Christmas in Naples, Florida 2025: Your December Holiday Guide

Spending December in Naples, Florida feels a little like living inside a Christmas snow globe, except the “snow” is falling palm fronds, the temperatures are mild, and Santa often arrives by boat instead of sleigh. From twinkling historic streets to glowing botanical gardens and festive parades downtown, the city goes all-in on holiday cheer all month long.

Whether you live in Naples full time or you’re planning a warm-weather holiday getaway, December 2025 is packed with Christmas events, light displays, concerts, boat parades, and family-friendly activities. Below you’ll find an overview of the major holiday events, followed by a handy calendar that pulls all of the dates and times together in one place.

Christmas on Third: Old Naples in Full Holiday Mode

For many locals, the season really feels official once the lights come on along Third Street South. “Christmas on Third” typically kicks off with the big tree lighting and Santa’s arrival in late November, but the magic doesn’t stop there. Throughout December, Third Street stays dressed in its holiday best.

On select Thursday and Friday evenings in December, the street hosts live Christmas music from early evening into the night, and artificial “snow” falls around 7 p.m. Kids and adults love the experience of walking under palm trees dusted in snowflakes while the storefronts glow with garland, lights, and decorations. If you time it right, you can enjoy dinner on a patio, then walk out just in time to catch the snowfall and seasonal music.

Third Street is also a great place to do a bit of holiday shopping. Boutiques, galleries, and cafés are all within a short stroll, so you can easily turn a simple walk into a full evening out in Old Naples.

Fifth Avenue South Christmas Walk & Tree Lighting

Just a short walk from Third Street, Fifth Avenue South hosts one of the biggest downtown events of the season: the Christmas Walk and Tree Lighting. For 2025, festivities are scheduled for Friday, December 5, 2025 from approximately 5–10 p.m., and Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 10 a.m.–10 p.m.

The centerpiece is the massive Christmas tree that anchors the avenue. The official tree lighting typically takes place around 6 p.m. on Friday, drawing big crowds as the lights flicker on and live music kicks off. Over both days, you can expect:

• Street-long holiday market with local vendors and food
• Live music and performances on multiple blocks
• Family activities and photo opportunities with holiday backdrops
• Plenty of shopping and dining specials at Fifth Avenue restaurants and boutiques

Because this is one of the busiest weekends of the month in downtown Naples, it’s smart to arrive early or use rideshare. Once you’re there, everything is walkable, and the energy is festive from one end of the avenue to the other.

City of Naples Christmas Parade

The City of Naples Christmas Parade is a beloved local tradition that brings thousands of people into the downtown area each December. In 2025, the parade is scheduled for Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 6:30 p.m., typically running until around 8:30 p.m.

The route starts near 3rd Street South & 9th Avenue South, winds up through 3rd Street and Fifth Avenue South, and finishes at Naples City Hall. Marching bands, community groups, decorated floats, classic cars, and a final appearance by Santa all make for a classic small-city holiday experience with a coastal twist.

If you want one of the best viewing spots along Fifth Avenue, plan to arrive early with a couple of folding chairs. Many families grab a casual dinner or dessert at a café, then settle in along the street to watch the parade roll by under the Christmas lights.

Johnsonville Night Lights in the Garden

For a quieter, more immersive light experience, head to Naples Botanical Garden for Johnsonville Night Lights in the Garden. This popular event runs from November 28, 2025 through January 4, 2026, with specific show dates throughout December (closed December 24, 25, and 31).

During Night Lights, the garden is transformed with illuminated pathways, colorful displays, and creative lighting in and around the landscape. Timed entry keeps the experience relaxed, and many evenings feature live music, holiday-themed food and drink from Fogg Café, and family-friendly activities scattered throughout the garden.

Tickets are sold in time blocks and often sell out for peak December dates, so it’s smart to reserve your preferred night in advance. If you’re looking for a romantic holiday date night or a calm family outing away from the downtown crowds, this is a top pick.

Naples Bay Christmas Boat Parade

Because this is Southwest Florida, Christmas doesn’t just stay on land. The Naples Bay Christmas Boat Parade brings the festivities onto the water, with elaborately decorated boats cruising along the bay and around the Naples City Dock area. For 2025, the parade is planned for Saturday, December 13, 2025, generally running from about 6:00–8:30 p.m.

Some of the best viewing spots are along Naples City Dock, Tin City, Naples Landing, and the waterfront restaurants that line the bay. You’ll see everything from modest fishing boats wrapped in strands of lights to large yachts covered in decorations, music, and themed displays. It’s a uniquely coastal way to celebrate the season.

Many locals also decorate their own boats and register to be part of the parade, so if you have access to a vessel and want to join the fun, watch for registration details from the event organizers.

Holiday Cruises on the Naples Princess

If you want the boat parade experience in a more relaxed setting, the Naples Princess yacht runs a variety of holiday-themed cruises throughout December. One highlight is the Children’s Christmas Cruise, scheduled for Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 10:00–11:30 a.m., featuring storytelling and seasonal fun for kids.

In addition, the Naples Princess offers Christmas and holiday sightseeing, sunset, and dinner cruises on multiple dates. These sailings typically include views of decorated waterfront homes in Port Royal and along Naples Bay, along with food, drinks, and festive décor on board. It’s a great option for couples or small groups who want a Christmassy evening out on the water.

Festival of Trees, SnowFest & Grown-Up Holiday Fun

Naples also layers in plenty of other holiday experiences. At The Naples Players on Fifth Avenue South, the annual Festival of Trees runs from November 18 through December 21, showcasing elaborately decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, and mini-trees. Many are raffled or auctioned to support the community theater, and the lobby becomes a festive stop as you stroll downtown.

Families looking for a more hands-on experience can watch for the date of SnowFest 2025 at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex. This event traditionally includes snow piles, slides, games, and live entertainment—giving kids a chance to play in real snow even though the Florida sunshine is never far away.

For adults, the Oasis Christmas Club popup bar offers a completely different kind of holiday outing. This over-the-top Christmas-themed bar typically opens in November and runs into early January, with themed cocktails, festive décor, and a lively atmosphere. It’s a fun nightcap after strolling Third Street, Fifth Avenue, or taking in one of the parades.

December 2025 Naples Holiday Event Calendar

To help you plan your holiday season, here’s a quick-reference calendar of the major Christmas and holiday events happening around Naples in December 2025. Always confirm specific dates and times with event organizers before you go, as schedules can change.

Planning Your Perfect Naples Christmas

The beauty of December in Naples is that you don’t have to choose just one highlight—many of these events layer together beautifully. You might kick off the month with Christmas on Third and the Christmas Walk on Fifth, schedule a quieter weeknight at Night Lights in the Garden, then circle back for the downtown parade and boat parade mid-month.

Add in SnowFest for the kids, a Naples Princess cruise or two, and a stop at the Oasis Christmas Club for grown-up fun, and you’ll have a full holiday calendar without ever needing a winter coat. However you plan it, Christmas in Naples, Florida offers a warm, palm-lined twist on the classic holiday season that’s hard to beat.