FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 2025
CONTACTS: Jackie Parker, Miriam Dotson 239-338-3500

What’s New from Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods

LEE COUNTY, Florida (U.S.A.) – It’s one of the most beautiful times of year to visit the Fort Myers area. Every neighborhood, attraction and accommodation sparkles with the joy that the season brings. The 50^th Annual Holiday Nights Celebration at Edison and Ford Winter Estates continues now through Jan. 4. Take a Christmas Eve boat ride to an island to visit Santa. Get in the holiday spirit with “A Christmas Carol, the Musical,” at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre through Dec. 25. Enjoy lights and music during a holiday stroll at Riverside Park in Bonita Springs through Jan. 1. Visit visitfortmyers.com/events for more listings that include:

Holiday events
Bonita Springs Holiday Stroll
Now through Jan. 1, 2026, don’t miss a magical holiday stroll through Bonita Spring’s Riverside Park and downtown area. The park sparkles with lights, family photo locations and holiday music. cityofbonitasprings.org

Edison and Ford Winter Estates celebrates 50 years of Holidays
This local favorite celebrates its 50th annual Holiday Nights celebration that runs now through Jan. 4, 2026 (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas night.) The theme this year is Golden Jubilee and will feature gold lights and decorations. Check schedule and details: edisonfordwinterestates.org

Luminary island strolls on Sanibel and Captiva
The 39th annual Luminary Stroll kicks off the season on Sanibel on Dec. 5 and Captiva on Dec. 6. It’s a special evening along the candle-lit pathways when visitors and locals gather enjoy with family and friends. Activities will include a live Nativity scene, Santa visits, live music and special treats and activities at island businesses and organizations. sanibel-captiva.org

Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Once of several area boat parades, the 37th annual Fort Myers Beach event starts at 6 p.m. on Dec. 6 from Salty Sam’s Marina and promises a fleet of decorated boats, music and fun. Check details: fortmyersbeach.org/events/37th-annual-boat-parade

Zach Bartholomew: A Charlie Brown Christmas
Arts Bonita
Performing Arts Center
Dec. 11
artsbonita.org/performances

Holiday Express Train, Lakes Park, Fort Myers
Dec. 12-30
Ride on the Holiday Express as the Train Village route transforms into a dazzling display of holiday decorations and lighting. Free for ages 1-5 and $6 for ages 6 and up. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; 6-9 p.m., Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 12 through Dec. 30. (Note: The train will close at 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve and be closed on Christmas Day.) leeparks.org/lakespark

Annual Lighting of the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse & Museum
Dec. 13
Live Christmas music and refreshments
bips.org/event-details/lighting-of-the-lighthouse-4

Cape Coral Holiday Boat-a-Long and Christmas Movie
Dec. 20
Four Freedoms Park
tinyurl.com/capecoralboatalong

Santa’s Dolphin and Wildlife Cruises and Christmas Eve Sunset Cruise
Adventures in Paradise
Dec. 24 (check times)
adventureinparadiseinc.com/cruises/holiday-cruises 

Holiday House at Langford-Kingston House, downtown Fort Myers
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday through Dec. 18
Enjoy the magic of the holidays in beautifully decorated rooms at this historic home, and a scavenger hunt that takes you to decorations throughout historic downtown. Check details at fmwcc.net/house

The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge
Now through Dec. 21
Florida Repertory Theatre, downtown Fort Myers
Historic Arcade Theatre
floridarep.org/show/the-trial-of-ebenezer-scrooge

Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, Fort Myers
Holiday Lights on Pine Loop Trail
Friday, Saturday, Sunday nights in December
calusanature.org/holidaylights

Spring Training schedule announced
It’s almost like Christmas when we receive the spring training schedule. We look forward to a great season as Lee County hosts the 2026 Spring Training for the Minnesota Twins at the Lee Health Sports Complex and the Boston Red Sox at JetBlue Park. Ticket information and schedules:

Boston Red Sox
mlb.com/redsox/spring-training

Minnesota Twins
mlb.com/twins/spring-training

Accommodations news
Make a difference during your stay
Visit Fort Myers is proud to be the first Florida destination to partner with Kind Traveler, an acclaimed innovator in sustainable travel. Participating hotels and their nonprofit partners offer a chance for visitors to give back with a portion of their booking going to a local organization that supports sustainable travel. Check accommodations and their nonprofit partners at visitfortmyers.com/kind-traveler

Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, Bonita Springs, renovations
A multimillion-dollar renovation of meeting and event space is underway at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa. With completion this fall, the renovation complements recent updates to its rooms, waterpark and restaurants.

