With the holidays right around the corner, it's time to get in the spirit of the season. One of the best ways to make your spirits bright is by enjoying the many festive holiday light displays around Naples, Florida.
Whether you prefer to celebrate from the comfort of your car or see the holiday splendor up close, we've rounded up the best places to see holiday lights in Naples, Florida.
Naples Christmas Parade
On December 5th 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.
Cambier Park
Attend the annual Candlelight Christmas Carols at Cambier Park on Friday, December 15th. 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!
Artis-Naples
Nothing warms hearts around the holidays quite like the timeless yuletide classic, the Nutcracker. Performed by the Naples Philharmonic and brought to life by the dancers of Naples Ballet, this magical performance will be put on at Artis-Naples from December 20th to the 22nd at 7 p.m.
Additionally, from December 14th to the 17th, get into the holiday spirit with multi-platinum singer and American Idol alum Clay Aiken as he lends his 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.
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 12th, 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, but be aware that each cocktail will only be available for one day!
From December 17th to the 23rd, 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. On December 15th, the golf resort will also host an Ugly Sweater Cocktail Party, as well as a gingerbread house decorating classes from December 18th through the 20th.
At the oceanfront location, attend the 2023 Gingerbread House Experience. Unlike previous years, tickets are required for this incredible tour, which begins on December 8th. Experience the amazing craftsmanship of the resort’s pastry chefs as you delight in a selection of cocoa and sweet treats. On select nights in December, you can also enjoy breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus, or attend Teddy Bear Tea, where Santa will also be present. Children will be immersed in the magic of the season at both of these festive events.
Collier Fairgrounds
For the second year in a row, Magic of Lights will illuminate the Collier Fairgrounds until December 31st. 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, and BIGFOOT® Monster Trucks, as well as themed zones like Winter Wonderland, the 12 Days of Christmas, Toyland, and a 200-foot long enchanting tunnel of lights.
Guests can also stop inside the Jolly Holiday Village, which features out-of-car activities like pictures with Santa, holiday tree displays, and more. This event is sure to become a classic holiday tradition for the whole family. Discounted tickets can be purchased online to be used any night during the season, or purchase tickets upon arrival.
Johnsonville Nightlights in the Garden
Another favorite winter tradition is Nightlights in the Garden at Naples Botanical Garden. Take a stroll through the beautiful grounds and pathways lit by millions of colorful twinkling lights.
On select nights enjoy live music, Johnsonville hot dogs, as well as the famous Dutchkinz® Poffers®, or bite-size, puffed-up beignets, coffee, and hot chocolate. The event runs through January 1st and tickets are required.
Victoria Park
The North naples neighborhood Victoria Park has one of the most popular drive-through light displays in the area. Around 300 homes go all out with over-the-top decorations every year, and some streets even have their own themes, including a tunnel of lights down Windsor Way.
While not every neighborhood does light displays quite as spectacularly as Victoria Park, there are some others where the holiday spirit is on full display, including Pelican Bay, Golden Gate City, Port Royal, Palm River, and Willoughby Acres.
Of course, you can also see gorgeous holiday lights and decorations spread across the three campuses of Moorings Park Communities. Contact us today to learn more about each of our unique campuses and schedule a personal tour.
