Experience the Magic of the Season at Calusa Nature Center’s Holiday Lights Celebration

The Greatest Holiday Lights Show in Southwest Florida, Open to the Public December 6 - 29, 2024

FORT MYERS, FL – 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 5th, 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.

Holiday Lights will be open to the public every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from December 6 through December 29, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM. General admission tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children (ages 3-11), and free for Calusa Nature Center members. The VIP Opening Night Gala, which takes place on December 5, offers an exclusive experience with red carpet entrance, festive drinks, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, and private access to the Holiday Lights trail before it opens to the public. VIP tickets are available for $50 and include all of the gala festivities, along with a chance to mingle with fellow guests and enjoy the warmth of cozy firepits.

A portion of the 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].

Tickets for Holiday Lights and the VIP Opening Night Gala are available for purchase online or at the gate. Members of the Calusa Nature Center enjoy free admission to the Holiday Lights event, making it a perfect holiday outing for families who want to enjoy the festivities year after year while supporting the Center’s mission.

Don't miss out on this spectacular holiday event that promises to be the highlight of the season. Whether you’re joining us for the VIP Gala or visiting during the open-to-the-public weekends, Holiday Lights at the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium is the perfect way to celebrate the magic of the holidays with loved ones, all while supporting wildlife conservation and education in Southwest Florida.

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]