Want to get into the holiday spirit? Here’s how to get your holly jollies this season in Southwest Florida.
You can get dazzled by a huge holiday-light display. Or party with Santa Claus. Or watch a festive boat parade. Or even see a TV actor from “Glee” sing Christmas songs.
These are our top picks for things to do this holiday season in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs and the rest of Southwest Florida. We’ll update as more big events are announced.
Broadway Palm’s ‘Elf the Musical’
The musical version of the popular Christmas movie returns to Broadway Palm. Raised in the North Pole, Buddy doesn’t realize he’s actually a human, not one of Santa’s elves. He soon journeys to New York to find his true identity. Now through Dec. 25. $70-$85. Broadway Palm dinner theater, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 278-4422 or broadwaypalm.com
Holiday Nights at Edison & Ford Winter Estates
The Edison & Ford Winter Estates shine with thousands of holiday lights and decorations for this 48th-annual event, including more lights than ever before and new color-changing, animated “magic lights” in the palm trees. This year’s theme, “Holidays on Wheels,” incorporates many different types of wheels: Car wheels, wagon wheels, bicycle tires and more. Other attractions include guided or self-guided Estates tours, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus (6-8 p.m. Sundays) and a Children’s Tree Trail with dozens of trees decorated with handmade ornaments from Lee County school children. Opens at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24 with a tree lighting ceremony and a performance by American Sirens. Holiday Nights continues every night through Dec. 31, except Dec. 24-25. $20 admission ($10 for ages 13-19, $2 for ages 6-12, free for younger). Lee County residents get a $5 discount every Monday (ID required). Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 334-7419 or EdisonFord.org
Off Broadway Palm’s ‘A Doublewide, Texas Christmas’
In the holiday-themed sequel to the popular comedy “Doublewide, Texas,” mobile-home residents try taking on government officials over the future of their tiny Texas town. Nov. 23–Dec. 25. $55-$65. Off Broadway Palm at the Broadway Palm dinner theater, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 278-4422 or broadwaypalm.com
Downtown Fort Myers tree lighting and new Holiday House Christmas Stroll
The River District Alliance hosts the annual tree lighting at the Davis Art Center, followed by the unveiling of the Fort Myers Woman’s Community Club’s new Holiday House Christmas Stroll. The stroll replaces the long-running Holiday House at the historic Burroughs and Langford-Kingston homes, due to scheduling conflicts at the homes during the holiday season. Club members have decorated more than 20 windows along First Street in this year’s theme: “I’ll Be Home For Christmas…If Only In My Dreams.” The tree lighting takes place at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24, at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. The Holiday House Christmas Stroll will be displayed every day through Jan. 2. First Street in Downtown Fort Myers. fmwcc.net/house
South Cape Jolley Trolley
Ride trolleys throughout downtown Cape Coral and stop at different bars and restaurants for holiday-themed drink and appetizer samples. Trolley riders are encouraged to dress in festive pajamas and onesies. The third-annual event also includes prizes, trivia and a photo booth contest. 7-11 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25. $25-$35. Check-in happens from 6-7:30 p.m. at Big John Plaza (near Pinch-A-Penny) and Dolphin Key Resort. Late check-in takes place until 10 p.m. at Dolphin Key Resort. facebook.com/SouthCapeHospitalityAndEntertainmentAssociation
Darren Criss: A Very Darren Crissmas at Mann Hall
The singer-songwriter and actor (best known as Blaine Anderson on the TV hit “Glee”) brings his holiday show to Mann Hall. The tour is named after his 2021 album “A Very Darren Crissmas.” 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 27. $42-$74. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, south Fort Myers. 481-4849 or bbmannpah.com
‘Snowbird Follies’ at The MACC
The holiday revue returns to the MACC. Written by stage director D.J. Salisbury and MACC founder/conductor Andrew Kurtz, the show combines Fort Myers history with holiday tunes “Boogie Woogie Santa Claus,” “White Christmas” and more. Nov. 29-Dec. 23. $48-$53. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers. 277-1700 or gulfcoastsymphony.org
Lee Greenwood: A Tennessee Christmas
