A scene from Broadway Palm’s “A Christmas Carol”(Photo: Special to The News-Press)



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Thanksgiving is over. Bring on the twinkling lights and the jolly fat elves.


That's right: The holiday season is here. And with it comes a ton of holiday-themed events throughout Southwest Florida, including plays, light displays, parades and Christmas concerts.


Here's a look at what's happening between now and Christmas.


Ongoing


•Annual Christmas at Historic Palm Cottage Thousands of twinkling lights illuminate Naples' oldest house, which was built in 1895. Continues through Dec. 31. 1-4 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 1-8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. $10. Free for ages 10 and younger. Historic Palm Cottage, 137 12th Ave. S., Naples. 261-8164 or napleshistoricalsociety.org


•Off Broadway Palm's "The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical" Jingle all the way with the eclectic residents of Armadillo Acres, who are back with an all-new holiday musical! The neighbors are put to the test when amnesia strikes the trailer park Scrooge. Continues through Dec. 27. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, with 1:15 p.m. matinees on select days and 7 p.m. twilight Sundays. Buffet meals served beforehand. $31-51. Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 278-4422 or broadwaypalm.com


•Broadway Palm's "A Christmas Carol" A musical version of the Charles Dickens classic. Features elaborate sets and rich costumes. Continues through Dec. 27. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday with 1:15 p.m. matinees on select days and 7 p.m. twilight Sundays. Buffet meals served beforehand. $24-$60. Broadway Palm, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 278-4422 broadwaypalm.com



Historic homes and acres of gardens of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford decorated with lights, traditional decorations and Edison and Ford inventions.(Photo: Sarah Coward/news-press.com)



Friday


•Captiva Holiday Village 2014 The two-week-long annual event kicks off with fireworks, tree lightings, holiday readings, musical performances and more. Each weekend will be a fun-filled extravaganza of sight and sound, including decorated golf carts, lighted boat parades, Junkanoo dancers, live music and a Marching Mullet Parade. 6-8 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Nov. 28-Dec. 13. Free. Takes place at Andy Rosse Lane and Captiva Drive, Captiva Island. 274-0001 or CaptivaHolidayVillage.com


•Edison & Ford Holiday Nights The historic homes and gardens of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford are decorated with lights and traditional decorations. 5:30-9 p.m. daily through Jan. 2. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. $20 ($25 for guided tours). Discounts for students and children. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 334-7419 or edisonfordwinterestates.org


•Broadway Palm's "The Nutcracker" The holiday classic comes to life in this kids theater production. Continues through Dec. 23. Most shows are 11:30 a.m. with a lunch buffet served at 10:30 a.m. Some shows are 1 p.m. with lunch served at noon (Nov. 28 and 30, Dec. 13 and 21). $18. Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 278-4422 or broadwaypalm.com



Miami City Ballet performs George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker."(Photo: Special to The News-Press)



•Holiday on the Bay: Grand Illuminations The annual tree lighting event includes a festive snow show, holiday carolers, face painters, a magic show and free photos with Santa and stories with Mrs. Claus. 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tree lighting at 7 p.m. Free. The Village on Venetian Bay, 4200 Gulfshore Blvd. N., Naples. 403-2202 or venetianvillage.com


Saturday


•Christmas in the Park This holiday event features bounce houses, an inflatable obstacle course and a giant slide for the kids. Santa Claus arrives at 4:30 p.m. via firetruck to pose for photos. The Southwest Florida Symphony performs holiday classics at 5:30 p.m. Fort Myers Mayor Randy Henderson lights the city's official Christmas tree at 6:15 p.m. and travels down First Street for the annual Holiday Stroll. Then people can watch the movie "Home Alone" at 7:30 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs or blanket. Free onsite parking is available. 4-10 p.m. Free. Centennial Park, 2000 W. First St., downtown Fort Myers. 321-7524 or cityftmyers.com


Sunday


•Calendar Girls Dance Team The 30 members of the local dance team are all age 50 or older. They perform their "Toy Soldier Christmas Spectacular." 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Free. Fleamasters Fleamarket, 4135 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Fort Myers. 334-7001 or fleamall.com


Tuesday, Dec. 2


•Holiday in the Park The 14th-annual event features a "blizzard" in the park, the annual tree lighting at 6 p.m., live entertainment, train rides for kids, a snow slide, vendors, free holiday cookies and apple cider, free horse and carriage rides, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Guests may bring lawn chairs and blankets, but no pets or coolers. 4:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St., downtown Bonita Springs. 949-6262


