Christmas is less than two weeks away, but there are still plenty of holiday festivities in Naples to enjoy. Check out these Christmas events in Naples:
Christmas Boat Parade
Boats of all shapes and sizes sport Christmas decorations and cruise Naples Bay for the 24th annual Naples Boat Parade. Enjoy the view from the Naples City Dock or from one of the waterfront restaurants: Boat House, The Dock, Riverwalk, Kelly’s Fish House, Pinchers at Tin City. The fun starts at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 14.
The Ritz-Carlton Naples
Stop by to gaze in awe at the homemade gingerbread house at The Ritz-Carlton Beach Resort. Approximately 1,200 gingerbread bricks were used to create this spectacle that stands in the lobby. It’s an awesome sight!
Naples Botanical Garden
Starting Wednesday, December 18, the Naples Botanical Garden lights up at night with thousands of lights. Stroll through this plant-filled winter wonderland and enjoy live musical performances and family activities. The Garden opens at 6 p.m. Night Lights 2013 can be viewed December 18-23, 26-30 and January 2-5.
Victoria Park
Don’t miss out on seeing an entire community decked out in lights and decor for Christmas. Victoria Park in Naples is known for its community-wide display. Go any night, but Christmas Eve is the best with luminaries lighting the streets and neighbors out wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.
Historic Palm Cottage & Edison and Ford Winter Estates
Through December 31, enjoy thousands of twinkling lights and period relevant decorations at Historic Palm Cottage in Naples. Do this one night and then the next drive up to Fort Myers to see the Edison and Ford Winter Estates dressed in lights and Christmas decor.
Village on Venetian Bay
Listen to the beautiful voices of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church Choir from 6-7 p.m. on Friday, December 13 at Village on Venetian Bay as its members perform many favorite Christmas hymns and carols.
Snow will begin to fall at 7 p.m. at The Village on Venetian Bay on Saturday, December 14. Enjoy complimentary photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, live holiday entertainment with carolers, storytime with Mrs. Claus, and a special dance recital by Backstage Dance Academy. This bundle of holiday entertainment replays again on Saturday, December 21 from 5-8 p.m.
Celebrate Christmas with your furry friend on Thursday, December 19 for the Santa Paws celebration at The Village on Venetian Bay. Bring your dog out to have photos taken with Santa and also meet some adorable pets from the Humane Society of Naples.
Waterside Shops
At Waterside Shops on Friday, December 20, the Philharmonic Orchestra String Quartet will perform in the Pavilion … and on December 21 and 22 Santa makes a special appearance from noon to 4 p.m. Bring your camera for a photo op.
Miromar Outlets
Join in on the fun and decorate a cookie for Christmas at Miromar Outlets on Saturday, December 14 from 10 a.m. to noon. or come out on Wednesday, December 18 and make some crafts with the kids. December 18 is also Mom’s Appreciation Day giving moms a free drink and a treat from Le Macaron while the kids make crafts in Playland.
Gulf Coast Town Center
Like to shop for gifts, but hate to wrap them? Come to Gulf Coast Town Center on Saturday, December 14 and 22 and the wrapping will be done for you! On December 14 the FGCU Athletic Training Club will be doing the honors, and on December 22 the Riverdale Youth Wrestling Club will. Wrapping starts at 10 a.m. in Market Plaza near Glowgolf and ends at 6 p.m.
Stop by Bass Pro Shops any day before Christmas to enjoy Santa’s Wonderland where you can meet the big guy, make crafts and play games. Click here for the full schedule.
It’s a busy Christmas season in Naples Florida, but oh so much fun! Enjoy!
