December Events

SWFL December Events

If you're looking for fun ways to get into the holiday spirit here in Southwest Florida, there are many great options for you and your family. Check out this list below for some of the best holiday events in the area during December.

Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium: Holiday Lights

The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium in Fort Myers features its Holiday Lights experience every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening in December. You can walk the 1/3 mile fully decorated trail, roast some marshmallows and drink hot chocolate, enjoy holiday music, and view decorations around the nature center. Holiday Lights runs from 6 to 9:30 pm each weekend night, costs $10 for adults and $5 for children, and is free for members. 

Festival of Trees at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center

This year is the 18th Annual Festival of Trees at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in Downtown Fort Myers. You can view the beautifully decorated trees in support of Goodwill of Southwest Florida and the Art Center and win your favorite tree by purchasing tree raffle tickets. Admission to view the trees is $2, and it's free for kids under 5 years old or if you have a new toy donation. Several special events are happening at the Festival of Trees, including the family favorite "Santa's Block Party" which takes place on December 7th from 10 am to 2 pm. Check out their website for more information on these special events. 

Bonita Springs Holiday Stroll

Every night in December from dusk to 9 pm, you can stroll the Downtown Bonita Springs Riverside Park to view the holiday lights and decorations and enjoy Holiday music. On December 3rd, Bonita Springs will be hosting its Holiday in the Park from 4:30 to 8:30 pm, featuring festive holiday activities for the family. 

Holiday Nights at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates

Holiday Nights at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates is back for its 49th year and has been revamped with additional light displays. You'll see thousands of lights and historic decorations at the Estates for this exceptional SWFL holiday experience. Holiday Nights runs from November 29th- December 23rd and December 26th to January 5th from 5:30 to 9:00 pm. 

Holiday Festival of Lights

The Annual Festival of Lights takes place on Cape Coral Parkway on Saturday, December 7th from 4-10 pm. There is so much fun for the whole family at this event, with performances, a 15-ton snow slide, vendors for shopping and food, a train ride for kids, and a kids' play area with inflatables. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at 6:15 at the Cape Coral Town Center for the tree lighting and pictures. 

Fort Myers Beach Christmas Parade

The 36th annual Fort Myers Beach Christmas Parade is scheduled for Saturday, December 7th at 6 pm. Santa and Mrs. Claus are leading the parade of beautifully decorated boats. You can view the parade and enjoy live music at Bayside Veterans Park. You can also watch the parade from Salty Sam's Marina, Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina,  Matanza's Pass Bridge, Estero Pass, and Estero Island. 

Burroughs Home Holiday Family Festival 

The Uncommon Friends Foundation will host this free family holiday event at the Burroughs Home in Downtown Fort Myers on Saturday, December 21st from 12-6 pm. There will be food trucks, family activities, music, Santa, local community organizations and artisans, and ongoing open house tours of the decorated Burroughs Home.

Holiday Boat- A- Long

The City of Cape Coral Parks and Recreation Department will host its annual Holiday Boat-A-Long featuring a free holiday boat parade and movie night at Four Freedoms Park on Saturday, December 21 from 4-9 pm. There will befood trucks, live entertainment, the boat parade, and The Polar Express shown on a big, outdoor screen after the parade.