“God Bless the U.S.A.” singer Lee Greenwood hosts what’s billed as a “festive evening of country music magic,” including his own hits and traditional Christmas songs. Plus an opening acoustic set from Southwest Florida country singer Ben Allen. 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30. Doors open at 6 p.m. $37-$120. Caloosa Sound Amphitheater in Centennial Park, 2000 W. First St., downtown Fort Myers. CaloosaSoundAmp.com
Festival of Trees at Davis Art Center
The 17th-annual event showcases uniquely decorated Christmas trees and wreaths loaded with gifts. The trees and wreaths are raffled to benefit Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida and the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. Vote for your favorite tree and buy raffle tickets to win one. Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 30-Dec. 3. $2 (free for ages 4 and younger). Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., downtown Fort Myers. sbdac.com/festival-of-trees
Players Circle Theater’s ‘Ho! Ho! Ho! The Christmas Show’
The original music revue returns with more laughs, holiday cheer and favorite holiday songs. Dec. 1-24. $40-$55. Discount previews Nov. 28-30. Players Circle Theater, 13211 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 800-3292 or playerscircletheater.com
Holiday Stroll in Bonita Springs
Riverside Park comes to life with holiday lights, themed photo opportunities and nightly music from dusk to 9 p.m. (unless another event is scheduled). Presented by the City of Bonita Springs. Dec. 1-Jan. 1. Free. Riverside Park, 10451 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs. 949-6262
Florida Rep’s ‘A Sherlock Carol’
The regional premiere of Mark Shanahan’s holiday whodunnit mashes up Charles Dickens and Sherlock Holmes. On a Christmas Eve haunted by the ghosts of past, present and future, a grown-up Tiny Tim begs Sherlock Holmes to investigate the strange death of Ebenezer Scrooge. Dec. 1-17. $61-$65. Florida Repertory Theatre, 2268 Bay St., downtown Fort Myers. 332-4488 or floridarep.org
Compton & Bennett in ‘THE HOME… for the Holidays!’
Naples comedy duo Compton & Bennett return after a nearly sold-out run last season at Arts Bonita. This time, they’re taking on the holiday season with an all-new music revue about Nutcracker tutus, golf cart parades, “Wrapper’s Delight” and more. 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2-3. $45. Arts Bonita Center for Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. 495-8989 or artsbonita.org
Tropical Holiday Parade and tree lighting at Coconut Point
The Estero shopping mall celebrates the season with a night full of tropical-themed holiday activities, including the lighting of a 32-foot-tall tree, live steel-drum music, tropical and Polynesian-inspired performances by New Alliance Performing Arts, a Toys for Tots drive, food trucks selling Caribbean-inspired food, vendors, photos with Santa and the main event: The 7 p.m. Tropical Holiday Parade. Santa Claus leads the parade, which also features high-school bands, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Estero Fire Rescue and more. The event takes place 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. Free. Coconut Point, 23106 Fashion Drive, Estero. facebook.com/CoconutPointMall
Dunbar’s Holiday in the Park
The annual event celebrates the holidays with a Christmas tree lighting, decorations, lights, the Soul Santa Parade, bounce houses, museum tours, food trucks, vendors, live entertainment and a toy giveaway. This year’s theme is “Soul Lights and Shining Stars.” 3-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. Free. Organized by the Lee County Black History Society. Roberto Clemente Park, 3265 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dunbar. 332-8778 or leecountyblackhistorysociety.org
Fort Myers Beach Boat Parade
The 35th-annual Fort Myers Beach Boat Parade returns after being canceled in 2022 due to Hurricane Ian. Spectators can vote online for the People’s Choice Award. Some of the best options for parade viewing include along the pedestrian walkway atop Matanzas Pass Bridge, the shoreline by Bayside Park, and local bars and restaurants. 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. Free. The parade’s illuminated boats – led by Santa and Mrs. Claus − start at Salty Sam’s Marina and travel northwest along Matanzas Pass, under the Matanzas Pass Bridge and through Estero Pass, Hurricane Pass and into Pelican Pass. They circle Pelican Island, travel back through Estero Pass into San Carlos Bay heading toward Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina. Then they head back under the Matanzas Pass Bridge to Salty Sam’s. Fort Myers Beach shoreline. fortmyersbeach.org/events/christmas-boat-parade
