Naples Holiday Guide 2025
Lifestyle
Lifestyle
If you’ve ever wondered what December looks like in Naples, Florida, imagine this: palm trees wrapped in lights, 75° afternoons at the beach, and evenings spent under twinkle lights instead of snow.
As Naples natives and local real estate advisors with The Silvers Group, we pulled together a practical guide to December 2025 events, concerts, family activities, and can’t-miss restaurants — so you can plan your trip (or your staycation) like a local.
Quick note: All dates and times below are based on official event calendars as of early December 2025. Always double-check the event website before you go in case details change.
Dates:
November 28, 2025 – December 23, 2025
December 26 – 30, 2025 (continues January 1–4, 2026) Naples Botanical Garden+3Naples Botanical Garden+3Must Do Visitor Guides+3
Time: Evenings, typically 6:00–9:00 pm or 6:00–10:00 pm depending on date (ticket calendar shows specific times).
Why go:
Thousands of lights transform the tropical gardens into a glowing, “winter in the tropics” wonderland. Expect light tunnels, illuminated palms, live music, and special food and drinks.
Local tip:
Book tickets ahead — prime nights sell out.
Plan an early dinner nearby, then arrive close to opening for easier parking and cooler temps.
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Time: 3:00–7:00 pm Collier County+3Paradise Coast Sports Complex+3Collier County Parks+3
Location: Paradise Coast Sports Complex, 3940 City Gate Blvd N, Naples
Snow. In Naples. In shorts.
SnowFest brings in real blown snow for sledding hills, play areas, rides, food vendors, and live entertainment — it’s one of Collier County’s longest-running family events.
Local tip:
Great afternoon pairing: Zoo or beach in the morning, SnowFest from 3–7 pm.
Wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet; the snow hills can get slushy.
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Time: 9:00 am–4:30 pm Naples Zoo
Collier County residents get free admission with proof of residency. A fun, low-pressure way to fill a daytime slot before the evening holiday events.
Date: Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Time: Starts at 6:30 pm facebook.com+3Naples, FL+3Must Do Visitor Guides+3
Route:
Starts at 3rd Street South & 9th Avenue South
Heads north toward 5th Avenue South
Turns east on 5th Avenue South toward 8th Street South
Ends in front of City Hall on 8th Street South
Think small-town Christmas meets Gulf Coast glamour: floats, marching bands, lights, and families lining the streets.
Local tips:
Arrive 45–60 minutes early for curbside spots, especially with kids.
Pair it with dinner on 5th Ave South before or after — more on restaurant ideas below.
Date: Friday, December 12, 2025
Time: 6:30–9:00 pm Gulf Shore Association of Condominiums+1
An annual open-air concert featuring tubas, euphoniums, and baritone horns playing holiday classics in Sugden Plaza on 5th Ave South. Low-key, charming, and very Naples.
Local tip:
Grab dessert or coffee along 5th Ave and enjoy the concert from a café table or bring your own chairs.
Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
Time: 6:15–8:30 pm B1039+2Gulf Shore Association of Condominiums+2
Decorated boats cruise through Naples Bay wrapped in lights — it’s one of the most “this could only be Naples” moments of the season.
Popular viewing spots:
Naples City Dock (often requires tickets)
Tin City & Riverwalk
Kelly’s Fish House
Naples Landing Park and along parts of the bayfront
Local tips:
For a restaurant view, make waterfront reservations weeks in advance for that night.
If you want less of a crowd, look for quieter public viewing areas along the bay instead of the main dock.
Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
Time: 3:00–7:00 pm facebook.com+3venetianvillage.com+3facebook.com+3
Location: The Village Shops on Venetian Bay, 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd N
Holiday on the Bay is a gorgeous waterfront afternoon into evening event:
Complimentary Santa photos
Character appearances
The Naples Carolers performing
Shops & restaurants lit up around Venetian Bay
Local tip:
Come for the late afternoon, catch sunset over the bay, and stay as the lights come on — it’s one of the prettiest places in Naples during December.
Artis–Naples is the cultural anchor of season — and December 2025 is stacked.
Dates:
Thursday, December 11, 2025 – 7:30 pm
Saturday, December 13, 2025 – 7:30 pm artisnaples.org+2artisnaples.org+2
A full Naples Philharmonic program featuring Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1 and Prokofiev’s Cinderella Suite.
