Southwest Florida Holiday Happenings

Whether you are looking for that perfect photo op with Santa or just some good, old-fashioned holiday cheer, naplesillustrated.com presents a short list of yuletide festivities in your neighborhood.

The Annual Downtown Naples Christmas Parade takes over some of the most traveled thoroughfares in Naples on December 10 from 6-8 p.m. Starting at Broad Street South, floats with a festive bent will make their way north on Third Street South, take a hard right on Fifth Avenue South onto Eighth Street South. As part of the fun, live music will add the tunes, children’s activities will keep the little ones busy and area boutiques and restaurants will share in the yuletide cheer. Admission is free; arrive early for choice parade-watching spots.

   The yuletide cheer continues downtown when the popular Evening on Fifth event gets a holiday makeover December 12 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. TUBA Christmas and a Holiday Evening on Fifth will add a deep-throated—you guessed it—tuba beat to the festivities with live holiday music and an overall party atmosphere as the avenue twinkles in its holiday finery.

• For more info, please visit fifthavenuesouth.com.

Marco Island is getting in the Christmas spirit with a full slate of activities on Saturday, December 14. Starting at Mackle Park, Santa is coming to town, and he attends to do so in style. Flying in by helicopter, Santa will be sharing some milk and cookies with the kids from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., so be sure to bring the list and the camera to catch all the holiday memories.

   Following his cookie lunch, Santa will star in Marco Island’s annual Christmas Parade from 6:30-8 p.m. Join the holiday revelers as the parade meanders down San Marco Road, spreading Christmas cheer along the way.

   For a little live-action fun, The Marco Players will take to the stage for a production of the family-friendly ’Tis the Season, Charlie Brown, following the Peanuts gang as they sing their way through the Christmas season. Showtimes are as follows: December 14 at 7 p.m.; December 15 at 2 p.m.; and December 16 at 3 p.m.

• For more information, please visit christmasislandstyle.com.

On December 14, the snow will fall at The Village on Venetian Bay. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in attendance for photo ops and a final run down of the Christmas list. Live holiday entertainment will bring a festive mood to the bay with carolers singing to mark the occasion, a special dance performance by Backstage Dance Academy and Mrs. Claus leading a holiday-themed story time. Snow begins at 7 p.m.

   On December 19, Christmas and The Village on Venetian Bay will go to the dogs for Santa Paws holiday celebration. Bring the pooch and pups for a four-pawed celebration, complete Santa/Fido photo ops and live entertainment. Also on hand, adorable adoptable pets from the Humane Society of Naples. As an added bonus, on December 19 and 22, The Village on Venetian Bay will donate 10 percent of all goods and dining expenses purchased to the Humane Society of Naples; simply drop off your receipt at one of two drop boxes (outside of Panache and Pratt’s Shoe Salon) and a check will made out to help the four-pawed out this year.

   The Village is giving folks one last chance for now this season on Saturday, December 21. Holiday carolers will lighten the mood while Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand for a photo ops and a last chance Christmas list check. Snowfall begins at 7 p.m.

• For more information, visit venetianvillage.com.

Before heading off to the North Pole, Kris Kringle is making one last stop: Waterside Shops on December 21 and 22 from 12 to 4 p.m. No, he’s not looking for a new pair of Gucci galoshes, but striking a pose for two days of photo ops and a final list check. Bring the kids for one last chance of pics with the Man with the Bag. Bring your own camera!

• For more information, please visit watersideshops.com.