pm-10pm
-Saturday, December 3rd, 10am-10pm

Free to attend!
*Lighting of the tree will be approximately 6pm on Friday, December 2nd

For more details, click here

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

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

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!

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 FREE

For more details, click here

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

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

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! 

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

Thursday December 1st 6p-9p

Come join us for our annual Tree lighting at Immokalee Zocalo event pictures with Santa. FREE Event

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!!

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.