Dates & Times (Hayes Hall, Artis–Naples): WGCU PBS & NPR for Southwest Florida+4artisnaples.org+4Paradise Coast+4
Thursday, December 18 – 7:30 pm
Friday, December 19 – 7:30 pm
Saturday, December 20 – 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm
Sunday, December 21 – 2:00 pm
A beloved Naples tradition: full orchestra, chorus, youth chorus, and Broadway vocalist Michael Longoria performing classic carols and contemporary favorites.
Local tips:
These shows frequently sell out — book early.
If your schedule is flexible, the Thursday or Saturday matinee can be slightly easier ticket-wise than weekend evenings.
Date: Sunday, December 28, 2025 – 3:00 pm (Hayes Hall) artisnaples.org+2Songkick+2
The nine-member a cappella group returns with a high-energy holiday show — harmonies, humor, and crowd-pleasers.
From the Artis–Naples calendar, December also features: artisnaples.org+2artisnaples.org+2
Trisha Yearwood with the Naples Philharmonic – “Christmastime” (Dec 12)
Sarah Brightman – “A Winter Symphony” (Dec 14)
The Nutcracker Origins – Narrative musicales (Dec 17)
Art After Hours at The Baker Museum (Dec 17, free evening museum admission)
Les Misérables – The Broadway Tour (Dec 30, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026)
Check the Artis–Naples website for the most up-to-date schedule and remaining ticket availability.
Date: Friday, December 19, 2025
Time: 5:30–8:00 pm (pre-caroling food & drinks at 5:30, caroling 6:30–8:00 pm) Naples Vacation Homes+4Naples, FL+4carolsatcambier.com+4
Location: Baker Park, Naples
An outdoor community carol singalong with candles, live musicians, and food trucks. It moved from Cambier Park to Baker Park and has become a huge local favorite.
Local tip:
Bring blankets or low chairs and make an evening of it. Off-key singing is absolutely part of the charm.
Dates: December 29, 2025 – January 2, 2026 cmon.org+2cmon.org+2
Location: Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (CMON), Livingston Rd
Ages: Grades K–5
STEAM-themed day camps with hands-on projects and plenty of museum playtime — a lifesaver if you’re here over winter break with kids.
Date: Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Time: 10:00 am–1:00 pm, balloon drop & countdown at 12:00 pm AllEvents+3cmon.org+3cmon.org+3
A New Year’s Eve party scaled perfectly for little ones: music, dancing, activities, and a “Noon” countdown so everyone can celebrate and still be in bed on time.
Winter Camp WILD and themed winter sessions (registration via Naples Zoo). Naples Zoo+2Naples Zoo+2
Free Saturday for Collier Residents – Dec 6, 2025 (9:00 am–4:30 pm). Naples Zoo
Great daytime activities to balance out late-night parades and boat watching.
New Year’s Eve here is more “sunset champagne and Gulf breezes” than crowded city street.
A few ways people typically celebrate:
On the water: Special New Year’s Eve cruises (like Naples Princess and other local operators) with hors d’oeuvres, music, and a midnight toast. These are highly sought-after, so book early. Visit Naples+1
With kids: CMON Noon Year’s Eve during the day, then a quieter family dinner at home or at a kid-friendly restaurant. cmon.org+2cmon.org+2
Resort & restaurant celebrations: Many upscale hotels and restaurants along the beach, 5th Ave South, 3rd Street South, and Venetian Bay offer prix-fixe menus and champagne toasts. Quintessential Naples
You can point visitors here when they ask “Where should we eat?” — and tailor recommendations to where they’re staying.
Sails Restaurant – 5th Avenue South
European coastal, seafood-forward, special-occasion spot Sails Restaurants+25th Avenue South+2
Steps from the beach, Sails focuses on pristine seafood and refined Mediterranean flavors — perfect for a parade-night or Holiday Pops dinner when you want to impress.
Osteria Tulia – 5th Avenue South
Rustic Italian farmhouse vibes, pastas, and small plates Campagna Hospitality Group+3Osteria Tulia+3Yelp+3
House-made pastas, Italian “cucina rustica,” and a cozy brick interior. Ideal pre-show or post-parade, right on 5th Ave.