With ocean blues, deep lush greens and sandy beige accents, the meeting space will be updated with new carpeting, wall coverings and artwork. Lighting will feature an extravagant mesh chandelier reminiscent of a brilliant conch shell in the Estero Ballroom and lighting installations with opalescent glasswork and silver accents throughout the additional spaces. The Calusa Ballroom Terrace renovations include redesigned landscaping providing settings reminiscent of a tropical garden. hyattregencycoconutpoint.com

Welcome back, Shalimar Beach Resort, Sanibel Island
Shalimar Beach Resort has opened as the first Sanibel Island resort to be completely rebuilt, post-Hurricane Ian. The new construction, 33-room resort offers Gulf-front studios, one- and two-bedroom villas.

The first new hotel to open on Sanibel in 40 years, the property was built with hurricane resiliency in mind: impact doors, windows, walls, roof structure. Buildings are 6 feet above the base flood elevation. More than 500 concrete pilings are installed below the foundation. With a sensitivity to the natural environment, turtle lighting has been installed for protection during nesting season. shalimar.com

More reopenings
Best Western Plus Beach Resort, Fort Myers Beach
After a complete renovation, the 75-room, beachfront property has reopened. Suites, rooms, a private beach, complimentary breakfast, heated pool, watersports and pet-friendly accommodations are available. bwbeachresort.com

Jensen’s Twin Palm Resort and Marina, Captiva Island
Popular since its opening in 1977, the vacation and fishing spot with direct access to Pine Island Sound, is welcoming visitors. With 14 historic cottages decorated in nautical and seashell themes, the property includes a fueling station, boat rentals, store and everything visitors need for a vacation in this treasured spot of Captiva Island’s history. jensensmarina.com

White Pelican Villas plans to open in early 2026
Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts purchased the property formerly known as Beachview Cottages, a 22-unit condo property that was destroyed by Hurricane Ian. Plans are underway to rebrand the new build as White Pelican Villas, with 22 units in three buildings tied together with a shared, covered walkway. The resort is farther back from the beach and plans to open in early 2026. sanibelcaptivabeachresorts.com

Attractions news
Exciting news from Wonder Gardens
Funding has been secured to build a new event center as part of the almost 90-year-old, popular, Florida roadside attraction in Bonita Springs. Overlooking the Imperial River, it will enable the attraction to host classes, camps, educational programs and private events, such as wedding. Projected opening is 2027. wondergardens.org

Fort Boca Grande Lighthouse & Museum has reopened
Following beach renourishment and repairs, this popular attraction is open. And along with the Gasparilla Island Lighthouse, the popular climbs have returned. Climb one or both of these historic treasures and experience beautiful views while exploring a historic lighthouse. Reservations are required. Check dates and times at bips.org/calendar

Lovers Key State Park free programs
Take a “Walk on the Wildside” and other free programs this month at Lovers Key State Park. Check topics and signup at loverskey.eventbrite.com

Guided Walk: CREW Flint Pen Strand Trails, Yellow South Trail, Bonita Springs
On Dec. 10, join a volunteer naturalist from 9-11:30 a.m. for a guided walk on the Yellow South Trail at CREW Flint Pen Strand Trails. Explore beautiful lakes, marshes, and dwarf cypress trees as you discover the intriguing flora and fauna of CREW Trust’s newest trail system. Closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, bug spray, and water bottles are highly recommended. Space is limited; advance registration required. $5 for members, $10 for non-members. To register, visit crewtrust.eventbrite.com

Explore Sanibel Island's Wild Mile
Visit the area’s extraordinary natural attractions with this exclusive mobile pass, including: 

1. CROW (Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife)
2. J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge
3. Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium
4. Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation
5. And much more. Simply check in at each location to earn points and prizes.

Sign-ups are easy and free. Your Sanibel Wild Mile pass will be instantly delivered to your phone via text and email. Also save it on your home screen for one-tap access. Sign up now and get ready for a fascinating look at nature during your visit. visitfortmyers.com/digital-passes/sanibel-wild-mile

Explore and win prizes with Parks, Points & Perks
The Lee County VCB and Lee County Parks & Recreation have partnered to give visitors new ways to kick off summer fun and win great prizes.

