Ranked as the number one city to live in the country, Naples, Florida offers an unmatched lifestyle defined by luxury. During the holiday season, residents enjoy a variety of seasonal traditions that infuse the lavish extravagance that Naples is known for. From parades and caroling to light and gingerbread displays, there are plenty of holiday things to do in Naples, Florida, and the best part is that it can all be enjoyed in a comfortable climate.
Read on to discover the most beautiful holiday celebrations and displays in Naples, Florida that cannot be missed.
Naples’ Christmas Parade
On December 3rd at 6:00 p.m., enjoy the annual Naples Christmas parade that features beautifully festive floats, fire engines, school groups and bands, dance troupes, boy and girl scouts, civic groups, and so many more individuals from the community. There’s even a special appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus. The parade begins on Broad Street and finishes on 8th Street South. This Naples holiday tradition is guaranteed to be a blast for the whole family. Be sure to arrive early, as this event is known to draw a large crowd.
Candlelight Christmas Carols
Attend the annual Candlelight Christmas Carols at Cambier Park on Friday, December 20th. Pre-caroling, food, and beverages will be available starting at 5:30 p.m. with the main event beginning at 6:30 p.m. A food truck will be onsite, and refreshments, beer, and wine may be purchased as well. Enjoy the sounds of hundreds of local musicians and carolers singing and illuminating the park with candles. Lyric sheets and electric candles will be provided, but don’t forget your lawn chair!
Holiday Pops at Artis-Naples
From December 19th to the 22nd, get into the holiday spirit with Broadway and YouTube star Morgan James as she lends her voice to the Naples Philharmonic, Naples Philharmonic Chorus, and the Naples Philharmonic Youth Chorus for Holiday Pops, a program of nostalgic classics and modern hits of the holiday season. From cherished classics to contemporary favorites, the combined ensemble delivers another symphonic celebration that is sure to warm the soul and fill your cup with holiday cheer.
Holiday Offerings at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples
From breakfast with Santa to gingerbread school, the Ritz-Carlton has it all. On select days in December, enjoy events across both Naples locations: the oceanfront Ritz Carlton, Naples and the Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón golf resort.
Starting December 13th, stop by the Tiburón location for Twelve Days of Christmas Cocktails. Raise a toast with a unique cocktail each day in the Bella Vista Bar for a spirited celebration of the festive season. Indulge in delightful yuletide flavors that marry seasonal herbs and spices.
From December 20th to the 27th, bring your whole family to the Tiburón Christmas Market, where you can enjoy crafts, food, and cheer as you stroll the “streets” of this European-inspired market complete with nightly snowfall. December 20th, the golf resort will also host a gingerbread house decorating classes from December.
At the oceanfront location, attend the 2024 Gingerbread House Tour which begins on December 9th. Experience the amazing craftsmanship of the resort’s pastry chefs as you delight in a selection of cocoa and sweet treats. On select days in December, you can also enjoy breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus or attend Teddy Bear Tea where Santa will also be present.
Magic of Lights®
Magic of Lights® will illuminate the Paradise Coast Sports Complex, a new location, until January 4th. Created with over two million lights, this drive-through holiday experience will host such displays as a 32-foot-tall, animated Mattel Waving Christmas Barbie®, life-sized dinosaurs, BIGFOOT® Monster Trucks, as well as themed zones like Winter Wonderland, the 12 Days of Christmas, Festive Elves, Reindeer Road, Toyland, and a 200-foot long enchanting tunnel of lights. Discounted tickets can be purchased online or tickets can be purchased upon arrival.
Johnsonville Nightlights in the Garden
Another favorite winter tradition is Nightlights in the Garden at Naples Botanical Garden. This beloved annual tradition is a seasonal staple that is distinctly Southwest Florida. Take a stroll through the beautiful grounds and pathways lit by thousands of colorful twinkling lights and enjoy live music, photo ops, a living bromeliad tree, and festive treats and specialty cocktails for purchase. On select nights you can even enjoy Johnsonville hot dogs and bratwursts and the famous Dutch Delights by Dutchkinz®. The event runs through January 5th and tickets are required.
Of course, you can also see gorgeous holiday lights and decorations spread across the three Moorings Park communities in Naples, Florida, Moorings Park, Moorings Park at Grey Oaks, and Moorings Park Grande Lake.
Among the top five senior living communities in America, Moorings Park Communities is the premier retirement destination in Southwest Florida. Set amidst lush gardens, tranquil lakes, and beautifully landscaped lawns, Moorings Park Communities enhance your quality of life by offering a refined senior living lifestyle elevated by world-class healthcare and wellness opportunities amidst a stunning setting. Get in touch with us or schedule a tour to learn more about how we can enrich your retirement lifestyle.
