The holiday season is one of the most beautiful times of the year in Southwest Florida.
Here are some of the “Save the Date” notes you should definitely put on your calendar if you’ll be visiting our area. If you haven’t yet made your reservation to Ocean’s Reach, we can help you make a last-minute trip chock full of ho-ho-ho savings!
44th Annual Holiday Nights at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers
Nov 29 – Dec 28 (closed Dec 24 and 25)
Edison Ford Holiday Nights reflect the many contributions of Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and their families to the local community. It was chosen by the editors of USA Today as one of the 10 Best Historic Homes for the Holidays, which also included The White House, Mount Vernon, Monticello and the Biltmore in North Carolina. To view the article, visit 10best.com/interests/trip-
Historic buildings and more than 20 acres of gardens are decorated with lights and traditional decorations. The event offers a special holiday tour, Children’s Tree Trail, Santa visits on select nights, refreshments and shopping in the Ford Cottage Shoppe, Museum Store and Garden Shoppe. edisonfordwinterestates.org/
35th Annual Christmas Luminary Trail and Open House, Sanibel and Captiva islands
Dec 6 on Sanibel Island and Dec 7 on Captiva Island
This event draws visitors from all over the world as they join local residents to celebrate the season with 3 miles of luminary candles and events. sanibel-captiva.org
Annual Port Boca Grande Lighthouse and Museum Lighting, Boca Grande
Dec 7, 2019
Celebrate the annual lighting of the Gasparilla Lighthouse at 6 p.m. with music and refreshments. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. barrierislandparkssociety.org/
Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, Fort Myers
December 2019
Celebrating its 26th season in Southwest Florida, Broadway Palm offers an exciting holiday lineup that includes “Sounds of Christmas” in the main theater through Dec 25. In addition, the Children’s Theatre features “The Elves and the Shoemaker” through Dec 24. BroadwayPalm.com; 239-278-4422
Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall
December 2019
Treat yourself to “A Magical Cirque Christmas” on Dec 7 and Moscow Ballet’s “Great Russian Nutcrtacker” on Dec 29. bbmannpah.com; 239-481-4849
31st Annual Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Dec 7, 2019
Enjoy some Christmas spirit from 6 to 8 p.m. The parade passes establishments including Bootleggers Waterfront Barbeque, Parrot Key Caribbean Grill, Matanzas on the Bay, Nervous Nellies, Doc Ford’s and Bonita Bill’s where you can kick back and enjoy the fun presented by the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce. fortmyersbeach.org; 239-474-7500
Annual Bonita Springs Christmas Boat Parade
Dec 14, 2019
Parade kicks off at 5:30 p.m. from BayWater Boat Club and Rentals. bonitaboatparade.com; 239-495-0455
The Southwest Florida Symphony Holiday Pops Concerts, 2019, Fort Myers and Bonita Springs
December 2019
Holiday Pops featuring Tony Desare will be presented Dec 13 at Shell Point Village Church in Fort Myers; Dec. 14 at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers. Dec 15 at First Presbyterian Church in Bonita Springs. swflso.org/concerts; 239-418-1500
Cape Coral Christmas Boat Parade
Dec 21, 2019
Enjoy food, music and a visit from Santa during this boat parade and festival from 4 to 10 p.m. in Four Freedoms Park. Boat parade begins at 7 p.m. come-to-cape-coral.com/
Gasparilla Inn & Club, Boca Grande, celebrates “Twelve Days of Christmas”
December 2019
The height of the “Social Season” begins in late December, just in time for the launch of the Twelve Days of Christmas. With a new theme to each day, special activities spark holiday magic for the entire family through the New Year. Festive decorations, cheerful caroling, classic holiday movies and gingerbread house decorating are just a few of the events offered during the Twelve Days of Christmas celebration at The Inn. the-gasparilla-inn.com; 941-964-4500
2019 Holidays in the Downtown Fort Myers River District
Dec 1 – 31, 2019
The calendar is packed with holiday events to get you in the spirit of the season. Festival of Trees, Holiday Stroll and Tree Lighting, Burroughs’s Home & Gardens Holiday House, Music Walk and a New Year’s Eve celebration to welcome 2020 and more. fortmyersriverdistrictalliance
63rd Annual Holiday House
Dec 7 – 22, 2019
Thousands of lights decorate the historic Burroughs Home and Langford Kingston Home in historic downtown Fort Myers. Check here for details. 5-9 p.m. nightly. BurroughsHome.com; 239-337-0706
Holidays on the Seminole Gulf Railway, Fort Myers
December 2019
Set sail for a holiday light extravaganza Dec 9, 10, 16, and 17 on the Seminole Gulf Railway. Enjoy soup and salad going north to Punta Gorda for a boat tour through Punta Gorda Isles and entree and dessert on the journey back to Fort Myers. Holiday-themed murder mystery show takes place on Dec 24 and New Year’s Eve Gala on Dec. 31, 2019. semgulf.com; 239-275-8487
Adventures in Paradise Holiday Cruises, Port Sanibel Marina, Fort Myers
December 2019
Santa Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise on Dec 24; Christmas Eve Sunset Cruise; New Year’s Eve Sunset Dolphin Cruise. adventureinparadiseinc.com/
Fort Myers Beach New Year’s Eve and Town Birthday Celebration
Dec 31, 2019
Come celebrate the birthday of the Town of Fort Myers Beach and New Year’s Eve at Times Square. Festivities begin with free cupcakes starting between noon and 1 p.m. Live music will be played throughout the day. Ball drop is at midnight with fireworks immediately afterward. fortmyersbeach.org