Cape Coral Holiday Festival of Lights
The annual event attracts thousands of people to ring in the holidays with a 15-ton snow slide, photos with Santa and the lighting of the city’s official Christmas tree. Other activities include the Candy Cane Park kids area with inflatables, a Tiny Tots Train ride, food, vendors, and live performances on three stages. 4-10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 (opening ceremony at 5:45 p.m., followed by the tree lighting and Santa’s arrival at 6:15 p.m.). Free. Cape Coral Parkway between Del Prado Boulevard and Candia Street, downtown Cape Coral. holidayfestivalcc.com
Spirit of the Gulf: ‘Gimme Harmony’
The award-winning women’s barbershop chorus performs its annual holiday concert. The show also features international barbershop-quartet finalists Gimme Four. 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. $25-$35. South Fort Myers High School, 14020 Plantation Road, south Fort Myers. spiritofthegulf.com
Gulf Coast Symphony’s ‘Deck the Halls’
The Fort Myers orchestra performs holiday tunes, including Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride,” a medley of music from Christmas movie classics and the Mannheim Steamroller arrangement of “Silent Night.” 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. $35-$90. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, south Fort Myers. 481-4849 or bbmannpah.com
Christmas Carol Sing in Fort Myers
Sing along to holiday music and help feed the hungry at this 32nd-annual event. The 90-minute show features the First Presbyterian Church Choir, soloists and other guests singing holiday carols with audience sing-a-longs. Two shows at 3 and 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5. Doors open 30 minutes before show time. Free admission (although donations of cash or at least two canned goods are requested for Community Cooperative). First Presbyterian Church, 2438 Second Street, downtown Fort Myers. 334-2261 or fpcfortmyers.org
Holiday in the Park in Bonita Springs
The annual event features “snow flurries” in the park, a tree lighting, a snow slide, school bands and other live performances, a visit from Santa and the entire park decorated with holiday lights. Food and beverages available for purchase. Guests may bring lawn chairs and blankets, but no pets or coolers. 4:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5. Free. During the event, Old 41 Road will be closed between Wilson and Ragsdale streets. Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St., downtown Bonita Springs. 949-6262 or cityofbonitasprings.org
North Fort Myers Academy of the Arts: ‘The Nutcracker’
The talented kids of North Fort Myers Academy of the Arts perform the classic holiday ballet for the 13th year at Mann Hall. More than 200 students, ages 6-14, will take the stage. 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7. $15-$35. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, south Fort Myers. 481-4849 or bbmannpah.com
Cape Coral Chanukah Festival
Outdoor event featuring the lighting of a giant menorah, live music, hot latkes, jelly doughnuts, Chanukah crafts, deli sandwiches, inflatables, cotton candy and more. 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7. Free. Chabad Jewish Center, 1716 Cape Coral Parkway W., Cape Coral. 963-4770 or ChabadCape.com
‘Irving Berlin’s White Christmas’ at Fort Myers Theatre
Two Army buddies, now showbiz partners, follow two singing sisters to a Vermont inn. They end up putting on a show to help save the place — and fall in love, too. A holiday musical filled with classic songs such as “Happy Holidays,” “Blue Skies” and “White Christmas.” Thursday through Sunday, Dec. 7-10. $25-$40. Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd., Unit No. 5, south Fort Myers. 323-6570 or ftmyerstheatre.com
‘A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play’ at Arts Bonita
Dickens’ holiday classic gets reimagined as a 1940s radio broadcast, complete with vintage commercials, live sound effects and musical underscoring. Performed by Arts Bonita Theatre. Thursday through Sunday, Dec. 7-10. $35. Arts Bonita Center for Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. 495-8989 or artsbonita.org
Calusa Nature Center’s ‘Holiday Lights’
Stroll a 1/3-mile walking trail decorated with Christmas lights. Plus you can catch a holiday laser show in the planetarium (tickets are extra). 6-9 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Dec. 8-30. $10 ($5 for ages 3-12). Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave., Fort Myers. 275-3435 or facebook.com/CalusaNature
Lab Theater’s ‘Yippee Ki-Yay Merry Christmas!’
