Dazzling holiday events welcome visitors
It’s one of the most beautiful times of year to visit the Fort Myers area. Every neighborhood, attraction and accommodation sparkles with the joy that the season brings. A packed schedule of holiday events is waiting!
Holiday events
Note: Please confirm all events as changes are possible
Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, Fort Myers
Main Theatre: A Christmas Carol, the Musical, through Dec. 25
Off Broadway Palm: Another Night Before Christmas, through Dec. 25
Children’s Theatre: The Elves and the Shoemaker, Dec. 3-24
broadwaypalm.com
49th Annual Holiday Nights Celebration, Edison and Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers
Now through Dec. 23, Dec. 26-Jan. 5, 2025
edisonfordwinterestates.org
Holiday House Christmas Stroll, downtown Fort Myers
“Christmas Stories through the Eyes of a Child”
Stroll past decorated windows of First Street now through Dec. 31
fmwcc.net/house
Bonita Springs Holiday Stroll
Dec. 1-Jan. 1, 2025
Riverside Park
cityofbonitasprings.org
Holiday in the Park, downtown Bonita Springs
Dec. 3
cityofbonitasprings.org
Festival of Trees, downtown Fort Myers
Dec. 5-8
Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center
fortmyersfestivaloftrees.com
Holiday Luminary Stroll on Sanibel and Captiva islands
Dec. 6-7
Sanibel (Dec. 6) and Captiva (Dec. 7) islands
13-month celebration of Sanibel’s 50th anniversary
sanibel-captiva.org/50th-
Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Dec. 7
Check website for viewing locations
fortmyersbeach.org/events/
Boca Grande Christmas Tree Lighting
Dec. 8
bocagrandewomansclub.org/
Southwest Florida Symphony
Holiday Pops program
Dec. 9 at Shell Point’s Tribby Arts Center, Fort Myers
Dec. 11 at Faith Presbyterian Church, Cape Coral
swflso.org/concerts
Bonita Springs Christmas Boat Parade
Dec. 14
Baywater Boat Club
tinyurl.com/bonitaboat
Cape Coral Holiday Boat-a-Long and Christmas Movie
Dec. 21
Four Freedoms Park
tinyurl.com/capecoralboatalong
Santa’s Dolphin and Wildlife and Christmas Eve Sunset Cruise
Adventures in Paradise
Dec. 24 (check times)
adventureinparadiseinc.com/
Holiday Express Train, Lakes Park, 7330 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers
10 a.m.-2 p.m.; 6 - 9 p.m., Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 13 through Dec. 30
Ride on the Holiday Express as the Train Village route transforms into a dazzling display of holiday decorations and lighting. Free for ages 1-5 and $6 for ages 6 and up. Closed Christmas Day. leeparks.org/lakespark
Burroughs Home Holiday Festival, downtown Fort Myers
Noon-6 p.m., Dec. 21
Fort Myers historic home is decorated in its holiday finest with tours, food trucks, Santa and activities. Admission to home is free. Visit facebook.com/burroughshome.
Murder Mystery Dinner Train, Christmas Eve Express, Fort Myers
Dec. 23-24
semgulf.com/events
Plan ahead
Wellness in Nature at “Ding”
Save the dates for a four-day weekend focusing on the get-outdoors nature cure. Wellness in Nature at “Ding” at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island Jan. 23 through 26.
The free event kicks off on Jan. 23, with keynote lecturer Aimee Copeland of Atlanta who will talk about her personal story and her foundation focused on the importance of accessible recreation spaces and opportunities. On Jan. 25, a Wellness in Nature Fest including open-air live music, eco-creation stations, yoga, refreshments and other mind-body activities. Jan. 26 will include Walk for Wellness: Learn the Basics of Energy Medicine.
The refuge has hosted Wellness in Nature events for three years, starting in 2021 with the unveiling of the self-guided Mindfulness Trail at the Bailey Tract, the first of its kind in the nearly 570 national wildlife refuges across the U.S. Activities are planned with the purpose of getting people outdoors to better their health and well-being. dingwellness.com
The Savannah Bananas are coming
The Savannah Bananas are headed to Southwest Florida. Lee County has been selected to host the 2025 Banana Ball World Tour at JetBlue Park, Feb. 14-16, with two night games and one day game.
