Collier County Holiday Events 2026: Christmas Lights, Parades & Local Fun
Christmas lights on palm trees, snow falling in downtown Naples, and Santa arriving without a snow shovel in sight. Holiday season in Southwest Florida has its own personality, and I’m here for it.
If you’re looking for Collier County holiday events, this guide covers Naples, Marco Island, Immokalee, Ave Maria, and Goodland—from the big celebrations to smaller outings that deserve a spot on your calendar.
You’ll find tree lightings, boat parades, waterfront Santa visits, free museum crafts, holiday performances, and activities that continue after Christmas. Because December gets busy enough without spending an hour figuring out where an event is happening.
Season covered: November 2026–early January 2027. Last checked: November 2, 2026. Dates, prices, availability and weather plans can change.
Planning a whole day around an event? Browse my things to do in Naples with kids for additional stops and family outing ideas.
Start here: Which holiday outing fits your plans?
Your plan | Start with |
Downtown Christmas atmosphere | Third Street South or Christmas on Fifth |
A ticketed evening light display | Night Lights in the Garden |
Snow and active outdoor fun | SnowFest |
Free holiday crafts | Deck the Depot, Homemade Holiday Celebrations or Modern Marco Christmas |
A small-town holiday celebration | Ave Maria Christmas Crawl or Hometown Christmas |
A Florida-style Christmas | Cowboy Christmas or a Christmas boat parade |
A festive outing with your dog | Santa Paws or Marco Island’s Canine Pet Parade |
Something after Christmas | Modern Marco Christmas or Night Lights in the Garden |
Downtown Naples and Old Naples Christmas events
Festival of Trees at The Naples Players
When: November 17–December 20, 2026; published visiting hours Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Where: Jay R. Paul Community Atrium, The Naples Players
Cost: Free admission
Step inside the theater’s main lobby to see Christmas trees decorated by local artists and designers. Wreaths and miniature trees are also available to purchase.
This is an easy addition to a downtown outing when you want a little holiday atmosphere without committing to a full evening event. Check visiting hours for your date, particularly Sundays.
Christmas on Third: Tree Lighting Celebration
When: Monday, November 23, 6–9 p.m.
Where: Third Street South, Old Naples
Third Street South kicks off its holiday season with a tree-lighting celebration, music and a festive evening in the shopping and dining district.
My planning suggestion: eat earlier and give yourself time to park and walk over. A hungry child and a restaurant waitlist are not the holiday memories anyone is trying to make.
Thanksgiving week music and snowfall on Third
When: November 24, 25, 27 and 28; music 5–8 p.m., snowfall at 7 p.m.
Where: Third Street South
Cost: Free district programming; shopping and dining extra
If tree-lighting night doesn’t work, you still have several chances to enjoy holiday music and the district’s snowfall experience during Thanksgiving week. There is no Thanksgiving Day programming.
For December, the district advertises Holiday Magic on Third from December 3–24, with music Thursdays and Fridays, 5–8 p.m., and snowfall Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. within the series.
Letters to Santa on Third Street South
When: November 25–December 23
Where: Participating Third Street South shops and designated Santa mailboxes
Children can pick up an official letter at participating shops, then deliver it to a mailbox at Fleischmann Plaza near Gattle’s or Santa’s Workshop near Sea Salt.
It’s a sweet little activity to work into a holiday stroll, especially when younger kids need something to do beyond looking at decorations.
Christmas on Fifth Avenue South
When: Friday, December 4, 5–10 p.m.; Saturday, December 5, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Tree lighting: Approximately 6 p.m. Friday
Where: Fifth Avenue South; tree lighting at Sugden Plaza
This is one of the main dates to keep on your Naples Christmas calendar. Fifth Avenue South hosts a two-day holiday celebration, with Friday’s tree lighting and additional Christmas market details being announced by the organizer.
If Avenue dining is part of your plan, contact the participating restaurant directly. Don’t assume that showing up for the event guarantees a dinner table.
Naples Christmas Parade
When: Tuesday, December 8, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Where: Downtown Naples, through the Third Street South and Fifth Avenue South area
The published listing describes a route beginning on Broad Street South and finishing on Eighth Street South. Check the final route and road closures before choosing your viewing spot.
Bring water, allow extra time to reach downtown, and agree on a meeting place if your group splits up.
Deck the Depot Holiday Crafts
When: December 18, 19, 22 and 23, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Naples Depot Museum, 1051 Fifth Avenue South
Cost: Free
The decorated museum hosts holiday crafts on four dates leading up to Christmas. This is a useful option for families wanting a daytime activity during school break.
