Top Christmas Events and Holiday Traditions in Naples Florida | Ep. #6 | Lavish Living in Naples, FL

Ahh Christmas, for most, it's our favorite time of the year, the glistening snow, cold weather and singing along to all the favorite carols ...but this year, you’ve decided you're going to celebrate the holidays in Florida - NOW WHAT?!
I'm your host, Kim Menkhorst, luxury realtor in Naples Florida and I've created a list to get you in the holiday spirit.
Number 1: Snow on 3rd St
We might not have REAL snow here in Naples, but if you're looking for nightly snow, you'll want to be on 3rd Street towards the end of November through the end of December, each year the days are a little different, so you'll want to check the calendar before you head down. Usually around 7pm, snow shoots from the light poles, it's super cool if you haven't seen it. Throughout the month, there are different events, such as live music and Christmas carolers.
Number 2: Fifth Avenue Christmas parade
If you love parades, downtown Naples hosts one every year, see Santa, the Grinch and all the themed floats glide through fifth Avenue during the beginning of the month. The parade starts on Broad Avenue, goes down 3rd St, then down 5th Avenue and ends at 8th street.
Number 3: Christmas Tree Lighting throughout the city
End of November and the first week in December, there are many different options for tree lighting ceremonies. From the traditional Fifth Ave. / 3rd St. tree lighting to Mercato and GreenTree Plaza in North Naples, there are lots of options to get the family out of the house and into the holiday spirit. With guest appearances of Santa, cookies, kid crafts and activities, music and more, these family events make it fun to kick off the season.
Number 4: Christmas movies on the lawn at Mercato
Enjoy dinner, ice cream or a coffee and then head to the "lawn" of Mercato, a large green space where they set up outdoor Christmas movies. You bring your own blankets and chairs but can enjoy a free family movie.
Number 5: Live Nativity
Many churches around the area have live Nativity's set up. Depending on which nativity you go to you can even feed the animals. One year my kids fed the live camels carrots and they still talk about it!
Number 6: Look at lights in Victoria Park
If you want the nostalgia of driving in the car with your hot chocolate and looking at Christmas displays, then you need to drive through Victoria Park. Each street has it's own theme, you can ride your car, golf carts or even take an official Trolley ride through the community. Songs, light displays, outdoor movies and a hot chocolate stand, this community is a must on the Christmas bucket list.
Number 7: Christmas Walk & Tree lighting Ceremony on 5th Avenue
We already covered all the different tree lighting ceremonies, but what's fun about the ones on 3rd Street & 5th Avenue is that they shut down the entire streets and plan dinners, activities and work with all the restaurants on the street to provide an inviting atmosphere to keep you entertained for hours. Just be sure to plan accordingly with parking since these events do draw a crowd.
Number 8: Night lights in the Botanical Gardens
Rediscover the natural beauty of plants from the tropics and subtropics as thousands of lights illuminate the Naples Botanical Gardens during their annual Night Lights in the Garden! To top off the joy, each year the gardens feature new interactive exhibits and performances for the entire family. Be sure to dress the kids in their Christmas attire. There will be plenty of photo ops for the Christmas cards!
Number 9: The Christmas Boat Parade on Naples Bay
Nothing says Florida holidays like a night time boat parade. Each year the Marine Industries Association of Collier County organizes this annual Christmas favorite.
Number 10: Palm Cottage
If you love the sound of sleigh bells and the sight of twinkling lights as much as you enjoy learning about the history of Naples, then you won't want to miss Christmas at Palm Cottage! Historic Palm Cottage located downtown is Naples oldest house, built in 1895.
Number 11: The life size gingerbread house at The Ritz Carlton
Each year, on Thanksgiving Day, Ritz Carlton’s pastry team crafts a life-size gingerbread house in the resorts in the lavish lobby. This grand confection features edible walls, candy canes and gumdrop embellishments. While guests aren’t actually allowed to nibble on the house, throughout the season, hotel staff does serve gingerbread cookies and hot cocoa to visitors. Tip! If you’re looking to stay at the Ritz during the making of the house or anytime during the holidays for that matter, book early!!
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Kim Menkhorst
www.lavishluxu...
Lavish Listings Naples with Premiere Plus Realty
239.776.0093
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[@katiefox1511]

The boats look fun!

[@LivinginNaplesFl]

YEA! It's pretty cool. Something different