Bar Tulia – 5th Avenue South
Italian gastropub + serious cocktail bar 5th Avenue South+3Bar Tulia+3Tripadvisor+3
An elevated pub with Italian-leaning dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and one of the best cocktail programs in Naples. Great for small plates and drinks after downtown events.
Sea Salt – 3rd Street South
Venetian-inspired, ocean-centric cuisine Airial+3Aielli Group+3Yelp+3
Upscale seafood with a warm, modern dining room and outdoor seating on iconic 3rd Street South. Perfect for a festive dinner after strolling 3rd Street’s lights or attending Candlelight Carols/Baker Park.
The Turtle Club – Vanderbilt Beach
Classic beachfront dining, toes-in-the-sand energy The Turtle Club+2Tripadvisor+2
A Naples institution: sunset views, fresh seafood, and steaks right on the sand. Highly recommended for out-of-town guests.
BALEEN Naples – LaPlaya Beach Resort
Romantic beachfront dining with floor-to-ceiling Gulf views LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort+2La Playa Club+2
Ideal for special holiday dinners or NYE splurges — think sophisticated service, sunsets, and champagne.
The Dock at Crayton Cove – Naples Bay
Laid-back, Old Naples waterfront spot Dock Crayton Cove+2Yelp+2
“Naples’ Original Waterfront Restaurant” with a Key West feel — perfect for lunch or dinner before or after the Naples Bay Boat Parade.
M Waterfront Grille – Venetian Bay
Contemporary waterfront dining, refined but not stuffy mwaterfrontgrille.com+2OpenTable+2
Creative coastal dishes with views over Venetian Bay — excellent for pairing with Holiday on the Bay or an evening of shopping.
Bayside Seafood Grill & Bar – Venetian Bay
Longtime local favorite with multiple levels & outdoor deck Bayside Seafood Grill & Bar+2Tripadvisor+2
Great for larger groups and multi-generational families; several dining environments in one building, all overlooking the water.
The Village Pub – Venetian Bay
Casual, nautical pub right on the water Village Pub Naples+2venetianvillage.com+2
Burgers, fish sandwiches, and drinks with a view — very relaxed, and an easy stop during Holiday on the Bay or a light-night bite.
The 239 – Mercato
Locally owned, seasonal, very “Naples modern” the239naples.com+1
A local family-owned restaurant focused on locally sourced, thoughtfully prepared dishes. Great for brunch, lunch, or dinner on a Mercato day.
Bar Tulia – Mercato
Italian pub food and cocktails with a North Naples crowd Bar Tulia+2venetianvillage.com+2
Same chef-driven vibe as the downtown Bar Tulia, but in Mercato — ideal for a fun night out, especially around holiday shopping or cinema nights.
Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar – Mercato
High-energy tacos, tequila, and table-side guac Rocco's Tacos+2Mercato+2
Casual, loud, and fun — great for groups who want margaritas, tacos, and late hours.
Lake Park Diner (multiple locations)
Fast-casual, fresh, and kid-friendly NAPLES FLORIDA REVIEW+1
Bowls, burgers, tacos, and plenty of options for everyone — perfect between the zoo, CMON, and beach time.
You can also never go wrong with:
Local pizza spots or fast-casual seafood when everyone’s sun-tired
Waterfront happy hours as a pre-event stop before parades or concerts
Here’s how we recommend using this guide:
Pick your “anchors.”
For most visitors, that’s: Night Lights in the Garden, the City of Naples Christmas Parade, Naples Bay Boat Parade, Holiday Pops, and one or two special dinners.
Layer in family activities.
Add SnowFest, Naples Zoo, and CMON events around your anchor nights so kids aren’t wiped out.
Then add restaurants.
Choose a couple of downtown dinners, a waterfront sunset meal, and a Mercato night to round out the trip.
As Naples natives, our team at The Silvers Group doesn’t just help you find a house — we help you plug into the lifestyle.
If you’re:
Visiting this December and curious about neighborhoods
Comparing Naples to other Florida or Northeast markets
Wondering which communities fit your day-to-day life (walkable, waterfront, golf, or lock-and-leave condo)
…we’d love to talk.
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