Where to See Santa in Collier and Lee Counties (2025)

Whether your kids want a classic mall visit, cookies with Santa, or a snapshot with Santa at a parade, there are plenty of chances to see him in Collier and Lee counties this season. This guide lists where to see Santa in 2026 in Naples, Marco Island, Ave Maria, Immokalee, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Estero, Bonita Springs, and Sanibel, including free photos with Santa and a sensory-friendly visit.

We have done our best to ensure the accuracy of the information, but it is always a good idea to verify details with each venue before you attend.

Part of our 2026 guide to holiday events in Collier and Lee counties.

Jump to: Naples | Marco Island | Ave Maria | Immokalee | Fort Myers | Cape Coral | Estero | Bonita Springs | Sanibel | Sensory-friendly Santa

Where to See Santa in Collier County

Naples

Santa Photos at Coastland Center

• When: Nov. 20–Dec. 24 (closed Thanksgiving Day)
• Where: JCPenney Court near Entrance 7, Coastland Center, 1900 Tamiami Trl. N., Naples
• Cost: Reservations available; walk-ups welcome

The classic mall Santa visit in the heart of Naples. Book ahead to skip the line on busy weekends.

Grand Illuminations at The Village Shops on Venetian Bay

• When: Saturday, Nov. 21, 3–7 p.m.
• Where: The Village Shops on Venetian Bay, 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples
• Cost: Free, including Santa photos

The Village lights up for the season with live entertainment, a snow show, and complimentary photos with Santa.

Christmas on Third Tree Lighting

• When: Monday, Nov. 23; Santa arrives at about 6:15 p.m.
• Where: Third Street South, Naples
• Cost: Free

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive for the tree lighting and snowfall in Old Naples. Kids can also pick up a letter to Santa at participating shops Nov. 25–Dec. 23 and drop it in Santa’s mailboxes at Fleischmann Plaza or near Sea Salt.

Fifth Avenue South Christmas Walk

• When: Friday, Dec. 4, 5–10 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
• Where: Fifth Avenue South; tree lighting at Sugden Plaza, Naples
• Cost: Free admission

Downtown Naples’ two-day celebration includes the official tree lighting Friday at about 6 p.m., a holiday market, skating, and photo opportunities with Santa.

SnowFest

• When: Saturday, Dec. 5, 3–7 p.m.
• Where: Paradise Coast Sports Complex, 3865 City Gate Blvd. S., Naples
• Cost: $8 per person; ages 3 and younger free

Real snow and sledding, bounce houses, games, and a Santa photo booth, with a holiday movie on the lawn in the evening.

Santa Paws at The Village Shops on Venetian Bay

• When: Thursday, Dec. 10, 4–7 p.m.
• Where: The Village Shops on Venetian Bay, 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples
• Cost: Free

Bring the family dog for complimentary photos with Santa.

Cookies and Milk with Santa at Eagle Lakes

• When: Saturday, Dec. 12, 9–11 a.m.
• Where: Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Community Park, 11565 Tamiami Trl. E., Naples
• Cost: $3 per participant; pre-registration required

A morning of cookies, milk, and a visit with Santa in East Naples.

Santa Paws on Third Street South

• When: Saturday, Dec. 12, 1–3 p.m.
• Where: Santa’s Workshop near Sea Salt, 1186 Third St. S., Naples
• Cost: Free

Pets can pose with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Santa’s Workshop.

Holiday on the Bay

• When: Saturday, Dec. 12, 3–7 p.m.
• Where: The Village Shops on Venetian Bay, 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples
• Cost: Free, including Santa photos

Complimentary photos with Santa, carolers, and character appearances along the water, with a snow show at 6 p.m.

Breakfast with Santa at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples

• When: Tuesday–Thursday, Dec. 22–24
• Where: The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, 280 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples
• Cost: Ticketed; reservations required

A holiday breakfast with Santa and his elves, with keepsake photos and activities for kids. A splurge, so check pricing when you book.

Marco Island

Santa’s Arrival on Marco Island

• When: Friday, Nov. 27, 5 p.m.
• Where: Marco Island Academy school lobby, Marco Island
• Cost: Free

Christmas Island Style kicks off the island’s holiday season with Santa’s arrival.

