Sanibel Island in Florida is a coastal area that offers pristine views of the bright blue water, miles of white sand beaches, and swaying palm trees. What more could you want for a relaxing holiday away from home? Instead of spending your Christmas holiday season inside a cold and drab apartment in the northern part of the United States, we have a better idea in mind. The Sunshine State offers warm and sunny weather all year round, so you can always head outside, check out mouth-watering seafood restaurants, relax on the beach, go surfing with your wetsuit, and walk around the downtown shopping area to get last-minute Christmas stocking stuffers. Keep reading to see a few of the top reasons why you should spend a Christmas in Sanibel!
Walk Along the Luminary Trail
The Luminary Trail is a fun way for you and your family to see the Christmas lights, take photos of the spectacular event, and bond with one another as you reminisce on the best parts of the holiday season! The luminary candles line the streets of both Sanibel and Captiva Islands, making both towns look magical in the twilight. Head here for a family-friendly and fun event for locals and tourists alike on December 1st and 2nd in neighboring towns. You can even walk along the lanterns lining the sidewalks and busy main streets to the shopping centers in Sanibel and Captiva to see Santa and Mrs. Claus for a great photo-op with your kids!
Attend a Church Service
Many people enjoy going to church during the holiday season for any number of reasons. They may enjoy the tradition from when they were a kid, singing the Christmas carols, or just having a sense of community this holiday season. If this sounds like a fun thing for you and your family this December, you will be able to attend numerous church services in Sanibel and Captiva that will get you in the holiday spirit. All island services will be held on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, so you can eat here before you open presents in the morning!
If you would rather chill out on Christmas morning, we enjoy going to the Christmas Eve service at Lighthouse Beach. This outside ceremony isn’t just a good way to bond with others in the community, but it brings a nature-focused aspect to the service, with every attendee holding a lit candle, bringing their own beach chair, and singing carols in the fresh ocean breeze.
Bring Your Kids to the Tree Lighting
The tree lighting is one of the most famous events that tourists and locals both enjoy going to this holiday season. The tree lighting on Captiva Island showcases the unique holiday village during the month of December, featuring marching bands, live music, golf cart parades, carols by the water, and tree lighting at the Tween Inn. Make sure you stay to watch the fireworks and boat parade to keep the party going!
Edison Ford Estate Tour
Fort Myers is just a short drive away from the calm and relaxing towns of Sanibel and Captiva, offering a more metropolitan and urban feel than the chilled-out vibe of Sanibel Island. If you want something more intense, this could be the best weekend getaway for some high-energy fun! We recommend going to the Edison Ford Estates Tour for just $20 to explore the entire estates, follow a guided tour, and learn more about this historical property. Go on this tour before going on a bar crawl or holiday-themed pub crawl in the bustling and exciting city of Fort Myers!
Tunnel of Lights
The Tunnel of Lights is an annual Sanibel event held at the Sanibel community playground and park that offers a unique lighting event right in the heat of the community!
Seashell Crafts
Seashell Crafts puts on an artistic and crafty event at the Sanibel Community House for a free class that helps you make a special and unique item that is perfect for a meaningful and memorable gift for your loved ones this holiday season. Other cool events that you need to check out at the Sanibel Community House include Kids in the Kitchen, teaching young children and teenagers how to be comfortable in the kitchen and safely cook or bake items. They can even learn how to make holiday cookies or cakes to help you for Christmas treats! Or you can attend the Social Bridge or Line Dancing events at the community house to meet others in the area and try something new.
Historic Holiday Display
Last but not least, we highly recommend going to the Historic Holiday Display at the Sanibel Historical Village to get in the spirit of the holiday season. The holiday display offers unique crafts, large set-ups, historical explanations of buildings in times past, and local tours.
Plan Your Christmas Journey
Ready to start a new family tradition for Christmas? Contact us today to book your Christmas vacation rental on Sanibel Island!