A musical parody of the Bruce Willis action flick “Die Hard,” which many people consider to be a holiday classic. The show also skewers other ‘80s action movies. Expect action, explosions, jokes and even dance numbers. Dec. 8-23. $40. Half-price previews Dec. 6-7. The Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave., downtown Fort Myers. 218-0481 or laboratorytheaterflorida.com
Fort Myers Beach Woman’s Club’s Christmas Tree Festival
The long-running woman’s club lost its clubhouse during Hurricane Ian, so this year they’ve moved their annual event to the Fort Myers Beach Library. Unique, decorated trees and wreaths will be displayed and auctioned off in the sixth-annual festival. Plus food trucks, music, raffles, vendors, a chili cook-off, kids activities and more (see website for schedule of events). All proceeds support participating non-profits in the Fort Myers Beach area. 4-8:30 p.m. Friday and 1-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8-9. Free admission. $50 for VIP ticket, including VIP reception and preview party. The Fort Myers Beach Library, 2755 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. fmb-wc.org
Gulfshore Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’
Gulfshore Ballet brings Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic to life at two Lee County venues. Featuring new choreography from Gulfshore Ballet directors Iliana Lopez and Franklin Gamero. Gulf Coast Symphony joins them at the Mann Hall shows. They’ll perform at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 at Tribby Arts Center ($55) and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16 at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall ($47-$90). gsballet.org
‘Santa’s Serenade’ with Southwest Florida Symphony
The Fort Myers orchestra performs its annual Holiday Pops show at three different venues Dec. 9-11. They’ll perform at 7 p.m. Saturday at Fort Myers High School ($20) and 4 p.m. Sunday at First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs ($25). Their Monday show at The Village Church at Shell Point is sold out. Learn more at swflso.org.
Grinch Fest at Big John’s Plaza
An outdoor holiday festival with a pajama party, hula-hoop contest, music, games, crafts, food trucks and free popcorn, cotton candy and snow cones. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. Free. Big John’s Plaza, 1331 Cape Coral Parkway E., Cape Coral. facebook.com/SjcTechnology
Bonita Springs Christmas Boat Parade
The annual holiday parade returns with more lighted, decorated boats traveling along the Imperial River. This year’s event is being organized by the Bonita Springs Historical Society. The parade launches at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at the Bay Water Boat Club, 5124 Bonita Beach Road S.W., and proceeds along the Imperial River and under U.S. 41 to Jolly Roger Lane, before turning around and returning to the boat club. Prime viewing includes the U.S. 41 Bridge, Riverwalk Park and the Imperial River Boat Ramp. Donations are requested to keep the parade going. For more information or to donate, call 992-6997 or visit bonitaspringshistory.org.
Fort Myers’ Grand Chanukah Event Community Celebration
The annual Chanukah party includes the lighting of a giant menorah, live music, food, mini golf and refreshments. Organized by Chabad Lubavitch of Southwest Florida. 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. Free. Castle Golf, 7400 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers. 433-7708 or chabadswf.org
20th anniversary Bonita Springs-Estero Chanukah Festival
Celebrate the Jewish holiday with the lighting of a giant menorah, kids crafts and activities, latkes, donuts, a kosher deli and live music by the Naples Klezmer Revival Band. 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. Free. The outdoor event takes place at Chabad of Bonita Springs, 24611 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs. 949-6900 or jewishbonita.com
Lee County Community Band: ‘Joy to the World!’
The 50-member concert band performs holiday songs, traditional carols and more at its annual Christmas show, including “Sleigh Ride,” “An English Christmas,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” (with singer Jan Fenn), “The Christmas Song” (with singer Fred Lamb) and the Christmas “Pop” Sing-a-Long. 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. Free. Mariner High School, 701 Chiquita Blvd. N., Cape Coral. leecountyband.org
Zach Bartholomew Trio: ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’
Pianist Zachary Bartholomew and his trio perform the music of pianist/composer Vince Guaraldi, including songs from the beloved holiday cartoon “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Audiences will also learn more about Bartholomew’s life and career. 2 and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12. $35. Arts Bonita Center for Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. 495-8989 or artsbonita.org
‘The Holidays Are A Drag!’
