Email not displaying correctly? View the web version
 
 
HOLIDAY LIGHTS
  • Colorful lighting displays bring the gardens to life after dark with an enchanting, otherworldly glow for Johnsonville Night Lights in the Garden at Naples Botanical Garden. Nightly live music sets the tone as you stroll and sip festive libations.
  • Thousands of bulbs illuminate the historic riverfront homes and gardens as part of Holiday Nights at Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers. Period decorations reflect the turn-of-the-20th-century era when the titans of industry called Fort Myers their winter home.
 

Thursday
  • Harmon-Meek Gallery artists, including Hunt Slonem, contribute paintings under 20 inches in size in this annual Small Works of Art show—a perfect opportunity to find one-of-a-kind gifts and keepsakes.
 

Friday
  • Catch the nationally touring NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet! at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. This acrobatic interpretation of the beloved Russian ballet features a cast of international talent including Ukrainian principal artists. Handmade costumes, 10-foot tall stage puppets, hand-painted sets and 40 professional ballerinas come together to create an enchanting holiday story.
 

Saturday
  • Catch this musical rendition of the classic holiday movie Elf the Musical at Fort Myers Theatre. The performance adds a musical score to the story of Buddy, the orphaned human who is raised by Santa’s elves. Once grown up, Buddy sets out on a mission to discover his father’s identity, and in doing so, brings Christmas magic to New York City.
  • Discover life-size sculptures, jewelry, custom ceramics and original paintings at the Coconut Point New Year's Weekend Art Festival. Outdoor tents form an artisanal marketplace among the Estero shopping center’s 113 stores and 25 restaurants during this two-day festival.
 

Sunday
Raise a glass and cheers to 2024 at these New Year's Eve events:
  • Ring in the New Year at Fort Myers’ Downtown Countdown. Bands, DJs and food trucks take over the River District beginning at 6 p.m. At midnight, bid adieu to 2023 with a fireworks display and ball drop.
  • Pop Champagne and sample hors d’oeuvres in your best cocktail attire at this New Year's Eve Rooftop Party at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. Take in views of the Caloosahatchee River and get a front-row seat for the River District’s fireworks show. Then, boogie into 2024 on an oversized dance floor with live music.
  • Welcome the New Year with the whole family at Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda. Stages at Center Court and on the beach welcome musical talent to get the crowd ready for an explosive midnight fireworks display. Littles light up at the sight of glowing toys, face painting booths and other family-friendly perks.
  • This masquerade-themed celebration at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón promises tables of seafood, meats and carving stations with maple-glazed salmon and beef Wellington. Enjoy a complimentary welcome beverage and midnight toast, and pop over to the bar for champagne, beer and other wines. Bring the little ones for a children’s buffet of holiday meals and sweet treats. A midnight fireworks display caps off this elegant affair.
  • End the year with laughter at Off the Hook Comedy Club in Naples. Comedian Anthony Rodia sets a joyous tone for the evening with a set of playful skits and character comedy. Between giggles, tuck into a variety of dining options including chicken florentine, beef braciole and shrimp and lobster alla vodka.
Check out our curated list of more New Year's Eve celebrations throughout Southwest Florida.

NEW YEAR'S DAY
  • Jumpstart your New Year’s goals with health and wellness activities at Baker Park in Naples. Lace up your sneakers for the GCR New Year’s Day Fun Run hosted by Gulf Coast Runners and find your center with Love Yoga Center’s free class, open to yogis of all levels.

View or submit other upcoming local events.
GO TO CALENDAR
 

Sea Shells
4 SOUTHWEST FLORIDA-INSPIRED RITUALS FOR YOUR FAMILY HOLIDAYS
Fisher-poet Chanda Jamieson reflects on the Gulf Coast's natural beauty.
Read More
family kitchen
5 TIME-SAVING SERVICES FOR SWFL PARENTS
These services help you with everything from meal prep to errands to raising well-rested youngsters.
Read More

 
Friendship comes in all shapes and sizes—at least, that’s what 47-year-old Elwood P. Dowd and his very best friend, Harvey, believe. The only challenge? Harvey is an invisible, 6-foot-tall rabbit. Popularized by Harvey, the 1950 movie starring Jimmy Stewart, this Pulitzer prize-winning show about loyalty, friendship, and acceptance is presented by The Naples Players. Purchase tickets

Experience “These Magic Moments” at Baker Senior Center Naples' Annual Evening for Better Tomorrows Gala on January 13. Enjoy a night of dancing, dining and magic as Baker Senior Center Naples raises funds to support seniors in Collier and Southern Lee counties. Together, we can provide confidence, connection and invaluable support to our older adult community. Purchase tickets

 
Vote for the best

 
 
Naples International Film Festival Gallery
Naples International Film Festival, hosted at and in support of Artis—Naples. See Gallery
 
 
 
SUBSCRIBE
Want more? For the latest dining news and special offers check out all of our newsletters here.
 
Click here to unsubscribe and manage your email subscriptions.
Gulfshore Life 26101 S Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134