Cookies and Milk with Santa at Mackle Park

• When: Saturday, Dec. 19, 10 a.m.–noon
• Where: Mackle Park, 1361 Andalusia Ter., Marco Island
• Cost: Free

Kids can share their Christmas lists with Santa over cookies and milk at this event from Christmas Island Style and Marco Island Parks and Recreation. It’s the same day as the Marco Island Christmas Boat Parade.

Ave Maria

Ave Maria Christmas Crawl

• When: Saturday, Nov. 21, noon–5 p.m.
• Where: Ave Maria Town Center, Annunciation Circle, Ave Maria
• Cost: Free admission and Santa photos

Visit participating businesses for holiday treats and specials, collect bingo stamps for prizes, and take free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Immokalee

Breakfast with Santa at Immokalee Community Park

• When: Saturday, Dec. 5, 9–11 a.m.
• Where: Immokalee Community Park, 321 N. First St., Immokalee
• Cost: $5 per person; register by Nov. 27

Cookie decorating, crafts, sweet treats, and pictures with Santa.

Cherryle Thomas Christmas Around the World Parade and Gala

• When: Saturday, Dec. 5
• Where: Immokalee Sports Complex, 505 Escambia St., Immokalee

Immokalee’s 30th annual parade and gala brings entertainment, food, games, snow, and a visit from Santa. Times for 2026 have not been posted yet.

Cowboy Christmas

• When: Saturday, Dec. 12, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
• Where: Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch, 1215 Roberts Ave. W., Immokalee
• Cost: Free

Make a pioneer-style ornament and take photos with Santa at the historic ranch.

Where to See Santa in Lee County

Fort Myers

Photos and Visits with Santa at Edison Mall

• When: Nov. 20–Dec. 24
• Where: Edison Mall, 4125 Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers
• Cost: Online booking available; walk-ups welcome

Fort Myers’ mall Santa visit. Edison Mall also hosts Sensitive Santa on Dec. 6 and Paws and Claus pet photos on Monday, Dec. 7.

Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops

• When: Seasonal; 2026 dates not yet announced
• Where: Bass Pro Shops, 10040 Gulf Center Dr., Fort Myers
• Cost: Free 4-by-6 photo; additional packages available

A longtime family favorite with a free printed photo with Santa. Reservations open on the Bass Pro website once dates are set.

Edison & Ford Holiday Nights

• When: Nov. 27–Dec. 23 and Dec. 26–Jan. 3, 5:30–9 p.m.; Santa visits on select nights
• Where: Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers
• Cost: Ticketed; children 5 and younger free

Santa joins the lights, carolers, and family activities on select evenings. Check the nightly calendar before you go.

Gulf Coast Town Center Tree Lighting

• When: Saturday, Nov. 28, 5–8 p.m.
• Where: Gulf Coast Town Center, 9903 Gulf Coast Main St., Fort Myers
• Cost: Suggested donation of a new, unwrapped toy or $5 per family; printed Santa photos $5

Candy Cane Lane, letters to Santa, holiday entertainment, and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Donations benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Florida.

Deck the Tower

• When: Friday, Dec. 4, 5–9 p.m.
• Where: Bell Tower, 13499 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers
• Cost: Check the organizer for any photo charges

A tree lighting countdown with live holiday music, dance performances, characters, snow effects, and Santa photo opportunities.

Santa’s Block Party at the Festival of Trees

• When: Saturday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
• Where: Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers
• Cost: Check individual activity fees

Part of the Fort Myers Festival of Trees weekend in the River District. Public tree viewing runs Dec. 3–6.

Candy Cane Lane Santa Visit

• When: Saturday, Dec. 12; storytime at 3 p.m., Santa 3:30–5:30 p.m.
• Where: Common Grounds Pocket Park, 2208 First St., Fort Myers
• Cost: Free; a new or gently used children’s book donation is encouraged

A storytime followed by a free visit with Santa in downtown Fort Myers. Bring your own phone or camera for photos.

Santa’s Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise

• When: Thursday, Dec. 24; morning departures
• Where: Departures from Port Sanibel Marina, Sanibel Marina, and Snug Harbor Marina on Fort Myers Beach
• Cost: $79 adults, $59 children; reservations required

A Christmas Eve cruise with Santa aboard and dolphins alongside. Confirm departure times and fees when you book.

