Christmas on Sanibel and Capitva

This joyous time offers all the pleasures and fun of a sub-tropical paradise and all the solemnity of the Christmas celebration. The islands are an explosion of color from Thanksgiving to Christmas with Christmas lights everywhere you look – from the palm trees lining the roads to all the windows in the buildings. You will definitely know that Christmas has arrived at your favorite islands. And it will stay that way to the end of the year.

sanibel island christmas events

Luminary Trail

Luminary candles in paper bags are placed on both sides of about 3 miles of the major roads on Sanibel and Captiva. Friendly, fun-loving residents and visitors can stroll along the trail from 5:30 to 9:00 PM on December 1st on Sanibel and December 2nd on Captiva. For those who would rather ride there is a complimentary trolley service that will take you to various shopping centers, businesses or galleries. Along the way you might see Santa and Mrs. Claus, a live nativity scene as well as a kaleidoscope of color by the retail establishments.

Church Services

All the island churches will have Christmas services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. There will also be the traditional Christmas Eve service at 4:00 PM on Lighthouse Beach. It’s a beautiful and touching service that closes with everyone singing carols while holding a candle. If you attend this service you should bring a beach chair.

christmas events on sanibel island

Tree Lighting

This takes place on Captiva Island which turns into a holiday village during the Christmas season. In addition to the many colorful displays there is an event scheduled every week – marching bands, carols by the sea or a golf cart parade. The tree lighting takes place in front of Tween Waters Inn the day after Thanksgiving and has music, lights, fireworks and a boat parade. The boat parade starts at the South Seas Marina and goes down Roosevelt Channel. It’s can be seen from the shore by McCarthy’s Marina, The Green Flash Restaurant or Tween Waters Inn. After the tree is lit and the music is quiet the fireworks come to the end and the merriment begins.

Nearby Fort Myers Holiday Events

Fort Myers will be beautifully decorated for the season and offer a variety of festivities with the Edison Ford Estates leading the way. They will celebrate from the day after Thanksgiving to the end of the year with holiday decorations of the period both in and about the estates. You can tour the estates by yourself with a guidance pamphlet or as part of a guided tour. If you tour by yourself there is a fee of $20 for adults, $10 for teens and $2 for children 12 and under. If you go as part of a tour the fee is slightly higher.

Come and be happy. You can’t help but have a wonderful time on these paradise islands any time at all but it’s particularly memorable during the holidays. There is an island full of people ready to spread the joy of Christmas and help you catch our Islanditis – the feeling that, once here you don’t want to leave.

Book your vacation rental at the beach, and find the right place to enjoy the holiday season with the family.