December 2026 Events in Southwest Florida
December 2026 Events in Southwest Florida
Palm trees wrapped in lights, Santa arriving by boat, and parades you can watch in shorts. Here are the holiday events worth putting on your calendar this month, from Fort Myers Beach to Naples.
A Southwest Florida Kind of December
The holidays look a little different down here. Instead of snow, you get warm evenings on the water, lit-up boats, and downtown streets full of music and twinkle lights. December is also when seasonal residents are back in town and families come to visit, so there is something happening almost every weekend.
Whether you live here year-round or you are just visiting, these are the events we think are worth the trip.
This Month's Events
Christmas on Fifth Avenue South
Fifth Avenue South usually lights its big tree on the first Friday of December, and the whole avenue turns into an evening of carolers, window shopping, and dinner on the sidewalk. It is one of the prettiest nights of the year in downtown Naples.
Good to know: the 2026 schedule had not been officially posted when we wrote this. Check fifthavenuesouth.com before you head out.
Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade
The 38th annual Christmas Boat Parade kicks off the season on the water. Local boaters deck out everything from fishing boats to pontoons and cruise past the crowds once the sun goes down.
Good to know: grab a waterfront table early, or book a seat on one of the tour boats that follow the parade. Start times and viewing spots are posted on fortmyersbeach.org closer to the date.
City of Naples Christmas Parade
Floats, marching bands, and Santa himself roll through downtown Naples. The parade starts at 3rd Street South and 9th Avenue South, heads up toward Fifth Avenue South, and wraps up on 8th Street South in front of City Hall.
Good to know: bring a chair and get there early, because the best curb spots fill up fast.
Cape Coral Holiday Boat-a-Long
This is Cape Coral's favorite holiday night. Lit-up boats parade through Bimini Basin with Santa and his elves on board, and the park fills with families, food, and holiday music. In past years the night has wrapped up with a holiday movie in the park.
Good to know: bring blankets or lawn chairs. If you own a boat and want to be in the parade, check the City of Cape Coral event page for how to register.
Holiday Nights at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates
Thomas Edison's winter home glows with holiday lights every December, and the evening tours take you through the decorated grounds and gardens. It is one of the most beautiful things to do in Fort Myers this time of year.
Good to know: tickets are required, and the season usually runs from late November into early January. Check edisonfordwinterestates.org for this year's dates and hours.
The boat parades are some of the best nights of the year here, and the best seats are the ones you claim early. If you have friends who live on a canal along the route, now is a great time to call them.
And if you catch yourself looking at those waterfront homes all lit up and wondering what it would be like to watch the parade from your own dock, we would love to show you what is available.
December at a Glance
| Date | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Dec 4 | Christmas on Fifth Avenue South (expected) | Naples |
| Sat, Dec 5 | Christmas Boat Parade | Fort Myers Beach |
| Tue, Dec 8 | City of Naples Christmas Parade | Naples |
| Sat, Dec 19 | Holiday Boat-a-Long | Cape Coral |
| Nightly | Holiday Nights | Fort Myers |
Dates and times come from each organizer as of early November 2026. Outdoor events can change or be canceled because of weather, so please check with the organizer before you head out.
Love the Holidays in Southwest Florida? Make It Home.
Whether you are dreaming of a canal home in Cape Coral or a place near Fifth Avenue in Naples, our team would love to help you find it.
Talk With Our TeamFrequently Asked Questions
When is the Cape Coral Holiday Boat-a-Long in 2026?
When is the 2026 Naples Christmas Parade?
Do I need tickets for Holiday Nights at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates?
What happens if it rains on parade night?
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