With the season in full spring, Southwest Florida is a winter wonderland, packed with holiday celebrations. Here’s the events not to be missed.
Now through Dec. 3
Festival of Trees at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Fort Myers
The festival hosts a wreath lighting, live concert and Santa block party. Local businesses decorate trees, attendees vote for the best ones and raffle winners take home the adorned trees. The event, which is in its 17th year, benefits Goodwill Industries.
Now through Dec. 16
Christmas Island Style, Marco Island
Marco Island’s many festivities include The Annual Tree Lighting and Community Celebration at Veterans Community Park on December 2. Join parades, some of which are pet-inclusive; watch a holiday movie in the park; and enjoy cookies and milk with Santa at Mackle Park, all before the sparkly Marco Island Annual Boat Parade on December 16.
Now through Dec. 17
Winter Wonderettes at Gulfshore Playhouse, Naples
A singing quartet works to save the magic of the holidays in four-part harmony with classic festive hits, as the storyline follows the disappearance of Santa Claus from a 1968 party at Harper’s Hardware.
Now through Dec. 17
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare at Arts Center Theatre, Marco Island
This abridged version of the Bard’s works features three actors performing all 37 of Shakespeare’s comedies, tragedies and histories in 97 minutes.
Now through Dec. 17
A Sherlock Carol at Florida Repertory Theatre, Fort Myers
Charles Dickens meets Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in the regional premiere of the imaginative classics mashup. After the sudden death of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, a grown-up Tiny Tim calls upon detective Sherlock Holmes to solve the crime.
Now through Dec. 23
Art of the Quilt at Tribby Arts Center, Fort Myers
Accomplished weaver, spinner and quilter Pat Meredith presents more than 10 quilts—many on display for the first time. The exhibit also includes a hand-knitted nativity scene and textile-related artifacts from the artist’s extensive collection, such as a spinning wheel and antique miniature sewing machines.
Now through Dec. 23
Snowbird Follies at Music & Arts Community Center, Fort Myers
Gulf Coast Symphony performs a playful tribute to Fort Myers’ original snowbirds, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Tap your toes to holiday favorites infused with local history.
Now through Dec. 24
Ho! Ho! Ho! The Christmas Show at Players Circle Theater, Fort Myers
The theater company, created by area veteran producers, Robert and Carrie Cacioppo, presents an original holiday comedy musical revue in its new space on McGregor Boulevard. Inspired by holiday TV specials of yore, it tells the stories behind the classic carols folks grew up loving.
Now through Dec. 30
Small Works of Art at Harmon-Meek Gallery, Naples
The gallery’s artists, including Hunt Slonem and Philip Smallwood, contribute paintings under 20 inches in size in this annual show, a perfect opportunity for finding one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts.
Now through Dec. 30
Holiday Nights at Edison and Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers
A festive, classic holiday tradition for nearly 50 years, the month-long occasion pays homage to Thomas Edison, with thousands of bulbs lighting up the historic riverfront homes and gardens. Period decorations reflect the turn-of-the-20th-century era when the Edisons and Henry Ford wintered here. Special events include caroling concerts, holiday-themed guided tours and appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Now through Dec. 31
Festival of Lights at Fishermen’s Village, Punta Gorda
Kicking off with the lighting of the riverfront shopping and entertainment center with more than a million lights, the festival continues with live entertainment and drop-ins from Santa Claus and the Grinch. King Fisher Fleet offers its traditional Christmas Light Canal Cruise around Punta Gorda throughout the month. Festivities culminate with a New Year’s Eve celebration and fireworks.
Now through Jan. 7
Johnsonville Night Lights in the Garden at Naples Botanical Garden
Enjoy enchanting evenings at the garden as thousands of colorful lights illuminate the fauna, and live music and a bar enlivens.
Dec. 1
FGCU Empty Bowls Fundraiser, FGCU Art Complex Courtyard, Fort Myers
Guests enjoy homemade soups and shop bowls made by local artisans during the 17th annual food insecurity fundraiser, benefiting Interfaith Charities of South Lee.
Dec. 1 and 2
City of Naples Centennial Celebrations at Cambier Park
The community honors the city’s 100th anniversary with celebrations. Friday night, local groups Ben Allen Band and Rock Republic each take the stage to jam, while local breweries keep the beer flowing. Keep the party going on Saturday with music, food, games and a fireworks show.
Dec. 1-30
Christmas at Historic Palm Cottage, Naples
With the circa-1895 cottage and Norris Gardens aglow with lights and period decorations, Naples’ oldest home exudes timeless holiday cheer. Follow your 45-minute cottage tour reservation with a leisurely stroll around the property.
