Christmas in Naples and Marco Island (2024): Festive Events for Your Tropical Holiday in Florida

Christmas and Holiday events for 2024 are here!

When you think of the Christmas holidays, a white Christmas with chilly temperatures and snowy winter scenes usually comes to mind. But thanks to sunny skies, gorgeous beaches, and ideal mid-80s winter temps, Christmas in Naples Florida offers a different kind of magic wrapped up with a lush tropical bow.

The cities of Naples and Marco Island go all out for Christmas. There are loads of holiday-themed festivals, parades, and special events. But Naples in particular has a wide range of cultural and holiday events to keep you busy the entire month of December, from unwrapping presents with the animals at the Naples Zoo, cruising the neighborhoods for an eye-catching Naples Christmas lights display, enjoying The Nutcracker at Artis-Naples, or watching boats big and small at the festive Naples Christmas boat parades.

Here is your ultimate guide to Christmas in Naples, Florida!

What’s in this Article?

Christmas in Naples, Florida

Naples Christmas Events

Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays in Naples

Christmas Boat Parades in Naples and Marco Island

 

Christmas in Naples and Marco Island

Now if you’re wondering whether a green Christmas can really get you in the holiday mood, we get it. Before we moved to Naples, none of our visions of sugar plums included warm weather and palm trees.

Why let geography get in the way of your tropical holiday! Once you experience a tropical holiday for the first time, it’s easy to enjoy, especially when you can head to the beach and dine al fresco in short sleeves and shorts instead of freezing and shoveling snow.

There are plenty of Christmas festivities this year to enjoy in the Paradise Coast throughout the month of December. Here are just a few of the fun festivities and Christmas events in Naples:

Holiday and Christmas Events in Naples, Bonita, and Marco Island

November 2024

Johnsonville Night Lights in Naples Botanical Garden

• November 29 – December 12, 2024, 6:00pm-10:00pm

• Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples

Undoubtedly one of the best things to do during Christmas in Naples is experience Night Lights in the Garden at Naples Botanical Garden.

Naples Botanical Garden is already gorgeous all year round, thanks to the hundreds of blooming flowers and thriving native plants. But Night Lights in the Garden takes this beauty to new heights with holiday-themed embellishments. With millions of lights, festive live Christmas music, and even holiday-themed snacks, you can easily spend hours enjoying this anticipated event.

Naples Players Trees and Teas Festival

• November 20, 2024 through December 22, 2024

• The Naples Players Theatre, 701 5th Avenue South, Naples

Join the Naples Players Theatre at the 5th annual Trees & Teas Festival. The Jay R. Paul Community Atrium & The Price Studio Theater will be filled with trees designed by local artists. This year, they’ve pulled out all the stops and you’ll be amazed by over-the-top dazzling decor. Get your tickets now while they last.

Third Street South: The North Pole Tree Lighting and Snowfall Celebration

• Official Tree Lighting, Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at 4:00-7:00pm and continuing through Thanksgiving week.

• Fleischmann Plaza, Third Street South, Naples

Christmas in Naples typically starts Thanksgiving Week on Third Street South, with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting & Snow Celebration with Santa and Mrs. Claus arrival on a vintage fire engine, followed by the first snowfall. But there’s one other touch that makes the Third Street South transformation complete: snow!

Through December, enjoy live Christmas Music every Thursday & Friday evening from 4-7pm and the hugely happy Naples Snowfall Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7pm.

Plan on dinner at one of Naples’ best restaurants along Third Street but make reservations well in advance!

 

December 2024

Naples Christmas Parade in Downtown Naples

• Tuesday, December 3, 2024, 6:00pm-8:00pm

• Begins on Broad Street South and finishes up on 8th Street South in downtown Naples.

Get there early for the best spots for your lawn chair.

Naples Design District 8th Annual Holiday Stroll

• Wednesday, December 4, 2024, 4:00pm-8:00pm

• Naples Design District, 5th Avenue South to 7th Avenue North and the East side of US 41 to Goodlette Frank Road.

