Free Christmas Dinners

St. Vincent de Paul

Families looking to get a free Christmas dinner can come to St. Vincent de Paul. 

svdpnaples.org

St. Matthew’s House 

3000 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples

Distributing Christmas dinners for those in need.

stmatthewshouse.org

Link to donate

Café of Life

26724 Nomad Dr., Bonita Springs

Serving hot meals to those who need them. 

cafeoflife.org

Englewood Methodist Church

700 E Dearborn St., Englewood

Thursday, December 25, 11:00 am-2:00 pm

This free Christmas Day dinner is open to the community. 

englewoodmethodist.com

More info

Cheap Christmas Dinners

Mel’s Diner

3650 Tamiami Trl. N., Naples

28601 Trails Edge Blvd, Bonita Springs

4820 S Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers

Explore their budget-friendly specials.

melsdiners.com

Applebee’s

5082 Airport-Pulling Rd N, Naples

Perfect for any occasion or any budget. 

applebees.com

The Fresh Market

Now – Monday, December 22

Order online and choose which holiday meal you’d like to share with your family. 

thefreshmarket.com

Seed to Table

Pick up: Wednesday, December 24, 8:00 am-3:00 pm

4835 Immokalee Rd, Naples

Check out their Christmas catering menu and order for a tasty meal to feed the whole family.

seedtotablemarket.com

Publix

Order by Wednesday, December 24

Holiday meals for as low as $10 per person. 

publix.com

Whole Foods

Now – Monday, December 22

Whatever your holiday gathering might be, Whole Foods has plenty of options for you.

wholefoodsmarket.com

iHOP

Order an iHOP family feast that’s perfect for Christmas for just $30. 

ihop.com

Ways to Help

Meals of Hope Holidays Without Hunger

Saturday, December 20, 8:15-11:00 am

Lee Civic Center, 11831 Bayshore Rd., North Fort Myers

Holiday Without Hunger events are an opportunity for friends, family, churches, teams, neighbors, businesses and other groups to give back this holiday season while having a fun time. 

Link to register

Harry Chapin Food Bank’s 2025 Holiday Matching Challenge

Help families in need get a free meal this holiday season by donating to Harry Chapin Food Bank’s Holiday Matching Challenge. 

Link to donate

Community Cooperative Holiday Outreach 

You can help the Community Cooperative feed families by donating this holiday season.

Link to donate

FK Your Diet Christmas Giving Tree

Help make a foster child or other children feel the magic of Christmas this year.

Link to donate

See local restaurants open for holiday dining

The post Where to Get Free or Budget Christmas Dinners and Ways to Help Those in Need in Southwest Florida appeared first on SWFL Family.

Featured Holiday Toy Drives in SWFL

1. The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Toy Drive

Spread cheer by hosting an Angel Tree at your business, school, or church—or simply donate toys at participating locations, or volunteer to help sort and distribute toys.

Learn more

2. Toys for Tots – Naples & Bonita Springs

Donate new, unwrapped toys at local drop-off sites or give financially online. Want to get more involved? You can even host your own drop site.

• Naples
• Bonita Springs

3. Guadalupe Center Toy Drive & Shop + Share

Event Date: Dec. 12, 12–4 p.m.
Location: Waterside Shops, 5415 Tamiami Trl. N., Naples

Help make a wish come true by donating toys at the event or at these drop-off locations through Dec. 10:

• Guadalupe Center’s Philanthropy Office: 2640 Golden Gate Pkwy., Suite 205, Naples
• Van Otterloo Family Campus: 3655 Westclox St., Immokalee

Donate online

4. Project Outreach Christmas Toy Collection

Now through: Dec. 5
Location: The Floor Meisters, 6281 Naples Blvd., Naples

Donate a new toy valued at around $25. Project Outreach partners with local schools to deliver over 2,000 toys to underserved kids.

projectoutreachnaples.com

5. 10th Annual Sydney’s Santa Ride Toy Drive

Now through: Dec. 11

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office collects toys for NCH pediatric patients. Drop off your donations at these locations:

• CCSO District 1 Substation, 776 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples
• CCSO District 2 Substation, 4707 Golden Gate Pkwy., Naples
• CCSO District 4 Substation, 14750 Immokalee Rd.
• CCSO District 5 Substation, 13245 Tamiami Trl. E. #100
• Airport Kia of Naples, 3325 Westview Dr., Naples
• AdviniaCare Naples, 7801 Airport Pulling Rd. N., Naples
• Aldos Italian Table & Bar, 4820 Davis Blvd., Naples
• Tacos & Tequila Cantina (all Naples locations)

colliersheriff.org

6. Mercedes-Benz of Naples Toy Drive

Locations:

• 501 Airport Rd. S., Naples
• 14610 Tamiami Trl. N., Naples (Bonita Springs location)

Support Golisano Children’s Hospital by donating toys at either dealership.

mercedesbenznaples.com/toy-drive

7. Naples Christmas Cheer 2025

A community effort by Greater Naples Fire Rescue, Salvation Army, Toys for Tots, and North Collier Fire to serve local families in need.

Families can apply for assistance at:
napleschristmascheer.com

More info: greaternaplesfire.org

How You Can Help

• Donate new, unwrapped toys
• Volunteer at collection or distribution events
• Host a drop-off site or Angel Tree
• Share toy drive info on social media

The post Holiday Toy Drives in SWFL 2025 appeared first on SWFL Family.

To better understand both the wonder and the complexity of the Santa myth, it helps to turn to psychologists—and to hear from those who believed and those who never did.

The Psychology of Belief in Santa

“Believing in Santa Claus is actually a normal part of cognitive development,” says Dr. Lauren Donovan, a registered play therapist at Connected Path Counseling in Bonita Springs. “It allows children to explore that magical thinking.”

This type of imagination—pretending to be an astronaut or playing house—is especially common at the ages when children also believe in Santa. It’s part of how they process the world and express creativity.

Dr. Keenan Tamm, a licensed clinical psychologist with Healthcare Network in Naples, adds that believing in Santa can support prosocial behavior. “It can help their understanding that good behavior is generally rewarded, and that helping others and gift-giving are valued,” he explains.

However, Donovan emphasizes that parents should reflect on how they use the Santa story. If Santa becomes the main tool for behavior control, children may become overly reliant on external rewards instead of developing internal motivation to behave well.

Tamm acknowledges this concern but says that, developmentally, it can still be useful: “Even though [Santa] may be an extrinsic way of looking at rewarding behavior, it’s an age-appropriate way of slowly teaching intrinsic motivation.”

College student Grace Lampard illustrates this shift from extrinsic to intrinsic thinking. “When you’re a kid, everything that matters is presents,” she says. “But now, I view Christmas as a holiday for spending time with family.”

Is It Dishonest to Let Kids Believe in Santa?

Concerns about honesty often come up when parents consider ending the Santa myth. Donovan offers reassurance: “There’s no evidence that it really has any horrible psychological effects on kids,” she says. “It’s no different than believing that Mickey Mouse is real.”

Tamm agrees. “Despite the fact that it can be a little dishonest, it can really allow children to have a fun and exciting holiday, which is a good experience.” The joy, imagination, and emotional memories that come from believing in Santa often stay with people long after childhood.

Wyatt Fox, a 2023 graduate of Barron Collier High School, remembers the wonder of his early Christmases. “I just loved the feeling of everything,” he says. “I look back at those pre-knowing years… it just felt so much more magical because I was told it was magical, and I believed it. I don’t think I would change it.”

Helping Kids Process the Truth

Eventually, every child figures it out—or hears it from someone else. While the realization may come with surprise or sadness, Donovan sees it as a valuable moment.

“Kids need to learn to tolerate uncomfortable emotions, and what I’m noticing is a lot of kids don’t know how to do that,” she says. “Life doesn’t always go the way one hopes it does, so the earlier a child learns to cope with these difficult emotions, the better they can do long-term.”

When—and How—to Tell the Truth About Santa

There’s no universal rule, but Tamm suggests that age seven is often a developmentally appropriate time to begin the conversation—especially if your child starts hearing from peers that Santa isn’t real.

