top of page

Step Into the Magic: Enjoy A Seasonal Lights Celebration at Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium all December Long

  • eraddatz7
  • Nov 12
  • 3 min read
ree

Listen—do you hear it? The gentle call of the season, a whisper of light beckoning you forward. Down the hallway and through the forest paths, a glow gathers—soft, shimmering, and alive—at the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium.


This December, the beloved Calusa Nature Center transforms into a twinkling wonderland for a weekend celebration of light, nature, and community. Wander through glowing forest trails, experience the magic of the season, and share laughter and warmth around a campfire with cocoa with family and friends beneath a canopy of sparkling lights.


Event Details:

📅 Fridays through Sundays in December

🕔 Evenings at Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium

💲 Admission: Adults $13 | Children $7

🌐 Get your tickets today: 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.



ree

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.



ree

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! 


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


ree


 
 
 

6 Comments


Zak Henry
Zak Henry
13 hours ago

This sounds like such a cozy way to enjoy nature, lights, and astronomy all in one visit—perfect for families who want something festive but also educational. I like that you encourage people to slow down and really look around. When I help students prepare with a versant test sample, I tell them the same thing: pay attention to details and enjoy the process.

Like

PatrickWright
17 hours ago

This event sounds really engaging—mixing festive lights with nature and astronomy is such a creative way to spend time with family. I also appreciate the focus on observing carefully rather than rushing through. Speaking of preparation, I’m trying to find a solid versant test sample to practice with—have you come across any good ones?

Like

Warren Tuner
Warren Tuner
a day ago

That sounds like a wonderful event at the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium. I am searching for the versant test sample online. Can anyone help me searching for it online?

Edited
Like

Zak Andrews
Zak Andrews
6 days ago

On https://tickets-center.pissedconsumer.com/review.html checkout was a breeze, and I loved how I got my tickets delivered instantly. Plus, the prices were pretty reasonable compared to other sites. Overall, I’m really happy with my experience and will definitely be using them again for my next event! I used Tickets Center to grab some concert tickets, and I gotta say, the experience was super smooth! The website was easy to navigate, and I found exactly what I was looking for in no time.

Like

In Baseball Bros IO, you swing your bat with perfect timing to launch the ball farther than your rivals and climb the power leaderboard.

Like

Thank you to our Sponsors & Partners

SWFL Produce
City of Fort Myers
Vulcan Materials Company
R4 Roofing
Fort Myers Film Festival
Fred & Jean Allegretti Foundation
City of Fort Myers
Famous Daves
Aux Delices
Calusa Waterkeeper
Advance Solar & Spa
shoreline lumber logo grb.bmp
Sanibel Captiva Community Bank
download (2).png
image001.jpg
copyImage.png
Garvin full logo.png

Open Hours:

Tuesday - Sunday: 10am - 4pm

Pricing:

Adults $13 

Children $7

Members Free

CALUSA NATURE CENTER AND PLANETARIUM IS REGISTERED WITH THE STATE OF FLORIDA. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION (CH661) AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OR VISITING WWW.800HELPFLA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. OUR CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY, CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY AND WHISTLEBLOWER POLICY ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. EIN #23-7090889

  • Untitled design (32)
  • Untitled design (31)
Transparency Award


© 2024 by CNCP

bottom of page