Naples Christmas Boat Parade
When: Saturday, December 19; confirm the start time with the organizer
Where: Naples Bay
Cost: Depends on viewing location; City Dock viewing is ticketed
Christmas lights look pretty good floating across the water, too. Organizer-listed viewing locations include Naples Landing, Bayview Park and waterfront restaurants.
Public-space viewing, restaurant seating and City Dock tickets have different arrangements. Confirm access before building your evening around a particular spot.
For more ways to fill the day, see my 50+ things to do in Naples.
North Naples and Park Shore holiday activities
Grand Illuminations at Venetian Village
When: Saturday, November 21, 3–7 p.m.
Where: The Village Shops on Venetian Bay, 4200 Gulf Shore Boulevard North
Santa photos: Complimentary
The Village Shops begin their holiday season with a waterfront celebration, shopping and Santa photos. This is an earlier option for families who want to start celebrating before Thanksgiving.
Gobble Gobble Thanksgiving Day 5K
When: Thursday, November 26; listed event window 7:30–11 a.m.
Where: The Village Shops on Venetian Bay
Cost: Check race registration
Start Thanksgiving with a run before settling into your holiday meal. Check registration for the actual race start, packet pickup and participation fees.
Mercato Tree Lighting and Holiday Cirque Experience
When: Wednesday, December 2; participating nonprofit lists 5:30–8 p.m.
Where: Mercato, 9110 Strada Place
Mercato’s holiday kickoff includes cirque performances, face painting, dance performances, a holiday market and the lighting of its Christmas tree.
It’s worth considering if you want entertainment and dining options in one district. Check Mercato’s final schedule before leaving.
Jingle Bell Bash at CMON
When: Saturday, December 5, 3–7 p.m.
Where: Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Road
Cost: Check special-event admission
CMON’s holiday event gives families another December outing built around children. Confirm the current ticket price, activity lineup and whether a separate event ticket is required.
Community Hanukkah Celebration at Mercato
When: Tuesday, December 8, 4:30–6 p.m.
Where: Mercato lawn
Cost: Free community event; food purchases extra
The Jewish Federation of Greater Naples advertises a community menorah lighting with entertainment, music and activities. Israeli food will be available to purchase; registration is requested for planning.
Merry Mahjong at CMON
When: Wednesday, December 9; confirm time and ticket details
Where: Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples
For a different kind of holiday outing, CMON also lists Merry Mahjong on its special-events calendar.
Santa Paws at Venetian Village
When: Thursday, December 10, 4–7 p.m.
Where: The Village Shops on Venetian Bay
Cost: Complimentary Santa photos
Bring your pup for a holiday photo with Santa. Festive outfit optional, although I understand the temptation.
Check the shopping district’s pet guidance before your visit.
Holiday on the Bay
When: Saturday, December 12, 3–7 p.m.; snowfall at 6 p.m.
Where: The Village Shops on Venetian Bay, 4200 Gulf Shore Boulevard North
This waterfront celebration includes complimentary Santa photos, festive characters, carolers and holiday lights. The snowfall is scheduled for 6 p.m. around the Christmas tree.
Holiday Candy House Creation
When: Friday, December 18, 5–6:30 p.m.
Where: Vineyards Community Park, 6231 Arbor Boulevard West
Ages: 4–12
Cost: $12; preregister by December 15
Kids use candy, cookies and frosting to build a holiday house, with materials included. This one needs advance planning rather than a last-minute drive over.
East Naples, Bayshore and South Naples Christmas activities
Johnsonville Night Lights in the Garden
When: November 27, 2026–January 3, 2027, excluding December 24, 25 and 31
Where: Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Drive
Cost: Standard nonmember tickets November 27–December 17: adults $36; children ages 4–17 $18. December 18–January 3: adults $42; children ages 4–17 $20.
The Garden combines illuminated tropical landscapes with live music and seasonal food and drink options. It’s also a holiday outing you can save for after Christmas.
Earlier-season standard tickets cost less, and the Garden advertises discounted late-entry tickets. Check member pricing, entry slots and your selected evening’s hours before booking.
SnowFest at Paradise Coast Sports Complex
When: Saturday, December 5, 3–7 p.m.; movie begins at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Paradise Coast Sports Complex, 3865 City Gate Boulevard South
Cost: $8 per person; ages 3 and younger free
SnowFest brings real snow and sledding to Naples, plus bounce houses, games, face painting, live performances and a Santa photo booth.
Pack an extra outfit for children taking part in snow activities. That is one of those small preparations that can make the ride home much nicer.
