Naples Holiday Festivities

OK, at first you have to get a little warmed up to the idea of celebrating the winter holidays in your flip flops and shorts... but it doesn't take long (and then you never want to turn back).
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As we enter the holiday season, here are some things going on around town. I will add to this list as I learn of new things.

CREATIVE ARTS MARKET
November 11-12, 2016 & December 9-10, 2016
Enjoy an afternoon at this family friendly outdoor market in downtown Fort Myers filled with a unique mix of gift items and products created by local artists, musicians and specialty food vendors. Browse artwork, imported handicrafts, clothing, jewelry, ethically produced items, books, specialty foods and more!
 
EDISON & FORD HOLIDAY NIGHTS
November 25, 2016 – January 1, 2017
Must see Southwest Florida holiday tradition. Enjoy an evening at the seasonally decorated Edison and Ford Estate as it glimmers with millions of lights and historic decorations. Nightly entertainment, holiday tradition tours, Santa visits and more! Click here for more information.
 
FESTIVAL OF TREES
November 30, 2016 – December 4, 2016
Held annually at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Goodwill’s annual festival displays more than 20 lavishly decorated trees designed by businesses and individuals in the community.  During this week, each night has a different event surrounding the Festival of Trees.  Click here for more information.
 
HOLIDAY STROLL
December 2, 2016
Every year, the holiday lights of downtown Fort Myers & the River District come alive for an evening full of holiday spirit. Enjoy tree and street lightings, live musical performances, great holiday sales and even a festive horse and carriage!
 
AVE MARIA CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS
Dec 2, 2016 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Ave Maria Town Center 5076 Annunciation Circle, Ave Maria, Florida 34142
The public is invited to join the fun in the outdoor winter wonderland including the town parade, outdoor ice skating rink, festive food and beverages, photos with Santa, and live performances by local schools and organizations.
 
SNOWFEST
Dec 3, 2016 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Golden Gate Community Center 4701 Golden Gate Pkwy, Naples, Florida
No matter what the “real” weather is that day, snow will be in the forecast to celebrate the winter holiday. Toboggan snow hills, ice skating rink, Santa’s Workshop, festive foods and a full scale carnival have established SNOWFEST as a popular family event for the past 30 years. Visit www.snowfestnaples.com. $2.
 
CHRISTMAS PARADE
Dec 6, 2016 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Fifth Avenue South 649 Fifth Avenue South, Naples, Florida 34102
The Naples Christmas Parade will Line up on Broad Ave .The Floats will turn right on to 3rd Street South, then right on 5th Ave South, and end on 8th Street South.
 
HOLIDAY ARTISTRY FOR TEENS AND KIDS
Dec 7, 2016 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Bonita Springs Public Library 26876 Pine Avenue, Bonita Springs, Florida 34135
Drop-in holiday creations to share with a loved one. Ages 5 & up.
 
GINGERBREAD HOUSE WORKSHOP
Dec 8, 2016 5:30 PM
Immokalee Branch Library 417 North First Street, Immokalee, Florida 34142
Decorate a cookie house with delicious treats! Ages 2 years and older. Registration required.
 
MARCO ISLAND CHRISTMAS ISLAND STYLE BOAT PARADE
December 10, 2016
Enjoy a wonderful festive family evening. Watch the boats sail by, decked out with festive holiday lights and decorations! Recommended viewing spots include The Esplanade on Smokehouse Bay and Snook Inn on the Marco River.
 
BURROUGHS HOME & GARDENS HOLIDAY HOUSE
December 9-23, 2016
Thousands of lights align the inside and outside of the historic Burroughs Home & Gardens and Langford Kingston Home in beautiful downtown Fort Myers. Don’t miss this traditional one of a kind holiday spectacular. Click here for more information. 
 
DOWNTOWN COUNTDOWN
December 31, 2016

Annual, family friendly New Year’s Eve Celebration. Live music, DJ’s, vendors, fireworks on the river and a ball drop at midnight.