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What’s Happening SWFL – December

November 29, 2019 |

Here’s What’s Happening in Southwest Florida this month!

“Sounds of Christmas” at Broadway Palm Dinner Theater in Fort Myers, Now Playing through December 25th
A joyous musical revue that is centered around Poindexter the elf and his last-minute shuffle to create a musical playlist for Santa’s Christmas Eve flight. You’ll hear holiday classics along with more contemporary songs you know and love including Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, Little Drummer Boy, All I Want for Christmas Is You and more. Perfect for all ages! Buy your tickets

Downtown Farmer’s Market in Fort Myers, December 5th from 7am-1pm and every Thursday
The Fort Myers Farmers Market, located underneath the Caloosahatchee Bridge in Centennial Park every Thursday year-round from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., is growing with the addition of new vendors. Located at 2000 W. 1st. St., Fort Myers, FL 33901.

Fort Myers Christmas in the Park at Centennial Park, December 6th from 4-10pm
This event features bounce houses and other free activities for children, live performances and a free move! Around 5pm, Santa Claus will arrive in the Park by firetruck to visit with the children, so be sure and bring your cameras! Mayor Randy Henderson will light the City’s Christmas Tree at approximately 6pm. Concessions are available throughout the event. Bring your lawn chairs or blanket and enjoy a great evening. Free onsite parking available.

Art Walk & Downtown Fort Myers River District Tree Lighting Ceremony, December 6th from 6-10pm
A must-do in the River District social scene is the monthly Art Walk. Always on the first Friday, visit the many exciting galleries, exhibitions, and performances. Free to the public with many venues featuring additional attractions and specials.   Outside the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, the Downtown tree lighting will take place at 7pm. Enjoy holiday carols, pictures with Santa, festive treats and experience a bit of snow! This event is free to the public and will coincide with the Artisan Fair Art Walk and SBDAC Pop-Up Holiday Bazaar.

Bell Tower Shops Tree Lighting Extravaganza, December 6th from 6-8pm
As one of Southwest Florida’s favorite pre-Christmas traditions, Bell Tower Shops’ annual tree lighting event features fun and entertainment for the whole family, including a bounce house, face painting and holiday-themed activities. The free event runs from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6 at Center Court in Bell Tower Shops, 13499 S. Cleveland Ave. in Fort Myers.  DJ Robert McDonald and local school choirs will help set the ambiance with jubilant caroling. At 7 p.m., Santa Claus will arrive on a fire truck provided by South Trail Fire Department, hopping off at the main entrance between Grimaldi’s Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria and Blue Pointe Oyster Bay & Seafood Grill. Then, Santa himself will flip the switch to light up Bell Tower Shops’ 25ft tree positioned at Center Court, which will be overflowing with holiday décor and cheer.  Santa will be available for a meet-and-greet and photo ops with children and families after the tree lighting.  Throughout the holiday season, Strolling Santa will be making his way around Bell Tower Shops to spread holiday cheer to shoppers and restaurant patrons.

Holiday Festival of Lights in Downtown Cape Coral, December 7th from 4-10pm
Happening for over 25 years this holiday celebration is a true example of community support, holiday spirit and evening of fun for the whole family. With all attractions FREE to the public you can visit Santa in Christmas Town Center, sled down Snowcap Square’s very own Snow Drift, watch the magic as we light up the Christmas tree in Town Center, ride the Tiny Tot Train around Snowcap Square, watch over 15 different community groups perform their holiday magic, bounce for hours in the Candy Cane Park and don’t forget to shop for the family in Holiday Village!

Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade, December 7th from 6-8pm
Come enjoy some Christmas spirit at the 31st Annual Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade! The parade begins at Salty Sam’s Marina and will pass Parrot Key Caribbean Grill, Matanzas on the Bay, Nervous Nellie’s, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, Dixie Fish Co., Original Shrimp Dock Bar & Grill, and Bonita Bill’s Waterfront Cafe.

