Experience the enchantment of the holiday season in Cape Coral, FL, where festive events transform the city into a winter wonderland. From the dazzling Festival of Lights that illuminates the night sky to the captivating Holiday Magic Christmas Show filled with spectacular performances, there's something for everyone to enjoy. History enthusiasts can step back in time with Christmas at the Burroughs Home, marveling at early 20th-century holiday traditions.
Whether you're a local resident or a visitor, Cape Coral's wide array of holiday festivities promises an unforgettable celebration. Explore illuminated pathways, witness mind-bending magic, and immerse yourself in the nostalgic charm of a historic mansion—all while basking in the joyous spirit of the season. Don't miss the chance to make magical memories in Cape Coral this Christmas!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Got questions? Like to help? Check out our Cape Coral Holiday discussion here!
The Top Christmas Events in Cape Coral
See these and even more events listed below!Cape Coral Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Holiday Magic Christmas Show
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday-themed illusions and performances
Description:
Cape Coral's Holiday Magic Christmas Show dazzles audiences with mind-bending illusions and captivating performances. This unique production blends traditional holiday themes with cutting-edge magic techniques, creating an unforgettable experience. Watch as snowflakes seemingly materialize from thin air, defying the Florida heat. The show draws inspiration from vaudeville acts that once toured the Sunshine State, adding a historical flair to the performance. You'll find yourself on the edge of your seat as performers execute death-defying stunts with a festive twist.
Website:
Cape Coral Other Holiday Activities
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Festival
What to Expect:
Community-wide celebration featuring local performers and artisans
Description:
Cape Coral's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Festival brings the entire community together for a night of celebration. Local choirs and dance troupes take center stage, showcasing homegrown talent. Artisans from across Southwest Florida display their crafts, offering unique gift options. The event highlights Cape Coral's diverse cultural heritage, with performances representing various traditions. You can create your own ornament at one of the many craft stations scattered throughout the festival grounds. This annual gathering has been a city tradition since Cape Coral's incorporation in 1970.
Website:
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Festival
Nearby Events
Festival of Lights (Fort Myers)
What to Expect:
Massive synchronized light display set to music
Description:
Cape Coral's Festival of Lights illuminates the night with a dazzling synchronized light show. This annual spectacle transforms the cityscape into a twinkling panorama, choreographed to a custom soundtrack. Visitors can stroll through illuminated pathways, marveling at intricate light sculptures. The event pays homage to Cape Coral's founding in 1957, showcasing how far the young city has come. Snap a photo with the towering light-adorned Christmas tree, a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike.
Website:
Christmas at the Burroughs Home (Fort Myers)
What to Expect:
Historical holiday celebration in a 1901 Georgian Revival mansion
Description:
Step back in time at the Burroughs Home, a stunning Georgian Revival mansion decked out in period-appropriate holiday decor. This event offers a glimpse into early 20th-century Christmas celebrations in Florida. The air is filled with the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread, made using a century-old recipe. Visitors can participate in traditional parlor games popular during the home's heyday. The Burroughs Home, built in 1901, stands as a testament to Fort Myers' gilded age and the city's rich architectural heritage.
Website:
Christmas at the Burroughs Home
Fort Myers River District Holiday Stroll (Fort Myers)
What to Expect:
Self-guided tour of historic downtown decorated for the holidays
Description:
The Fort Myers River District Holiday Stroll invites visitors to explore the city's historic heart adorned with holiday finery. This self-guided tour winds through charming brick-paved streets, showcasing beautifully preserved architecture dating back to the late 19th century. Local shops and galleries stay open late, offering special holiday treats and displays. Carolers in period costumes serenade strollers, adding to the nostalgic atmosphere. The event pays tribute to Fort Myers' long history as a winter retreat for northerners, including famous residents like Thomas Edison and Henry Ford.
Website:
Fort Myers River District Holiday Stroll
Holiday Nights (Fort Myers)
What to Expect:
Edison and Ford Winter Estates transformed into a holiday wonderland
Description:
Holiday Nights at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates transports visitors to a bygone era of elegance and innovation. The historic homes and gardens of these American icons are adorned with thousands of lights and period decorations. Visitors can marvel at antique Ford vehicles decked out for the season. The event showcases how these influential figures celebrated the holidays in Florida. You can participate in hands-on science experiments inspired by Edison's work, adding an educational twist to the festivities. This annual tradition has been delighting visitors for over 40 years.
