DECEMBER
Top events of the week: 3 To Do: Bonita Holiday Stroll; Pioneer Christmas on Marco; more
Anthony Rodia at Off the Hook
Comedian Anthony Rodia performs standup at seven shows, Dec. 26-30 at Off The Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, No. 1100. Cost: $43 general admission, plus a fee. At 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 26; 6 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27; 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28; Monday, Dec. 29 and Tuesday, Dec. 30. Information: offthehookcomedy.com.
Coconut Point New Year’s art festival
Check out paintings, sculptures, hand-made jewelry and other work at the 15th-annual outdoor fest. Presented by Howard Alan Events. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 27-28. Free. Friendly pets on leashes are welcomed. Coconut Point, 23106 Fashion Drive, Estero. artfestival.com
Live music at Paradise Coast Sports Complex
Enjoy music at Live at the Cove from 6-9 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 27, in Paradise Coast Sports Complex at The Cove Beer & Wine Bar, 3940 City Gate Blvd. N., Naples. Information: playparadisecoast.com.
‘Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet’
The touring show returns to Mann Hall with an international cast, whimsical puppetry and lush costumes and sets. 3 and 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 30. $41-$149. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, south Fort Myers. Information: 481-4849 or bbmannpah.com.
WWE Live Holiday Tour at Hertz Arena
The wrestlers of the WWE return to Hertz Arena for more body-slamming fun. The lineup includes CM Punk, Bronson Reed, Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, The Kabuki Warriors, Jey Uso, The New Day, Brin Breakker and more. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30. $54-$772. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. Information: 948-7825 or hertzarena.com.
ONGOING
Last chance: Christmas at Palm Cottage in Naples
Holiday tours of Naples’ oldest house are available through the Naples Historical Society through Dec. 24. Free for members, $20 for non-members from noon until 4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday. Evening visits from 4 until 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday are free. Reservations available through napleshistoricalsociety.org. 137 12th Ave. S., Naples.
Last chance: ‘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.
Last chance: 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, through Dec. 28. $13 ($7 for children). Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave., Fort Myers. Information: 275-3435 or facebook.com/CalusaNature.
Live music, Christmas cheer in Naples
Snow on Third Street South: Enjoy live Christmas music in Fleischmann Plaza from 5 until 8 p.m., every Thursday and Friday, through Dec. 30. Snow falls at 7 p.m. Third Street South, Naples. Information: thirdstreetsouth.com
Holiday Express Train, Lakes Park, Fort Myers
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.
In the news: 3 To Know: Citizens proposes rate cut; councilwoman arrested, more
JANUARY
Moon Walk: Nights in Nature
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.
National Shell Museum classes
Perfect Paint Pairs
Renaissance Faire
The Venezia Renaissance Faire returns to Bonita Springs for two weekends, running from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., Jan. 10 and 11; 17and 18. “Minstrels weave through the crowd, jesters tumble across the lanes, knights clank past in armor that gleams under colorful banners and tapestries. Merchants shout the day’s offerings from booths draped in velvet, and the smell of fire-roasted turkey legs, fresh baked sweets, and other treats winds through the fairgrounds. Whether you come in costume or wander in as you are, the Faire invites you to join the story… and maybe write a new one of your own.” Tickets: Adults $20, children (3–13); $12, with weekend/family passes and online discounts available. Information: veneziarenaissancefaire.com – limited tickets available at the gate.
‘The Art of Bonsai’
Richard Owens, a member of the Bonsai Society of Southwest Florida, and the Poinciana Garden Club will present “The Art of Bonsai” at the Fort Myers-Lee County Garden Council, home of the Berne Davis Gardens, 2166 Virginia Ave, at 9:30 a.m., Jan. 13. The gardens are open that day from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Admission to the gardens is free and free tours are available by master gardeners from 10 a.m. until noon. RSVP for ‘The Art of Bonsai’ by calling 239-994-8147.
‘Love Train — The Sounds of Motown’
Marco Island Historical Society’s 2026 World Class Entertainment Series of tribute performances honoring some of the world’s most famous musicians. “Love Train — The Sounds of Motown,” Thursday, Jan. 15 — Tribute artist William (Willie) Cintron. At the Rose History Auditorium, Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S. Heathwood Drive. Tickets are $55 per person. Curtain is at 6:30 p.m., doors open at 6. For tickets visit themihs.org or call 239-389-6447.
Watercolors & Wildlife
Rookery Bay Nature Collage
Nature Journaling at Rookery Bay
Essentials of Digital Photography Workshop
‘Key West in the Civil War’
The Southwest Florida Archaeological Society (SWFAS) recently announced a book signing and presentation on “Key West in the Civil War” by author Robert Macomber. The lecture will describe Key West locations that you can visit today including the 1852 U.S. Naval depot, 1845-built Civil War Fort Taylor, two Martello Tower forts built during the war, the 1860 rescued-slave cemetery, the origins of famous Mallory Square and an overview of seven Civil War shipwrecks on the Southwest Florida coast. There will be a “meet and greet” with the author and a book signing session. Macomber is the author of the 17 books and an accomplished seaman. He lives here in Lee County where he grew up. The presentation will be at 6:30 p.m., Jan. 21, at the Imaginarium Museum (IMAG) located at 2000 Cranford Ave, Fort Myers. This is a free public program.
