DECEMBER
Top events of the week: 3 To Do: GoldenFest XV, FGCU Athletics’ Night and Festival of Trees
Gulfshore Opera’s ‘Carmen’
The regional opera company brings Bizet’s timeless tragedy to three Southwest Florida venues: Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in south Fort Myers (Tuesday, Dec. 2), Charlotte Performing Arts Center in Punta Gorda (Thursday, Dec. 4) and Artis—Naples in Naples (Sunday, Dec. 7). They’ll be joined by the Naples Philharmonic in Naples and The Florida Philharmonic in Punta Gorda and Fort Myers. All shows start at 7 p.m. Ticket prices vary. Information: gulfshoreopera.org/carmen.
Calusa Waterkeeper presentation
Calusa Waterkeeper recently announced the completion of a two-year investigation into fecal bacterial contamination in Manuel’s Branch and they’re inviting the public to learn more about these findings by reading the full report and attending an upcoming meeting on Dec. 2 at Fort Myers City Hall. Read the report here: calusawaterkeeper.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/CWK-Manuels-Branch-Report-v2-4.pdf. The meeting will be from 12:30 until 2:30 p.m., Dec. 2, at Fort Myers City Hall, 2200 Second Street, Fort Myers.
Boater’s Local Knowledge-Backwater Edition
‘Tinsel Tuesdays’ at Marco museum
Shop gift items at the Marco Island Historical Museum Gift Store this holiday season. The Marco Island Historical Society presents “Tinsel Tuesdays,” now through Dec. 23 at the gift shop. The store is open from 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. On “Tinsel Tuesdays,” visitors will enjoy 10 percent off on merchandise with some exclusions. There also will be a drawing for a Golden Shell Giveaway.
- Tuesday, Dec. 2 — Feature local artist Tara O’Neill
- Wednesday, Dec. 10 — “Tinsel Tuesday” on a Wednesday featuring Hannah Ineson Fine Art
- Tuesday, Dec. 16 — “Reimagining Glass: The Art of Cindy Colligan”
- Tuesday, December 23 — Final “Tinsel Tuesday”
The Marco Island Historical Museum is located at 180 S. Heathwood Drive and is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Admission is free and the site is fully ADA compliant and accessible to all visitors. For information call 239-389-6447 or visit themihs.org.
‘Holiday Hootenanny’
Southwest Florida artist Paul Arsenault receives top billing for the “Holiday Hootenanny” from 2 until 6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 5 at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center’s nature store, 300 Tower Road, Naples. From 2 to 4 p.m., Arsenault will sell and sign the recently published book, “An Artful History of Naples and Collier County,” created by Arsenault, his wife Eileen Arsenault and Donna Murphy. The Hootenanny will feature discounts on many items. Refreshments will be served. Admission is free with a gift shop purchase or $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 5-12. Learn more at rookerybay.org or call 239-530-5972.
‘Ho! Ho! Ho! The Christmas Show’
The original music revue returns with more laughs, holiday cheer and favorite holiday songs. Dec. 5-21 (discount previews Dec. 2-4). Cost: $40-$55. Players Circle Theater, 13211 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Information: 800-3292 or playerscircletheater.com.
Calusa Nature Center’s ‘Holiday Lights’
Stroll a 1/3-mile walking trail decorated with more than a million Christmas lights and holiday decorations. Plus you can listen to holiday music, sip hot chocolate or eat roasted marshmallows and other treats. Proceeds benefit Calusa Nature Center’s wildlife conservation programs, including the rehabilitation of injured animals and environmental education efforts. 6-9:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Dec. 5-28. $13 ($7 for children). Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave., Fort Myers. Information: 275-3435 or facebook.com/CalusaNature.
Tigertail cleanup
‘Wild About Wildlife’
Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife is inviting students in grade school through high school to participate in “Wild About Wildlife: A CCFW Youth Experience,” an educational and hands-on event designed to “inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.” This free program introduces students to our natural world through interactive activities, science experiments and creative projects. The event is free, but space is limited, so an RSVP is required at ccfriendsofwildlife.org/events/2025/wild-about-wildlife/. The events if from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6, at Cape Coral – Lee County Library, 921 SW 39th Terrace, Cape Coral.
