Top Christmas Events and Holiday Traditions in Naples Florida

Number 1: Snow on 3rd St

We might not have REAL snow here in Naples, but if you’re looking for nightly snow, you’ll want to be on 3rd Street towards the end of November through the end of December, each year the days are a little different, so you’ll want to check the calendar before you head down.  Usually around 7pm, snow shoots from the light poles, it’s super cool if you haven’t seen it. Throughout the month, there are different events, such as live music and Christmas carolers. 

Number 2: Fifth Avenue Christmas parade

If you love parades, downtown Naples hosts one every year, see Santa, the Grinch and all the themed floats glide through fifth Avenue during the beginning of the month. The parade starts on Broad Avenue, goes down 3rd St, then down 5th Avenue and ends at 8th street. So my tip is to find a spot along one of these roads for a great view and opportunity to grab some candy.  

Number 3: Christmas Tree Lighting throughout the city

End of November and the first week in December, there are many different options for tree lighting ceremonies around town. From the traditional Fifth Avenue / 3rd Street tree lighting to Mercato in Central Naples and GreenTree Plaza in North Naples, there are lots of options to get the family out of the house and into the holiday spirit.  With guest appearances of Santa, cookies, kid crafts and activities, music and more, these family events make it fun to kick off the season. The good thing is they usually stagger these ceremonies out to different nights so you don’t have to miss any of them.

Number 4: Christmas movies on the lawn at Mercato

Enjoy dinner, ice cream or a coffee and then head to the “lawn” of Mercato, a large green space where they set up outdoor Christmas movies. You bring your own blankets and chairs but can enjoy a free family movie. The space is first come, first serve, so call up your friends and plan ahead for a fun night out. 

Number 5: Live Nativity

Many churches around the area have live Nativity’s set up. Depending on which nativity you go to you can even feed the animals. One year my kids fed the live camels carrots and they still talk about it! 

Number 6: Look at lights in Victoria Park

If you want the nostalgia of driving in the car with your hot chocolate and looking at Christmas displays, then you need to drive through Victoria Park. When people buy in this community, they are well aware you have to participate in Christmas, they even pass down the Christmas decorating to the new buyers! Each street has it’s own theme, you can ride your car, golf carts or even take an official Trolley ride through the community. Songs, light displays, outdoor movies and a hot chocolate stand, this community is a must on the Christmas bucket list. 

Number 7: Christmas Walk & Tree lighting Ceremony on 5th Avenue

We already covered all the different tree lighting ceremonies, but what’s fun about the ones on 3rd Street & 5th Avenue is that they shut down the entire streets and plan dinners, activities and work with all the restaurants on the street to provide an inviting atmosphere to keep you entertained for hours.  Just be sure to plan accordingly with parking since these events do draw a crowd. 

Number 8: Night lights in the Botanical Gardens

Rediscover the natural beauty of plants from the tropics and subtropics as thousands of lights illuminate the Naples Botanical Gardens during their annual Night Lights in the Garden! This is the go-to spot in Naples to be wowed by endless twinkling lights and Christmas cheer. 

To top off the joy, each year the gardens feature new interactive exhibits and performances for the entire family.

Be sure to dress the kids in their Christmas attire. There will be plenty of photo ops for the Christmas cards!

Number 9: The Christmas Boat Parade on Naples Bay

Nothing says Florida holidays like a night time boat parade. 

Each year the Marine Industries Association of Collier County organizes this annual Christmas favorite. Participating boaters decorate their vessels in lights, and a whole lot of Christmas cheer.
The route each year spans from Gordon Pass northward past the City Dock to Tin City. 

Tip! The Dock at Crayton Cove, The Boat House and the restaurants of Tin City provide best viewing spots for watching the sparkly parade reflected in the bay waters. Or watch from Naples Landings Park. 

Number 10: Palm Cottage

If you love the sound of sleigh bells and the sight of twinkling lights as much as you enjoy learning about the history of Naples, then you won’t want to miss Christmas at Palm Cottage! Historic Palm Cottage located downtown is Naples oldest house, built in 1895. Explore period-relevant holiday decorations at this local favorite presented by the Naples Historical Society. 

Number 11: The life size gingerbread house at The Ritz Carlton

Each year, on Thanksgiving Day, Ritz Carlton’s award-winning pastry team crafts a life-size gingerbread house in the resorts in the lavish lobby. This grand confection features edible walls, candy canes and gumdrop embellishments. While guests aren’t actually allowed to nibble on the house, throughout the season, hotel staff does serve gingerbread cookies and hot cocoa to visitors.

Tip! If you’re looking to stay at the Ritz during the making of the house or anytime during the holidays for that matter, book early!!

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Kim Menkhorst, Premiere Plus Realty 239.776.0093

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