“If they are being confronted by other peers about Santa Claus not being real,” Tamm says, “that would be a good time to have a developmentally appropriate moment where the parents do explain that Santa Claus isn’t real, and that despite that, they will still reward good behavior and still purchase gifts.”

The conversation doesn’t have to ruin the holiday. Many families find new meaning in the season—one that centers on family time, generosity, and togetherness.

Respecting Different Beliefs About Santa

For families with multiple children, keeping the magic alive for younger siblings can be a challenge once the older ones know the truth. Tamm suggests having a clear conversation with older kids about respecting others’ beliefs and preserving the experience for younger siblings and friends.

This sensitivity extends to families who don’t celebrate Christmas, too.

“Kids who I’ve worked with who don’t believe in Santa, I always feel like they have a really good understanding of that,” Donovan says. “And they’re supportive, like ‘Okay, he believes in Santa, and I don’t. That’s okay.’”

Nuha Rahman, a first-year college student who practices Islam, has known from a young age that Santa was a myth. “When I was in elementary school, I learned to not spoil it for people who still believed,” she says.

Joe Barlow, who was raised in a Jewish household, remembers a time when Santa was less commercialized. “In the late 60s, the commercialization just wasn’t what it is now,” he says. Now, he sees how Santa imagery has become a dominant part of the holiday season—even for those who don’t celebrate it.

Rahman acknowledges that while she doesn’t need Christmas, she appreciates its spirit. “Being there together, all day together,” she says of the family connection it fosters. “I like the idea of just celebrating a holiday with your family.”

It’s About the Magic—Not Just the Myth

Even once kids stop believing in Santa, the season doesn’t lose its magic. As Donovan reflects, “When I found out the truth, [I knew that] it’s not about Santa, it’s about the magic of that time—the kindness, the generosity, the giving.”

Ultimately, telling your kids the truth about Santa isn’t about destroying the wonder—it’s about guiding them toward a deeper, more lasting meaning of the holidays: connection, compassion, and love.

Reflections from SWFL Young Adults

Grace Lampard
“I felt more positive after finding out the truth because it changes your whole perspective on Christmas. I was more focused on spending time with family rather than focusing on presents.”

Wyatt Fox
“I remember I used to stay up so late because I was so excited that Santa was coming. Like so unbelievably excited, so I don’t think that the dishonesty that may come with the myth overrides the
fondness that I have for it in any way.”

Joe Barlow
“Even though it isn’t my holiday, I love to dress up as Santa during Christmastime. To see the smile on somebody’s face, you give to someone who doesn’t have, there’s nothing better.”

Nuha Rahman
“The concept of you all wake up together, you all fall asleep together, you open gifts under the tree… I love that. I don’t need Christmas, but I appreciate the tradition that they celebrate with their family.” 

Eva Bessette
“I think I had an inkling Santa wasn’t real but didn’t want it to be confirmed, so when my parents did, I was upset that they took the fun out of the holiday instead of letting it go on.”

The post How to Tell Your Kids the Truth About Santa appeared first on SWFL Family.

Multiday Holiday Performances

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas

Dates: Nov. 11–Dec. 21
Location: Gulfshore Playhouse, Naples
A musical adaptation of the classic 1954 film featuring singing, dancing, and holiday charm.
gulfshoreplayhouse.org

Once Upon a Christmas Time

Dates: Nov. 19–Dec. 6
Location: Music & Arts Community Center, Fort Myers
A magical musical where fairy-tale characters discover the true meaning of Christmas.
gulfcoastsymphony.org

Little Women: The Musical

Dates: Nov. 19–Dec. 21
Location: Kizzie Theater, Naples
A timeless story of love and family brought to life on stage for the holidays.
naplesplayers.org

A Christmas Story: The Musical

Dates: Nov. 21–Dec. 28
Location: Broadway Palm, Fort Myers
Follow Ralphie’s Christmas wish in this lively musical adaptation of the classic movie.
broadwaypalm.com

The Nutcracker

Dates: Nov. 29–30
Location: Artis—Naples
Presented by Naples Ballet with the Naples Philharmonic, this iconic ballet brings Tchaikovsky’s score to life.
artisnaples.org