Cape Coral Holiday Festival of Lights
The annual event attracts thousands of people to ring in the holidays with a snow slide, photos with Santa and the lighting of the city’s official Christmas tree. Other activities include a Tiny Tots Train ride, food and vendors and pictures. 4-10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Free. Cape Coral Parkway between Del Prado Boulevard and Candia Street, downtown Cape Coral/South Cape. Information: holidayfestivalcc.com.
Holiday market at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Everyone’s welcome to the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary’s Holiday Market on Dec. 7. The event is from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., with the last admission at 1 p.m. All activities, except for the sleigh rides, are included in the regular admission price: $17 for adults, $6 for kids aged 6-14, and free for members and children under 6. Adult tickets cost $25, while child tickets for ages 3 to 17 are just $5. You can grab your admission and sleigh ride tickets at Audubon.org/corkscrew/events.
Navigating Everglades National Park
Wonder Gardens to host annual ‘Wine & Wonder’
Wonder Gardens is hosting its annual Wine & Wonder event from 6 until 8:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 12. Guests are invited to “sip, stroll and savor” a curated selection of fine wines from local and international vineyards while encountering friendly animal ambassadors on their journey through the gardens. All proceeds from the fundraiser will support the Wonder Gardens mission and its master plan renovations. Tickets are $60 for Wonder Gardens members and $65 for the general public, and VIP tickets are $75 for members and $80 for the general public. This is an alcohol-focused event, so all guests must be of legal drinking age and present an ID for entry. To purchase tickets, visit WonderGardens.org/WineWonder/.
Boat America
Darius Rucker returns for Naples’ Live Fest
Country star Darius Rucker will headline Naples’ sixth-annual Live Fest on Saturday, Dec. 13, on the driving range of Tiburon Golf Club at The Ritz Carlton Golf Resort. The outdoor show is part of the Grant Thornton Invitational, a mixed-team golf event featuring PGA and LPGA pros. Rucker returns to Live Fest for the first time since playing the inaugural event in 2019 with co-headliners Lady A (formerly Lady Antebellum). He’ll share the stage with Southwest Florida band Rock Republic and “American Idol” semifinalist Casey Bishop. Two more acts will be announced later this summer. Tickets are on sale now. General-admission tickets for the concert are $150. Admission is free for ages 9 and younger. Other ticket packages are available, including VIP tickets starting at $355.For tickets or more information, visit livefest.com.
Marco Island Christmas decoration contest
Committee Chairman Dave Rice announced the dates and plans for the 32nd Annual Marco Island Christmas House and Business Contest on behalf of this year’s committee. The dates are as follows: Dec. 15-17 – Preliminary judging on all three nights from 6:30- 9:30 p.m.; Dec. 19 – Final judging trolley ride to select the winner. The Island is divided into nine zones and judging teams select the top contenders in each zone by visiting every street on the island. For further information contact Committee Chair Dave Rice at [email protected].
Rookery Bay Science Nite Series: ‘Oceans, Plastics and Peace of Mind’
Rookery Bay will offer three after-hours programs this fall, blending science and conservation. Topics include ocean and weather Q&A with humor (Nov. 25) and nature’s role in boosting well-being (Dec. 17). Programs run from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. at the Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. Cost is $10, $ for students, free for teachers. Register at rookerybay.org/events.
In the news: 3 To Know: Bonita man arrested; higher median price for Collier, more
ONGOING
Rotary Christmas Tree Tent
After 36 years of serving the community from Bonita Beach Road, the Rotary Club of Bonita Springs moved its Christmas Tree Tent to downtown Bonita Springs. You can find over 500 Fraser fir and Noble trees, plus wreaths and poinsettias for sale at 10450 Ragsdale Street, right at the intersection of Ragsdale Street and Old 41 Roundabout. The tent is open from 10 a.m. until 7:30 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, and from 4 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on weekdays. The Rotary Club of Bonita Springs gathers for breakfast every Thursday morning at Spring Run Golf Club. For more details or to get an invite to a free breakfast meeting, check out BonitaSpringsRotary.org or call 239-572-2339.
‘Once Upon a Christmas Time’ at The MACC
This new, original musical celebrates the holiday season in a land far away, where fairytale creatures search for the meaning of Christmas to the tune of beloved holiday songs. Written by Southwest Florida Theatre Company’s music director, Julie Carver. Nov. 19-Dec. 6. Cost: $65-$74. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, south Fort Myers. Information: 277-1700 or gulfcoastsymphony.org.