Dive into the spirit of the season with our 7th Annual Holiday Stroll, a grassroots event deeply rooted in connecting businesses and residents to the broader Southwest Florida community. This is not just an event; it’s a celebration of Naples’ distinctive history, tight-knit community fabric, and the remarkable impact its member businesses exert through a vibrant array of arts, dining, shopping, design, and lifestyle services.

5th Avenue Christmas Walk and Tree Lighting Ceremony with Avenue Dining (51st Annual)

• Friday, December 6, 2024, 5:00pm-10:00pm and Saturday, December 7th, 2024, 10:00am–10:00pm

• 5th Avenue South, Naples

One of the biggest Christmas showcases is on the 5th Avenue South shopping district in Naples! Enjoy the official Christmas tree lighting in Sugden Plaza and amazing holiday experiences, including a living nativity by the First Church of the Nazarene, skating rink, live music, Santa Claus and Avenue dining.

During this 2-day festival, the street becomes even more enchanting, when each of the storefronts is decked out in twinkling lights and colorful decorations, creating a wonderful holiday scene. Many restaurants on 5th also offer avenue dining so call early to reserve.

But the main event is the annual Christmas Walk and Tree Lighting Ceremony, which happens at about 6pm on Friday, December 6th, 2024. Say hello to Santa and Mrs. Claus, listen to live Christmas music, and see the living nativity scene — a magical experience!

Bonita Springs Holiday in the Park

• Tuesday, December 3th, 2024, 4:30pm-8:30pm

• Riverside Park, 27300 Old 41, Bonita Springs

The City of Bonita Springs’ annual Holiday in the Park features a visit from Santa Claus, a snow slide, kid-friendly activities and musical and dance performances!

Marco Island Canine Christmas Parade

• Tuesday, December 10, 2024, 5:30pm-7:30pm

• CJs on the Bay, 740 N Collier Blvd, Marco Island

Marco Island's Christmas Island Style will be hosting their Canine Christmas Parade where owners and their canine companions compete for the most festive attire! Live music, and prizes will be awarded. Organizers require all dogs to be on a leash at all times or secured to a pet stroller.

Tuba Christmas at Sugden Plaza

• Friday, December 13, 2024, 6:30pm-7:30pm

• Sugden Plaza, 5th Avenue South, Naples

Who knew horns could bring so much to Christmas? Naples residents have been enjoying this remarkable evening of music in Sugden Plaza for years — from sousaphone, euphonium, and tuba sounds to traditional baritone holiday favorites!

 

6th Annual Candlelight Christmas Carols at Cambier Park

• Friday, December 13, 2024 — 5:30pm-8:00pm

• Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave S, Naples

Enjoy the sounds of hundreds of local musicians and carolers singing and illuminating the Park with candles. Everyone is welcome! Lyric sheets and electric candles will be provided free of charge.

Naples Dance Conservatory/Naples Dance Ensemble Christmas Spectacular

Get into the holiday spirit with a festive holiday performance that showcases the talented dancers from Naples Dance Conservatory, bringing beloved holiday classics to life through stunning choreography and elegant artistry. Together, the joyful music, dazzling costumes, and captivating dances will make for an unforgettable holiday evening.

• Saturday, December 21, 2024, 5:30pm

• Aubrey Roger’s High School Auditorium, 15100 Patriot Place, Naples

• Tickets will be sold at the door or by calling ahead, 239-231-9800

New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Downtown Naples

• December 31, 2024, 6:00 pm-6:30 pm

• Naples Pier Beach

Celebrate the new year by viewing a fabulous display of fireworks off the City of Naples beaches.

 

Holidays at The Ritz Carlton Naples and Ritz Carlton Naples Golf Resort

Experience special culinary menus, festive entertainment, and themed events throughout the month of December. No matter how one celebrates, there’s surprise and delight moments perfect for the whole family.

For tickets and more details, visit their website.

Gingerbread House

• December 9-24, 2024; Open weekdays from 5:00pm – 8:00pm; weekends from 11:00am – 8:00pm

• The Ritz Carlton Naples, 280 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples

Executive Pastry Chef Lerome Campbell and our Ritz-Carlton Chefs proudly present the 2023 Gingerbread House Experience. Resort guests and local residents with advance tickets are invited to tour this year’s creation, enjoy preferred parking, hot cocoa, holiday cookies, and a keepsake holiday photo, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.

