The magic of the holidays is flickering to life across SW Florida. The season's kickoff events are lighting up neighborhoods and hearts alike. Here's your guide to the must-see tree lighting celebrations happening in our area.
NAPLES
Christmas on Third – 48th Annual Tree Lighting Date:
Monday, Nov 24, 2025 Time: 6:00–9:00 PM (Lighting ~6:20 PM) Location: Third Street South - Naples, Florida Highlights: Santa arrival, snowfall, live bands, decorated streets.
5th Avenue South Tree Lighting & Holiday Stroll
Dec 5th 6pm, Sugden Theater
5th Avenue South, Downtown Naples
Tree lighting, dine under the stars, holiday stroll, live music, shops open late.
Waterside Shops – Holiday Lights & Santa Arrival Date: Late November 2025 (exact date TBA) Location: Waterside Shops, Naples Highlights: Live entertainment, Santa arrival, center-wide lighting display.
Mercato Tree Lighting & Holiday Cirque Experience Date: Wednesday, Dec 3, 2025 Time: 5:30–8 PM Location: Mercato, Naples Highlights: Cirque performers, music, snow show, lighting of the largest real tree in SWFL.
MARCO ISLAND
Marco Island Christmas Tree Lighting & Community Celebration Date: Saturday, Dec 6, 2025 Time: ~6 PM Location: Veterans Park Highlights: Community performances, food vendors, holiday lights.
FORT MYERS
Edison & Ford Holiday Nights – Tree Lighting Ceremony Date: Friday, Nov 28, 2025 Time: 5:30 PM Location: Edison & Ford Winter Estates Highlights: Historic holiday kickoff, thousands of lights, tours, Santa.
Downtown Fort Myers Tree Lighting Ceremony Date: Dec 5th 6:00-10:00pm Location: Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center Highlights: Santa, carols, family activities, snowfall downtown.
FORT MYERS BEACH
Poinsettia “Tree” Lighting Ceremony Date: 2025 date TBA Location: Fort Myers Beach Highlights: Island-style holiday tree made of poinsettias.
CAPE CORAL
Holiday Nights on the Lawn – Tree & Menorah Lighting Dates: Nov 28–29, 2025 Time: 4–8 PM Location: Cape Coral City Hall Highlights: Tree + menorah lighting, ice skating, kids train, food trucks.
Cape Coral Holiday Festival of Lights Date: Saturday, Dec 6, 2025 Location: Downtown Cape Coral Highlights: Huge festival, holiday market, tree lighting, Santa.
SANIBEL / CAPTIVA
A Very Sanibel Tree Lighting Celebration Date: Saturday, Nov 29, 2025 Time: 5:30 PM Location: Sanibel Community Park Highlights: Santa, kids’ crafts, live music, family activities.
Tween Waters Christmas Tree Lighting (Captiva) Date: Late Nov or Early Dec (2025 TBA) Location: Tween Waters Island Resort Highlights: Large resort tree, live music, sometimes fireworks, family festivities.
