Travel + Leisure magazine ranks Naples in the top 5 on their "Best American Towns for the Holidays" list. Christmas is my favorite time of year and nothing feels more festive than a palm tree decked-out in twinkly lights. A cherished family tradition is to head to the beach after opening presents. We load up the car with beach chairs and a picnic basket and spend the afternoon enjoying gentle warm breezes, soft white sand and the sparkling Gulf of Mexico.
If you are lucky enough to be in beautiful Southwest Florida for the holidays (then you are lucky enough!) … here are just a few of our favorite holiday events:
November 27: 44nd ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING & FESTIVAL - Live music, carolers, and snow (!) falling in the charming Third Street South shopping district, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm. www.thirdstreetsouth.com, 239-649-6707
November 29: CHANUKAH CELEBRATION – A community-wide joyous celebration on the lawn at Mercato with candle lighting, traditional music and food. The event begins at 5:00 pm; 9132 Strada Place; www.jewishnaples.org
December 1 & 3: HANDELS MESSIAH at Artis, featuring the Naples Philharmonic & Naples Philharmonic Chorus - A most beloved choral works in a rousing holiday classic. www.artisnaples.org, 239-597-1900
December 3: CHRISTMAS ON THIRD - Live music, decorated window displays, twinkling lights and Naples "snowfall" www.thirdstreetsouth.com, 239-649-6707
December 1 – 31: CHRISTMAS AT HISTORIC PALM COTTAGE - Naples oldest home (circa 1895) dons all of her holiday finery and is open Tuesday thru Saturdays from 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm (and until 7:00 pm on the weekends). Located at the corner of 12th Avenue South and Gulf Shore Boulevard in Old Naples. www.napleshistoricalsociety.org; 239-261-8164
December 3 - 4: THE 48TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS WALK & TREE LIGHTING ON 5TH AVENUE SOUTH – A delightful tradition not to be missed. Fifth Avenue closes to auto traffic, the Avenue shops and restaurants are festively adorned, local choral groups & choirs perform, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus are available for photos. It's sparkly, twinkly, family fun! From 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Friday evening, and 10:00 am - 10:00 pm on Saturday, along the length of Fifth Avenue South; 239-692-8436
December 7: NAPLES CHRISTMAS PARADE – One of my favorite events of the year, a fabulous holiday parade complete with lighted floats, marching bands and Santa, of course! The parade kicks-off at Broad Avenue South and heads north on 3rd Street, then turns east onto Fifth Avenue South continuing to 8th Street. From 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm; 239-692-8436
December 11: CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE – An impressive armada of boats bejeweled in Christmas lights travels up Naples Bay. Favorite viewing spots for this festive event include the restaurants at Tin City, Kelly’s Fishhouse, Naples City Dock, and Bayview Park. The parade kicks off at 6:15 pm – 8:30 pm; for the parade route visit www.miacc.org
December 16– 19: NAPLES PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA HOLIDAY POPS CONCERT – Enjoy a little Christmas shopping at Waterside Shops, have an early dinner at one of Waterside’s fine restaurants, then take the short stroll to Artis – Naples for a traditional holiday concert presented by Naples’ beloved orchestra. www.artisnaples.org; 239-597-1900
December 21 - 22: THE NUTCRACKER presented by Naples Ballet - Enjoy the enchanting, timeless classic. www.artisnaples.org; 239-597-1900
December 31: NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS – Wrap up 2021 with a beautiful bang, spectacular fireworks will be shot off the Naples Pier at 12th Avenue South and Gulf Shore Boulevard at 7:00 pm. Cheers!
By: Jackie Perrett