Kindly note: Advance online tickets are required for local guests; resort guests are complimentary.

Teddy Bear Tea

• December 15 and 20, 2024, 11:30am

• The Ritz Carlton Naples, 280 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples

Experience the magical tradition of Teddy Bear Tea, with a delightful presentation of sandwiches, drinks, and a plush bear at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples.

Breakfast with Santa

• December 13, 21, 22, 23, 2024, 8:00am

• The Ritz Carlton Naples, 280 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples

Join Santa and a merry band of elves at both The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón and The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, for a buffet breakfast in a magical space adorned with holiday décor and candy creations. Includes a keepsake photo.

Gingerbread House Decorating Class

• December 20 and 21, 2024,10:00am

• The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón

The smell of gingerbread fills the air as family and friends join our Ritz-Carlton chefs for a culinary class with a festive flair: Gingerbread House Decorating. Gather your group at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón for a holiday class filled with gingerbread and gumdrops. Our experts share tips, tricks, cocoas, and coffees as you create delicious memories alongside family and friends.

New Year's Eve at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples

Ring in the New Year with an exquisite dinner in The Grill featuring chef-selected entrees, paired wines, and a delightful array of desserts. Raise a toast every hour in Artisan’s, as we mark the New Year in every time zone until the signature fireworks show over the Gulf of Mexico. Here’s to celebrating once again at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples!

Ugly Sweater Cocktail Party

• Friday, December 6, 2024

• The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón

Celebrate at a festive soirée with a modern twist. Don your ‘best’ Ugly Holiday Sweater and join the party at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón, with seasonal cocktails, music, dancing, and judging for the Best Ugly Sweater in Naples. Can’t attend? Share your look online at #NaplesFestive.

New Year’s Black Tie Gala at The Ritz Carlton Naples Featuring Stella Cole

• Tuesday, December 31, 2024

• The Ritz-Carlton, Naples

Celebrate the new year with a five-course champagne dinner and dancing, with music performed by international singing sensation Stella Cole. Fresh off the release of her debut album of American songbook favorites, Cole’s tour venues include Carnegie Hall and The Kennedy Center, as well as concert halls across France, Italy, and Australia. Raise a toast to the year past and ring in the New Year with an unforgettable Ritz-Carlton gala.

New Year's Eve Celebration at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón

• Tuesday, December 31, 2024

• The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, Tiburón

Celebrate the New Year with a glamorous ‘Night of Opulence’ party at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón. A gourmet buffet dinner, music, and dancing complement the mood, with a midnight toast and fireworks to ring in 2025.

 

Holidays at Artis-Naples

Holiday Pops with the Naples Philharmonic

• December 19, 2024, 7:30pm

• December 20, 2024, 7:30pm

• December 21,2024, 2:00pm

• December 21, 2024, 7:30pm

• December 22, 2024, 2:00pm

• 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples

Get in the holiday spirit and join the merriment as multi-platinum singer and American Idol alum Clay Aiken lends his voice to the Naples Philharmonic, Naples Philharmonic Chorus and Naples Philharmonic Youth Chorus to delight audiences in their annual program of beloved holiday tunes. From cherished classics to contemporary favorites, the combined ensemble delivers another symphonic celebration that is sure to warm the soul and fill your cup with holiday cheer.

The Nutcracker Ballet and Holiday Pops at Artis-Naples 2024

• November 30, 2024, 7:00pm

• December 1, 2024, 2:00pm

• December 1, 2024, 7:00pm

• 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples

If you’re looking for a traditional cultural activity to celebrate the season, The Nutcracker ballet may be perfect for you! Performed by the extraordinary Moscow Ballet at the Philharmonic Center at Artis-Naples, you’ll be enchanted every minute of the show. The Nutcracker was first performed at the Philharmonic Center at Artis-Naples in 1982. Over 40 years later, the production has only gotten bigger and better. With talented dancers, gorgeous costumes, eye-catching sets, and of course the timeless music of Tchaikovsky, there’s no question why this show has been a holiday favorite for so long.

Check out their full schedule and ticketing here.

