We love the holiday season. It brings so much love, gatherings with family and friends, lights, shopping and so much more. I wanted to share some fun things for you and your family to do this holiday season!
Naples does such a great job for the holidays and there is too much to do! My favorite part: you don’t have to bundle up as we used to when we went to see the tree at Rockefeller Center and our NYC Christmas traditions.
Celebrating the Holidays in Paradise
1. Naples Botanical Gardens
One of my favorite spots all year long. Something about visiting the botanical gardens during Christmas makes it even more magical
Where: Naples Botanical Gardens
2. Christmas Tree Walk and Tre Lighting
The most festive time of the year, Monday 21st is the official start of Christmas in Naples with the with Santa’s arrival on a vintage fire truck, the official tree lighting and a Naples Snowfall.
Spend the evening strolling the avenues at this family friendly event, enjoy live music, elaborately decorated windows and stop into Santa’s Workshop to meet St. Nick himself. Restaurants and shops will be open late and the street will be lined with local vendors selling North Pole Treats and Sweets. Dining reservations are highly recommended at restaurants.
Where: The North Pole on 3rd
3. Naples Christmas Parade in Downtown Naples
This annual holiday season spectacular parade begins on Broad Street South and finishes up on 8th Street South in downtown Naples. Get there early for the best spots for your lawn chair.
When: December 6th | 6pm
Where: Broad St South
4. Winterfest at the Naples Zoo
Enjoy a very special morning at the Naples Zoo with Breakfast with Tropical Santa as part of Winter Fest!
When: 7:30-9am View Tickets for Details
Where: Naples Zoo
5. Christmas Boat Parade
Now this is how I really like to spend my holidays, in the warm weather on a boat! This parade spreads so much Christmas cheer throughout Naples.
When: December 12th
Where: Naples Bay
6. Mercato Christmas Tree Lighting
The Mercato Tree lighting is one you don’t want to miss. The energy and magic vibrate through the whole Tree Lighting and long after that!
When: November 30th | 5pm-8pm
Where: The Mercato
Some additional Holiday Fun
- Victoria Park – what a great community of neighbors! Everyone decorates their homes and the lines of cars at night to check it out can be like rush hour traffic pulling through the neighborhood- but worth it!
- Run Before the Cookies
- Ritz Carlton Gingerbread House! (This books up months in advance)
Pictures with Santa– What says Christmas better than plaid shirts and a holiday workshop?!
If you’re really in the Christmas Spirit there is no place more Magical than Disney during Christmas time. Disney World, Disney Springs and Universal Studios all do such a great job. It takes about 3 1/2 hours from Naples to get to Disney World.
No matter where you go or what you do this holiday season the important thing is to spend it with those you love. We can’t wait to hear about some of your favorite holiday activities this season. Warm Wishes!
