Top Reasons to Spend the Holidays in Florida
While a snowy, white Christmas may be a joy to behold - the slush and ice, and skids and slips are sure to follow for many folks. Then comes the shoveling, and the glorious white turns quickly into less pleasant hues.
Probably many people would prefer wearing a light sweater than layer upon layer of clothing, boots, and hats.
Besides all this, who’s to say that palm trees are not as beautiful as pine trees. Also, wouldn’t you be happier frolicking on white sandy beaches than trudging through knee-high snow. And just as you can sculpt figurines in snow, you can do the same with sand. And if you visit one of the many Florida theme parks, you’ll probably spend more time enjoying it than you would a theme park in the freezing north. Hey, it’s your choice: a tropical cocktail in Florida, or an eggnog up north!
On a more serious note, here’s a handy list of great things to do in southwest Florida this holiday season:
1. The greatest inventor in American history, Thomas Edison, and one of our country’s greatest businessmen, Henry Ford, had beautiful neighboring estates in Fort Myers. These homes with their magnificent gardens are seasonally decorated with thousands of lights for the holidays. There’s even an Edison dedicated laboratory and a museum to take in, as well.
2. Loads of fun for the kids (and parents) is the Collier County Snow Fest in Naples. What could be more fun for the kids than playing in heaps (100 tons to be exact) of snow in 80-degree weather. Other attractions include a carnival, live entertainment, an arts and crafts fair, contests, food vendors, laser battles, a visit by Santa and his elves, a gigantic snow slide, an obstacle course, and a dodge ball arena.
3. The Sanibel and Captiva Islands Luminary Holiday Stroll offers an opportunity to view the many fun places on these lovely islands just off shore in the Gulf of Mexico. Features include a Santa visit, a live nativity scene, music, and many other activities for the whole family.
4. The tenth annual Festival of Trees in Fort Myers showcases a vast array of Christmas trees, beautifully designed and decorated. They are donated by local businesses. While there, Santa will pay a visit and offer the kids a visit to his workshop.
5. The Gulf Coast Symphony and Gulf Shore Ballet will perform the Nutcracker, Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic at the Barbara B. Mann PAH at College Parkway, Fort Myers.
6. Also, in Fort Myers at the Village Church at Shell Point Blvd., the Southwest Florida Symphony will perform the holiday favorite, A Charlie Brown Christmas.
7. Individual lighted boat parades are offered on Pine Island, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, and Naples. The Naples event can be viewed while dining or from the dock.
8. Not to be outdone by Fort Myers, Naples will also offer a performance of the Nutcracker in late November at the Artis-Naples campus. But here the event will be by the famed Moscow Ballet. Also, in Naples, at the same venue, Handel’s Messiah will be performed in early December. Finally, the Naples Philharmonic will perform beloved choral works.
9. The Naples Christmas Parade on December 12th, features floats, fire engines, bands, and of course, Mr. and Ms. Claus.
10. Fort Myers will offer The Grand Chanukah Cruise on December 2nd, hosted by the local Jewish community. The cruise will include dinner.
11. On December 3rd, Naples will offer a public menorah lighting, crafts, face painting for the kids, and a Klezmer concert.
12. Back in Naples: Night Lights in the Garden features thousands of twinkling lights that will illuminate Naples Botanical Garden. Each night, between Dec. 7th and Jan. 3rd, there will be musical performances, family activities, and treats.
There are scores of more activities for the holidays. Just check with the various tourist bureaus or local chambers of commerce for many more listings and details.