Holiday Hootenanny at Rookery Bay
When: Saturday, December 5; a local calendar lists an 11 a.m.–1 p.m. session—confirm the full event hours
Where: Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road
Cost: Confirm admission and registration
Rookery Bay lists a holiday celebration, with local reporting describing seasonal activities, Nature Store specials and a children’s author appearance. The published time may refer to the author session rather than the whole event.
Cookies and Milk with Santa at Eagle Lakes
When: Saturday, December 12, 9–11 a.m.
Where: Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Community Park, 11565 Tamiami Trail East
Cost: Check the county registration listing
This park-based Santa activity is another option for families who prefer a morning outing. Search the county registration site for “ELCP Cookies and Milk with Santa” to check fees and enrollment.
Homemade Holiday Celebrations
When: Saturday, December 19, 3–6 p.m.
Where: Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Trail East
Cost: Free
Make dried-orange decorations, pine garlands, cards and ornaments around the museum’s decorated cottage. The program explores holiday traditions across generations, including mid-century crafts.
This is one to keep on your radar if you enjoy hands-on activities and a little local history with your Christmas plans.
Immokalee and Ave Maria holiday events
Ave Maria Christmas Crawl
When: Saturday, November 21, noon–5 p.m.
Where: Ave Maria Town Center, Annunciation Circle
Cost: Free admission and complimentary Santa photos; purchases extra
Visit participating businesses for holiday treats, specials and family activities, with Santa and Mrs. Claus photos included.
Pick up a bingo card at the Welcome Center, collect stamps from participating businesses and return it for a chance to win festive prizes.
Ave Maria Hometown Christmas
When: Friday, December 4, 4–9 p.m.
Where: Ave Maria Town Center, Annunciation Circle
Cost: Free admission and parking; purchases extra
Hometown Christmas includes a festive parade, live entertainment, food trucks, vendors and inflatables for children. It’s a good option if a small-town holiday celebration sounds like your kind of evening.
Immokalee Zócalo Tree Lighting
When: Friday, December 4, 6–9 p.m.
Where: Zócalo, 107 North First Street, Immokalee
Cost: Free
Immokalee’s annual community tree lighting gives families another way to celebrate away from the coastal shopping districts.
Breakfast with Santa at Immokalee Community Park
When: Saturday, December 5, 9–11 a.m.
Where: Immokalee Community Park, 321 North First Street
Cost: $5 per person; register by November 27
The advertised activities include cookie decorating, sweet treats, crafts and pictures with Santa. Register ahead so you don’t miss the deadline.
Cowboy Christmas at Roberts Ranch
When: Saturday, December 12, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Where: Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch, 1215 Roberts Avenue West
Cost: Free
Cowboy Christmas combines pioneer-style ornament making with Santa photos at the historic ranch.
If you want a holiday outing with a distinctly Florida setting, this is a lovely one to consider. You can make something for the tree while exploring a different side of Collier County.
Marco Island and Goodland Christmas events
Goodland Holiday Bazaar
When: November 14–15, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: MarGood Harbor Park, Goodland
Organizer: Goodland Civic Association
Two-day bazaar for holiday shopping in Goodland.
Santa’s Arrival and the Santa Fun Run
Marco Island starts its holiday calendar with Santa’s Arrival on November 27, 5–6:30 p.m., at the Marco Island Academy lobby, followed by the Kiwanis Santa Fun Run on November 28, 8–10 a.m., at Mackle Park.
Check participation fees and registration for the run.
Christmas Island Style December celebrations
Event | When | Where |
Tree Lighting and Community Celebration | December 5, 6–8 p.m. | Veterans’ Community Park |
Canine Pet Parade | December 8, 5:30–7:30 p.m. | The Esplanade |
Christmas Street Parade | December 12, 6:30 p.m. | San Marco Road, Balfour Drive to Barfield Drive |
Cookies and Milk with Santa | December 19, 10 a.m.–noon | Mackle Park |
Christmas Boat Parade | December 19, 6–7:30 p.m. | Check the organizer’s route and viewing map |
Choose a parade, a Santa morning or a dog-friendly evening rather than trying to fit everything into one trip.
The Chamber also lists a Knights of Columbus New Year’s Eve Party on December 31 at 6 p.m. at San Marco Catholic Church Parish Hall.
A Very Merry Modern Marco Christmas
When: December 26, 29, 30 and 31, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Where: Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 South Heathwood Drive
Cost: Free
Keep the holiday spirit going with ornaments and décor inspired by the 1960s, the era that shaped modern Marco Island.
This is a useful option for the week after Christmas, when visiting family may still be in town and everyone is ready to leave the house again.