Downtown Farmer’s Market in Cape Coral at Club Square, Every Saturday Now – May 9th from 8am-1pm
Overflowing with fresh, local and healthy produce, fruits and foods, along with melt-in-your-mouth baked goods, made-on-site guacamole, salsas, homemade jams & jellies, pickles & olive mixes, cheeses, take-home foods and much more.​

Santa on the Sand at Lovers Key State Park, December 8th from 1-4pm
Bring the kids out to Lovers Key State Park for a day of fun at our 3rd Annual Santa on the Sand event. There will be snacks, crafts, games and pictures with Santa in our gazebo on the beach. Space is limited to 150 children. Each child (*ages 2 and up) must have a ticket & bring one unwrapped toy that will be donated to less fortunate children in SWFL community. $8 entry fee for up to 8 passengers in a car to enter. ​

Howliday Yappy Hour at Bell Tower Shops in Fort Myers, December 13th from 6-8pm
Join us for a special night as Bell Tower proudly partners with the Gulf Coast Humane Society for our annual HOWLiday Yappy Hour featuring free pet photos with Santa ($5 donation required to Gulf Coast Humane Society). Yappy Hour is the area’s largest pet-friendly social hour, providing an evening of fun for pet lovers and their four-legged friends.

Sunset Celebration at Time Square on Fort Myers Beach, Every Friday and Saturday from 6-10pm
Live Music, Food and Fun at Time Square on Fort Myers Beach. Every Friday and Saturday from 6-10pm! www.fortmyersbeach.org

Fun Free Holiday Concert in Bonita Springs Sunday, December 15th from 2-4pm
Join us for our annual Holiday concert in Riverside Park! There will be a variety of seasonal songs for everyone to come sing-a-long to such as “Fanfare on Joy to the World,” “Go Tell it on the Mountain,” and “Hanukkah Joy.” Bring a chair or blanket to sit on. Sit back and enjoy the day!

Spirit of the Season Holiday Show at Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall, December 15th from 2-4pm
Come get into the “Spirit of the Season” by attending our holiday show. Award-winning spirit of the Gulf Chorus has put together a powerhouse group of entertaining artists!

Music Walk Downtown Fort Myers River District, December 20th from 6-10pm
The River District comes alive on the third Friday of the month as local and regional musicians line the streets. From jazz and blues to rock & roll, many genres can be heard and vary each month. Free to the public with many venues featuring additional attractions and specials.

Candlelight Christmas Carols at Cambier Park in Naples, December 20th from 5:30-8pm
Last year there were over 600 carolers in attendance – they are looking to surpass that number this year! A food truck will be onsite, and refreshments, beer and wine can be purchased as well. 5:30pm Pre-Caroling Food & Beverages, Caroling will begin at approximately 6:30pm.

Cape Coral Christmas Boat Parade at Four Freedoms Park, December 21st from 4-10pm
Free to attend! Starting at dusk, a movie will be shown on the big screen! Enjoy the movie and a free family night out. Be sure to wear your Santa hats and join us in getting into the holiday spirit!

Marco Island Christmas Boat Parade at Marco Island Esplanade, December 21st from 6-9pm
Free to attend! Countless lights and garland graced vessels large & small will travel up and down Marco River for the 31st Annual Marco Island Christmas Boat Parade! Decorated boats will be passing by The Esplanade Shoppes and Snook Inn Restaurant and Chickee Bar along Collier Bay. More Info

New Year’s Eve Events, December 31st:

– Fort Myers Beach Fireworks.  Come celebrate the birthday of the Town of Fort Myers Beach and New Year’s Eve at Times Square. Festivities begin with free cupcakes starting at 12pm. Live music will be played throughout the day. The ball drop is at midnight with fireworks immediately afterward.  The bridge will be closed ONLY to oncoming traffic from 12:15am to 1:15 am during the fireworks show.

– Naples Pier Fireworks.  Free to attend! Fireworks begin at 7:30pm!  Naples residents and visitors are welcome to celebrate the incoming of 2019 along the City beach, north and south from the Naples City Pier for the annual New Year’s Eve Fireworks! Please bring along your own chairs or blankets and pick a spot along the water to watch the 30 minute display.

– South Cape Ball Drop.  7pm to 1am. Ring in 2020 in Cape Coral’s Entertainment District. This free to attend event features live music, kids area, vendor village, food trucks, drink tents and a massive beach ball drop at midnight! All ages welcome.

Get Out & Enjoy Southwest Florida!

Season’s greetings with good wishes for the New Year.