Parks, Points & Perks encourages exploration of area parks, beaches, preserves, recreation centers, events and much more throughout our islands, beaches and neighborhoods. Running now through May 2026, the free pass makes it easy to visit favorite spots or discover new adventures.

Participants have a range of family-friendly locations to visit that include Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve and Lakes Park in Fort Myers; Dog Beach in Bonita Springs; Phillips Park in Bokeelia and Bowditch Point Park in Fort Myers Beach. More than 30 sites are included.

• Go to visitfortmyers.com/ParksPass and sign up.
• Pass will be instantly delivered to your phone via text and email.
• Select your location, plan a visit and start having fun.
• Visit any location in the pass and earn 20 points when you check in.
• Special monthly events give you the chance to add up even more points.
• Earn rewards like a drawstring backpack, and unlock choices for memberships, parking passes or recreation center access.
• Check in at 20 locations on the pass, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a grand prize, a two-night stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops and a Family Fun Day at Lakes Park.

Check out area webcams
We hope you will visit soon but until then, drop in with a live view of each area of our destination. visitfortmyers.com/webcams

Dining & entertainment
Legno Italian Kitchen plans a December opening on the south end of Fort Myers Beach in Santini Plaza. In addition to Italian cuisine from scratch, it will host live music and standup comedy. legnoik.com

New! Beach House, South Seas, Captiva Island
Unwind and enjoy coastal charm at Beach House, South Seas’ new refined beachfront restaurant. From vibrant starters to indulgent desserts, the menu offers a rich tapestry of flavors inspired by land and sea. The opening of Beach House is part of the resort’s expanding culinary lineup, which also includes Redfish Grill, Scoops & Slices and Harborside. southseas.com

The Bubble Room on Captiva Island is back
Bubble Bread, model trains, holiday lights and memories are back. The iconic Bubble Room Restaurant has opened after three years of renovations following Hurricane Ian and delays from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The restored restaurant retains its vintage, nostalgic charm and famous desserts. Open for lunch and dinner. https://bubbleroomrestaurant.com

Slipaway Food Truck Park & Marina opens in Cape Coral
Located at the base of the Cape Coral Bridge, the waterfront park features 10 on-site food trucks, a full-service bar, shaded seating options, 30 boat slips, a fuel dock, Ship Store and views of the Caloosahatchee River. Offering outdoor fun and entertainment, Slipaway offers daily live music and special events throughout the year. Visit slipawaycape.com

Marina Cantina Tin Tiki opens on Fort Myers Beach
Located next to Salty Sams, the restaurant includes a seafood and Mexican menu and offers indoor and outdoor waterfront dining. The historic tin building was once used by the Fort Myers Beach shrimping fleet as a warehouse to distribute the famous Pink Gulf Shrimp. Since Hurricane Ian, the building has been renovated with bamboo and nautical accents. marinacantinatiki.com

The Beach Bar on Fort Myers Beach returns
After almost three years, The Beach Bar has reopened. With a new building that is a walk-up, open-air design that will withstand future storms, this island favorite is a huge part of the Fort Myers Beach recovery story. Another reason to celebrate and visit soon. Follow for updates: www.facebook.com/FMBthebeachbar

Tap 42 Craft Kitchen and Bar opens in Fort Myers
Located in Bell Tower, this new, upscale dining experience with a casual vibe, includes a rooftop bar that is open Wednesday through Saturday with live music. Contemporary American cuisine is served against the backdrop of Versace wallpaper and plush leather booths. tap42.com/locations/fort-myers

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) news
New air service at RSW. For more information, visit flylcpa.com

Allegiant (new airline, flights started in November)

• Allentown, Pennsylvania (ABE)
• Appleton, Wisconsin (ATW)
• Des Moines (DSM)
  

American Airlines

• Phoenix (PHX), daily through Dec. 3; daily Dec. 19-Jan. 6 and seasonal daily Feb. 12-April 6
  

Breeze Airways

• Albany, NY (ALB), weekly, starting Dec. 17
• Rochester, NY (ROC), weekly, starting Jan. 8, 2026
  