Wednesday, Dec. 3


•Festival of Trees The eighth-annual Festival of Trees showcases more than 20 uniquely decorated trees and wreaths. Visitors can vote on their favorites for the Peoples' Choice Awards. 5-9 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. The event is closed Saturday for the annual Tux & Trees Gala. $2 admission. Sunday includes a Family Fun Day featuring Brunch with Santa and a Children's Workshop. The brunch is $12 and the workshop is $6 per child (free for accompanying parent or guardian), or $15 for both events. Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., downtown Fort Myers. 995-2106 or tuxandtrees.com


Thursday, Dec. 4


•Gulfshore Playhouse's "Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol" This one-man show was a big hit last December, and now it's back again at Gulfshore Playhouse. Cody Nickell plays Jacob Marley, Scrooge and many more characters in this magical departure from the usual tale. The story begins with Marley in Hell and then follows him through the streets of London; Christmases past, present and future; Heaven; Hell; and the dimensions beyond. 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday through Dec. 21. $30-$60. Gulfshore Playhouse at The Norris Center, 755 Eighth Ave. S., downtown Naples. 261-7529 or gulfshoreplayhouse.org



Cody Nickell stars in "Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol" at Gulfshore Playhouse.(Photo: Special to The News-Press)



•Christmas Walk and Tree Lighting This 40th-annual event includes live entertainment, a Christmas tree lighting, decorated store fronts, and Santa and Mrs. Claus. 5-8:30 p.m. Free. Fifth Avenue South in downtown Naples. 692-8436 or fifthavenuesouth.com


•Christmas With Dickens Actor John McKerrow portrays author Charles Dickens reading "A Christmas Carol" in this fundraiser for the Southwest Florida Symphonic Society. The event includes a silent auction, carolers, dinner and a special alcoholic drink called a "Smoking Bishop" served in warm goblets. 5 p.m. $50. The Cape Coral Yacht Club, 5819 Driftwood Parkway, Cape Coral. For reservations, call Mae Jean Nothstine at 590-0217.


Friday, Dec. 5


•Celebration of Lights This seventh-annual outdoor holiday celebration includes an ice-skating rink, live performers, a holiday parade through the Town Center circle, horse and carriage rides, photos with Santa, festive food and a wine bar. Plus rides like a 30-foot-high, 200-foot-long zip line, a carnival-style balloon race, the Meltdown Wheel and more. 5-9 p.m. Free admission. $5 and $10 wristbands will be sold for the rides. La Piazza Town Center, 5076 Annunciation Circle, Ave Maria. 352-3903 or avemaria.com


•"Foretold" Christmas Pageant McGregor Baptist Church presents its annual Christmas pageant. Experience scripture, prophecy and the Gospel of Jesus Christ in this Broadway-style musical event. 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday with 3 p.m. matinees Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 14. Free admission (premium reserved seats are $15). McGregor Baptist Church, 3750 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 936-1754 or swflchristmas.com


Saturday, Dec. 6


•CenturyLink Holiday Festival of Lights The Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce describes its annual event as the largest holiday celebration between Tampa and Miami. About 20,000 people attend every year to ring in the holidays with fun activities, photos with Santa and the lighting of the city's official Christmas tree. Other activities includes a Kidz Street play area, a Tiny Tots Train ride, food vendors, a 25-ton Snowdrift Slide and more than 20 live performances on four stages. 4-10 p.m. Free. Cape Coral Parkway between Southwest 15th Avenue and Candia Street, downtown Cape Coral. 549-6900 or capecoralchamber.com


•26th Annual Fort Myers Beach Boat Parade The nighttime parade starts at about 6 p.m. at Salty Sam's Marina and goes until 8 p.m. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will lead in the Greater Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce's boat. Almost 30 decorated, illuminated boats took part last year, and more are expected for 2014. The parade passes Parrot Key Caribbean Grill, Big Game Waterfront Grill, Doc Ford's and Bonita Bill's, and then it heads northwest under the Sky Bridge. It continues in and out of Siesta Isles and turns around at Pink Shell Resort near Bowditch Point. From there, it passes Baywalk Park, Nervous Nellies and Matanzas on the Bay. All sizes and types of boats are eligible to enter, from kayaks to cruisers. $25 entry fee for private boats, $50 for corporate-sponsored boats. Salty Sam's Marina, 2500 Main St., Fort Myers Beach. 454-7500 or fmbboatparade.com


