There’s no doubt about it, Naples is best known for its white sandy beaches. But did you know that it’s also a dreamy place to spend the holiday season?
From the fresh winter breezes and breathtaking sunsets on Naples Pier, to Christmas events and holiday cheer aplenty, it’s easy to find a reason to spend the festive season here. Once you book your vacation rental home, it’s time to plan how you’ll get into the festive spirit here.
The annual Christmas tree lighting on 3rd Street South, a Christmas parade along 5th Avenue, watching the Nutcracker, and marveling at Christmas lights throughout all of December at Victoria Park… these are just a few reasons why we love Naples during the holidays.
Even locals are delighted by the city of Naples during the holidays. Here is a round-up of our favorite things to do and holiday events happening around Christmas in Naples, Florida.
November 24th: Christmas on Third Street South
Here in Naples, the holiday spirit starts early. Christmas on Third Street starts with an annual official tree lighting, followed by twinkling light displays, gorgeous decorations, music, singing, and festive treats.
Crowds cheer and children watch in awe as Santa arrives while the snow falls. You can also experience magical Naples snowfall Tuesday through Saturday during Thanksgiving week (except Thanksgiving itself), and every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening through December, too.
Join the 48th Annual Tree Lighting & Festival on November 24th from 6 PM.
November 28th to January 4th: Johnsonville Night Lights in the Garden
This annual event in Naples Botanical Garden is one of the prettiest festive events in Southwest Florida. Expect to see thousands of lights and festive decorations alongside live music and photo ops, plus tasty treats and cocktails available.
Tickets for members and non-members can be purchased here.
November 29th & 30th: The Nutcracker
Like a Broadway spectacular, this holiday tradition has it all: glorious sets and costumes, magical special effects, Tchaikovsky’s beautiful music, and exceptional dancing by international stars.
Join Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they travel through a winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes, sugar plum fairies, and epic battles between heroic toy soldiers and mischievous mice. It’s the perfect holiday treat for the entire family.
Tickets are on sale now for November 29th and 30th at Hayes Hall.
December 2nd: Handel’s Messiah
The Handel and Haydn Society Orchestra and Chorus present one of music’s most beloved choral works in this rousing holiday classic. Experience the power of this masterful ensemble as they present Handel’s masterful oratorio
A commentary on the life of Jesus Christ, Messiah remains Handel’s best-known work, with performances particularly popular during the Advent season.
Tickets are on sale now for December 2nd at Artis-Naples, which is the home of the Naples Philharmonic Chorus.
December 2nd – December 24th: Christmas at Palm Cottage
The Historic Palm Cottage is a mesmerizing place to visit year-round, but it’s particularly magical during the festive season.
Come for a tour during the annual holiday showcase or attend the impressive black-tie Christmas fundraiser, which takes place on December 5th, 2025.
December 5th & 6th: Fifth Avenue South Christmas Walk & Tree Lighting Ceremony
If you’re visiting Naples in early December, be sure to attend the 45th Annual Christmas Walk & Tree Lighting Ceremony. This event occurs on Fifth Avenue South on December 5th from 5 PM to 10 PM, and on the 6th from 10 AM to 10 PM.
Aside from the tree lighting, there will be a skating rink, live music, shopping, and of course… Santa Claus. The annual Christmas walk is a special tradition for us in Naples and one that visitors should not miss.
December 9th: Naples Christmas Parade
Is there any better way to welcome the holiday season than with a parade? On December 9th, the streets of downtown Naples will be filled with the incredible talent from the Naples Christmas Parade!
The action kicks off from 6:30 PM, and it’s completely free to attend. There will be floats, fire engines, bands, dance troupes, and a special appearance from Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
December 12th: TubaChristmas
TubaChristmas is one of the most unique holiday events to ever come to Naples. It began in 1974 to pay tribute to a famous tuba teacher, William J. Bell, who was born on Christmas Day.
The event showcases the tuba and the euphonium (the smaller version of a tuba) playing traditional live Christmas music.
The event is taking place on December 12th at 6:30 PM at Sugden Plaza. Check the TubaChristmas website for further information.
December 13th: Naples Christmas Boat Parade
There is nothing more exciting for children and adults of all ages than the Christmas Boat Parade that winds through Naples Bay. Arrive early and pick your spot carefully for the best view.
The parade can be viewed from Naples City Dock (ticketed), Pinchers Tin City, Riverwalk Restaurant, Naples Landing, Kelly’s Fish House, The Boat House on Naples Bay, and Bayview Park.
Sponsored by the Marine Industries Association of Collier County, all proceeds from the event benefit the Ricky King Fund.
The boat parade takes place on December 13th at 6:15 PM. For more information and to buy tickets for City Dock access, visit the MIACC website.
December 19th: Candlelight Christmas Carols at Cambier Park
If you love to sing, head out on Friday, December 19th, at 5:30 PM to enjoy a magical night of caroling.
This annual event, which previously took place at Cambier Park but has moved this year to Baker Park, is extremely popular with locals and visitors. Bring your appetite because food trucks will be on-site, serving up tasty food and drink.
December 31st: New Year’s Eve at the Ritz-Carlton
Greet the new year in style at the Ritz-Carlton’s five-course champagne dinner. This black-tie event is one of the best in Naples’ annual events calendar and promises to be a dazzling night.
The Ritz-Carlton Naples is also where residents and resort guests can see the impressive Gingerbread House Experience by Executive Pastry Chef Lerome Campbell. This year it’s on display between December 13th and Christmas Day, but booking ahead is recommended.
Other holiday events at the Ritz-Carlton include Breakfast with Santa and Teddy Bear Tea.
Various Dates: Decorated Neighborhoods
In addition to the public tree lighting ceremonies and holiday festivals, neighborhoods throughout Naples decorate to help celebrate the Christmas season. Homes and businesses display so much of the holiday spirit that even Santa Claus wouldn’t miss seeing them!
Victoria Park
This neighborhood is located in North Naples, roughly a mile south of Immokalee. Victoria Park is known for its lavish holiday light displays, and you can typically spot the best and the brightest of these shows down the side streets. Some streets even have matching decorations, like arches, trees, or candy canes, to light the way.
Palm River
Located off Immokalee Road between Airport and Goodlette, Palm River is usually nicely lit with a few houses that go all out.
Pelican Bay
Many of the ungated neighborhoods of Pelican Bay are brightly decorated for Christmas. Enter at Pelican Bay Boulevard and meander around. The association decorations are especially pretty and make really good photo backdrops.
Port Royal
This very upscale neighborhood off Gordon Drive in south Naples offers brightly lit, beautifully decorated large homes and mansions.
Willoughby Acres
Another North Naples neighborhood, Willoughby Acres is located off Immokalee just north of Palm River. In previous years, almost all houses have been lit.
Enjoy the Festive Season in Southwest Florida
If you have chosen to spend the holidays here with us at Naples Vacation Homes, you’ll find plenty to do that will get you into the holiday spirit. Whether you limit your exploration to Naples itself or head south to see Marco Island or north to Cape Coral, you’ll love spending time in Southwest Florida this festive period.
The nice thing about staying in a vacation rental is that you can have the chance to cook proper holiday meals for your family, entertain friends who live in the area, and take your time to get that local experience during the holiday season.
Experience one-of-a-kind holiday magic with a Christmas visit to Naples.
