When winter comes around and travelers are longing to leave all thoughts of snow and cold behind, there’s no better place to spend the holidays than Fort Myers, Florida. Here, you can swap out parkas, scarves, and mittens required elsewhere on the map and make it a Christmas filled with mild temperatures and plenty of festive fun! Whether you’re here for a few days or spending an extended holiday away, you’ll find Christmas in Fort Myers is a captivating time of year when you can fill your itinerary with illuminating experiences of all kinds. The following are a few of the top activities and attractions to add to your Christmas list when travel plans bring you this way.
Experience an Edison & Ford Winter Estates Holiday Tour for Yourself
No matter when you find yourself enjoying time away in Fort Myers, a tour of the historic Edison & Ford Estates is a must. This beautiful location is particularly appealing at Christmastime when the two historic homes, gardens, and the museum are decked out in beautiful holiday décor and glittering lights. You’ll find the Edison & Ford Estates not far from downtown Fort Myers spanning 20 acres of lush terrain. The annual Holiday Nights event here includes a magical tree lighting ceremony as well as tours of the grounds and estates. There’s often live music and festive treats served up at the estates during tours and opportunities to shop for last-minute holiday gifts as well at the Ford Cottage Shoppe.
Attend Candlelight Christmas Carols at Cambier Park
When you want to pair holiday festive fun in Fort Myers with an activity that gives back, the Candlelight Christmas Carols experience at Cambier Park is always a good choice. This year, the annual event is scheduled to be hosted on December 20 at Cambier Park and proceeds will go towards America’s Children Development Program and HOPE4KIDS as well. The fun kicks off at 5:30 pm with pre-caroling food and beverages on-site. At 6:30, enchanting carolers will perform for attendees, showcasing fan-favorite holiday selections in beautiful stylings for a great cause. It’s a holiday event in Fort Myers you won’t want to miss this year.
Check Out the Holiday Pops Concert
Infuse even more music and magic into your Fort Myers Christmas getaway by booking tickets to the Holiday Pops concert at the Tribby Arts Center on December 9, 2024. This year, the performance will be conducted by Andrew Lipke with Mary Bichner performing as a guest artist. Bichner will debut with the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra to bring a unique flair to Yuletide favorite tunes at this annual concert. Audiences will be delighted by the popular performances and new tune introductions alike whether they attend the 2:00 pm or the 7:00 pm showing. You’ll find the Tribby Arts Center located at 17281 on Par Boulevard and tickets can be purchased online in advance.
Enjoy the Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade
A highlight holiday event near Fort Myers each year for locals and visitors alike is the Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade. This magical lineup showcases vessels dripping with holiday lights as they make their way along scenic Estero Bay. Spectators typically line the route and pair an evening of watching glittering boats sail by with area dining selections too. Participating vessels depart from Parrot Key Caribbean Grill and make their way Northwest past Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille and Bonita Bill’s Waterfront Café too. The parade winds its way under the Matanzas Pass Bridge and heads toward Bowditch Point Park before turning in front of Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina. Any of these places are perfect for setting up for a night of fantastic parade viewing during the holidays. The experience typically kicks off around 6:00 pm and lasts approximately 2 hours.
Admire the Fort Myers Festival of Trees
Christmas in Fort Myers is the perfect time of year to set aside a moment to admire the work on display at the annual Fort Myers Festival of Trees. This exciting and inviting event is hosted in the downtown Fort Myers River District and features trees that are customized by local businesses. The event includes visits from Santa, live music, and wreath lighting as well. Guests are encouraged to give a $2 donation upon entry and proceeds go to benefit The Southwest Florida Goodwill Foundation as well as the Sidney & Bernie Davis Art Center.
Book Your Trip to Fort Myers in Style
When your travel plans bring you to sunny Fort Myers, Florida, booking your accommodations through Luxury Vacation Rentals ensures your stay will keep you close to the fun and living in style every day you’re here. Reach out today to learn more about our exciting lineup of rental options available in Fort Myers year-round, including our Fort Myers Christmas rentals that will take your trip to the next level of excellence with every reservation this winter!