Free holiday celebration features live animals and family fun

Get into the holiday mood at the annual Preserving the Holiday Spirit Open House, where the Naples Preserve is transformed into a holiday wonderland. The family friendly event features live animal ambassadors from Shy Wolf Sanctuary on Friday as well as Trouper the blind raccoon on Sunday. Trouper was featured on Nat Geo WILD channel's "Unlikely Animal Friends," so this event provides the chance to meet him in person. Musicians perform live, with HUGS the Happy Ukulele Group on Saturday and the Irish folk group Innish on Sunday. Seasonal refreshments, holiday trees illustrating environmental education themes, night camera footage of the preserve’s wildlife and craft activities for children round out the holiday celebration at this extraordinary nature preserve in the heart of the city.

IF YOU GO

What:  Preserving the Holiday Spirit Open House Where: Naples Preserve, 1690 Tamiami Trail North, Naples When: 4-6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13 through Sunday, Dec. 15 Cost: Free Info: 239-261-4290; www.naplesgov.com