•Tux & Trees Gala The signature event of The Southwest Florida Goodwill Foundation. This black-tie affair features the live auction of more than 20 uniquely decorated Christmas trees from the Festival of Trees, plus a silent auction, music, and more. 6:30-10 p.m. $100. Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., downtown Fort Myers. 995-2106 or tuxandtrees.com


•Snowfest No matter what the weather is, snow will be in the forecast for this annual event. Features man-made snow hills, an ice-skating rink, Santa's Workshop, festive foods and a full-scale carnival. 3-9 p.m. $2. Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples. 252-4000. collierparks.com


•George Balanchine's "The Nutcracker" The Naples Philharmonic and Miami City Ballet perform the ethereal holiday masterpiece. 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Dec. 6, 2 p.m. Dec. 7. Tickets are $29-115. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. 597-1900 or artisnaples,org


Sunday, Dec. 7


•"A Thrill of Hope" with Composer/Pianist Joel Raney Raney and organist Jane Holstein join The Village Church Choir and Festival Orchestra for Raney's original musical. This dynamic retelling of the Christmas story is divided into four parts based on the themes of hope, love, peace, and joy. The score features original music and familiar carols. 6:15-8 p.m. $10. The Village Church at Shell Point Village, 15100 Shell Point Blvd., south Fort Myers. 454-2147 or shellpoint.org


•Festival of Advent Lessons and Carols The Parish Choir of St. Mary's Episcopal Church presents this 14th-annual event that features scripture readings, a reception and the choir singing works of Willcocks, Poston, Carter, Lauridsen and Forster. 4 p.m. Free. St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 9801 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. 992-4343 or stmarysbonita.org


Tuesday, Dec. 9


•24th Annual Christmas Carol Sing Celebrate the holidays by singing together to help feed the hungry. Sponsored by the Galloway Family of Dealerships. Three sing-alongs are planned at 1, 4 and 7 p.m. Admission is free with at least two cans of nonperishable food for The Soup Kitchen (Everday Cafe and Marketplace), operated by Community Cooperative, and a voluntary cash donation if possible. First Presbyterian Church, 2438 Second St., downtown Fort Myers. 334-2261 or fpcfortmyers.org


•A Calyp-Soul Christmas Steel drum master John Patti takes on favorite holiday classics with a mix of smooth R&B grooves and soulful vocals. 8 p.m. $30-35. The Center for Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. 495-8989 or artcenterbonita.org


•Naples Christmas Parade The annual parade starts at Broad Avenue and continues right on Third Street South, then right on Fifth Avenue South until it reaches Eighth Street South. 6-8 p.m. Free. 213-7120 or fifthavenuesouth.com


Wednesday, Dec. 10


•A Simpler Christmas: Wynonna & The Big Noise The country star performs her holiday show. 7:30 p.m. $50.76-$71.96. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 Edison Parkway, Fort Myers, 481-4849 or bbmannpah.com



Wynonna Judd(Photo: Special to The News-Press)



Thursday, Dec. 11


•Milestones Holiday Open House The center hosts a holiday event and open house with 20 3-foot-tall trees decorated by local businesses, plus about six more full-sized trees, other decorations and a visit from Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. 5:30 p.m. Free. Canned good donations are requested for families in need. Milestones Learning Center, 19850 Breckenridge Drive, Estero, 301-2962 or milestones-estero.com


Friday, Dec. 12


•"The Gospel According To Scrooge" This fully staged, two-hour musical drama tells the story of Christmas through the classic tale by Charles Dickens. 7 p.m. Friday through Monday with a 2 p.m. matinee Saturday. Doors open 45 minutes prior to performance times. Free admission. Faith Assembly of God, 7101 Bayshore Road, North Fort Myers. 543-2700 or scrooge.info


•Naples Night in Bethlehem Experience a candlelit walk through the story of Jesus' birth. This event recreates the ancient city of Bethlehem with a busy marketplace, crafts, music, activities, authentic first-century food and lots of animals (including a camel you can feed). 6-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 12-13. Free. North Naples United Methodist Church, 6000 Goodlette Road N., Naples. 593-7600 or northnapleschurch.org


•One Starry Night Experience the Christmas story by walking through the town of Bethlehem. Talk to the shop keepers, the shepherds, the wise men and King Herod — as well as the new parents in the stable. Take part in the census, pay your taxes to the Roman government and enjoy crafts, stories and refreshments. 6-8 p.m. Friday, 5-8 p.m. Saturday. Free. Christ United Methodist Church, 1430 Homestead Road N., Lehigh Acres. 369-1433 or christumclehigh.org


