Christmas in Naples and Marco Island (2025): Festive Events for Your Tropical Holiday in Florida

Christmas and Holiday events for 2025 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 2025

Johnsonville Night Lights in Naples Botanical Garden

• November 28 – January 4, 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 Festival of Trees

• November 18, 2025 through December 21, 2025

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

Join the Naples Players Theatre at the 6th annual Festival of Trees. Spaces throughout the newly renovated theater will be filled with exquisite and charming 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. This event is free to attend, with festive holiday wreaths and mini trees available for purchase.

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

• Official Tree Lighting, Monday, November 24, 2025 at 6:00-9:00pm with snowfall continuing through Thanksgiving week (except Thanksgiving day).

• 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. But there’s one other touch that makes the Third Street South transformation complete: snow, falling on Third Street South in Naples, Florida!

Through December, enjoy live Christmas Music every Thursday & Friday evening from 5-8 pm 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 2025

Naples Christmas Parade in Downtown Naples

• Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 6:30pm

• Begins on Third Street South and 9th Avenue 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 9th Annual Holiday Stroll

• Wednesday, December 3, 2025, 5pm-8pm

• Naples Design District, host sites for the stroll include 111 10th St. S., (Suite 210), 953 Central Ave, 38 Goodlette-Frank Rd, 990 3rd Ave. N., 909 6th Ave. N., 938 4th Ave. N

Dive into the spirit of the season with our 9th 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.

Enjoy festive entertainment, holiday treats and seasonal sips, special shopping offers, and inspiring art as you stroll the District.

5th Avenue Christmas Walk and Tree Lighting Ceremony with Avenue Dining (52nd Annual)

• Friday, December 5, 2025, 5:00pm-10:00pm and Saturday, December 6th, 2025, 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 5th, 2025. Say hello to Santa Claus, listen to live Christmas music, and see the living nativity scene — a magical experience!

Bonita Springs Holiday in the Park (2025 Details TBD)

• 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 9, 2025, 5:30pm-7:30pm

• The Esplanade, Marco Island

Marco Island's Christmas Island Style will be hosting their Canine Pet 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 12, 2025, 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!

 

Candlelight Christmas Carols at Cambier Park

• Friday, December 19, 2025 — 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 20, 2025, 5:30pm

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

• Tickets will be sold at the Naples Dance Conservatory studio & at the door- for questions, call 239-231-9800

New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Downtown Naples (2025 Details TBD)

• 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 delightful moments perfect for the whole family.

For tickets and more details, visit their website.

Gingerbread House

• December 12-26 (Dec 18 excluded), 2025; Open from 5:30pm – 9:00pm

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

Celebrate the season with the timeless tradition of the Ritz-Carlton Gingerbread house display, meticulously crafted to capture the magic of the holidays. Resort guests and local residents with advance tickets are invited to tour this year’s creation, a photo-ready display that looks good enough to eat! Advance online tickets are available on the Ritz-Carlton website.

Teddy Bear Tea

• December 13 & 21 (12:00pm & 3:00pm), 14, 19, 20, 22, 23 (11:30am & 2:30pm), 24 (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 22-25, 2025, 8:00am

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

Celebrate the magic of the season with a joyful morning at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples. Families are invited to share a festive breakfast buffet filled with holiday favorites, while little ones delight in the excitement of meeting Santa Claus himself. This treasured tradition features kid-friendly activities, decadent creations from the Ritz-Carlton pastry team, and a beautiful setting that captures the wonder of the holidays.

Gingerbread School

• November 28-30, 2025,10:00am

• The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón

The smell of gingerbread fills the air as family and friends joing together for a culinary class with a festive flair: Making a gingerbread house. Gather your group at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón for a holiday class filled with gingerbread and gumdrops. Unleash your creativity and embrace the joy of Christmas at the Gingerbread House Making Class under the guidance of expert pastry Chefs to craft your own exquisite gingerbread masterpiece.

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

Ring in the New Year with an evening of togetherness over a lavish 5-course menu, dance the night away with captivating live entertainment by The Manhattan Band from New York, enjoy premium drinks, and a toast of champagne at midnight.

Ugly Sweater Cocktail Party

• Friday, December 5, 2025, 5:00pm-8:00pm

• 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 Eve Celebration at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón

• Wednesday, December 31, 2025

• The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, Tiburón

The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón invites you to a timeless evening of festivities designed to make your transition into the New Year truly unforgettable. Indulge in an exquisite buffet, a champagne bar, and live music. As midnight arrives, embrace the start of 2026 with a New Year’s toast and dazzling fireworks display.

 

Holidays at Artis-Naples

Holiday Pops with the Naples Philharmonic

• December 18, 2025, 7:30pm

• December 19, 2025, 7:30pm

• December 20,2025, 2:00pm

• December 20, 2025, 7:30pm

• December 21, 2025, 2:00pm

• 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples

Celebrate the magic of the season with Broadway star Michael Longoria, the Naples Philharmonic, Naples Philharmonic Chorus and Naples Philharmonic Youth Chorus in this cherished holiday tradition. There’s no better place to experience the comfort and joy of live renditions of your holiday favorites than inside Hayes Hall. This uplifting and joyous program has become a Neapolitan tradition, bringing family and friends together for a cozy and festive mix of classic carols and contemporary favorites.

The Nutcracker Ballet with the Naples Philharmonic

• November 29, 2025, 7:00pm

• November 30, 2025, 2:00pm

• November 30, 2025, 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! Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable music comes to life in this enchanting production of The Nutcracker, presented by Naples Ballet with student dancers and guest professional soloists with the score performed live by the Naples Philharmonic. A beloved holiday tradition, this brilliant ballet features an international cast, opulent costumes and stunning sets — delighting audiences of all ages with its magic and wonder. 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 13, 2025, 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 and MIACC 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 20, 2025, 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!