Local Expert Gina Birch, Highlights The 10 Best Holiday Attractions in Southwest Florida
Published On: December 14, 2015 Posted by: SB Realty
The holiday season in Fort Myers is different from what you might be used to. There is no snow (barely a chill in the air) and to ski, you don’t need boots; a bikini will do just fine.
One of the most anticipated holiday events each year takes place at the historic Edison and Ford Winter Estates. The sprawling grounds are decorated by businesses and civic organizations, with lots of lights–in honor of the inventor of the light bulb– and all manner of holiday displays. This is the only time of the year that visitors can tour the grounds at night.
Celebrating the season tropical style, there are numerous, humorous events that involve golf carts and boats. Almost every community has a holiday parade that features outboards and paddles, one of the biggest being the Cape Coral Boat Parade. Residents decorate their watercraft, big and small, with hundreds of lights. Many follow a theme and are full of Santa’s helpers: some naughty, some nice.
You’ll find out that Santa often leaves his heavy trousers behind when visiting the Fort Myers area, opting for red shorts and sunglasses instead. It’s always great fun to pose with one of these fellows, or in front of a Christmas tree on the beach, and then send photos to friends who are bundled up, shivering the season away in northern parts of the US or abroad.
Coconut Point
Coconut Point is one of the most popular places to shop in the Fort Myers area, all year long, but especially during the holidays. Add to that the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and you’ve got the perfect one two punch. Each year, at the end of November, Santa arrives at this shopping destination to throw his magic snow and viola! The Coconut Point Christmas tree comes alive, signifying the beginning of the holiday season. It doesn’t stop with Santa, the evening is full of music and lots of local entertainment to get you in the holiday spirit. There is plenty of parking and golf cart shuttles that can get you back to your wheels if don’t feel like walking at the end of the evening. (239-992-9966)
Tux and Trees Gala
This gala is one of the premier holiday events in the area, raising money for charity; the Southwest Florida Goodwill Foundation. Typically held the first Saturday of December, the elegant evening features heavy hors d’ouevres and a decadent spread of desserts. Besides live music and being entertained by the who’s who of local dignitaries, attendees get to bid on dozens of beautifully decorated trees, with different themes. These are more than just decorations as many include generous gift certificates and have other items under them. Besides the live auction there is a silent one, containing luxurious gifts and lavish wreaths among other things. It’s a fun and fancy evening with a mission to help those in need in the community. (239-995-2106)
Christmas Boat Parade, Fort Myers Beach
This boat parade takes place in the so-called “back bay” or Estero Bay, not on the Gulf of Mexico. Because of the location, many restaurants and bars facing the bay have parties and offer great vantage points from which to watch the spectacle. Try Parrot Key, Nervous Nellies and Matanzas on the Bay to name a few. Typically held the first week in December, most locals make an effort to do something unique with their boats, from special themes and props to elaborate lighting. There are the odd few who need help in the creativity department but what they lack in decorations, they make up for in entertainment and fun. (239.454.7500)
Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre
Ideal for those wanting a touch of culture in paradise, the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre features a good mix of drama, musical revues and children’s programs each season. And during the holidays, there is always something special from the recreation of A Christmas Carol to musical spectaculars. There is even a holiday themed children’s theater during the day. The 400-plus-seat auditorium (a former grocery store) hosts lunch and dinner performances. Meanwhile, the cozy, 90-seat Off-Broadway Palm features fun cabaret shows. The Broadway Palm also has a gift shop that carries unique, theatre-related gift items, trinkets and even some good local artwork so you can knock out some gift buying too. If you want a fun holiday show and a substantial hot meal, this is a good value for the entire family. (239-278-4422, 800-475-7256)
Christmas Boat Parade, Cape Coral
A tradition for more than thirty-five years in Cape Coral, this holiday boat-a-long often features 100 boats, every shape and size. Thousands of people spread blankets and chairs on the grass, in view of the water at Four Freedoms Park, and wait all afternoon for the big event. One never knows how many boats will participate from year to year as no pre-registration is required. Boats line up at Bimini Basin by 6pm, ready to have some fun. The event is not limited to the water by any means, as the park hosts entertainment by local groups and even invites Santa for photos with the kids. If you don’t pack snacks, there are food vendors to keep your belly satisfied and a family friendly movie, on an inflatable screen, once the parade ends. (239-549-0558)
Burroughs Home & Gardens
For more than fifty years, the Fort Myers Woman’s Community Club has taken over the historic Burroughs Home at Christmas time. Adorning this well preserved property with elegance and in period décor, the club is also including the neighboring Langford-Kinston home to make this event a two-stop tour. The Holiday House, with it’s twinkling lights, usually opens the first week in December and runs right up until Christmas, with doors opening at 5pm and closing again at 9pm. Besides the evening tours, there are events with Santa on site, including a breakfast for the kids. A good stop for the entire family. (239-337-0706)
Captiva Holiday Village
This quirky, tropical holiday celebration kicks off Thanksgiving weekend and lasts for three weeks, with events taking place at various locations on the small island. The party typically begins with fireworks and a tree lighting at Tween Waters Inn, followed the next night by a tree lighting at South Seas resort. Sunset Arias on the beach can be quite moving and beach bonfires quite fun. This small community offers a Luminary Stroll where merchants give out free goodies, and parades that include golf carts, boats and a Marching Mullet Band Parade from Jensen’s Twin Palm Resort and Marina. You’ll dance down the street, ending up on the beach at sunset! Other Holiday Village activities include a fishing and Mullet Festival, an outdoor film night and lots more. (239-395-0882)
Holiday In The Park
Holiday in the Park typically occurs the first week of December with a menagerie of local talent, events for the kids and fun for the entire family. Kicking off late afternoon, Santa, Mrs. Clause and the elves are escorted by fire trucks and a parade of classic corvettes. Toys are collected through out the season so Santa has a gift for every child who waits in the long line for a visit. Entertainment covers a broad spectrum; retirement village bands, high school jazz ensembles, college bands and local church choirs. A snow slide gives some chilling fun, even if it is 70 degrees outside. Besides Santa, the highlight of the night is the lighting of the city’s Christmas Tree. Free cider and cookies are provided along with horse and carriage rides. It is a warm, hometown celebration at Riverside Park. (239-949 -6262)
Festival of Trees
The Festival Of The Trees is a favorite, local holiday event that leaves attendees in awe at the creativity of those participating. Trees are lavishly decorated in themes, colors and to represent different hobbies and interests found in the area. Not only will you be inspired by viewing the trees on display at the historic Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, but you’ll also get to vote on your favorite. The friendly competition adds an extra incentive for participants to put their best foot forward. The annual event takes place the day after Thanksgiving and runs until the first Saturday of December. This is a free event, however donations are accepted at the door, to help fund the mission of the Southwest Florida Goodwill Foundation. (239-652-1649)
Edison & Ford Winter Estates
The Edison & Ford Winter Estates is one of the most popular attractions in the Fort Myers area. Visitors come here year round but get an extra special treat during the holiday season. The historic buildings, labs and gardens, are decorated with thousands of lights and traditional trimmings. Holiday Nights is the only time of year the grounds are open past sunset; an educational and beautiful way for the entire family to spend an evening. This event has earned national recognition, in fact being selected by the editors of 10Best as one of the top Historic Homes to visit for the Holidays. During Holiday Nights, guests are also treated to live music and an occasional visit from Santa Clause himself. In addition, there are refreshments for purchase and the museum and gift stores stay open late.
By Gina Birch
Fort Myers Local Expert (thebirchbeat.blogspot.com/)