Holiday Lighting of the Village
Visitors gather along the waterfront to watch Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive with the local fire department for the official lighting ceremony and ribbon cutting. The event features live musical performances across multiple stages, bagpiper vignettes, lighted wing dancers, and a holiday parade. Guests can also browse waterfront shops offering complimentary treat samples and meet characters including Elf on the Shelf, the Grinch, and Cindy Lou Who.
Sat, Nov 14, 2026
See more Christmas lights near Punta Gorda
Plan Your Visit
Hours
5–10 p.m.; Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at 5:45 p.m.; ribbon cutting at 6 p.m.; official lighting at 6:15 p.m.; parade following the lighting ceremony; bagpiper vignettes following the parade until 8 p.m.; Lighted Wing Fairy performers 5–8 p.m.; Risk & Romance 5:30–9 p.m.; Mark Gorka 5–9 p.m.; Elf photos 5–9 p.m.; visits with Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who after the lighting ceremony until 9 p.m.; family activities 5–9 p.m.; merchants open until 9 p.m.
Food & Drink
Village shops and restaurants offer complimentary samples of holiday goodies.
Parking
Free parking.
Location
Tips & Advice
- Arrive before the 6:15 p.m. lighting if you want to catch Santa’s 5:45 p.m. arrival and the 6 p.m. ribbon cutting.
- Use the free parking and remember the outdoor event may be affected by weather or schedule changes.
- Bring a payment method for vendor activities; individual services and purchases may carry a charge.
- Browse Village shops and restaurants for complimentary holiday-goodie samples, and consider a voluntary donation at booths supporting The Backpack Kidz.
- Plan character photos around their posted windows: Elf is available 5–9 p.m., while Santa, Mrs. Claus, and friends appear after the lighting.
Special Events & Promotions
- Admission and parking are free.
- Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive with the Punta Gorda Fire Department on November 14.
- The Christmas Pajama Contest is for guests ages 21 and older.
- Individual vendors may charge for activities and services.
- Village shops and restaurants offer complimentary holiday-goodie samples.
Links & Contact
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is admission to the lighting celebration free?
Yes. Admission and parking are free, though individual merchant services and purchases may carry a charge.
What can families do during the celebration?
Enjoy the lighting ceremony, holiday parade, live music, character visits, Elf on the Shelf photos, fairy hair, a photo booth, face painting and tattoos.
Are there food and shopping options?
Village shops and restaurants offer complimentary samples of holiday goodies, and merchants are open for holiday shopping. Individual purchases may cost extra.
Is there an adults-only activity?
The Suites hosts a Christmas Pajama Contest for guests aged 21 and older; participation details are coming soon.
Can I meet Santa and other characters?
Yes. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive with the Punta Gorda Fire Department, and visits with them, the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who follow the lighting ceremony.
Browse Christmas in Port Charlotte
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.