5 Festive Events to Celebrate the Holiday Season in Southwest Florida

Are you looking for a festive way to enjoy the holiday season? There are several charming events you can attend in and around Fort Myers that aren’t too far from our Springs Apartments communities. Make room on your holiday calendar for these fun festivities:

1. Annual Lights of Love
Bell Tower Shops, Daniels Pkwy & US 41
Fort Myers
Saturday, December 10, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Lights of Love is a special holiday event that honors four-legged family members. For a $15 donation, the Animal Refuge Center will illuminate a light for a beloved pet: White lights memorialize pets that live on in memories, while colored lights represent living furry friends.

To give the lights extra twinkle, a local choir will sing Christmas carols throughout the evening. Purchase your light online now in preparation for this special occasion.

2. Christmas Boat Parade
Four Freedoms Park, 4818 Tarpon Ct
Cape Coral
Saturday, December 17, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The Christmas Boat Parade is a much-anticipated annual event in the area. Festivities begin at 4 p.m. with food, music, and a visit from Santa Claus! Grab a sneak peek of the boats as they line up in Bimini Basin, then join friends waterside for the 7 p.m. parade launch that floats past the beach at Four Freedoms Park and on through the canals of South Cape Coral. There’s some bleacher seating available, but the best bet is simply to bring your own chairs.

3. Holiday in the Park
Riverside Park, 10451 Old 41 Rd
Bonita Springs
Tuesday, December 6, 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas in Florida, make it a reality at the Holiday in the Park festival in Bonita Springs. It’s a day full of chilly fun, complete with a snow slide/pile, an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus, train rides and whimsical music of the winter season. Grab a scarf and some mittens and go!

In the weeks leading up to Christmas, Bass Pro Shops features magical, just-for-kids activities to celebrate the season. There are free digital photos with Santa, weekly crafts, play time in the “Big Dig” excavation area, a Lincoln Logs construction site, plus space-age foam toy and laser  arcades. Kids can also test their driving skills as they take remote control trucks for a test drive to pick up a free photo frame. It’s a true winter wonderland the kids will love!

5. Christmas Rail-Boat Rides
2805 Colonial Blvd
Fort Myers
December 6, 12, 13, and 19, 3:30 p.m.

All aboard! Celebrate the season with a very special train-boat tour and progressive meal you’ll surely add to your list of holiday traditions. For only $99, the Seminole Gulf Railway will whisk you to a boat waiting to take you on a tour of the Punta Gorda Isles, but that’s not all! On the way you’ll be served a soup and salad course; and the return train trip brings a delicious entree and dessert to enjoy on your way back to the station. Food and fun on land and water!

What are your favorite holiday events in the Fort Myers area? Share in the comments below!