December 2025 in Cape Coral & Southwest Florida: Holiday Lights, Boat Parades & New Openings
December in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, and all across Southwest Florida is full of twinkling lights, waterfront traditions, festive markets, and brand-new places opening around town. To help you get the most out of the season, here is our complete, local-insider guide!
Holiday Lights & Magical Nights
Fort Myers Festival of Trees
December 3 - 7 | Downtown Fort Myers
Stroll through beautifully decorated trees and wreaths, enjoy family activities, and soak in the holiday spirit.
Holiday Lights at Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium
Select Evenings, December 5 - 28 | 6 - 9 PM
Walk the glowing trail, sip cocoa, enjoy holiday music, and meet Santa or Mrs. Claus on select nights.
Holiday Festival of Lights - Cape Coral
Saturday, December 6 | 4 - 10 PM | Cape Coral Parkway
Cape Coral’s largest holiday event returns with free attractions, live entertainment, kids’ zones, photos with Santa, and more.
Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Saturday, December 6 | 6 PM
A glowing parade of boats lit with festive decorations cruising through Matanzas Pass.
Holiday Nights at Edison & Ford Winter Estates
Nightly Through Early January | Fort Myers
The estates transform into a breathtaking holiday experience with thousands of lights, tours, and seasonal displays.
Cape Coral Holiday Boat-A-Long
Saturday, December 20 | 4 - 9 PM | Four Freedoms Park
A Cape Coral favorite with a decorated boat parade, food trucks, music, kids’ crafts, Santa visits, and a movie in the park.
Festivals, Runs & Just-For-Fun Events
Reindeer Run 5K & Family Fun Run - Cape Coral
Saturday, December 13 | 4 PM | Coral Oaks Golf Course
A family-friendly 5K and fun run with festive outfits, strollers welcome, and post-race activities.
Cape Coral Winter Art Party - “Cool Santa”
Sunday, December 14 | Cape Coral
A holiday paint party featuring a “Cool Santa” design — perfect for a fun outing with friends or family.
Sleigh the Holidays - South Cape Holiday Bar Crawl
Saturday, December 20 | Evening | South Cape
A Christmas-themed bar crawl with drink specials, holiday outfits, and festive nightlife.
What’s New Around Town (December Openings)
Oak & Stone - Opening December 2025
Location: The Cove at 47th, Downtown Cape Coral
Opening this month, Oak & Stone brings artisan pizzas, a self-pour tap wall, and indoor/outdoor dining to Cape Coral.
Coming Soon to The Cove at 47th (Early 2026)
Aqua Seafood & Steaks - Upscale waterfront dining
Big Nick’s Barbecue (Second Location) - Local BBQ favorite expanding to the waterfront
Seed & Bean Market - Cape Coral - Café + market concept coming soon
Looking for the best events, festivals, and new restaurants in Cape Coral and Fort Myers every month? Follow along...We’ve always got you covered.