•Swinging into the Holidays with John Tesh The pop composer/pianist performs Christmas music with his swing band. 8 p.m. $129. The Ritz-Carlton Beach Resort, 280 Vanderbilt Drive, Naples. 514-6001


•Holiday Stroll at South Seas Island Resort South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island hosts its second annual Holiday Stroll. Features thousands of twinkling lights and decorations, plus live entertainment, Santa visits, games and more. 5:30-9:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday until Dec. 27. To attend, visitors must buy a $20 Captiva Village coupon book that includes a ride on the resort's Jolley Trolley. The north end of South Seas Island Resort, 5400 Plantation Road, Captiva Island. 954-213-6669 or southseas.com


Saturday, Dec. 13


•Holiday in the Park The Lee County Black History Society hosts this annual event that includes live entertainment, food, games, kid-friendly activities, a decorated Holiday House and a presentation of Christmas carols and hymns from several local churches. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Clemente Park, 3265 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. , Fort Myers. 332-8778


•Holiday House The 57th annual tradition returns with the theme "Songs of the Season." Enjoy holiday treats and live entertainment, visit Santa Claus and tour the decorated, historic Burroughs & Langford Kingston Homes. 5-9 p.m. nightly through Dec. 23. $5 admission. Free for ages 10 and younger, plus military and veterans with ID. Burroughs Home, 2505 First St., downtown Fort Myers. 738-3710 or http://fmwcc.com/holiday-house


•Rockin' Christmas 2014 The holiday event returns after a seven-year absence. Sanibel Island resident and pop artist Whitney Wolanin performs with her Shenanigans Band. The concert features holiday songs and Wolanin's Billboard-charting hits such as "Wrong Guy" and "Forever." 7:30 p.m. $24 for general admission, $36 for loge. The fundraiser benefits The Sanibel School, BIG ARTS and Wolanin's Rockin' Christmas scholarship funds for needy students. BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel Island. 395-0900 or bigarts.org


•Bonita Springs Christmas Boat Parade The annual parade features decorated, illuminated boats traveling along the Imperial River. 5 p.m. to about 9 p.m. Free. The route starts at Big Hickory Fish Nook Restaurant and travels east to Holly Lane. Then it turns around and ends at The Fish House Restaurant. Imperial River in Bonita Springs. 495-0455 or bonitaboatparade.com


•Naples' 25th-Annual Christmas Boat Parade The parade starts at 6:15 p.m. and travels north along Naples Bay from Marker 18 in the Hamilton Harbor marina area to the Naples City Dock and Tin City. All sizes of boats are welcomed to enter the parade. The event is organized by the Marine Industries Association Foundation of Collier County. Free admission and no entry fee. Naples Bay in Naples. 682-0900 or miacc.org


•Bach Ensemble Gala Christmas Concert The 50-voice vocal ensemble performs traditional and modern Christmas music, both a cappella and with accompaniment by a brass quintet. 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Community Congregational Church, 15300 Tamiami Trail N., Naples. 3 p.m. Sunday at Grace Lutheran Church LCMS, 860 Banyan Blvd., Naples. $25 ($10 for students). 732-1055 or thebachensemble.org


•Southwest Florida Symphony Presents "Christmas in Paradise" The popular annual Holiday Pops concerts celebrate the joyous holidays of December. Maestro Leif Bjaland conducts tropical-themed tunes such as "Feliz Navidad" and "Mele Kalikimaka (The Hawaiian Christmas Song)" along with traditional seasonal favorites. Dec. 13 at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers, Dec. 15 at Shell Point Village in Lee County and Dec. 17 at BIG ARTS on Sanibel Island. All shows start at 8 p.m. $20-62. 481-0996 or swflso.org


Sunday, Dec. 14


•The Tenors Christmas Show The charming Canadian vocal supergroup performs traditional holiday music and original songs. 6:30 p.m. $36.98-$68.78. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 Edison Parkway, Fort Myers. 481-4849 or bbmannpah.com


Monday, Dec. 15


•10th-Annual Grand Menorah Lighting Chabad Bonita Springs/Estero hosts Hanukkah activities such as live music by the Naples Klezmer Revival Band, arts, crafts, latkes, doughnuts, vendors and a kosher deli. Starts at 5:30 p.m. Free. Coconut Point, 23106 Fashion Drive, Estero. 649-6900 or http://simon.com/mall/coconut-point


