Make Holiday Magic This Year

Celebrate the season in Southwest Florida

 

By Cheryl Mandell

 

Get ready to make some holiday memories! From visits with Santa to craft festivals, movies in the park, snow slides and holiday pet photo ops, we’ve compiled a list of local events throughout December that will light up your nights and spread cheer into the New Year.

 

Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair at Bell Tower

Head to Bell Tower on the last shopping weekend of the holidays and cross off everything on your shopping list! Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 20-21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., browse and shop local vendors, crafters and artists selling a variety of items. The fair takes place inside Bell Tower in the center concourse. Come enjoy all that Bell Tower has to offer! belltowerfl.com/events

 

Christmas at Farmer Mike’s

The farm is quickly becoming a winter wonderland as the folks at Farmer Mike’s prepare for Christmas to take over. The 7th Annual Christmas at Farmer Mike’s provides all of the holiday vibes on the farm. There will be a sleigh ride (hayride decorated as a sleigh), dancing and sledding in real snow, sipping on unlimited hot chocolate, bounce houses, movies on the big screen, a poinsettia house, field of lights, a 30-foot Christmas tree and so much more. This spectacular event is only at the Bonita Springs location and runs every Friday and Saturday in December before Christmas. farmermikesupick.com

 

Edison Ford Winter Estates Holiday Lights

Thousands of lights, hundreds of historic decorations, and one unique holiday experience await nightly! Returning for its 50th year, Holiday Nights has been revamped with new light displays and much more. Don’t miss the Children’s Holiday Tree Trail with handmade ornaments created by students from local schools. Shop in the Museum Store and Garden Shoppe for unique holiday gifts. Plus, on select nights, there will be refreshments available for purchase, Santa visits, musicians and carolers! EdisonFord.org

 

Everblades Teddy Bear Toss Night

The Florida Everblades play the Orlando Solar Bears on Sat., Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m., but the fun doesn’t stop there! Bring the whole family and a stuffed toy to toss onto the ice after the Blades’ first goal. Enjoy a visit from Santa and the awesome teddy bear toss that has become a favorite tradition among fans; stuffed animals go to Golisano Children’s Hospital and other local children’s charities. Floridaeverblades.com

 

Festival of Trees

The 19th Annual Festival of Trees returns to the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center with a free giant wreath lighting event on Friday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m., followed by a live concert featuring the Ben Allen Band. On Sat., Dec. 6, join Santa in holiday festivities at Santa’s Block Party from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s an opportunity for kids to perform, create holiday art, decorate cookies, touch a fire truck and hang out with the Fort Myers Fire Department’s mascot, Sparky the Dog. Check the website for tree-viewing dates and times. sbdac.com

 

Films al Fresco Featuring “Elf”

Head to the piazza in Mercato in north Naples for a free outdoor screening of the beloved modern holiday classic “Elf.” The film begins at approximately 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 16. Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged for the most comfortable viewing experience. Films al Fresco occurs on the third Tuesday of every month. All Mercato events are subject to change due to weather. experiencemercato.com/events/films-al-fresco/

 

Holiday Stroll

The City of Bonita Springs will be hosting a free Holiday Stroll event throughout the Downtown Bonita Springs corridor, which runs all month long. The park will sparkle with holiday lights and holiday-themed photo opportunities. Holiday music will be played throughout the park and downtown, from dusk to 9 p.m. nightly. Cityofbonitasprings.org

 

NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet

Share the joy of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet with family and friends as it returns to Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at Florida SouthWestern State College for two performances at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Dec. 30. This spectacular holiday experience features an international cast, whimsical puppetry and opulent handmade costumes and sets. Go back to a simpler time and celebrate the season with the beloved Nutcracker tradition. Tchaikovsky’s timeless score sets the stage for a Christmas memory your family won’t soon forget. bbmannpah.com/events

 

Santa’s Wonderland

Don’t let this season go by without experiencing the magic of Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops. Take a photo with Santa, create crafts, listen to yuletide tales and more. Open every day from now until Christmas Eve, this holiday event is very popular. Spots are limited, and reservations are required. basspro.com/shop/en/santas-wonderland

 

Santa Paws

Bring your furry friend to the courtyard at Gulf Coast Town Center on Sat., Dec. 20 from 2-4 p.m. for a festive photo op you won’t want to miss. Santa will be making a special stop to pose with every pet on the “nice” list! Pet parents can capture joyful memories and spread holiday cheer with their four-legged companions. The first 20 pups in line will receive a special goodie bag from Santa! This event proudly supports the Gulf Coast Humane Society. Receive a printed and digital photo with Santa in exchange for a $5 cash donation. Come celebrate the season — paws and all! gulfcoasttowncenter.com/events

 

University Village Christmas Arts & Crafts Fair

Browse and shop unique creations from local artisans just in time for the holiday season at the Christmas Arts & Crafts Fair at University Village Shops. Find seasonal décor, handmade gifts, jewelry, home accents and more at this family-friendly event on Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. universityvillagefl.com/events