The Savannah Bananas are known for their unique, family-affordable brand of baseball and fun. Tickets to their games are considered some of the hardest to get in sports and there is often a waiting list to purchase them. Tickets are a flat rate of $35 each and free for “little bananas” ages 3 and under. Check out details and ticket information along with a form to sign up for the ticket lottery list at thesavannahbananas.com
Accommodations news
New accommodations open
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Fort Myers Gulf Coast, has opened a 126-suite property at I-75 and the Alico exit.
marriott.com/en-us/hotels/
Comfort Suites/Mainstay Extended Stay in Fort Myers has recently opened off I-75 on Luckett Road. choicehotels.com/florida/fort-
The Gasparilla Inn on Boca Grande is scheduled to reopen on Dec. 12. https://the-gasparilla-inn.com
Sundial Beach Resort & Spa on Sanibel Island is currently accepting reservations for stays beginning this winter. Daycation resort passes are available for a limited time. Turtles Tiki Bar, Shima Sushi Bar and Sea Breeze Bar are open. Visit sundialresort.com/play/
Glamping at Koreshan State Park in Estero
It’s camping that everyone can enjoy in air-conditioned tents at this state park along the Estero River. Explore the Koreshan Unity Settlement. Kayak, canoe, paddle board. And dogs are welcome. ftmyers.tlglamping.com
Attractions news
Wildlife Drive reopens at J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel Island
Along with the reopening, Tarpon Bay Explorers announces that bike rentals and tram tours have returned as options for exploring the drive. tarponbayexplorers.com
Manatee Park offers free Sunday garden tours, Fort Myers
Manatee Park, a seasonal location for viewing non-captive Florida manatees, offers visitors a peak at these gentle creatures. When the manatees visit the park in search of warm water during the cooler days in winter (December through March), they are attracted by the warm water from the nearby Florida Power and Light Power Plant that is created as a byproduct of cooling off its equipment.
Visitors may also enjoy a free garden tour of the Manatee Park butterfly garden and habitats at 9 a.m. every Sunday through March 2025. The tour includes walking the ADA accessible paths through the restored native plant habitats and butterfly gardens. A volunteer naturalist will lead the tour and participants will learn about the park’s history, its butterfly gardens and the native flora and fauna that reside in some of Florida’s habitats. The tour is free with paid parking. leegov.com/parks/parks/
Leoma Lovegrove Gallery opens, downtown Fort Myers
Popular Matlacha artist, Leoma Lovegrove, has opened her new gallery and studio on Dean Street. Check details and plan a visit: leomalovegrove.store
Brightwater Lagoon opens in North Fort Myers
The five acre, water attraction will have a soft opening now through the end of December. A floating obstacle course, waterslide and are more are part of the fun at this tropical oasis. Check details at metrolagoons.com/lagoon/
Sanibel Island’s newest resident: a giant Pacific octopus
What has eight arms, three hearts and blue blood? And calls the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium its new home? The newest resident, a giant Pacific octopus, is a popular addition to the Sanibel Island museum. And he’s already feeling right at home.
Keeper Chats are presented daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. during which aquarists share fun facts about the octopuses and other marine life. Visit shellmuseum.org for information and make plans to visit the new star attraction.
Sanibel Historical Museum and Village opens
The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village is open each Tuesday through Saturday and a special $10 adult admission available through Jan. 4, 2025.
Founded in 1984, the Village welcomes visitors during its 40th year of preserving, sharing, and celebrating Sanibel’s history. The tour experience includes an orientation video and historic buildings displaying numerous artifacts. The story of Sanibel Island is told from the Calusa and Spanish eras to the early pioneer families who settled on the island in the 1800s. Nine historic buildings were moved from their original sites and each has been restored. sanibelmuseum.org
Take a look around with area webcams: Check out what’s happening around the area with live webcam views. Zoom in to spot native butterfly species in Cape Coral. Do some birdwatching from an observation tower at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Explore botanical gardens and wildlife at Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs. Discover North Shore Park on the river’s edge in North Fort Myers and catch views of downtown Fort Myers and the Caloosahatchee Bridge. Find these and more with easy navigation instructions at visitfortmyers.com/webcams
And enjoy our recently added webcams at Fort Myers Beach Town Square, Sanibel Lighthouse Park, Lovers Key Discovery Center and Prairie Pines Preserve in North Fort Myers.
Visit six Florida state parks in Lee County. Each one is a treasure to explore.
