Come enjoy a holiday season full of light!
Sunny Days, Sparkling Nights
Spend your days basking in the sunshine and celebrating plenty of sparkle at night. The holiday season is especially bright in Fort Myers and its surrounding islands, beaches and neighborhoods.
Find family-friendly events, dazzling displays and holiday cheer as we close out the year.
Edison and Ford Winter Estates Holiday Nights
Edison and Ford Winter Estates, Nov. 28, 2025–Jan. 4, 2026
It’s the 50th anniversary of a beloved tradition! Each year, the Edison and Ford Winter Estates transform into an illuminated wonderland for the holidays. This year’s theme is “Golden Jubilee” in honor of this milestone year. Evening tours are at 6 PM and 7 PM, the Children’s Holiday Tree Trail is decorated with student-made ornaments, and additional Inside the Homes Holiday Tours are also available with reservations.
Bell Tower Arts & Crafts Fair
Fort Myers, Nov. 29 and Dec. 20–21, 2025
Fulfill your holiday shopping list at the Bell Tower Arts & Crafts Fair. You’ll be able to browse around an array of handmade arts, crafts and other one-of-a-kind items to find unique gifts while supporting local artisans.
Bonita Springs Holiday Stroll
Bonita Springs, Dec. 1, 2025–Jan. 1, 2026
Find holiday sparkles and festive music in Downtown Bonita Springs Riverside Park. Every night from dusk to 9 PM, you can walk through the colorful park holiday-themed selfies along the way. Look out for other festive events like the tree lighting ceremony and kid-friendly activities at Holiday in the Park.
Fort Myers Festival of Trees
Downtown Fort Myers, Dec. 4–7, 2025
Beautifully decorated trees light up the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in downtown Fort Myers for this annual event. Attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony, stroll through rows of themed trees, then stick around for Santa’s Block Party and enjoy live music plus a giant wreath lighting.
Holiday House Christmas Stroll
Fort Myers, Dec. 3, 2025–early January 2026
Since 1956, the Fort Myers Woman’s Community Club has created a whimsical holiday tradition at the Burroughs Home & Gardens and Langford-Kingston Home. Each year, both historic homes are transformed into Candy Cane Lane with live music and guest speakers.
Annual Bell Tower Tree Lighting
Fort Myers, Dec. 5, 2025
Come deck the tower! Bell Tower shopping center kicks off the holiday season with its annual tree lighting ceremony. Enjoy music, kids’ activities and festive fun as the holiday tree comes to life. You might even spot Santa, who will ride in style (aboard a fire truck) to Center Court.
Holiday Lights at Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium
Fort Myers, Fridays–Sundays, Dec. 5–28, 2025
Take a stroll around the twinkling Pine Loop Trail in a natural winter wonderland at the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium. After walking the trail, grab a seat by a crackling fire and enjoy the mesmerizing laser show inside the planetarium.
Luminary Holiday Stroll
Sanibel Island, Dec. 5
Captiva Island, Dec. 6
Walk side by side with locals in this festive holiday stroll that lights up Sanibel and Captiva. Luminaries line the pathways as shops and restaurants offer treats, entertainment and special activities. It’s both a community celebration and an open invitation to come shop, dine and play this season.
Cape Coral Holiday Festival of Lights
Cape Coral, Dec. 6, 2025
For more than 40 years, this local celebration brings together the community for music, food and activities around Snowcap Square. All events are free and open for all ages.
Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Fort Myers Beach, Dec. 6, 2025
Pick your viewing spot to watch the 37th annual parade, with each boat trying to outshine one another with their dazzling lights and holiday decor. The boat parade starts at Salty Sam’s Marina and travels along the north Matanzas Pass, with plenty of places to watch from waterfront restaurants and areas around the Matanzas Pass Bridge and Bowditch Point Park.
Lighting of the Lighthouse
Boca Grande, Dec. 13, 2025
Cheer on the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse as it lights up for the holiday season. Not only will its beacon of light shine across the water, but thousands of lights come to life during this special event on Gasparilla Island.
Matlacha Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
Matlacha, Dec. 14
Watch from the Matlacha bridge or along the shores, and the water will be illuminated by holiday cheer. Decorated boats will gather on the south side of the bridge and sail in a sparkling parade of color.
Holiday Boat-a-Long
Cape Coral, Dec. 20
Holiday festivities reach Bimini Basin at Cape Coral’s annual event. See Santa and his elves, enjoy live entertainment and local food trucks, and watch the boats float along the water in a spectacular parade. Immediately after is a free holiday movie on a giant inflatable screen.