Holiday Pops

Dates: Dec. 18-21

Location: Artis–Naples

Celebrate the magic of the season with Broadway star Michael Longoria, the Naples Philharmonic, Naples Philharmonic Chorus, and Naples Philharmonic Youth Chorus in this cherished holiday tradition.

https://artisnaples.org/events/holiday-pops

Single-Day Holiday Events

A Magical Cirque Christmas

Date: Nov. 15, 3 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Location: Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Myers
A festive cirque-style spectacle combining comedy, magic, and jaw-dropping stunts.
bbmannpah.com

Naples Concert Band Holiday Show

Date: Dec. 7, 2 p.m.
Location: Cambier Park, Naples
A free holiday concert filled with classic and contemporary Christmas tunes.
fifthavenuesouth.com

Voices of Naples Christmas Concert

Date: Dec. 8, 7 p.m.
Location: Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Naples
A choral celebration of seasonal favorites by the Voices of Naples Chorus.
voicesofnaples.org

Music Under the Stars: A Charlie Brown Christmas

Date: Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m.
Location: Performing Arts Center, Bonita Springs
Jazz pianist Dr. Zachary Bartholomew pays tribute to Vince Guaraldi’s iconic soundtrack.
artsbonita.org

Movies on the Lawn: Elf

Date: Dec. 16, 5:45 p.m.
Location: Mercato, Naples
Enjoy the holiday classic “Elf” under the stars in a festive outdoor setting.
experiencemercato.com

Jazz at the MACC: A Charlie Brown Christmas & Holiday Classics Part II

Date: Dec. 18, 7 p.m.
Location: Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln., Fort Myers
Join the Gulf Coast Jazz Collective for a delightful evening of holiday jazz from the Charlie Brown Christmas special and a selection of Christmas classics.
gulfcoastsymphony.org

Candlelight Christmas Carols at Cambier Park

Date: Dec. 19, 6:30 p.m.
Location: Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples
Celebrate the magic and wonder of Christmas.
carolsatcambier.com

Naples Dance Ensemble Christmas Spectacular 2025

Date: Dec. 20, 5:30 p.m.
Location: Aubrey Rogers High School, 15100 Patriot Pl., Naples
The Naples Dance Ensemble, in collaboration with Naples Dance Conservatory, proudly presents a beautiful performance filled with festive joy to celebrate the holiday season.
ndcballet.com

Be sure to check each venue’s website for updated schedules and ticket availability. For more family-friendly events, check out our Where to Find Family Holiday Fun in SWFL article and our Calendar of Events.

Happy Holidays!

The post 2025 Holiday Shows & Performances in Collier and Lee Counties appeared first on SWFL Family.

Where to Get Free Thanksgiving Dinners in Collier and Lee Counties

St. Matthew’s House – Hope for the Holidays Distribution
3000 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples (Collier County)
Saturday, November 22, 7:30 am–2:30 pm
St. Matthew’s House distributes turkey dinners to Collier County families in need every Thanksgiving. Early arrival is recommended.
Visit stmatthewshouse.org

St. Vincent de Paul – Free Thanksgiving Meals
Naples location (Collier County)
This organization offers Thanksgiving meals to individuals and families in need.
Visit svdpnaples.org

Feeding the 5000: Thanksgiving Outreach
19691 Cypress View Dr., Fort Myers (Lee County)
November 15–19
Families can receive non-perishable Thanksgiving food through participating schools and churches in Lee County. Advance registration is required.

Café of Life – Holiday Meal Program
26724 Nomad Dr., Bonita Springs (Lee County)
Café of Life serves more than 550 hot Thanksgiving meals across several Lee County sites.
Visit cafeoflife.org

Where to Buy Cheap Thanksgiving Dinners in Collier and Lee Counties

Publix
Locations throughout Collier and Lee counties
Thanksgiving dinners start at less than $10 per person. Pre-order is recommended before November 24.
Order at publix.com

Bob Evans Farmhouse Kitchen
Multiple Florida locations
The Slow-Roasted Turkey Farmhouse Feast starts at $17 per person and is available for dine-in or carryout.
Visit bobevans.com