Gasparilla Island State Park, Boca Grande
The centerpiece of Gasparilla is the restored Port Boca Grande Lighthouse built in 1890. It houses a museum that is open to the public. Swimming, snorkeling, fishing and viewing nature are popular activities along with shelling beautiful beaches. Beach wheelchairs are available. Details: visitfortmyers.com/beaches/
Koreshan State Park, Estero
The Koreshan Unity Settlement, a nationally registered historic district, offers an opportunity to learn about these interesting and idealistic pioneers. Guided tours are available throughout the year of the landscaped grounds and 11 restored buildings. Nature trails meander along the Estero River for fishing, boating, canoeing. The campground's 60 secluded sites have water, power hook-ups. Twelve sites by the Estero River are designated tent camping. ADA campsites are available. Glamping is available in luxury safari tents. Details: visitfortmyers.com/listing/
Mound Key Archaeological State Park, Estero
Native Americans known as the Calusa were a non-agricultural hunting and gathering chiefdom that dominated the waters of Southwest Florida. Located in Estero Bay, the park is accessible only by boat and there are no facilities. Interpretive displays along the trail crossing the island help visitors discover the history of the island. Check details and boat launch locations: floridastateparks.org/parks-
Lovers Key State Park, Fort Myers Beach
Once a collection of secluded barrier islands, Lovers Key is a destination for wildlife viewing and outdoor recreation. The two-mile stretch of beach is popular for shelling, picnicking, fishing, and swimming. The Welcome and Discovery Center is an educational hub for curious park goers to learn more about the ecosystems, history, and recreational opportunities available at the park. Check for times, current openings and activities: visitfortmyers.com/beaches/
Cayo Costa State Park, Cayo Costa
Accessible only by boat or kayak, this former fishing ground of the Calusa features nine miles of undeveloped, pristine shoreline for swimming, snorkeling, shelling, fishing and birdwatching. Shorebirds are numerous, and you may also spot manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles offshore. Details: visitfortmyers.com/beaches/
Estero Bay Preserve State Park, Estero
Enjoy miles of hiking trails through the preserve and viewing the variety of wildlife and native vegetation that the park protects. The bay is home to the bald eagle, gopher tortoise and fiddler crab and more. The trails are rugged and seasonally flood in some areas. Sturdy footwear, insect repellent, sunscreen and plenty of water are recommended. The preserve is accessible from two land locations: the Winkler Point entrance at 17981 Winkler Road in Fort Myers and the Estero River Scrub entrance at 4940 Broadway Ave. W. in Estero. Details: visitfortmyers.com/listing/
Neighborhood Mural Program
Highlighting what makes each area of the destination special, visitors are enjoying the experience of a neighborhood mural program. The placemaking initiative by the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau is done in partnership with the Fort Myers Mural Society. The project gives visitors a chance to interact with the murals’ designs by taking and sharing photos.
The locations of this latest mural project include:
- The side of Eagle’s Nest Restaurant on Pine Island
- A double mural on both sides of the entrance doors into the North Fort Myers Recreation Center
- Lakes Park in Fort Myers for a series of murals in the children’s garden
- The side of the Community Redevelopment Agency building at 1231 Lafayette St., Cape Coral
- The side of the Sanibel-Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce building on Sanibel Island
Learn more about the mural program in the Fort Myers area: visitfortmyers.com/murals
Calusa Blueway Challenge
Take the Calusa Blueway Challenge and celebrate 20 years of the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail by checking in at locations along the trail for a chance to win prizes. Earn points as you paddle and check in at attractions, restaurants, parks and nature spots along the trail. Paddle on your own, experience a guided tour, shop at a local business or grab a bite to eat as you explore the 200-mile marked trail that meanders through the back-bay estuaries, rivers, and shorelines of Fort Myers Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods. Complete a certain number of check-ins on the pass to be entered to win a Body Glove iSUP Performer 11’ or a two-night stay at Tarpon Lodge. Details and sign up: visitfortmyers.com/
Sun Saver Passport: Dine, Play, Shop, Sip
This popular, digital savings pass provides instant access to a variety of deals and experiences from area attractions, restaurants and more across four categories: Dine, Play, Shop and Sip. Sign up is simple and free. Passports are instantly delivered to phones via text and email. And there is an option for users to save the pass on their home screen for one-tap access. Sign up now to start saving. visitfortmyers.com/sun-saver-
Coming this month: Speakeasy to open in downtown Fort Myers
Shhhhh. There’s a secret in downtown Fort Myers. And it plans to open sometime this month. Escondido (means “hidden”) Lounge, a two story, hidden bar/lounge/speakeasy inspired by the elegance and intrigue of Prohibition-era speakeasies, blends the rich history of the 1920s with a modern, upscale twist.