Drag queens perform at this third-annual holiday event with appetizers, cocktails, raffles and live music. The winner of the 2020 Miss Cape Coral Pride Pageant, Alyssa Lemay, hosts this event organized by PRIDE Cape Coral. 6-10 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12. Tickets are $35 in advance $40 at the door. They’ll be sold online until Dec. 9. Then they’re only available at the door (unless they sell out). All proceeds benefit PRIDE Cape Coral. Cruisers Cape Coral, 1517 S.E. 47th Terrace, downtown Cape Coral. facebook.com/PRIDECapeCoral or Eventbrite.com
Michael W. Smith Christmas at the Tribby
The Grammy and Dove-winning contemporary Christian singer-songwriter performs a holiday-themed show. 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12. $55. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point Retirement Community, 17281 On Par Blvd., south Fort Myers. 415-5667 or tribbyartscenter.com
Cultural Park Theater’s ‘The Little Town of Christmas’
A comedy with 12 holiday sketches set in a quirky little town. You’ll meet wandering carolers who cough and sneeze on cue, an elf comedy team, a street-corner Santa, three kids trying their best to be wise men in their Christmas Play and more characters. Wednesday through Sunday. Dec. 13-17. $22-$26 ($16 for students, $12 for children 9 and younger). Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral. 772-5862 or culturalparktheater.com
“Elf the Musical” at Fort Myers Theatre
The community theater performs the musical version of the popular Christmas movie. Buddy the Elf learns that he’s really a human being and goes to New York to find his true identity. Dec. 14-31. $25-$40. Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd., Unit No. 5, south Fort Myers. 323-6570 or ftmyerstheatre.com
Fort Myers Brewing’s Winterfest
The annual festival returns with four days of live bands, food trucks, a holiday night market, seasonal beer releases (including the popular imperial stout Keg Nog), photos with Santa and a parking-lot screening of the movie “The Grinch.” Schedule to be announced. Bring your own lawn chairs. Thursday through Sunday, Dec. 14-17. Free. Fort Myers Brewing Co., 12811 Commerce Lakes Drive, Unit 28, south Fort Myers. 313-6576 or fmbrew.com
Cape Coral Holiday Boat-A-Long
Annual festival featuring holiday-themed entertainment, food trucks, crafts, Santa Claus, a vendor village market, an outdoor screening of the movie “The Polar Express” and the main event: A parade of boats decorated with lights and inflatables that leaves the park at about 7:15 p.m. The festival takes place 4-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16. Free. Bring your own blankets or lawn chairs. Four Freedoms Park, 4818 Tarpon Court, Cape Coral. bit.ly/46PhG7X
Christmas Fest at the German American Social Club
The Local Ladies Social Network hosts this holiday fest with vendors, food trucks, Christmas music, face painting, Christmas cookie decorating, kids crafts, an ugly Christmas sweater contest, selfies with Santa and more. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16. Free. German American Social Club, 2101 S.W. Pine Island Road, Cape Coral. llsnevents.com
Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers
The 80-plus-voice chorus performs holiday tunes with the City of Palms Youth Choir. 5:30-7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17. Free. Peace Lutheran Church, 15840 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 288-2535 or mastersingersfm.com
Southwest Florida Concert Band: ‘A Florida Family Christmas Concert’
The 35-member community band performs “Sleigh Ride,” “March of the Toys,” “Christmas on Broadway” and other holiday favorites. 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17. Free. South Fort Myers High School, 14020 Plantation Road, Fort Myers. SouthwestFloridaConcertBand.org
Candlelight: The Nutcracker at THE MACC
A string quartet performs highlights from the beloved holiday ballet “The Nutcracker” on a candlelit stage. The tentative setlist also includes “O Holy Night,” “Joy to the World” and other seasonal favorites. 6:30 and 9 p.m. Thursday and Saturday, Dec. 28 and 30. $35-$57. The shows were added after two other shows sold out (Nov. 3 and Dec. 5). Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers. 277-1700 or gcsarts.org
Charles Runnells is an arts and entertainment reporter for The News-Press and the Naples Daily News. To reach him, call 239-335-0368 (for tickets to shows, call the venue) or email him at[email protected]. Follow or message him on social media: Facebook (facebook.com/charles.runnells.7), X (formerly Twitter) (@charlesrunnells), Threads (@crunnells1) and Instagram (@crunnells1).