Merry Christmas from all of us at Calusa!
- eraddatz7
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us at the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium. As we close out the year surrounded by the glow of Holiday Lights, festive trails, and the joy of families exploring nature together, we are grateful for your continued support of our mission. We wish you a season filled with warmth, wonder, and peace—and a bright, successful New Year ahead. We look forward to welcoming you back in 2026 for more moments of discovery, connection, and natural magic. Watch in as Gulfcoast News checks in with our Executive Director with a look at the trails here! "Good Morning Gulf Coast's" Jason Drew met up with Eric Raddatz of the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium to get a sneak peek at the 'Holiday Lights.'
Holiday Lights at Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium
Holiday cheer continues one last Friday, Saturday, and Sunday this December 26th through 28th, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Stroll through festive decorations inside and around the Nature Center, sip on hot chocolate, roast marshmallows at the firepit, and explore the fully decorated â…“-mile Pine Loop Trail. Holiday music adds to the ambiance, making it a perfect family outing.
Event Details:
Friday through Sunday, Dec. 26-28
Evenings at Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium
Admission:Â Adults $13 | Children $7
Get your tickets today:Â calusanature.org
Come celebrate the spirit of the season wrapped in wonder—where every branch shimmers with magic and every step leads deeper into Southwest Florida’s most enchanting forest.
Bring your family. Bring your friends. And make new ones beneath the glow.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Sponsorship opportunities are available for all upcoming CNCP events! Your support helps us continue offering these educational programs and ensures that our preserve remains a place for future generations to explore and enjoy. As a sponsor, you’ll receive recognition at our events and visibility among an engaged, community-minded audience.
For more information, contact Eric Raddatz at eraddatz@calusanature.org or call 239-275-3435.
Nurture Nature Campaign: Help Us Preserve Our Sanctuary
We’re excited with the success of our "Nurture Nature" Campaign in 2025, dedicated to improving CNCP’s facilities and educational programs. Your support will help us maintain essential infrastructure, repair boardwalks, preserve local wildlife, and expand our outreach efforts. This campaign is especially important as we work to create a deeper connection between local youth and the natural world—something that’s more vital than ever in an age where technology often pulls us away from nature.
Host Your Event at CNCP
Did you know CNCP offers a unique venue for events? Whether you’re planning a wedding, meeting, or party, our indoor and outdoor spaces offer a beautiful natural setting for any occasion. Contact us to learn more about holding your event at CNCP.
Beautifica
Every Weekend
Beautifica is a one-of-a-kind visual experience, blending stunning 3D art with the soothing sounds of James Hood. It’s the perfect way to relax and experience a world of hypnotic imagery and sound.
Become a Member Today
When you become a CNCP member, you enjoy a host of exclusive benefits, including:
Free admission to trails, planetarium shows, and live animal talks
Discounts on camps, workshops, and select events
10% off at the gift shop
Free or discounted admission to over 180 nature centers nationwide
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.
• A Special Thank You: We extend our heartfelt thanks to 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, HERC, SWFL PRODUCE,  Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, The Fred and Jean Allegretti Foundation, Heitman House, Babcock Ranch and the Fort Myers Film Festival.
• Stay Connected Cozy at home? Experience the Calusa Nature Center virtually. Visit our YouTube channel for fun videos! ! 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!Â
Media Contact:
Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.calusanature.org or contact Eric Raddatz, Executive Director, at eraddatz@calusanature.org.
Phone: (239) 275-3435
Website: calusanature.org
#HolidayLights #SantaMeetAndGreet #HolidayLaserShows #SupportWildlife #NatureLovers #ExploreNature #CalusaNature #NurtureNature
