With winter almost here, more tourists are casting their eyes south this holiday season!

Kicking off with a Christmas tree lighting in downtown Fort Myers on December 3, and followed by the 15th Annual Festival of Trees in the historic River District (December 3-5), here are just a few of the fun festivities that await in The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel:

Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade: Most cities just have floats down Main Street, but on Fort Myers Beach things are done a little differently! Celebrating its 33rd year, this annual tradition lights up the night in grand style!

Cape Coral Holiday Festival of Lights: Get into the holiday spirit with tree-lighting, games and other festivities! Visitors can also shop around at tents and market displays set up by local businesses and craft vendors. There are also bouncy castles and slides, rock climbing, and tons of activities for kids, and musical acts performing at three different stages.

Santa’s Block Party: Celebrate the season with a day of Christmas crafts, snacks, and a visit from the big man in red himself!

Santa’s Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise: Nothing warms the holiday spirit like a little Christmas cruise. Put on every year by Adventures in Paradise on Sanibel Island, this cruise is fun for the whole family as you cruise the waters of Pine Island Sound and San Carlos Bay, keeping eyes open for wild dolphins and Santa alike!

Edison and Ford Holiday Nights: Take a trip back in time and explore Christmas’ past at the 46th annual Holiday Nights at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. Running from late November through to January 2, 2022, take in thousands of lights, hundreds of decorations, and one unique holiday experience await visitors nightly from 5:30 to 9pm. Enjoy exciting new lighting displays, visits with Santa, carolers and musicians, refreshments, family science shows, and more on select evenings. Holiday fun for the whole family!

While you’re there, be sure to also check out:

December Music Walk (December 17, 2021)

The River District comes alive on the third Friday of every month as local and regional musicians line the streets. Free to the public, many genres can be heard and vary each month – from jazz and blues to rock & roll!

Downtown Countdown (December 31, 2021) Ring in the New Year Fort Myers style! There will be five stages with various musical performances to celebrate the last day of 2021.

January Art Walk (January 7, 2022) The River District Alliance has partnered with the Sanibel Shell Show to bring the craft of seashells to downtown Fort Myers. Shell crafters will display their works of art, some available for purchase. The featured artist is local celebrity Ginny Dickerson who will be working on a new piece for all attendees to see. There will also be a shell scavenger hunt during the event.

For a complete line-up of activities and events over the holiday season and into 2022, please visit FortMyers-Sanibel.com/events.