Christmas Light Neighborhood Displays in Naples, FL

If you’re looking to check out some of the festive and kitschy Christmas lights, Naples FL delivers with several neighborhoods known for going all out Griswald during the season. A leisurely drive by is a great way to cap off any evening and you can enjoy the awesome light displays from the comfort of your own car.

And it’s so much fun for kids!

Here are two of our favorite hoods in particular to enjoy the Naples Christmas lights!

Victoria Park

Victoria Park is locally known as the neighborhood that goes all out with Christmas lights. As a matter of fact, this Christmas light display draws in thousands of admirers every single year!

With millions of lights, synchronized music, and dozens of participating houses, it’s no surprise that Victoria Park is such a popular Naples Christmas attraction.

Some of the streets actually decide to coordinate fun themes, so you can drive down a Christmas-tree lined road or Candy Cane Lane. For the best and boldest houses, you’ll want to head to some of the smaller side streets in Victoria Park.

Pelican Bay

While Pelican Bay may not be on the same level as Victoria Park, it still deserves a spot on this list of the best places to celebrate Christmas in Naples.

So many of the houses in this upscale neighborhood come together to create beautiful light displays, complete with synchronized music, inflatable holiday characters, and more!

For something different, book a fun Naples boat tour or sunset cruise around the holidays and see the holiday lights of some of Naples most spectacular neighborhoods from the water. Just book months in advance as they fill up fast around the holidays!

 

Christmas Boat Parades in Naples and Marco Island

Compared to some Christmas parades around the country with ho ho ho hum lines of tricked out cars, trucks, and motorcycles, Naples, Florida stands out with its many unique Christmas boat parades! That’s right, Santa may drive a sleigh but when in Rome, or southwest Florida…

And you ain’t seen anything til you’ve seen St. Nick dressed in his best holiday board shorts!

Given its enviable seaside location on the Gulf of Mexico, boat parades make perfect sense — they’re just one of many unique things to do in Naples!

Naples Holiday Boat Parade on Naples Bay

• Saturday, December 14, 2024, 6:15pm-8:30pm

• Naples Bay

The biggest and most highly anticipated boat parades in town is the Naples Bay Holiday Boat Parade. With hundreds of boats decked out in Christmas lights sailing and motoring around Naples Bay, it’s definitely a special sight. Hosted by the Marine Industries Association of Collier County, the boat parade also helps support a worthy cause — the Ricky King Foundation.

Pair that with festive Christmas music rocking’ from the bow of bigger boats and a traditional and friendly community competition vying to be the Best of the Best, and it’s a scene sure to get you into the holiday spirit!

Where is the best view of the parade?

You’ll want to head to Naples City Dock (ticketed), Pinchers Tin City, Riverwalk Restaurant at Tin City, Naples Landing, Kelly’s Fish House opposite from Tin City, The Boathouse on Naples Bay, and Bayview Park. If you prefer, you can also reserve a table at one of the lovely waterfront restaurants, such as Pinchers or Riverwalk at Tin City. But be sure to reserve your table far in advance, since hundreds of other people will likely have the same idea!

Here is more info on the Naples Bay Christmas Boat Parade.

 

Marco Island Christmas Island Style Boat Parade

• Saturday, December 21, 2024, 6:00pm

• The Esplanade, 760 N Collier Blvd, Marco Island

And if you can’t get enough holiday-themed boat parades with two in Naples, head to Marco Island for the Christmas Island Style Boat Parade. Like the other boat parades on this list, the vessels are completely decked out in Christmas decorations. Vessels large and small illuminate the waters around The Esplanade for the 35th Annual Marco Island Christmas boat parade.

Past parades have included thousands of festive lights, 50-foot-tall Christmas trees, and even boats designed to look like Santa’s sleigh, complete with all eight of the reindeer!

Afterward, head for one of Marco Island’s best restaurants — but reserve early!

***

Spending Christmas in the Paradise Coast is wonderfully enchanting, and a great way to spend your Christmas holidays. If you decide you want a more tropical holiday vibe, you won’t be disappointed.

This list of ten special, holiday-themed things for you to do is just the start — you’re sure to find many more to round our your stay in Naples and Marco Island.

You’re gonna love Christmas in Naples and Marco Island, Florida!