Mel’s Diner
3650 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (Collier County)
28601 Trails Edge Blvd, Bonita Springs (Lee County)
4820 S Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers (Lee County)
Thanksgiving meals start at $18 and include all the holiday favorites.
Visit melsdiners.com

iHOP
Locations in both counties
Order a Family Feast for just $30, perfect for a small family Thanksgiving.
Visit ihop.com

Volunteer and Donation Opportunities in Collier and Lee Counties

St. Matthew’s House – Thanksgiving Volunteers
Naples (Collier County)
Volunteer to help with meal distribution on November 22.
Volunteer here

Estero Church – Thanksgiving Food Build
8088 Lord’s Way, Estero (Lee County)
Setup: November 21, 3:00 pm–5:00 pm
Pack & Distribute: November 22, 8:00 am–11:00 am
Help prepare and distribute food kits for over 400 families.

Community Cooperative – Full Plates Project
Lee County
Now through November 26
Donate meal kits or help with Thanksgiving food delivery.
Donate or volunteer

Harry Chapin Food Bank – Turkey Collection
3760 Fowler St., Fort Myers (Lee County)
3940 Prospect Ave. #101, Naples (Collier County)
Now through November 20, weekdays 8:00 am–2:00 pm
Donate a frozen turkey or ham to feed families in both counties.
Visit harrychapinfoodbank.org

Capital Wealth Advisors’ Annual Turkey Drop
Partnering with St. Matthew’s House to serve Collier County residents.
Donate a meal

Naples Connect – Networking & Food Drive
1410 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples (Collier County)
Wednesday, November 19, 4:00 pm
Bring Thanksgiving donations and network with others supporting the local community.

Know of another free or low-cost Thanksgiving event or donation opportunity in Collier or Lee County?
We’d love to include it. Please email details to info@neafamily.com for consideration.

The post Where to Get Free or Cheap Thanksgiving Dinners or Donate Meals in Collier and Lee Counties appeared first on SWFL Family.

The Fresh Market

4129 Tamiami Tr. N., Naples
thefreshmarket.com
Varieties: Strawberry Rhubarb, Cherry, Old Fashioned Apple Lattice, Apple Crisp

Epiphany Gluten Free Bakery

1514 Immokalee Rd., #117, Naples
epiphanyglutenfree.com
Varieties: Key Lime, Chicken Pot Pie

Angelic Desserts

2355 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., #116, Naples
angelicdesserts.com
Varieties: Banana Cream, Chocolate Cream, Coconut Cream, Deep Dish Apple, Key Lime

Mikkelsen’s Pastry Shop

1068 Business Ln., #2, Naples
mikkelsenspastryshop.com
Varieties: Chocolate Cream, Mississippi Mud, Key Lime

Sandra’s Sweet & Savory

1100 6th Ave. S., Naples
sandras-sweet-and-savory-llc.square.site
Varieties: Key Lime, Raspberry Key Lime, Orange Key Lime, Gluten Free Granola Crust Key Lime, Banana Cream, Oreo Cookies & Cream, Andes Mint, Peanut Butter with Chocolate Ganache, Chocolate Mousse, Holiday Pumpkin Mousse, Chocolate Dipped Pie Slice on Stick

The Orange Blossom Pie Company

9144 Bonita Beach Rd. S.E., Bonita Springs
facebook.com/people/The-Orange
Blossom-Pie-Company
Varieties: Key Lime

Perkins American Food Co.

3585 Gateway Ln., Naples
perkinsrestaurants.com
Varieties: Lemon Meringue, Banana Cream, Caramel Apple, Cherry, Chocolate French Silk, Coconut Cream, Health Crunch Cheesecake, Homestyle Apple, Peanut Butter Silk, Wildberry

Costco

6275 Naples Blvd., Naples
10088 Gulf Center Dr., Fort Myers
costco.com
Varieties: Pumpkin, Pumpkin Cheesecake, Apple

Lily Paris Bakery

12995 S. Cleveland Ave., #142, Fort Myers
lilyparisbakery.com
Varieties: Key Lime, Fruit

Ori’s Bakery & Café

945 N. Collier Blvd., Marco Island
oriscafe.com
Varieties: Key Lime, French Silk, Apple Pie Cheesecake

The post Best Places to Buy Thanksgiving Pies Near Naples appeared first on SWFL Family.