Tuesday, Dec. 16


•Frozen Chanukah This Chabad Naples event includes a huge ice menorah, doughnuts, hot latkes, hot cocoa, free sweatshirts featuring the movie "Frozen" and live music by one of Israel's top rock-jazz guitarists, Lazer Lloyd. 4-6 p.m. Free. Cambier Park, 755 Eighth Avenue South, downtown Naples. 262-4474 or chabadnaples.com


Wednesday, Dec. 17


•Florida Rep's "The Santaland Diaries" Crumpet the Elf is back for a sixth and final season of yuletide mischief! This thorny comedy from acclaimed satirist David Sedaris proves that naughty is more fun. "The Santaland Diaries" exposes the underside of Santa's workshop when a cynical writer desperately takes a job as Macy's elf during the holiday crunch. For mature elves only. Continues through Dec. 28. Performances are 8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, with some 2 p.m. matinees and a 7 p.m. show Dec. 28. Closed Dec. 24-25. $25. Florida Repertory Theatre, 2267 First St, downtown Fort Myers. 332-4488 or floridarep.org


•Cultural Park Theatre's Christmas Spectacular The annual show features holiday songs, seasonal pop music and a cast of children, adults and Santa Claus. 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday. $19 ($17 for seniors, $13 for students with ID, $10 for ages 11 and younger). Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral. 772-5862 or culturalparktheater.com


•Winter Magic at the Cape Coral Yacht Club Christmas cheer lights up the Yacht Club when Santa arrives by boat to visit the children and hear all their Christmas wishes. Make an ornament to hang on the tree and play some reindeer games. Shop from local arts and crafts vendors. 4-7 p.m. Cape Coral Yacht Club, 5819 Driftwood Parkway, Cape Coral. 574-0806


Thursday, Dec. 18


•Community Hanukkah Celebration The Jewish Federation of Collier County and local synagogues join forces for this event that includes a candle lighting, a concert by the Naples Klezmer Revival Band and more. 5:45 p.m. Free. The Mercato Shops, 9132 Strada Place, North Naples. http://jewishnaples.org/major-events


•Holiday Pops The Naples Philharmonic and The Naples Philharmonic Chorus perform holiday tunes along with world-renowned vocalists The von Trapps. 8 p.m. Dec. 18-20, 2 p.m. Dec. 20 and 7 p.m. Dec. 21. $50-98. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. 597-1900 or artisnaples,org


Saturday, Dec. 20


•Cape Coral's Annual Holiday Boat-A-Long The Cape Coral tradition returns with about 100 lighted, decorated boats traveling along the canals of south Cape Coral. The parade starts at Four Freedoms Park. There will also be live holiday music, decorated trees, food, drinks, crafts and a 7 p.m. outdoor showing of the movie "The Polar Express." 4-10 p.m. Free. To register for the parade, call SeaTow at 945-4820. Registration is free. Four Freedoms Park, 4818 Tarpon Court, Cape Coral. 573-3123 or http://capecoral.com/content/cape-coral-holiday-boat-parade-2014


•Christmas Recital Students from Sol Major Music perform in groups and solo along with the Sol Major Youth Chamber Orchestra and the String Youth Orchestra from Slovakia. 1-3 p.m. $10. New Hope Baptist Fellowship, 431 Nicholas Parkway, Cape Coral. 772-0292 or solmajormusic.com


• Cocoa With Mrs. Claus Children ages 3-8 can come for cocoa and story time with Mrs. Claus. They can also create a holiday craft, decorate cookies and do much more. One of Santa's special elves will hand out gifts. Parents are not required to stay. Noon-3 p.m. $12-15. William "Bill" Austen Youth Center, 315 S.W. 2nd Ave., Cape Coral. 242-3950


Monday, Dec. 29


•Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker Celebrate the beloved Christmas tradition with the whole family as 40 world-class Russian artists bring this charming classic to life. Experience Tchaikovsky's master score with the magic of larger than-life-puppets, a growing Christmas tree and life-sized Matrushka dolls. 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. $31.68-$74.08 ($110.12-$187.50 for VIP tickets). Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 Edison Parkway, Fort Myers. 481-4849 or bbmannpah.com


Connect with this reporter: Charles Runnells (News-Press) (Facebook) @charlesrunnells (Twitter)


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