How to Spread Holiday Cheer in Naples and Marco Island

1. Stroll along Fifth Ave South.

Fifth Avenue South brings back wonderful holiday memories with holiday lights & decorations. Check out fashionable boutiques, restaurants, sweets shops, galleries, live theater, and arts.

2. See the “snow” fall on Third Street South.

Third Street South in downtown Naples may be the only place you can see adults and children alike marveling at the falling snow… while wearing shorts and flip-flops. The secret: The “snow” is actually soapsuds—but that doesn’t make it any less cheerful.

3. Volunteer at an area nonprofit.

The holidays are a great time to give back, and the Paradise Coast abounds with opportunities. (We’re very philanthropic around here.) Volunteer your time at St. Matthew’s House serving meals on holidays or packing groceries in the food pantry. Find more information on these and other holiday volunteer opportunities in Naples here.

4. Donate toys to children in need.

The Shelter for Abused Women & Children in Naples helps transform the lives of thousands of women and children each year. Your donation of new, unwrapped, non-violent toys are sure to make a child’s holiday brighter.

5. Build a snowman... out of sand.

Not only is it fun and festive to create your own sand “snowman,” it’s also a guaranteed hit when shared on social media with #ParadiseCoast. Pro tip: Seashells make the perfect buttons.

6. See the holiday performances at Artis—Naples.

Artis—Naples brings a variety of world-class holiday performances to the stage each season, including performances of The Nutcracker with the Moscow City Ballet, saxophonist Dave Koz and friends, and the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra’s own Holiday Pops series. See the full holiday performance schedule and purchase tickets here.

7. Drive through Victoria Park.

Shh… this one is a locals’ favorite. The Victoria Park neighborhood, located off of Airport-Pulling Road in Naples, is as festive as they come. Each holiday season, parades of cars drive through to marvel at the houses done up in true Clark Griswold style. Best of all: It’s free.

8. Watch a Christmas boat parade.

Naples and Marco Island both host Christmas boat parades each year—a favorite tradition among visitors and locals alike. Nab a viewing spot at The Village on Venetian Bay in Naples or at the Esplanade in Marco Island and watch the boats sail by, decked out in festive Christmas lights. (Santa usually captains at least one of them.) See more traditional holiday celebrations and Christmas events in Naples and Marco Island here.