‘White Christmas’
Experience a production based on Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas,” the 1954 film that comes to life on Moran Mainstage, Baker Theatre and Education Center, 100 Goodlette-Frank Road, Naples. The show runs now through Dec. 21. Tickets start at $44. Information: 239-261-7529 or gulfshoreplayhouse.org.
‘A Christmas Story’ at Broadway Palm
The musical version of the massively popular holiday movie, complete with the infamous leg lamp, the Red Ryder rifle, pink bunny pajamas, an irritable department-store Santa and a triple-dog dare to lick a freezing flagpole. Nov. 21-Dec. 28. $78-$98 ($43-$48 for ages 12 and younger). Broadway Palm dinner theater, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 278-4422 or broadwaypalm.com.
50th Annual Holiday Nights at Edison & Ford Estates
The Edison & Ford Winter Estates shine with thousands of holiday lights and decorations for this 50th-annual event. The milestone event includes new light displays, visits with Santa Claus (select nights), guided or self-guided Estates tours and a Children’s Tree Trail with dozens of trees decorated with handmade ornaments from Lee County school children. Holiday Nights takes place 5:30-9 p.m. daily from Nov. 28-Jan. 4, except for Dec. 24-25. $23 admission ($13 for ages 13-19, $3 for ages 6-12, free for younger). Lee County residents get a $5 discount every Monday (ID required). Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Information: 334-7419 or EdisonFord.org.
Tamara de Lempicka performs
Her art is now on view at The Baker Museum in Naples through Feb. 8. Exhibition explores artist’s singular contributions to modern art through a selection of her most striking paintings and drawings, tracing her rise to prominence in 1920s Paris and her later years in the United States and Mexico. Information: artisnaples.org.
‘Marco on the Move’ exhibit
The Marco Island Historical Society presents the island’s early modes of transportation from boats and bicycles to wheels and wings with a new exhibit, “Marco on the Move,” at the Marco Island Historical Museum. The exhibit runs through March 21. The Marco Island Historical Museum is located at 180 S. Heathwood Drive and is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free and the site is fully ADA compliant and accessible to all visitors. For information call 239-389-6447 or visit themihs.org.
Marco Island Farmers’ Market
The Marco Island’s farmers market is from 7:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., every Wednesday through April 15 at Veteran’s Community Park, 901 Park Ave., Marco Island. Information: 239-642-0575 or cityofmarcoisland.com.
Civil Air Patrol
Marco Civil Air Patrol meets the first and third Mondays of every month, starting at 6:30 p.m., at 2003 Mainsail Drive, Marco Executive Airport, in our hangar, on the left of the terminal. Volunteers welcome. Visit FL376.CAP.GOV.
Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center
Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center is located at 300 Tower Rd., Naples. It features aquariums, touch tanks with marine critters, natural history, environmental and wildlife exhibits, an art gallery, picnic area, guided walking trails, butterfly garden and a scenic overlook bridge. Special events and activities for all ages are held year-round including watercolor and photography classes, gallery nights, presentations about wildlife and conservation, birding field trips, marine science camps and more. The hours are 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is $10 for adults,$5 for children ages 4-12 and 3 and under are free.
Rookery Bay Eco Kayak & Boat Tours
Rookery Bay Research Reserve also offers guided boat tours or kayak adventures into the tranquil waters of Rookery Bay Reserve. Guests can choose from a variety of tours including shelling trips to deserted white sand islands, sunset tours or bird rookery excursions. Visit RookeryBay.org or call 239-530-5972.
AAUW
American Association of University Women (AAUW)) meets at 10 a.m., the third Thursday of the month at the Wesley United Methodist Church, 350 S. Barfield Dr., Marco Island.
JANUARY
Rhinestone Rodeo returns in 2026
The Rhinestone Rodeo will be at the Island Country Club in Marco Island from 5 until 9 p.m., Jan. 4. Entertainment will be provided by the Back Country Boys, a Southwest Florida band known for their high-energy performances of blending country, rock ’n’ roll, and pop. They will kick off the night during the cocktail hour from 5 until 6:30 p.m. Rick Gallo, a renowned auctioneer, leads the live auction. Guests can try the mechanical bull, play games and have the opportunity to raise funds during the Heads or Tails game. Proceeds from the Rhinestone Rodeo will directly benefit Our Daily Bread Food Pantry’s programs and services. Learn more at https://app.betterunite.com/ourdailybreadfoodpantry-ourdailybreadfoodpantryrhinestonerodeo2025-1…