Cape Coral

Celebrate with Santa at the Cape Coral–Lee County Public Library

• When: Thursday, Dec. 3, 10–11:30 a.m.
• Where: Cape Coral–Lee County Public Library, Cape Coral
• Cost: Free; limited entry tickets available 30 minutes before the program

A Santa program for children from birth to age 5 with a caregiver.

Holiday Nights on the Lawn

• When: Friday–Saturday, Nov. 27–28, 4–8 p.m.
• Where: Cape Coral City Hall, 1015 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral
• Cost: Check the city’s event page for activity fees

Tree and menorah lightings, skating, a trackless train, food trucks, a movie each night, and visits with Santa.

Cape Coral Holiday Festival of Lights

• When: Saturday, Dec. 5, 4–10 p.m.
• Where: Cape Coral Parkway, Cape Coral
• Cost: Free, including Santa photos

All attractions are free, including pictures with Santa, a snow drift slide, and a Tiny Tots train.

Holiday Boat-a-Long

• When: Saturday, Dec. 19, 4–9 p.m.
• Where: Four Freedoms Park, 4818 Tarpon Ct., Cape Coral
• Cost: Free

Santa and his elves join the lighted boat parade, with crafts, food trucks, and an outdoor movie.

Estero

Coconut Point Tropical Holiday Celebration

• When: Saturday, Dec. 5; parade at 6 p.m., tree lighting at 7 p.m., Santa selfies 7–8 p.m.
• Where: Coconut Point, 23106 Fashion Dr., Estero
• Cost: Free

A daylong celebration that ends with a holiday parade, the tree lighting, and selfies with Santa.

Bonita Springs

Bonita Springs Holiday in the Park

• When: Tuesday, Dec. 1, 4:30–8:30 p.m.
• Where: Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs
• Cost: Free

Snow slides, holiday train and carriage rides, and photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus to open the downtown holiday season.

Christmas at Farmer Mike’s

• When: Opens Friday, Dec. 4; select Fridays and Saturdays
• Where: Farmer Mike’s U Pick, 26031 Morton Ave., Bonita Springs
• Cost: Ticketed

A field of lights, a 30-foot tree, real snow, a sleigh hayride, and Santa on the farm.

Sanibel

Sanibel Luminary Holiday Stroll

• When: Friday, Dec. 4, 5:30–9 p.m.
• Where: Various locations, Sanibel
• Cost: Free

Luminaries line the island, with music, Santa visits, and a live nativity.

Sensory-Friendly Santa Visits

Crowds, noise, and long lines can make a typical Santa visit hard for children with sensory, physical, or developmental needs. Sensory-friendly visits offer a calmer setting, shorter waits, and staff trained to support families.

Sensitive Santa at Edison Mall

• When: Sunday, Dec. 6
• Where: Edison Mall, 4125 Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers
• Cost: Free reservation

A sensory-friendly Santa photo visit, typically held outside regular shopping hours. Reserve a time in advance.

For more support resources, see the Southwest Florida Family Special Needs Resource Guide and our roundup of sensory-friendly experiences for kids in Southwest Florida.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get free photos with Santa in Naples?

The Village Shops on Venetian Bay offers complimentary Santa photos at Grand Illuminations on Nov. 21 and Holiday on the Bay on Dec. 12. Santa also appears at the free Christmas on Third tree lighting on Nov. 23 and the Fifth Avenue South Christmas Walk on Dec. 4–5.

When is Santa at Coastland Center and Edison Mall in 2026?

Santa is at Coastland Center in Naples and Edison Mall in Fort Myers from Nov. 20 through Dec. 24, 2026. Coastland Center is closed Thanksgiving Day.

Where can I get free photos with Santa in Lee County?

The Cape Coral Holiday Festival of Lights on Dec. 5 offers free photos with Santa, and Bass Pro Shops in Fort Myers traditionally offers a free printed Santa photo. Candy Cane Lane in downtown Fort Myers hosts a free Santa visit on Dec. 12.

Is there a sensory-friendly Santa in Southwest Florida?

Yes. Edison Mall in Fort Myers hosts Sensitive Santa on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2026, a sensory-friendly visit for children with special needs. Reservations are free.

Where can I have breakfast with Santa in Collier County?

Immokalee Community Park hosts Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 5 for $5 per person, with registration due by Nov. 27. The Ritz-Carlton, Naples offers a ticketed Breakfast with Santa Dec. 22–24.

Know of a Santa event we’re missing? Email us at info@neafamily.com.