As the year comes to a close, Southwest Florida winds down with some standout activities. In Naples, professional golfers tee up for the Grant Thornton Invitational while music lovers prepare for the accompanying Live Fest concert. In Fort Myers, Gulfshore Opera presents Georges Bizet’s mesmerizing Carmen production. And On Sanibel Island, selected artists showcase a variety of works with one singular focus: joy. Don’t miss these December events. (For holiday fun, check out our holiday events blog.)
Dec. 2
Carmen at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Myers
French composer Georges Bizet’s classic tale of romance, obsession and destiny takes the stage this season under Gulfshore Opera. Set in 1830s Seville, the story follows Carmen, a fiercely independent woman, and Don José, who aims to possess her by any means necessary. The titular role comes to life with the vocals of acclaimed mezzo-soprano Lisa Marie Rogali—who’s shown her mastery of the character at Virginia Opera, Florentine Opera and Toledo Opera over the past two years. Learn more
Dec. 5
Joe Bonamassa at Hertz Arena, Fort Myers
Known for his virtuosic mastery of guitar and expansive collection of vintage musical memorabilia, the blues/rock musician and vocalist has claimed nearly 30 number 1 Billboard Blues Albums throughout his career. Backed by a powerhouse band, the iconic guitarist brings his talents to Lee County audiences for one night only. Learn more
Dec. 6-15
CATS at The Naples Players
After 44 years on stage and a star-studded movie adaptation, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s experimental musical continues to captivate audiences with its highly technical choreography. The Naples Players’ Academy of Dramatic Arts’ youth troupe breaks away from a traditional holiday production with an otherworldly showcase at the Kizzie Theater, putting the tribe of Jellicle cats center stage. Learn more
Dec. 8-14
Grant Thornton Invitational and Live Fest at Tiburón Golf Club at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón
Naples’ most competitive golf tournament returns with players from the PGA and LPGA Tours partnering up to take on 18 holes and battle for millions in prize money. For music lovers, the tournament’s coinciding Live Fest concert returns on December 13, corralling crowds for a show on the Tiburón driving range with performers including country stars Darius Rucker and Russell Dickerson. Learn more
Dec. 8 — Jan. 6
Glazed and Amazed Clay Guild Exhibition at Marco Island Center for the Arts
For more than 10 years, the annual exhibition has highlighted local ceramic craftsmanship, from porcelain tableware to wall art to sculptures and ornaments. This year, the art center plans to present a mini exhibit of festive holiday tablescapes. Learn more
Dec. 9 — Jan. 11
Advice at Florida Repertory Theatre, Fort Myers
Director Brendon Fox presents the local debut of the 2024 New Comedies Festival winner. The comedy follows the chaos that ensues when the leading couple, Joy and Ron, get together with their aspirational (and oftentimes unrealistic) friend, Gary. After completing his soon-to-be-published self-help book, Gary plans to become a life coach—much to his married friends’ unsurety. Learn more
Dec. 11 and 13
Masterworks: Beethoven & Cinderella at Artis—Naples
One of the nation’s leading pianists and a recurring Naples performer, Jeremy Denk returns to Hayes Hall. This time, he presents classics like Beethoven’s “Concerto No. 1” and Prokofiev’s ballet score, “Cinderella.” Learn more
Dec. 12
Wine & Wonder at Wonder Gardens, Bonita Springs
In Downtown Bonita, the city’s historic nature space hosts a wine tasting festival. The curated wine selection includes flavorful bottles from both local and worldwide vineyards, as well as beer from Bonita’s, Chubby Mermaid Brewing Company, and food truck bites. Animal exhibits and ambassadors line walkways as guests weave through the gardens, greeting parrots, tortoises and otters with raised glasses. Learn more
Dec. 13 — March 29
Joan Miró: Fire in the Soul at Naples Art Institute
Naples Art Institute presents the Spanish painter, sculptor and printmaker whose later works trade precision for rawness. Spain’s c2c Cultura collaborated with NAI, sourcing and aggregating pieces from Miró’s estate, museums and private collections. With two museums dedicated to his work—the Fundació Joan Miró in Barcelona and the Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró in Palma, Mallorca—the lauded surrealist’s legacy is illuminated by works like the 1975 Déballage II (Unpacking II). Learn more
Dec. 14
Shah Hadjebi: December Gallery Talk at Fort Myers Beach Art Association & Gallery
Award-winning Sanibel Island watercolorist Shah Hadjebi offers insight into his Southwest Florida-driven oeuvre in a free live discussion at FMBAA’s new gallery on McGregor Boulevard. The artist’s work is currently on display in a solo exhibition at Arts for ACT Gallery, and in February, he presents his work at Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center—both in Downtown Fort Myers. Learn more
Dec. 19 — Jan. 25
Ode to Joy at BIG ARTS, Sanibel Island
Downtown Fort Myers’ DAAS CO-OP gallery founder and local artist, David Acevedo, serves as juror and judge for Sanibel-Captiva Art League’s annual artist showcase. Selected artists present works loosely inspired by the theme of joy—from Nancy Sperte’s floral paintings to multimedia works bursting with color. Learn more
Dec. 20
Holiday Race at Eagle Lakes Community Park, Naples
Runners choose from 5k, 10k, half- and full-marathon options for this race around the park. Competitors earn points for the U.S. Road Running Race series for a chance to win awards beyond the event’s finisher medals. For the holiday run, racers are encouraged to dress up in their favorite winter costumes. Learn more
Dec. 30 — Jan. 4
Les Misérables at Artis––Naples
Artis—Naples’ Broadway series kicks off with the poignant musical about 19th-century France and the people’s fight for freedom. Featuring a Tony Award-winning score, this demonstration of broken dreams, unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption dominates Hayes Hall for nearly three hours. Learn more