Southwest Florida sparkles this holiday season, with joyous holiday spectacles along the Gulf Coast. From decked-out boat parades along Fort Myers Beach to a Chanukah celebration in Naples, you don’t want to miss the events making our “nice list.”
Nov. 29 — Dec. 8
A Nice Family Christmas at the Studio Players, Naples
In this holiday show, a struggling news reporter on the brink of losing his job is tasked with writing a story about Christmas—specifically, his family’s Christmas. The issue? They are not the most normal of folks. Follow along with the craziness as the players spill family secrets and share opinions. See More
Nov. 29 — Dec. 23; Dec. 26-30; Jan. 1- 5
Johnsonville Night Lights in the Garden at Naples Botanical Garden
Experience the allure of tropical wintertime with the return of this beloved yearly custom where Naples Botanical Garden floods with thousands of festive lights. Every night, take in live music, picture opportunities, Christmas goodies and drinks for purchase. See More
Nov. 29 — Dec. 23; Dec. 26 — Jan. 5
Holiday Nights at Edison and Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers
Get into the season’s spirit with thousands of twinkling lights and hundreds of decorations on display at the historic estate. Enjoy kids’ games, carolers, special tours and more hall-decking happenings. See More
Nov. 30 and Dec. 1
The Nutcracker at Artis—Naples
Join Naples Ballet and Naples Philharmonic on a journey to the Kingdom of Sweets with this annual performance. Artis—Naples’ assistant conductor, Alvin Ho, leads the philharmonic through Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, and professionals from American Ballet Theatre and Miami City Ballet support young local dancers with whimsical solos. See More
Dec. 3-21
Christmas at Palm Cottage at Naples Historical Society
Take a step back in time with Naples Historical Society’s annual holiday showcase. Seasonal tours, lighting displays and period-appropriate decorations fill the oldest house in the city—constructed in 1895—Tuesdays through Saturdays. Expand the festive family outing with a short walk to Naples Pier to catch a blazing sunset over the Gulf. See More
Dec. 4
Holiday Stroll through Naples Design District
The Naples Design District event features live performances, exclusive shopping deals and networking opportunities for local creatives. Don’t miss out on the holiday-themed gallery at Method & Concept. See More
Dec. 4-22
Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) at Arts Center Theatre, Marco Island
Three friends perform beloved Christmas stories throughout time in one show, with plenty of traditions, carols and zany antics woven in. See More
Dec. 5-8
Festival of Trees at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Fort Myers
Back for its 18th year, this Fort Myers festival sees dozens of creatively decorated trees—with plenty of presents beneath—fill the halls of SBDAC. Local businesses chip in to make the magic happen, assembling handsome arbors to be raffled off to support Goodwill of Southwest Florida and the art center. See More
Dec. 6
Luminary Festival on Sanibel and Captiva Islands
Stroll the streets of Sanibel as The Bower School of Music students perform holiday tunes at this tropical festival—celebrating the holidays in paradise. Look for the numerous enjoyable spots to pause and enjoy while you browse the islands’ shops Find family-friendly activities, a live nativity scene, Santa visits and photo opportunities. See More
Dec. 6 and 7
Christmas in Naples on Fifth Avenue South
Kick off the holidays in Southwest Florida at the most lavish Christmas spectacular, which chimes in with the season in Naples. Stroll along the gently lit streets of the city’s downtown for fine dining options, luxury shopping, Christmas decorations, and a special tree lighting ceremony on Friday. See More
Dec. 6-22
Christmas With The Crawfords at The Laboratory Theater of Florida, Fort Myers
This campy musical comedy revisits actress Joan Crawford’s wonderfully weird 1949 holiday radio broadcast. Cast members embody various quirky celebrity characters throughout the show, showcasing the starlet’s larger-than-life persona. See More
Dec. 7
Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Get into the holiday spirit Florida-style with decorated vessels. Mr. and Mrs. Claus lead the joyous Christmas parade, launching from Salty Sam’s Marina and traveling through Fort Myers waters. Grab a bite to eat on the shore to watch, or join the fun as the captain of your ship. See More
Dec. 7
Holiday Festival of Lights, Cape Coral
The long-standing holiday tradition is a Southwest Florida staple. Celebrate local artists and musicians with performance spaces along Cape Coral Parkway. Kids can take a train ride around Snowcap Square during this winter wonderland and take photos with Santa at the Christmas Town Center. See More
Dec. 8
Deck the Halls with Gulf Coast Symphony at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Myers
The Fort Myers Mastersingers join Gulf Coast Symphony and the Kellyn Celtic Arts Dance Academy to deliver holiday magic in this musical performance Find medleys from Christmas movie classics, and impressive renditions of beloved tunes, like Manheim Steamroller’s “Silent Night.” See More
Dec. 9
A Seraphic Fire Christmas 2024 at Moorings Presbyterian Church, Naples
Part of the group’s South Florida seasonal tour, A Seraphic Fire Christmas exalts the Grammy Award-nominated vocal ensemble’s singers with a candlelit acapella performance. Beloved guest conductor Anthony Trecek-King returns to lead the chorus through favorites like “O Come All Ye Faithful” with his trademark vibrant style. See More
Dec. 10 and 11
Southwest Florida Symphony presents: Holiday Pops
With long-time outstanding conductor Andrew Lipke and special vocal guest Mary Bichner, the orchestra adds a new spin on Yuletide classics. Bichner’s mezzo/soprano range fills the space as the symphony transports guests to a winter wonderland at Charlotte Performing Arts Center in Punta Gorda on December 10 and Faith Presbyterian Church in Cape Coral on December 11. See More
Dec. 19
Zach Bartholomew – The Music of Vince Guaraldi: “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at Arts Bonita, Bonita Springs
The pianist and his trio of musicians breathe new life into Vince Guaraldi’s compositions. Hear a special performance from guest vocalist Nicole Bartholomew as the evening unfolds, unraveling more of the famous composer’s life and work. See More
Dec. 19-22 Holiday Pops at Artis—Naples
Conductor Jacomo Bairos leads the Naples Philharmonic, Naples Philharmonic Chorus, Naples Philharmonic Youth Chorus, and YouTuber and Broadway star Morgan James in a family-friendly presentation of well-loved holiday songs and contemporary pop hits. See More
Dec. 20-22
Home for the Holidays at TheatreZone, Naples
The theater company’s seasonal staple original production—from the minds of founding artistic director, Mark Danni and associate artistic director. Karen Danni—returns with new twists on classic holiday tunes, elaborate dance routines and live orchestration. See More
Dec. 21
Gulfshore Ballet and Gulf Coast Symphony present The Nutcracker at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Myers
Two power forces of Southwest Florida, Gulfshore Ballet and Gulf Coast Symphony, combine to deliver this classic performance of The Nutcracker. Featuring former Miami City Ballet principal dancers Mary Carmen Catoya and Renato Penteado, and original choreography from Gulfshore Ballet artistic directors Iliana Lopez and Franklin Gamero, the show enchants audiences and sets the scene against Tchaikovsky’s magical score. See More
Dec. 26
Chanukah Celebration at Mercato, Naples
Embrace the Jewish holiday with a Menorah lighting, Israeli dishes and treats like gelt and donuts, and live music. See More
Dec. 30
Straight No Chaser at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Myers
The critically acclaimed a capella group performs live in Southwest Florida as part of their 25th anniversary celebration tour. From their Christmas Cheers to Social Christmasing albums, the group provides impeccable vocals and humor to keep the spirits merry. See More