HOLIDAY SPLENDOR - AREA EVENTS TO GET YOU IN THE SPIRIT!

A Christmas Story
Florida Repertory Theatre
2268 Bay Street, Fort Myers
December 1 – 20

Perfect for the whole family! A Christmas Story is a hilarious and touching coming-of-age story of growing up in the Midwest in the 1940s! Audiences will follow 9-year-old Ralphie on his desperate quest for a genuine Red Ryder BB Gun despite everyone’s warning!  More info

Pine Island Lighted Christmas Boat Parade
December 12, 2015, 6:00 pm

The Pine Island Community Boat Parade in St. James City. There are many ways to enjoy the boat parade, including viewing from various restaurants, homes and other vantage points along the parade route. The parade route will remain the same and will include Monroe, Cherry Estates and Henley waterways.

Captiva Cruises Lighted Boat Parade
December 12th, 6:00 pm

More than 30 boats parade down Roosevelt Channel for this spectacular event. Visitors can choose to cruise in the parade with special passenger tickets or watch the parade from McCarthy’s Marina, ‘Tween Waters Inn, Jensen’s Marina or the Green Flash. More info

Happy Holidays! A Musical Celebration at BIG ARTS
Dec 18, 2015 – Dec 31, 2015

Featuring favorite standards that will take you through a musical winter wonderland, this fresh, spectacular holiday revue will cheer and excite the whole family! 7:30 shows: Dec. 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 26, 28, 29, 30 | Matinees: 4 pm on Sunday, Dec. 20 & 27 | Special Time! 7 pm on New Year’s Eve. More info

Winter Fest
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd, Naples
Dec. 19 – 20

Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens will be delivering gifts to the animals. Zoo guests will watch big cats claw into beautifully wrapped presents while many other animals enjoy holiday-related delicacies. More info

Santa’s Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise
Dec 24, 2015

Where is Santa on his last day before flying out? We found him on a deserted island in the waters surrounding Sanibel! Bring the family and cruise out among the dolphins and then visit with Santa on Picnic Island. Free photos with Santa! Cruise departs at 10am and returns at 11:30am.  More info

Christmas Eve Sunset Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise
Dec 24, 2015

Join us for cookies & eggnog! Bring the whole family and celebrate Christmas Eve aboard the “Sun Princess”! Listening to tropical music, we will cruise the tranquil waters of San Carlos Bay for a relaxing journey during the most visually spectacular part of the day.

START THE NEW YEAR OFF RIGHT!

Sundial New Year’s Eve Bash 2015
Bring in the New Year at our Family-Friendly Party Under the Stars! More info

New Year's Eve Celebration
Times Square, Fort Myers Beach
Noon – 5 p.m.,  Troublemakerz & 7-midnight, High Tide.

New Year’s Eve Celebration
Fishermen’s Village
1200 W. Retta Esplanade
Punta Gorda
5 p.m.

Come ring in the New Year at Fishermen’s Village! Family friendly festivities throughout the evening, beginning at 5 p.m. Live Music/Dancing,  Fun Photos Face Painting/LED Juggling Tarot Readings, Singer/Guitarist Michael Hirst. More info

Downtown Countdown
Fort Myers Downtown River District
8 p.m.

Food, fun, live music on multiple stages, fireworks, free admission, ball drop at midnight. More info