This holiday season, South Seas is giving traditional celebrations a tropical makeover, inviting families to swap snow-covered streets for sugar-white sand beaches and holiday hosting duties for quality time together on Captiva Island. Throughout the upcoming festive season, the Gulf-front resort will bring winter celebrations and New Year's traditions to life with twinkling lights beneath the palms, Santa-inspired adventures and winter games on the sand. With a variety of festive experiences designed for every generation, South Seas offers a refreshing way to embrace the spirit of the season while leaving the holiday hustle behind and enjoying the warmth and natural beauty of Florida's Gulf Coast.

At South Seas, the holidays aren't about leaving traditions behind but experiencing them in an entirely new way. From festive celebrations to outdoor adventures, the resort creates opportunities for families to reconnect and settle into the relaxed pace of island life while embracing beloved traditions and enjoying the moments that matter most without the usual holiday rush.

Winter Holiday Happenings  

As the winter holiday season approaches, South Seas proves that holiday magic doesn’t require a winter wonderland with the destination’s exciting festive programming. Guests can take in palm trees illuminated with thousands of lights, Santa making his way to the island and a playful reinvention of winter sports that swaps ice and snow for sand and sunshine.

  • The First Light: Holiday magic meets island charm as Harborside comes alive with live music, festive performances and a magical nightly waterfront tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 11, 12, 18 and 19 from 5-9 p.m. overlooking Harborside Marina. Guests can gather beneath the palms for a countdown before thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the evening, with a possible special appearance from Santa himself. 
  • Holiday Marina Stroll: Featuring live music, letters to Santa, cookie decorating, ornament making, make your own holiday stuffed plushie and a special visit from Santa, this can’t miss event takes place throughout Dec. 11, 12, 18 and 19 from 5-9 p.m. at Harborside Marina. 
  • Santa's Checklist: Santa has a special mission for South Seas' youngest guests. Armed with a festive checklist, children can explore the resort and discover seasonal treats, holiday activities, photo opportunities and island-inspired traditions before collecting a special surprise from the North Pole. 
  • The Not So Cold Winter Games: Who needs snow when there's sand? Families can embrace a little friendly competition with tropical twists on classic winter games, all set to the sounds of a live DJ. From building sand snowmen using treasures found along the Gulf Coast to foam-filled balloon battles, beach curling and bobsled-inspired relay races using pool floats, the festivities bring winter fun to the Florida sunshine. With ribbons awarded at each station, there's something for everyone to celebrate. 
  • Holiday Crafts & Festivities: The winter-themed celebrations continue with festive activities taking place throughout Dec. 11, 12, 18, 19 and 24, including cookie decorating, ornament making, holiday games and seasonal entertainment. Guests can also enjoy holiday wine tastings, s’mores at Harborside, fishing with Hawaiian Santa, magic shows, karaoke, movie nights and so much more all month long, as South Seas brings the festive cheer this season.

Ring in the New Year, Island Style  

The tropical celebrations continue through New Year's Eve, giving resort guests one more opportunity to close out the year together against the backdrop of the captivating Captiva Island.

  • New Year's Eve at South Seas: Say goodbye to 2026 and welcome 2027 with an island-inspired celebration at Sunset Beach on Thursday, Dec. 31, where guests can ring in the New Year against the beautiful backdrop of Captiva Island. Additional details will be announced closer to the celebration.

More Family Fun Throughout the Season

The island experience extends beyond the holiday festivities, with activities that make the getaway just as memorable as the celebrations themselves. Children can spend their days exploring Camp-Tiva's arts, crafts and interactive programming, while guests can discover treasures along the shoreline during guided shelling excursions, build sandcastles on Sunset Beach or enjoy Saturday evening Glow Golf at The Clutch.  

Spanning 330 acres along 2.5 miles of Gulf-front coastline, South Seas offers spacious villas and private homes ideal for multigenerational holiday gatherings. Whether bringing the whole family together for the season or planning a winter getaway, guests can enjoy the familiar comforts of the holidays while leaving the cooking, planning and everyday routines behind.

About South Seas

Presenting classic island charm, the 330-acre South Seas is nestled among mangroves with more than half of the resort being a dedicated wildlife preserve and estuary. Outstanding golf, famed fishing, boating, family activities, flavorful dining and memorable island adventures are among the unforgettable experiences of a South Seas guest. The resort has been a cherished destination for more than 75 years. Rooted in the legacy of generations past and thoughtfully reimagined for the future, South Seas is dedicated to delivering a resilient, world-class resort experience. For more information, visit www.southseas.com.

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Media Contacts:

The Zimmerman Agency, SouthSeas@Zimmerman.com

Holly Boldrin, APR, CPRC, Priority Marketing, Holly@PriorityMarketing.com, 239-267-2638, 239-887-9335 (cell)