The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel sparkle with warm, tropical holiday cheer
The holiday season is one of the most beautiful times of year to visit The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in southwest Florida. Visitors have many opportunities to celebrate the season in this tropical paradise with special events galore.
Find out more about the beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in Florida, the perfect tropical island getaway: Visit Fort Myers & Sanibel for a Florida Tropical Island Getaway.
Festivities in Fort Myers & Sanibel this season: Music, entertainment, luminary trails, theater and more!
Holiday House at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers is one of the area highlights of the holiday season. Millions of lights celebrate Thomas Edison’s contribution to modern life and the festivity of the season at this 33-year Lee County tradition enjoyed by more than 30,000 visitors each year. Enjoy the lights and seasonal decorations that fill 20 acres of gardens, the recently restored Edison buildings and the Estates’ historic homes. Events include book signings, artist appearances, nightly entertainment, and children’s activities. The 2008 Holiday House opens daily Dec. 13-Jan. 3, 2009, 5:30 to 9 p.m., except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Visit www.efwefla.org for more information.
Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” takes place at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Fort Myers from Nov. 20-Dec. 27. Set in 1954, two army buddies-turned-show-biz-partners follow a duo of singing sisters to Vermont where the girls are scheduled to perform over Christmas. Bob, Phil and the girls decide to put on a show to save the inn that is run by their former commanding officer. All shows include a luncheon or dinner buffet. For schedule and prices, call (239) 278-4422 or visit www.BroadwayPalm.com.
The Southwest Florida Symphony presents many special performances over the holidays including the Christmas portion of Handel’s immortal “Messiah.” Performances are scheduled for Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. at Faith United Methodist Church in Fort Myers and Dec. 14 at 4 p.m. First Baptist Church of Cape Coral, featuring the Symphony Chamber Orchestra, Symphony Chorus, Chamber Chorus and guest soloists.
The symphony will present “A Very Merry Pops” Dec. 20 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers. This heartwarming holiday tradition is a family favorite and offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate the season with great music. This year’s concert has a Celtic flair. For tickets, call the Symphony box office at (239) 418-1500 or purchase tickets on line at www.swflso.org.
The Schoolhouse Theater on Sanibel Island will present the “Holly Jolly Follies,” an American Holiday Revue Dec. 16-31. For prices, times and reservations call (239) 472-6862 or visit www.theschoolhousetheater.com.
Seminole Gulf Railway Dinner Train Theatre in Fort Myers is offering several holiday-themed activities. Christmas Railboat Trips on Dec. 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 and 23 include a holiday train to Punta Gorda for the sights and sounds of Christmas as well as a five-course dinner and a Christmas lights canal tour. Train leaves at 3 p.m. and returns at 9:30 p.m. The Jingle Bell Special on Nov. 26, 29, 30 and Dec. 3, 6, 7, 10, 13 14, 15-24 and 26-28 includes stories, games, crafts, singing, punch and cookies. Guests are invited to bring an unwrapped gift for the Harry Chapin Food Bank. Holiday Murder Mystery on the Railway is scheduled for Nov. 28-Dec. 24 and has a holiday twist. The adventure includes a five-course dinner and is available for parties. On New Year’s Eve, ring in the New Year on the Murder Mystery Train with five- course dinner and live whodunit show from 7:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Visit www.semgulf.com for more information on the Seminole Gulf Railway Events.
For more information on special holiday events and packages or for planning a vacation to The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, visit www.FortMyersSanibel.com. Be sure to check out “Great Deals” for the latest special rates.