Posted on Monday, November 15, 2021
The palm trees are wrapped with twinkling lights, wreaths adorn shopping centers, garland is on every neighborhood sign. Yes, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Naples. There are so many holiday activities in Naples, it is no wonder that Coastal Living Magazine named Naples “A Best Beach Town for Christmas” and Southern Living named Naples one of the “25 Most Festive Small Towns in the South for a Charming Christmas Getaway”. Having spent many Christmases here, we’ve come up with our list of favorite Naples Christmastime Traditions along with a list of other events happening around town that we’re looking forward to.
Christmas on Third – Starting November 22nd, 2021
3rd street is kicking off their week long Christmas celebration on Monday, November 22nd with their Annual Tree Lighting ceremoney. The celebration continues all week with “snow” on third, a window decoration contest, beautiful lights and music. Santa has been known to make an appearance.
Christmas Boat Parade on Naples Bay – December 11th, 2021
We take our boat out every year and anchor in Naples Bay to watch as other boats participate in the annual Naples Boat Parade. Blow up Santas, snowmen, and reindeer sit atop boats as they make their way north from Gordan pass heading up to Tin City. The boats are all sparkling and festive and it’s fun to pick a favorite every year. A couple years ago, we even decorated our boat! We had a blast! If you don’t watch from a boat, grab a spot at the City Docks or Tin City for a great view of the parade.
Lights in the Garden at the Naples Botanical Garden
Grab your tickets now because this event sells out! The Naples Botanical Garden is already stunning but seeing it just after sunset beaming with beautiful Christmas lights takes it to a whole new level. We enjoy walking the garden, having a glass of wine, listening to live Christmas music and enjoying the lights.
Life-size Gingerbread House at the beach Ritz
The gigantic gingerbread house sits just inside the main doors at the Ritz. You can actually smell the ginger radiating from the hundreds of ginger bricks used to build the structure. Add on thousands of pieces of candy, sugar upon sugar, and icing to hold it all together and you have a world class gingerbread house. It’s a must-see. We typically head in the lobby at the Ritz. Take a long look at the gingerbread house and then go to Gumbo Limbo for lunch overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.
More events we are looking forward to this year:
Teas and Trees Festival at Naples Players
5th Avenue Christmas Parade
December 1 – 31 Christmas at Historic Palm Cottage
Naples is a wonderful town to spend Christmastime and that’s not even considering the warm weather! Please let us know if you have any questions or fun Naples traditions of your own.
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