Down in the Gulf Coast, it can be hard to make it feel like the holidays.
Snowmen are sandmen, warm egg-nog becomes iced and skiing becomes swimming.
But NBC2 has compiled a list of fun things you can do to get in the holiday spirit, despite being in the Sunshine State.
Lee County:
A Celtic Christmas by a Taste of Ireland
Where: Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall
When: Nov. 20, 2024
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Here
Address: 13350 FSW Parkway Fort Myers, FL 33919
Holiday Celebration, Car Show and Tropical Parade
Where: Coconut Point
When: Dec. 7, 2024
Time: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tickets: Free
Address: Coconut Point Mall 23106 Fashion Dr. Estero Fl 33928
49th Annual Edison and Ford Winter Estates Holiday Nights
Where: Edison and Ford Winter Estates
When: Nov. 29, 2024, through Jan. 5, 2025 (excluding Dec. 24 & Dec. 25)
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Tickets: Here
Address: Edison & Ford Winter Estates 2350 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33901
Holiday House Christmas Stroll
Where: First Street
When: Nov. 29, 2024
Tickets: Free
Address: Window shop displays along First Street in Fort Myers
18th Annual Fort Myers Festival of Trees 2024
Where: Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center
When: Dec. 5, 2024, through, Dec 8, 2024
Click here for tree viewing times
Tickets: $2 per person or bring a new toy donation, get in free!
Address: 2301 First Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901
25th Annual Bonita Springs Holiday Stroll
Where: Downtown Bonita Springs Riverside Park
When: Dec. 1, 2024, through Jan. 1, 2025
Time: From dusk to 9 p.m. nightly, (except when there are pre-scheduled events)
Tickets: No tickets required
Address: 10450 Reynolds St. Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Cape Coral Holiday Festival of Lights
Where: Along Cape Coral Parkway
When: Dec. 7, 2024
Time: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Tickets: Free
36th Annual Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Where: Salty Sam's Marina
When: Dec. 7, 2024
Time: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost to enter a boat in the parade is $40 or $75
Address: 2500 Main St. Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Holiday Lights at Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium
Where: Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium
When: Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from Dec. 6 to Dec. 29, 2024
Time: 6 to 9:30 p.m.
Tickets: Here
Address: 3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33905
Where: Four Freedoms Park along Bimini Basin
When: Dec. 21, 2024
Time: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Tickets: Free
A free shuttle runs from various downtown parking lots to the event.
Address: 4818 Tarpon Ct, Cape Coral, FL 33904
Collier County:
Where: The Naples Players
When: Nov. 20, 2024 through Dec. 22, 2024
Monday through Saturday
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tickers: Free
Address: 701 5th Avenue South, Naples, Florida 34102
Christmas at Palm Cottage
Where: Historic Palm Cottage
When: Dec. 3, 2024 through Dec. 21, 2024
Time: Tuesday through Saturday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
OR Thursday, Friday Saturday 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Tickets: $13 per person, free for evening visits
Reservations recommended: Book here
Address: 137 12th Avenue South Naples, Florida 34102
Christmas on Third
Where: Third Street South
When: Monday, Nov. 25
Time: 3:00 p.m. Street Closure, 6:00 p.m. Santa’s Arrival, 6:20 p.m. Tree Lighting and Snowfall, continued festivities from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Tickets: Free
Johnsonville Night Lights in the Garden at Naples Botanical Garden
Where: Naples Botanical Garden
When: Nov. 29, 2024 through Jan. 1, 2025
Time: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Tickets: Here
Address: 4820 Bayshore Drive Naples, FL 34112
Showfest at Paradise Sports Complex
Where: Paradise Sports Complex
When: Saturday, Dec. 2, 2024
Time: 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Tickets: $8 entry on the event day, children 3 years old and under free.
Address: 3940 City Gate Blvd. North Naples, FL 34117
Drive through Victoria Park
Where: Victoria Park Neighborhood
When: All December
Time: Sundown
Tickets: Free
Address: Located off Airport-Pulling Road in Naples
50th Annual Christmas on Fifth Avenue South
Where: Fifth Avenue South
When: Dec. 6, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Tickets: Free
Christmas tree lighting 6 p.m. on Dec. 6, 2024
Address: 3rd Street S & 5 th Avenue S
Fifth Avenue South Christmas Parade
Where: Fifth Avenue South
When: Dec. 3, 2024
Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Tickets: Free
Address: 3rd Street S & 5 th Avenue S
Christmas Boat Parade on Naples Bay
Where: Naples City Dock
When: Dec. 14, 2024
Time: 6:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Tickets: Here
Address: 880 12th Ave S, Naples, FL 34102
Charlotte County:
Festival of Lights
Where: Fisherman's Village
When: Nov. 20, 2024 through Dec. 31, 2024
Time: Recurring daily
Tickets: Free
Address: 1200 W. Retta EsplanadePunta Gorda, FL 339500
Light up the Night: Downtown Punta Gorda Christmas Tree Lighting
Where: City of Punta Gorda
When: Dec 06, 2024
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Tickets: Free
Address: West Marion Ave and Taylor StreetPunta Gorda, FL 33950
The Wonderland of Lights at Charlotte County Fairgrounds
Where: Charlotte County Fairgrounds
When: Dec 06, 2024, recurring daily until Dec. 29, 2024
Time: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday
6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Tickets: Here
Passenger vehicles: $25
Limos/Mini Busses: $50
Military: $25 (must show Veteran ID or Military ID)
For even more wonder, purchase the enchanted 3-D elf glasses at the gate.
Address: 2333 El Jobean RoadPort Charlotte, FL 33948
The Charlotte County Chorale presents Sing We Now of Christmas
Where: Charlotte Performing Arts Center
When: Dec 07, 2024
Time: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Tickets: Here
Adults: $25
Students: $10
Address: 701 Carmalita Street Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Gardens Aglow at Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens
Where: Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens
When: Dec 12, 2024, recurring daily until Dec. 23, 2024
Time: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Tickets: Here
Members: $20
Non-Members: $25
Youth (Ages 5-17): $15
Ages 4 & Under: Free
Address: 5827 Riverside Drive Punta Gorda, FL 33982
Enchanted Holiday Circus at the Charlotte County Fairgrounds
Where: Charlotte County Fairgrounds
When: Dec 13, 2024, recurring daily until Dec. 29, 2024
Showtimes:
Friday, Dec. 13: 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 14: 4 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 15: 4 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 20: 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 21: 4 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 22: 4 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 23: 4 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 24: No shows
Wednesday, Dec. 25: 4 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 26: 4 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 27: 4 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 28: 4 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Sunday, Dec, 29: 4 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Tickets: Here
General Admission: $8-$20
VIP: $30
Address: 2333 El Jobean Road Port Charlotte, FL 33948
New Year's Eve Celebration & Fireworks Display
Where: Fisherman's Village
When: Dec. 31, 2024
Time: 6 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Tickets: Free
Address: 1200 W. Retta Esplanade Punta Gorda, 33950