Holiday performances and special dining in Naples
A Christmas Carol at Gulfshore Playhouse
When: November 17–December 24; opening night November 20
Where: 100 Goodlette-Frank Road South
Cost: Ticketed; varies by performance and seat
Gulfshore Playhouse brings Scrooge’s story to the stage with music and dancing. Choose a performance time that works for your group and check the theater’s age guidance before booking for younger children.
Christmas concerts and The Nutcracker at Artis—Naples
Performance | Published schedule |
Handel’s Messiah | December 3, 7:30 p.m., Hayes Hall |
Naples Ballet’s The Nutcracker | December 5, 7 p.m.; December 6, 2 and 7 p.m., Hayes Hall |
Piano Talks: Home for the Holidays | December 10, 7 p.m., Daniels Pavilion |
Naples Philharmonic Holiday Pops | December 17–18, 7:30 p.m.; December 19, 2 and 7:30 p.m.; December 20, 2 p.m., Hayes Hall |
These are ticketed performances. Check seats, pricing and accessibility information directly with Artis—Naples.
Naples Community Orchestra Holiday Pops
When: December 12, 3 p.m.
Where: Moorings Presbyterian Church, 791 Harbour Drive
Cost: Ticketed; check current ticket categories
The orchestra’s holiday fundraiser includes seasonal favorites and an audience sing-along.
Teddy Bear Tea and Breakfast with Santa at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples
Where: The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, 280 Vanderbilt Beach Road
Teddy Bear Tea dates: December 12–13 and December 18–22
Breakfast with Santa dates: December 22–24
Cost and times: Confirm directly when reserving
These are options for families planning a special holiday meal.
Free and affordable Collier County holiday events
You can put together a festive season without paying for a major attraction every weekend.
For free activities, start with Festival of Trees, Deck the Depot, Homemade Holiday Celebrations, Cowboy Christmas, Modern Marco Christmas, Ave Maria’s Christmas Crawl and Hometown Christmas.
Santa photos are complimentary at the Village Shops events noted above.
Lower-cost options include Immokalee’s $5 Breakfast with Santa, $8 SnowFest admission and Vineyards’ $12 candy-house workshop. Free entry doesn’t cover every purchase or activity, so keep food, shopping and any optional extras in your budget.
My suggestion: choose one paid outing you’re excited about, then fill the rest of the calendar with the free celebrations.
Before you go: Planning Collier County holiday events
Choose one main event per outing. December 4–5 and December 12 are especially busy on this calendar.
Check the exact location. Naples, Immokalee, Ave Maria and Marco Island are separate destinations; compare drive times before pairing events.
Confirm parking and road closures. Parade routes and major downtown celebrations can change your usual approach.
Reserve what needs reserving. Workshops, race entries, theater seats, Santa meals and light-display entry slots may require advance booking.
Bring comfortable shoes, water and a light layer. Check the evening forecast before leaving.
Keep an extra outfit for snow activities. A wet/dry bag can be useful, too.
Check outside-food, chair, stroller and pet rules. Each venue sets its own policies.
Have a weather backup. An indoor museum activity or performance can be an alternative if conditions change.
For more packing ideas, use my Florida packing list.
Looking for celebrations farther north? My Lee County Holiday Guide covers another set of Southwest Florida outings.
Collier County holiday events FAQ
When does holiday season start in Collier County?
The published 2026 calendar includes holiday activities from mid-November. Celebrations build through Thanksgiving week and December, while Naples Botanical Garden’s Night Lights continues through January 3, 2027, with specified closure dates.
Where can you see Christmas snowfall in Naples?
Third Street South schedules holiday snowfall on selected evenings. Holiday on the Bay at the Village Shops schedules snowfall at 6 p.m. on December 12. SnowFest separately offers real snow and sledding on December 5.
What are some free Christmas activities in Collier County?
Options include Festival of Trees at The Naples Players, Deck the Depot crafts, Homemade Holiday Celebrations, Cowboy Christmas, Modern Marco Christmas, Ave Maria Christmas Crawl and Hometown Christmas. Purchases and optional activities may cost extra.
When are the Naples and Marco Island Christmas parades?
The Naples street parade is December 8, 2026, and Marco Island’s street parade is December 12. Both Naples and Marco Island list Christmas boat parades for December 19. Check the relevant organizer for routes and viewing arrangements.
What can families do after Christmas in Collier County?
Modern Marco Christmas offers free activities December 26, 29, 30 and 31. Night Lights in the Garden continues through January 3, 2027, excluding December 31 and its other stated closure dates.
Save this guide for the next time someone asks, “What are we doing this weekend?” And if your business or community is hosting a public holiday event in Collier County, send me the official details so I can consider it for the guide.
