Hello Friends!

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!

Holiday Light Displays Map – SWFL Edition
Ready to tour the best Christmas light displays in the area? Check out the new interactive holiday lights map featuring festive homes and businesses in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Bonita Springs! Fill your weekend with wonder and driving tours through the twinkling neighborhoods. Don’t forget blankets and cocoa!(NewsPress)

Third Street South is an Official North Pole Delivery District!
This holiday season, kiddos can write their very own magical “Letters to Santa” and drop them off at one of Santa’s official mailboxes in Third Street South. Letters are available starting November 25 at participating shops throughout the district. Grab a letter from a participating store,Write your wish list, Mail it at one of Santa’s official spots(located at Fleischmann Plaza near Gattle’ s & Santas Workshop near Sea Salt) Once Santa reviews his list, one lucky child will receive a special surprise delivered by his Elves. Letters accepted through December 23rd, let the holiday magic begin!(ThirdStreetSouth)

Sweet Tomatoes Preparing Return to South Fort Myers Site
Tomatoes is reopening at its former South Fort Myers location (14080 Cleveland Ave.), bringing back the fresh greens, soups, pastas and desserts that so many locals loved before the chain closed during COVID. The move is part of a broader revival under new ownership, and the team is currently working on renovations to welcome guests again soon.(GulfShoreBusiness)

Opening of Lights of the Season | Santa’s Village
Date: Friday, November 28th
Location: Collier Fairgrounds, 751 39th Ave NE, Naples, FL

Shorebird Stroll
Date: Friday, November 28 | 9:00 AM-10:30 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach FL 33931

Cookies with Santa
Date: Friday, November 28 | 9:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Ace Hardware(Bonita Springs), 9148 Bonita Beach Rd Suite 207, Bonita Springs, FL
Meet Santa, enjoy cookies, and take your family holiday photos with Santa Claus

Holiday Lights on the Lawn
Date: Friday, November 28 | 4:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Cape Coral City Hall, 1015 Cultural Park Blvd. Cape Coral, FL 33990
Market, Ice Skating, pictures with santa, live performances, tree lighting & movie

Ford Winter Estates Holiday Nights Opening and Tree Lighting
Date: Friday, November 28 | 5:30 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Edison Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33901,

Bonita Springs Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, November 29 | 8:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26795 South Bay Dr, Bonita Springs, FL, 34134

Free Home Depot Kids Workshop: Teddy Bear Ornament
Date: Saturday, November 29 | 9:00 AM
Location: Home Depot, Your closest Home Depot
Build a project, learn basic tool safety and skills, and take home their creation, an apron, and a special pin. (ages 5-12)

Cookies with Santa
Date: Saturday, November 29 | 9:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Sunshine Ace Hardware(Naples), 8850 Founders Square, Naples FL 34120,
Meet Santa, enjoy cookies, and take your family holiday photos with Santa Claus

Kids Day at WINK Playland – Crafts, Face Painting & Free Treat
Date: Saturday, November 29 | 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Playground at Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero, FL 33928
Free face painting & crafts, free pizza from Luigi’s Pizza & Pasta, ice cream coupons from Dairy Queen

Art in the park
Date: Saturday, November 29 | 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Location: Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave South, Naples, FL

ReptiDay Ft. Myers
Date: Saturday, November 29 | 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Location: Caloosa Sound Convention Center, 2150 Edwards Dr, Fort Myers, FL

Storytime with Santa
Date: Saturday, November 29 | 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Books on Third, 1300-3rd St S #201 Naples, FL 34119
Santa is making a special stop at Books on Third for storytime on Small Business Saturday! Photos will Santa will be available for purchase. RSVP only needed for the child attending storytime!

Photos with Santa
Date: Saturday, November 29 | 11:00 AM-2:30 PM
Location: Bonita Springs Historical Society, 27451 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs, FL

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Saturday, November 29 | 12:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available

Festival of Misfits Toys
Date: Saturday, November 29 | 12:00 PM-10:00 PM
Location: Bay Street Yard, 2136 Bay St, Fort Myers, FL

Pints & Play Dough Family Event
Date: Saturday, November 29 | 3:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: Ankrolab Brewing CO., 3555 Bayshore Dr., Naples, FL

Holiday Lights on the Lawn
Date: Saturday, November 29 | 4:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Cape Coral City Hall, 1015 Cultural Park Blvd. Cape Coral, FL 33990
Market, Ice Skating, Pictures w/ Santa, Live Performances Drone Show & Movie

Gulf Coast Town Center Tree Lighting
Date: Saturday, November 29 | 5:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Gulf Coast Town Center, 9903 Gulf Coast Main Street, Fort Myers, FL
Printed Photo with Santa & Mrs. Claus($5) Face Painting($5),Meet & Greet with Anna and Elsa, Stilt Walker + Balloon Twisting