Delta Air Lines

• Salt Lake City (SLC), daily, starting Dec. 20
  

JetBlue Airways

• Islip-Long Island (ISP), weekly, starting Dec. 18
  

Porter Airlines

• Toronto, Canada (YYZ), weekly, now year-round
  

Southwest Airlines

• Chicago-O'Hare (ORD), weekly
• Austin (AUS), weekly, March 5-April 6

Sun Country

• Appleton (ATW), weekly, starting Jan. 30
  

United Airlines

• Los Angeles (LAX), weekly Dec. 6-March 2
• San Francisco (SFO), weekly through March 4
  
  

2026 annual festivals and events
41^st annual Cape Coral Art Festival and Market Place
Jan. 10-11
capecoralartfestival.com

Yacht Rock Revue
Jan. 22
Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, downtown Fort Myers
caloosasoundamp.com

21^st annual “Ding” Darling Winter Lecture Series
Jan. 22-April 16
dingdarlingsociety.org

34^th Tour De Cape in Cape Coral
Jan. 23-25
Rotary Park
tourdecape.net

Fort Myers Seafood and Music Festival, downtown Fort Myers
Jan. 30-Feb. 1
paragonfestivals.com/festival/fort-myers-seafood-music-festival

Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife 8th Annual Ground Owl Day
Feb 2
Pelican Baseball Complex
ccfriendsofwildlife.org/events/2026/ground-owl-day

ArtFest Fort Myers, downtown Fort Myers
Feb. 6-8
artfestfortmyers.com

88th Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade, Fort Myers
Feb. 21
Downtown Fort Myers
edisonfestival.org

Southwest Florida Ag Expo
Feb. 26-March 8
“Roots ’n’ Rides: A Celebration of Tradition”
Mike Greenwell Regional Park
swflagexpo.com

Spring training
Boston Red Sox
February/March
mlb.com/redsox/spring-training
JetBlue Park, Fort Myers

Minnesota Twins
mlb.com/twins/spring-training
February/March
Lee Health Sports Complex/Hammond Stadium, Fort Myers

24th annual Burrowing Owl Festival, Cape Coral
Feb. 28
Rotary Park Environmental Center
ccfriendsofwildlife.org/burrowing-owl-festival-2

89^th annual Sanibel Shell Festival, Sanibel Island
March 5-7
Sanibel Community House
sanibelcommunityhouse.net/shell-festival

27th annual Southwest Florida Reading Festival, Fort Myers
March 7
Fort Myers Regional Library, downtown Fort Myers
readfest.org

Fort Myers Beach Lions Club Shrimp Festival
March 7-8
fortmyersbeachshrimpfestival.com

Little River Band
March 13
Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, downtown Fort Myers
caloosasoundamp.com

CROW Taste of the Islands, Sanibel Island
March 13-21
tasteoftheislands.org

Fort Myers Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 14
fortmyersbeach.org

ECHO Global Food and Farm Festival, North Fort Myers 
March tba
echonet.org

4^th annual SWFL Mural Fest, Fort Myers
March tba
artsembleunderground.com/swfl-muralfest

Get The Led Out
March 19
Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, downtown Fort Myers
caloosasoundamp.com

11^th annual Bonita Springs Film Festival
April tba
Prado Stadium
bonitaspringsfilmfestival.org

World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament, Boca Grande
May 13-14
bocagrandechamber.com/worlds-richest-tarpon-tournament

16^th annual Fort Myers Film Festival
May 14-18
fortmyersfilmfestival.com

14^th annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament, Sanibel Island
May 15
dingdarlingsociety.org/tarpon-tournament

National Seashell Day
June 20
visitfortmyers.com/national-seashell-day

30th annual MangoMania
July 11
pineislandchamber.org/chamber-events/mangomania

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest
Sept. 18-27
island-hopperfest.com

41^st Cape Coral Oktoberfest
October TBA
German-American Social Club
capecoraloktoberfest.com

Sanibel Island Writers Conference
November tba
FGCU
fgcu.edu/siwc

36^th annual American Sand Sculpting Championship, Fort Myers Beach
Nov. 19-23
fmbsandsculpting.com

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EDITOR’S NOTE: Fort Myers - Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods includes: Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Estero, Cape Coral, Pine Island, Matlacha, Boca Grande & Outer Islands, North Fort Myers, Alva, Buckingham and Lehigh Acres. For more information, go to visitfortmyers.com.