Dec. 2
Wine and Wonder Uncorked at Wonder Gardens, Bonita Springs
Fine vintages from Napa, Sonoma and Burgundy regions make lovely sips for a stroll around the gardens and its vibrant wildlife. Vintners pair each variety with complementary cheese, crackers and fruit for a classic connoisseur affair. Local restaurateurs are onsite with food for purchase.
Dec. 2
F.I.S.H. 10K/5K & Music Festival, Sanibel and Captiva Islands
Marking 15 years and the first in-person event in a few years, the 10K/5K benefits the island organization’s food pantry and other resident services. Run around Sanibel Island and enjoy family activities afterward at Sanibel Recreation Center. (There is also the virtual run option.) At 5 p.m., the benefit Sound+Waves Music Festival starts on the beach at the ‘Tween Waters Island Resort. Fireworks follow performances by eight artists.
Dec. 2
Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade
The 35th annual lighted boat parade departs from Salty Sam’s Marina and travels throughout Estero Bay. Boaters join the festivities and spectators watch the twinkly spectacle from restaurants in the back bay area. Vote for your favorite decorated vessel online for the People’s Choice Award.
Dec. 4-10
The Grant Thornton Invitational at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón and Tiburón Golf Club
In the new, mixed-team tournament, 32 PGA and LPGA players go head-to-head for $4 million in prize money to benefit charity. The three rounds of play Friday through Sunday are open to the public, and the tournament supports local organizations, including Golisano Children’s Museum of Southwest Florida, and national groups. On Saturday, the hotel hosts Live Fest on the driving range, featuring performances from top country acts like Dierks Bentley, Little Big Town and Gin Blossoms.
Dec. 5
José Feliciano: Feliz Navidad at Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee
The nine-time Grammy Award-winning Puerto Rican singer and composer of ‘Feliz Navidad’ rocks the stage. Recognized as the first Latin artist to effectively cross over into the English music market, José fuses Latin, blues, jazz, soul and rock genres, while playing his signature acoustic guitar.
Dec. 6
Holiday Stroll in Naples Design District
For the seventh annual event, guests meander through the heart of the Naples Design District to shop, dine and browse participating galleries—sipping holiday beverages along the way. Live music, a fashion show, yoga classes and train displays delight.
Dec. 7
Traditional Holiday Stroll on Third Street South, Naples
Holiday revelers dress festively for this evening of cheer, complete with carolers, sparkling lights and dazzling decorations. Restaurants offer special Holiday Stroll cocktails and menus.
Dec. 7-10
A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play at the Center for Performing Arts
The Dickens classic gets a 1940s refresh staged as a radio broadcast. The play is enhanced by live-radio sound effects and musical scoring and period commercials are interspersed throughout.
Dec. 7-10
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas: The Musical at Fort Myers Theatre
The well-loved 1954 movie starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye and Rosemary Clooney translates smoothly to the stage, featuring its eponymous, timeless Christmas song, along with Berlin’s “Blue Skies,” “I Love a Piano” and “How Deep Is the Ocean.” The musical follows the post-World War II antics and romance of two performing vets and a sister singing duo to the snowy setting of a Vermont lodge.
Dec. 7-15
Chanukah at Chabad of Charlotte County
The local Chabad celebrates the third, fifth and seventh nights of Chanukah at locations throughout the county with Menorah lightings, live music and food. Dishes served include doughnuts, latkes, chocolate gelt and kosher Chinese.
Dec. 8 and 9
Fifth Avenue Christmas Walk and Tree Lighting Ceremony with Avenue Dining, Naples
For 50 years, Fifth Avenue South brightens downtown Naples, with a tree lighting in Sugden Plaza. Dine alfresco, under twinkling lights, at the more than 15 restaurants up and down the avenue. Meet Santa, skate on the ice rink, experience a live nativity by the First Church of the Nazarene and shop “the Ave,” which is closed to vehicular traffic on these two days.
Dec. 8 and 9
It’s a Wonderful Life: Live Radio Play at Cambier Park
The Naples Players present this adaptation of George Bailey’s holiday dilemmas as a live 1940s radio broadcast. Bring your own chairs or blankets to this alfresco presentation.
Dec. 8-17
Yippee Ki-Yay Merry Christmas! A Die Hard Musical Parody at The Laboratory Theater of Florida, Fort Myers
Based on the Bruce Willis film series, this musical adaptation follows New York police officer John McClane, who fights his way home to his estranged family. Making its regional premiere, the parody brings mirth and satire to the holiday season.