DIY Ornament Bar
Date: Sunday, November 30 | 12:00 PM-2:00 PM
Location: Rad Corkscrew Winery, 20948 Corkscrew Rd., Estero, FL
Pick out your favorite design, paint it however you want, glue it all together and hang it on your tree! $12 an ornament

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Sunday, November 30 | 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available

Miromar Outlets Free Kids Crafts
Date: Tuesday, December 2 | 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Playground at Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero, FL 33928
Easy craft your little ones can assemble on the spot or take home to enjoy

Bonita Holiday in the Park
Date: Tuesday, December 2 | 4:30 PM-8:30 PM
Location: Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs, FL
Tree lighting, the arrival of Santa Claus, children’s activities, musical performances & food and beverages

Free Golden Hour Yoga
Date: Tuesday, December 2 | 6:15 PM-7:15 PM
Location: Kava Culture Estero, 10801 Corkscrew Rd , Suite 327, Estero, FL
An all-levels yoga class led by Nichole of Renegade Metaphysical

Running Club at FM Brewing
Date: Tuesday, December 2 | 6:30 PM
Location: Fort Myers Brewing, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, Fort Myers, FL
All runners at all paces to attend a quick run and Stay for Trivia at 7pm

Farmers Market at Lakes Park
Date: Wednesday, December 3 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Lakes Park, 7330 Gladiolus Dr. Fort Myers
Cost: Free, with paid parking

6 Mile Cypress Slough Preserve Guided Walk
Date: Wednesday, December 3 | 9:30 AM
Location: Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, 7751 Penzance Boulevard Fort Myers, FL 33966

Tree Lighting Ceremony & Holiday Cirque
Date: Wednesday, December 3 | 5:30 PM-8:30 PM
Location: Mercato Event Lawn, 9110 Strada Place, Naples, Fl 34108
Live music, Market, cirque & dance performances and the lighting of the largest REAL tree in Southwest Florida!

Farmers Market at Coconut Point
Date: Thursday, December 4 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Coconut Point Mall in front of Panera Bread, 8076 Mediterranean Drive #101, Estero, FL 33928

Mommy & Me Class
Date: Thursday, December 4 | 9:00 AM-10:15 AM
Location: DNA Academics, 9131 College Parkway Suite 115 Ft. Myers, FL 33919
Music and Movement, Circle Time Activity, Crafts & Baking Fun. Registration Required

Storytime at Lakes Park
Date: Thursday, December 4 | 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Lakes Park, 7330 Gladiolus Dr. Fort Myers
Cost: Free, with paid parking
In the Children's Garden a story, music, craft, and fun in the park! All ages welcomeDesigned for ages 2-4.

Mercato Nights Music Series ft. Caribbean Chillers
Date: Thursday, December 4 | 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
Location: Mercato on the Event Lawn, 9110 Strada Place, Naples, Fl 34108
Caribbean Chillers playing Buffett-style music

Art Walk Downtown Fort Myers
Date: Friday, December 5 | 5:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Downtown Fort Myers, First Street

Naples 5th Ave South Tree Lighting and Christmas Walk
Date: Friday, December 5 | 5:00 PM-10:00 PM
Location: Downtown Naples

Movie in the Park: The Santa Claus 2
Date: Friday, December 5 | 5:45 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs, FL
The Santa Claus 2, rated G, will be shown and will start approximately at dusk (between 5:30pm-6pm)

Holiday Lights at Calusa Nature Center
Date: Friday, December 5 | 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers, FL
Holiday Music, Hot Chocolate and Roast Marshmallows at our firepit, and walk our 1/3 of a mile fully decorated Pine Loop Trail.

Bell Tower Shops Tree Lighting
Date: Friday, December 5 | 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Bell Tower Shops, 13499 S Cleveland Ave , Fort Myers, FL
Live Music, Family sing-along, tree lighting & pictures with Santa

Winter Yard Sale
Date: Saturday, December 6 | 7:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Estero Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, FL
Community Yard Sale. Register online, by phone, or in person until November 29, 2025. $5/spot.

Santa Fest
Date: Saturday, December 6 | 7:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Estero Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, FL
Meet Santa, Crafts, Carolers, Photos Ops, Yard Sales, Coffee & Treats

Bonita Springs Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, December 6 | 8:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26795 South Bay Dr, Bonita Springs, FL, 34134

Lakes Park Bird Patrol Walk
Date: Saturday, December 6 | 8:00 AM-9:00 AM
Location: Lakes Park, 7330 Gladiolus Dr. Fort Myers
Cost: Free, with paid parking
Guided birding tours. Tours meet at Shelter A7

Home Depot Kids Workshop: Holiday Coco Mug
Date: Saturday, December 6 | 9:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Home Depot, Your closest Home Depot
Build a project, learn basic tool safety and skills, and take home their creation, an apron, and a special pin. (ages 5-12)

Cookies with Santa
Date: Saturday, December 6 | 9:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Ace Hardware(San Carlos Park), 18911 Tamiami Trail South Fort Myers, FL 33908
Meet Santa, enjoy cookies, and take your family holiday photos with Santa Claus

Open Gate Day at Tiny Hiney Farm
Date: Saturday, December 6 | 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
Location: Tiny Hiney Farm, 6251 Longhorn Trail Fort Myers, Fl 33905
Cost: Free
Meet Wheaton the miniature pony & all our farm animals, visit the chickens, goats, tortoises & explore the farm and see what's growing.

