The Florida beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel invite guests to celebrate the holiday season with beachside festivities.
Holiday Nights at Edison and Ford Winter Estates
Nov. 26–Jan. 2, the historic estate, including the 20-acre botanical garden, will be covered with thousands of lights and decorations at Edison & Ford Winter Estates. The museum’s exhibits and former laboratories will also be open to visitors to explore. Music and refreshments will be available.
Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Voted “5th Best Holiday Parade” by USA Today 10Best, the beloved boat parade will appear in Fort Myers once more for the holidays. The parade begins at Salty Sam’s Marina before going by many restaurants on back bay, including Bonita Bill’s, Doc Fords and Parrot Key Caribbean Grill. Visitors unable to join the boat can enjoy the parade near the ends of the first two canals in Siesta Isles or the fountain outside Nervous Nellie’s.
©The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel
On Dec. 4, a Christmas Tree Lighting Festival will take place, along with other festive activities perfect for people of all ages. Activities such as tasting food from local restaurants and perusing local business and craft vendors along Downtown Cape Coral Parkway are just some of the fun experiences found this season. For children, photos with Santa and sledding down a snow pile will be included at the Festival of Lights. At the end, visitors can watch as the great tree is lit up with “snow” coming down from the sky.
Dec. 2–5, a wide array of beautifully decorated trees will appear at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. Decorated by local businesses, visitors can admire the adorned trees and vote on their favorites. Visitors can even enter to win one of the adorned trees on display at the event. In the season of giving, all of the proceeds from the event will go to Goodwill of Southwest Florida and Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center.
Santa’s Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise
In Florida fashion, celebrating the holidays isn’t complete without a trip on the ocean. On Christmas Eve, visitors can board a boat and watch as dolphins swim between Pine Island Sound and San Carlos Bay. For children onboard, Santa will make a surprise appearance and will be present for photos and to give small gifts.
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