Website:
Christmas by the Canal (North Fort Myers)
What to Expect:
Waterfront holiday celebration highlighting Cape Coral's canal system
Description:
Christmas by the Canal celebrates Cape Coral's unique waterfront lifestyle with a holiday twist. Boats adorned with twinkling lights parade through the city's extensive canal system, creating a floating light show. Waterside homes compete in a decoration contest, transforming the shoreline into a glittering spectacle. The event honors Cape Coral's history as a planned community built around its 400-mile canal network. Visitors can enjoy local seafood specialties while watching the illuminated boats glide by. This distinctive celebration has become a beloved tradition since its inception in the early 1990s.
Website:
Sanibel Luminary Festival (Sanibel)
What to Expect:
Island-wide celebration with candlelit paths and trolley rides
Description:
The Sanibel Luminary Festival bathes the island in a warm glow as thousands of candles line the streets and beaches. This unique event transforms Sanibel into a luminous paradise, with local businesses and residents participating in the island-wide celebration. Free trolley rides allow visitors to hop between various festivities and light displays. The festival pays homage to Sanibel's history as a haven for artists and nature lovers. You can create your own luminary bag to add to the island's glow. This cherished tradition has been lighting up Sanibel's nights for over three decades.
Website:
Christmas Golf Cart Parade (Bokeelia)
What to Expect:
Festively decorated golf carts parading through the city
Description:
Cape Coral's Christmas Golf Cart Parade puts a unique Florida spin on holiday processions. Residents deck out their golf carts in elaborate holiday themes, from winter wonderlands to tropical Santas. The parade winds through the city streets, bringing joy to spectators of all ages. This quirky event celebrates Cape Coral's reputation as a golf cart-friendly city, with over 90 miles of multi-use paths. Visitors can vote for their favorite decorated cart using a mobile app. The parade has grown from a small neighborhood event to a city-wide celebration over the past decade.
Website:
Gingerbread House Contest (Fort Myers)
What to Expect:
Architectural competition using edible materials
Description:
Cape Coral's Gingerbread House Contest elevates the traditional holiday activity to an art form. Local bakers, architects, and amateur enthusiasts compete to create the most impressive edible structures. Entries range from replicas of local landmarks to fantastical confectionery creations. The air is filled with the sweet scent of gingerbread and royal icing. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of advanced gingerbread construction techniques. This event draws inspiration from the area's diverse architectural styles, from Spanish Colonial to Mid-Century Modern. The contest has been fostering creativity and community spirit for over 15 years.
Website:
Nutcracker Ballet (Fort Myer)
What to Expect:
Local production with a Florida twist on the classic ballet
Description:
Cape Coral's Nutcracker Ballet reimagines the beloved holiday classic with a distinctly Floridian flair. Palm trees replace pine forests, and sandpipers join the dance of the snowflakes. This innovative production showcases the talent of local dancers and musicians. The performance incorporates elements of Florida's natural beauty and wildlife into the traditional story. You can attend a pre-show talk to learn about the ballet's history and its adaptation to the local setting. This unique interpretation has been delighting audiences and challenging conventions for over a decade.
Website:
Santa at Bell Tower Shops (Fort Myers)
What to Expect:
Interactive Santa experience in an open-air shopping center
Description:
Santa's visit to Bell Tower Shops brings North Pole magic to Southwest Florida. This open-air venue provides a unique backdrop for holiday photos, with palm trees and fountains complementing traditional decorations. Children can engage in interactive storytelling sessions with Santa, bringing classic tales to life. The event honors the Bell Tower's history as a community gathering place since its opening in 1982. Visitors can participate in a holiday-themed scavenger hunt throughout the shopping center. This annual tradition has become a cherished part of many local families' holiday celebrations.
Website:
Christmas on Third (Naples)
What to Expect:
Festive transformation of Naples' historic Third Street South
Description:
Christmas on Third infuses Naples' historic shopping district with holiday cheer. The charming Third Street South, known for its boutiques and galleries, becomes a twinkling wonderland of lights and decorations. Local musicians perform on street corners, filling the air with melodies. The event celebrates the area's history as a winter retreat for the wealthy in the early 20th century. You can join a guided tour to learn about the street's architectural heritage and holiday traditions. This beloved celebration has been drawing visitors to Naples' picturesque downtown for generations.
Website:
Winter Wonderland (Naples)
What to Expect:
Artificial snow experience in tropical Southwest Florida
Description:
Cape Coral's Winter Wonderland brings a touch of northern winter to the Sunshine State. This unique event features an artificial snow play area, allowing visitors to build snowmen and have snowball fights in the Florida heat. Ice sculptures dot the landscape, defying the tropical climate. The wonderland pays homage to the many northern transplants who have made Southwest Florida their home. Visitors can try their hand at ice fishing in a specially constructed pond. This cool oasis in the midst of palm trees has been delighting locals and tourists alike for the past five years.