Kids Fishing at Bass Pro Shop
Date: Saturday, December 6 | 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Bass Pro Shops, 10040 Gulf Center Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33913
Cost: Free

Market & Santa on the Farm
Date: Saturday, December 6 | 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Location: Southern Fresh Farm, 8500 Penzance Blvd, Fort Myers, FL
Local Market and a visit from Santa (1-2:20pm)

Naples 5th Ave South Tree Lighting and Christmas Walk
Date: Saturday, December 6 | 10:00 AM-10:00 PM
Location: Downtown Naples
Live music, live art performances, Living Nativity, Skating Rink, table dining on 5th, a market, and activities for all ages & a special appearance by Santa Claus!!

Cowboy Christmas
Date: Saturday, December 6 | 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Immokalee Pioneer Museum, 1215 Roberts Avenue, Immokalee, FL, 34142
Learn about old Florida, make ornaments & take pictures with Santa

Car Show, Holiday Market, Parade & Tree Lighting
Date: Saturday, December 6 | 11:00 AM-8:00 PM
Location: Coconut Point, 8038 Via Monte Carlo Way, Estero, FL 33928
A Car & Truck Show starting at 11AM, a Holiday Vendor Fair from 11AM-3PM. At 5 PM, Fashion Drive comes alive with Polynesian and tropical dance performances, live steel drum music, and hula dancers. Don't miss our colorful parade featuring local high school bands, bright floats, and lots of holiday spirit. Then join Santa Claus for the annual tree lighting ceremony!

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Saturday, December 6 | 12:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available

Free Michaels Ornament Painting Event
Date: Saturday, December 6 | 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Michaels, Coconut Point, Market Square or The Forum
Join us in store for a fun painting event! Take a step back from your holiday chaos and come relax with us and paint a wooden ornament.

SnowFest 2025
Date: Saturday, December 6 | 3:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Paradise Coast Sports Complex, 3883 City Gate Blvd N, Naples, FL
snow, slides, kids games, bounce houses, face painting, music, activities, entertainment, local vendors, RC cars and Pictures with Santa Claus

Gateway Winter Fest
Date: Saturday, December 6 | 4:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Gateway Soccer Complex, 13260 Griffin Dr, Fort Myers, FL
Photos with Santa, Live performances, Exciting raffles. Delicious food vendors & Fun games

Holiday Lights at Calusa Nature Center
Date: Saturday, December 6 | 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers, FL
Holiday Music, Hot Chocolate and Roast Marshmallows at our firepit, and walk our 1/3 of a mile fully decorated Pine Loop Trail.

Marco Island Christmas Tree Lighting
Date: Saturday, December 6 | 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Veterans Community Park Marco Island, 901 Park Ave Marco Island, FL 34145,
live music, performances, songs, food and beverages for purchases, and the lighting of the tree

Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Date: Saturday, December 6 | 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: Matanzas Pass Bridge, Fort Myers Beach

Holly Jolly Cart Parade
Date: Saturday, December 6 | 6:30 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Innovation Preparatory Academy of Naples, 12101 Immokalee Road, Naples

Audubon of SWFL Shorebird Steward Walk
Date: Sunday, December 7 | 8:00 AM-10:00 AM
Location: Bunche Beach, 18201 John Morris Road Fort Myers, FL 33908
All welcome, learn from dedicated stewards and even contribute your observations to real-world conservation efforts.

Car Show: The Cool Cruisers of Southwest Florida
Date: Sunday, December 7 | 11:00 AM-2:00 PM
Location: Miromar Outlets by WINK Playland., 10801 Corkscrew Rd, Estero, FL 33928
Family-friendly car shows featuring beautifully restored vehicles, muscle cars, and cruisers.

Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Sunday, December 7 | 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available

Free Michaels Craft Class: Gnome Jars
Date: Sunday, December 7 | 2:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: Michaels, Coconut Point, Market Square or The Forum
Purchase the Mason Jar and Michaels will provide the rest.

Holiday Lights at Calusa Nature Center
Date: Sunday, December 7 | 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers, FL
Holiday Music, Hot Chocolate and Roast Marshmallows at our firepit, and walk our 1/3 of a mile fully decorated Pine Loop Trail.

Until next week! ❤

-Sarajane

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