Dec. 9-11
Southwest Florida Symphony: Holiday Pops: Santa’s Serenade, Fort Myers and Bonita Springs
Maestro Andrew Lipke conducts and performs a new interpretation of holiday classics. His unforgettable journey travels to Fort Myers Senior High School, First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs and Village Church at Shell Point in Fort Myers.
Dec. 10
Sarah Brightman: A Christmas Symphony at Artis—Naples
The legendary soprano and original Christine Daaé in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera stops in Southwest Florida as part of her annual holiday tour. The singer’s three-plus-octave vocal range expands throughout Hayes Hall. Accompanied by orchestra, choir and special guests, A Christmas Symphony has become an annual Artis—Naples tradition.
Dec. 11
Community-Wide Chanukah Celebration at Mercato, Naples
On the lawn at Mercato, join live entertainment, rabbis and clergy for the lighting of the Menorah. The free event features the Naples Klezmer Revival Band and food for purchase, plus balloon creations and other activities.
Dec. 12 — Jan. 14
The Mountaintop at Florida Repertory Theatre, Fort Myers
Playwright Katori Hall’s surrealistic fantasy explores a chance encounter between Martin Luther King Jr., and a mysterious hotel maid the night before his assassination, prompting him to confront his legacy and the future. The production takes place in the intimate ArtStage Studio Theatre and closes the evening before the civil rights activist’s national holiday.
Dec. 13
Steve Miller Band at Hertz Arena, Estero
The 1960s San Francisco band, led by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Steve Miller, is known for exploring subgenres of music, including psychedelic, blues and pop rock. The band produced a string of hit singles in the mid-to late-1970s that have become iconic classic rock tunes.
Dec. 14–17
Naples Philharmonic: Holiday Pops at Artis—Naples
Popular season two American Idol alum Clay Aiken joins the Naples Philharmonic, Naples Philharmonic Chorus and Naples Philharmonic Youth Chorus for this year’s lineup of holiday musical favorites. Among his collection of top-charting albums, Clay has released two Christmas albums and produced and starred in the TV special A Clay Aiken Christmas.
Dec. 15–17
Home for the Holidays at TheatreZone, Naples
TheatreZone’s beloved seventh annual spectacular features the professional cast, along with 10 children from the Community School of Naples and a seven-piece band, showcasing the appeal and power of holiday music through song and original choreography. New numbers this year include “Christmas Morning Feeling” from the movie Spirited, “Disco Santa” and a Blake Shelton-Gwen Stefani duet “You Make it Feel Like Christmas.”
Dec. 16
The Nutcracker at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Myers
Gulfshore Ballet joins the Gulf Coast Symphony to reinterpret Tchaikovsky’s sugar-plum dream world. Based on a holiday story about a family’s Christmas Eve celebration, it introduces new choreography reimagined by Gulfshore Ballet artistic directors Iliana Lopez and Franklin Gamero.
Dec. 21–23
Bryan Callen at Off the Hook Comedy Club, Naples
Perhaps most recognized for his role as Coach Mellor on TV’s The Goldbergs since 2014, the actor, comedian and podcaster has also appeared in numerous films and shows, including The Hangover and The Hangover Part II. His stand-up comedy special Complicated Apes topped the iTunes charts.
Dec. 21 — Feb. 25
Daydreaming: Niki Butcher’s Hand-Painted Photography at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel
The free exhibition of the artist’s first traveling show displays her hand-painted photography—spanning more than five decades of her work. Pastel tones enhance scenes from Florida across more than 50 black-and-white images. Inspired by hand-painted postcards of the 1930s, Niki first started painting her photographs with oil paints, Q-tips, and cotton balls. Today, Niki uses similar techniques to paint digitally.
Dec. 22
Rose Max: Bossa Nova in Bonita at Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs
Hailing from a family of musicians who paved the way for Brazilian music, the singer-songwriter and her guitarist, Ramatis, bring bossa nova and samba sounds to Southwest Florida. Miami New Times voted Rose Max the Best Female Vocalist, and the International Brazilian Press Award has named her seven-time winner of the Best Female Brazilian Singer Residing and Performing in the US.
Dec. 23
Holiday on the Bay at the Village Shops on Venetian Bay, Naples
Everything you’d expect from a traditional holiday celebration, including snow, happens at the Village Shops. Carolers perform, Santa and Mrs. Claus make an appearance, and shops and restaurants put forth their glad tidings. Kowiachobee Animal Preserve adds furry and reptile friends—from domestic to exotic animals—to the mix.
Dec. 26-31
Funny Girl at Artis—Naples
The evergreen musical tale of Fanny Brice and her dreams of stardom, despite naysayers, makes a brilliant comeback as part of Artis—Naples’ Broadway series. It revives one of the greatest musical scores of all time.