Typical speakeasy, if there is such a thing, there is no sign. Located in the Richards Building on Hendry Street, entrance is through Taco Works. Walk through the cooler door (really) and, voila, you are there! A piano is suspended overhead on a glass platform and a red, six-foot chandelier casts a glow over the room. That’s just the beginning. Expect signature cocktails, piano bar and chef’s creations. Check it out. escondidolounge.com
And the same concept is planned for an opening in Cape Coral in early 2025.
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) news
New air service at RSW
Breeze Airways
- New Haven, Connecticut (HVN), weekly starting Dec. 10
- South Bend, Indiana (SBN), weekly, starting Feb. 5, 2025
- Wilmington, North Carolina (ILM) weekly, starting Feb. 14, 2025
Frontier Airlines
- Chicago-O’Hare (Ord), weekly, starting Dec. 17
JetBlue Airways
- Manchester, New Hampshire (MHT) weekly, starting Jan. 23, 2025
Spirit Airlines
- Charlotte (CLT), daily, limited service from March 5-April 8, 2025
For more information, visit flyrsw.com
2025 annual festivals and events
Fort Myers Seafood and Music Festival, downtown Fort Myers
Jan. 3-5, 2025
paragonfestivals.com/festival/
20th annual J.N. “Ding” Darling Winter Lecture series, Sanibel Island
Begins Jan. 9 with Clyde and Niki Butcher and continues into March 2025
dingdarlingsociety.org/
40th annual Cape Coral Art Festival and Market Place
Jan. 11-12, 2025
capecoralartfestival.com
34th Tour De Cape in Cape Coral
Jan. 17-19, 2025
Rotary Park
tourdecape.net
Wellness in Nature at “Ding” on Sanibel Island
Jan. 23-26, 2025
J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
dingwellness.com
ArtFest Fort Myers, downtown Fort Myers
Jan. 31-Feb. 2, 2025
artfestfortmyers.com
Bonita Springs Seafood and Music Festival
Feb. 7-9, 2025
28001 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs
paragonfestivals.com/festival/
The Savannah Bananas 2025 World Tour
Feb. 14-16, 2025
JetBlue Park, Fort Myers
thesavannahbananas.com
Babcock Ranch Seafood and Music Festival
Feb. 14-16, 2025
42850 Crescent Loop in Babcock Ranch
paragonfestivals.com/festival/
87th Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade, Fort Myers
Feb. 15, 2025
edisonfestival.org
23rd annual Burrowing Owl Festival, Cape Coral
Feb. 22, 2025
Rotary Park Environmental Center
Rotary Park
ccfriendsofwildlife.org/
Southwest Florida Ag Expo
Feb. 27-March 9, 2025
Lee County Civic Center Complex
swflagexpo.com
Spring training
Boston Red Sox
Feb. 21-March 23, 2025
mlb.com/redsox/spring-training
JetBlue Park, Fort Myers
Minnesota Twins
mlb.com/twins/spring-training
Feb. 22-March 25, 2025
Lee Health Sports Complex/Hammond Stadium, Fort Myers
26th annual Southwest Florida Reading Festival, Fort Myers
March 1, 2025
Fort Myers Regional Library, downtown Fort Myers
readfest.org
CROW Taste of the Islands, Sanibel Island
March 1, 2025, event at Sanibel City Hall
Feb. 21-28, 2025, at participating island restaurants
tasteoftheislands.org
Sanibel Shell Show, Fort Myers
March 6-8, 2025
Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort
sanibelshellclub.com/6306-2
Concerts in the Park, Cape Coral
March 6 and 22, April 3, 2025
Check website for locations
capeconcerts.com
88th annual Sanibel Shell Festival, Sanibel Island
March 7, 2025
Community House
tinyurl.com/shellfest88
Fort Myers Beach annual Lion’s Club Shrimp Festival
March 8-9, 2025
fortmyersbeachshrimpfestival.
Fort Myers River Festival, downtown Fort Myers
March 21-23, 2025
paragonfestivals.com/festival/
ECHO Global Food and Farm Festival, North Fort Myers
March 2025
echonet.org/events/global-
Florida Lighthouse Day
April 2025
Port Boca Grande Lighthouse & Museum and Gasparilla Island Lighthouse
bocagrandehappenings.org/
10th annual Bonita Springs Film Festival
April 17, 2025
Prado Stadium
bonitaspringsfilmfestival.org
36th annual “Ding” Darling Day Conservation Carnival, Fort Myers
April 26, 2025
Lakes Park
dingdarlingday.com
13th annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament, Sanibel Island
May 9, 2025
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Media Contacts:
Ray Sarracino, Jackie Parker, Miriam Dotson 239-338-3500