Louis Armstrong tribute
Marco Island Historical Society’s 2026 World Class Entertainment Series of tribute performances honoring some of the world’s most famous musicians. “Louis Armstrong Tribute,” Thursday, Jan. 22 — Artist Troy takes you back to the time of the great Louis Armstrong. At the Rose History Auditorium, Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S. Heathwood Drive. Tickets are $55 per person. Curtain is at 6:30 p.m., doors open at 6. For tickets visit themihs.org or call 239-389-6447.
Birding with Biologists Workshop (especially for beginners)
‘Keeping it Country’
Marco Island Historical Society’s 2026 World Class Entertainment Series of tribute performances honoring some of the world’s most famous musicians. “Keeping it Country,” Thursday, Jan. 29— From Carrie Underwood to Patsy Cline, vocalist Kristina Lynn performs hits from female country music legends. At the Rose History Auditorium, Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S. Heathwood Drive. Tickets are $55 per person. Curtain is at 6:30 p.m., doors open at 6. For tickets visit themihs.org or call 239-389-6447.
FEBRUARY
‘Tapestry, The Carole King Songbook’
Marco Island Historical Society’s 2026 World Class Entertainment Series of tribute performances honoring some of the world’s most famous musicians. “Tapestry, The Carole King Songbook,” Thursday, Feb. 5— Performed by Suzanne O. Davis who channels characteristic King at the piano. At the Rose History Auditorium, Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S. Heathwood Drive. Tickets are $55 per person. Curtain is at 6:30 p.m., doors open at 6. For tickets visit themihs.org or call 239-389-6447.
Imagination Ball
Imagine a world without cancer. The Marco Island unit of the American Cancer Society cordially invites you to the 2026 American Cancer Society Imagination Ball. The JW Marriott Marco Island is the place to be Friday, Feb. 6, for a night of golden pearlescence. This black-tie optional event will raise funds in the mission to end cancer, as we know it, for everyone. That means every cancer, every life. To learn more about the Imagination Ball, including sponsorship and donation opportunities, please contact us at 239.610.3032, [email protected], or visit marcoisland.acsgala.org.
‘Doo-Wop’
Marco Island Historical Society’s 2026 World Class Entertainment Series of tribute performances honoring some of the world’s most famous musicians. “Doo-Wop,” Tuesday, Feb. 10 — Rock around the clock and sing along to your favorite Doo Wop hits from the ‘50s, ‘60s and 7’0s featuring the Florida group Reminisce. At the Rose History Auditorium, Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S. Heathwood Drive. Tickets are $55 per person. Curtain is at 6:30 p.m., doors open at 6. For tickets visit themihs.org or call 239-389-6447.
Cher, Bob Seger and Madonna tributes
Marco Island Historical Society’s 2026 World Class Entertainment Series of tribute performances honoring some of the world’s most famous musicians. “Cher, Bob Seger and Madonna,” Thursday, Feb. 19 —Three world touring tributes in one incredible evening of entertainment. At the Rose History Auditorium, Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S. Heathwood Drive. Tickets are $55 per person. Curtain is at 6:30 p.m., doors open at 6. For tickets visit themihs.org or call 239-389-6447.
‘The Rat Pack’
Marco Island Historical Society’s 2026 World Class Entertainment Series of tribute performances honoring some of the world’s most famous musicians. “The Rat Pack,” Tuesday, Feb. 24 —Get ready to be transported back to the golden era of music with this tribute to the legendary Rat Pack. Experience the magic of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. — all in one show. At the Rose History Auditorium, Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S. Heathwood Drive. Tickets are $55 per person. Curtain is at 6:30 p.m., doors open at 6. For tickets visit themihs.org or call 239-389-6447.
MARCH
‘Remembering Whitney Houston’
Marco Island Historical Society’s 2026 World Class Entertainment Series of tribute performances honoring some of the world’s most famous musicians. “Remembering Whitney Houston,” Thursday, March 12 — Featuring the vocals of Whitney Houston performed by recording artist Latraia Savage. At the Rose History Auditorium, Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S. Heathwood Drive. Tickets are $55 per person. Curtain is at 6:30 p.m., doors open at 6. For tickets visit themihs.org or call 239-389-6447.
‘Ed Sullivan Variety Show’ tribute
Marco Island Historical Society’s 2026 World Class Entertainment Series of tribute performances honoring some of the world’s most famous musicians. “Ed Sullivan Variety Show,” Thursday, March 19 —A “high-energy nonstop salute” to some music stars featuring tribute artists from Las Vegas. The show includes tributes to Ed Sullivan, Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, Joe Crocker, The Blues Brothers, Hank Williams and Mick Jagger. At the Rose History Auditorium, Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S. Heathwood Drive. Tickets are $55 per person. Curtain is at 6:30 p.m., doors open at 6. For tickets visit themihs.org or call 239-389-6447.
‘Essence of Motown’
Marco Island Historical Society’s 2026 World Class Entertainment Series of tribute performances honoring some of the world’s most famous musicians. “Essence of Motown,” Thursday, March 26 —Many Soul/R&B artists were discovered and celebrated in Detroit, spawning a unique and infectious sound and style called Motown. This tribute pays homage to this music by singing hits from The Four Tops, The Temptations, The Drifters and many more. At the Rose History Auditorium, Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S. Heathwood Drive. Tickets are $55 per person. Curtain is at 6:30 p.m., doors open at 6. For tickets visit themihs.org or call 239-389-6447…