TOMORROW: :) This is a reminder to join us tomorrow night, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. at the Calusa Nature Center for the VIP First Look at the 2024 Holiday Lights Event!

Dec 4, 20244 min read

FORT MYERS, FL – Get in the holiday spirit with fellow nature lovers at the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium on Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. for the funnest party in town! Enjoy early access to the ⅓ mile illuminated trail, meet Santa, watch a dazzling laser show, and groove to festive music. Stroll the VIP red carpet, play games, and indulge in delicious food from Outback Steakhouse and Bellacino's Pizza, plus exclusive hors d'oeuvres and wine from our members' special collections. This preview event is free for invited donors and sponsors, or just $50 for the public. The lights will be open to the public every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in December. Don’t miss this magical sneak peek before the official opening!

The Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium invites you to experience the greatest holiday lights show in Southwest Florida this holiday season with their highly anticipated Holiday Lights event. Kicking off with an exclusive VIP Opening Night Gala on December 5, the event will be open to the public every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from December 6 to 29, from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM.

This year, the Holiday Lights celebration will transform the Calusa Nature Center’s beautiful ⅓-mile Pine Loop Trail into a stunning winter wonderland, featuring over a million twinkling lights and dazzling holiday displays. As you walk through the trail, you’ll be immersed in the festive atmosphere, with cheerful holiday music playing in the background and magical decorations lighting the way. Guests will also enjoy hot chocolate, roasted marshmallows, and a variety of seasonal treats, creating a perfect holiday outing for families and friends.

The event takes place in the largest green space in Fort Myers, offering ample room to stroll, relax, and take in the magical displays. But it’s not just about the lights—it’s also a way to support the important work of the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, as proceeds from ticket sales directly benefit their wildlife conservation programs, including the rehabilitation of injured animals and environmental education efforts across Southwest Florida.

Proceeds from all ticket sales goes directly toward supporting the Calusa Nature Center's mission to care for injured wildlife, provide educational programs for the community, and preserve the natural beauty of Southwest Florida’s unique ecosystems. By attending Holiday Lights, you’re not only celebrating the season, but also helping protect the wildlife and habitats that make this region so special.

To further support the Center’s mission, guests are encouraged to contribute to the Nurture Nature Campaign, which helps fund essential upgrades, environmental education programs, and wildlife conservation efforts. Donations can be made as one-time gifts or through sustaining memberships. Your support will help ensure that future generations can continue to experience the wonder of nature at the Calusa Nature Center. For more information or to donate, visit [calusanature.org].

About Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium:

Founded in 1969, the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium has served as Southwest Florida's premier environmental education destination for over 50 years. CNCP is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, and donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Sponsorship and partnership opportunities are also available for those interested in making a significant impact together with us. The 105-acre sanctuary houses butterfly gardens, bird aviaries, nature trails, and the only public planetarium in the region. CNCP provides educational experiences that promote environmental awareness, scientific discovery, and a lifelong love of nature, inspiring future generations of environmental stewards and advocates.

Event Information

What: Holiday Lights – A spectacular holiday light show with over a million twinkling lights, festive displays, seasonal treats, and visits with Santa Claus.When: Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, December 6 - 29, 2024, 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM. VIP Opening Night Gala on December 5, 2024 from 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM.Where: Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Avenue, Fort Myers, FL.Tickets:

Adults (12 & up): $10
Children (3-11): $5
Members: Free (Membership ID required)
VIP Gala (December 5 only): $50 [Tickets]

• A Special Thank You: We extend our heartfelt thanks to our new sponsor Ace Hardware, the place with the helpful hardware folks, as well as continuing supporters, including Vulcan Materials, R4 Roofing, Aux Delicies, Famous Dave’s, The City of Fort Myers, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, The Fred and Jean Allegretti Foundation, Heitman House, and the Fort Myers Film Festival.

• Stay Connected Cozy at home? Experience the Calusa Nature Center virtually! Enjoy our FREE T360 tour from your couch: #HomeBoundAdventures #NatureAtHome. Immerse yourself in our fresh interactive education videos here. Make your event unforgettable with one of Florida's unique venues! From weddings and showers to meetings and parties, we offer stunning indoor and outdoor spaces. Reach out now to reserve your date!