The Cape Coral for the annual holiday festival of light that is often considered the biggest celebration between Miami and Tampa for over two decades. The holiday festival brings together friends, families, neighbors, and strangers together for one evening under the starry skies that extend a mile long.
On top of that, the holiday festival of lights will feature meteor shower lights, fairy lights, net lights, and more. If you’re one of those families wanting to experience a little unique holiday season this 2023, the Cape Coral Festival of Lights will certainly be the highlight of your holiday.
Cape Coral Festival of Lights Dates (2023)
A real community event, thousands of holiday travelers, gather on the first weekend of December in downtown Cape Coral for the annual holiday festival of lights. This festival happens every year, even though the dates do differ a little much.
For the 2023 year, the dates of Cape Coral Festival of Lights will happen on December 2, 2023. The stars of the festival of lights are the official lighting of the city’s Christmas tree and, of course, the arrival of Santa Clause.
Where It’s Located and How to Get There
Are you now planning on attending the Cape Coral Festival of Lights this year? Well, you have a long time to prepare. In case you are wondering where it is located and how to get there, you need to remember that Cape Coral is a city located in Lee County, Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico.
Lee County is about one mile east from Exit 131 off I-75. The airport is often serviced by major carriers and several international airlines.
If you are traveling by car and coming from Interstate 75 from the south, you should take Exit 131, Daniels Parkway, west to US 41. You can then turn right on US 41 to College Parkway and turn left on College Parkway and continue across the Caloosahatchee River Bridge into Cape Coral. Keep in mind that the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral is the first building you will find on the right after you cross the bridge.
But if you’re coming from the north (Interstate 75), you should take Exit 158, Tuckers Grade Road, and west to US 41. After that, turn left to seek on US 41 into North Fort Myers. Make sure you also turn right into Del Prado Extension and continue into the northern part of Cape Coral.
If you liked Cape Coral Festival of Lights, you can also check out these great lights festivals in Florida:
Festival Hours
The Cape Coral Festival of Lights is certainly a chance for you to enjoy a holiday outing, not to mention it is an excellent chance for you to celebrate Christmas hope with your loved ones and family.
The event will start at 4:00 PM and will end at 10:00 PM. From dancing lasers to magical lights, you can expect much imaginative light shows being switched on throughout the event!
How Much It Cost to Visit Cape Coral Festival of Lights
One of the best parts of attending the Cape Coral Festival of Lights is that you can enjoy a wide array of events, shows, entertainment, and displays without spending a penny! That’s true! All visitors can walk along the pathways or watch from a viewing platform as lasers make a canopy of light, painting the biomes with festival colors, set to a soundscape of stories and music, and so much more!
Weather and What to Wear
Given that the Cape Coral Festivals of Lights falls in December, you can expect the weather to be cold. December is considered one of the best months in the region. So, what should you wear when you attend the festivals of light?
Make sure you bring a rain jacket in case it will be raining for a few days during that period. It can get a little bit chilly in the evenings during the winter, but the daytime is mostly comfortable and sunny. There is also minimal rain during this month.
Hotels Nearby the Cape Coral Lights Festival
Are you determined to visit the Cape Coral Festivals of Lights in December? Then you are probably searching now where you can sleep after attending the event. If you are a first-time visitor to Cape Coral, you might like a more touristy area.
However, if you are a solo traveler, a local neighborhood might be interesting for you. Other areas have many activities you can do within walking distance, but the hotels may be a lot costlier. Here are some of the best places we can recommend:
Villa Flannie
It offers accommodation with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and a good restaurant. It is located 2.8 kilometers from Coralwood Mall and 7 kilometers from Dolphin Marina. The villa also offers a garden, a private pool, and free private parking.
Hampton Inn & Suites
The hotel is conveniently located close to different golf courses, the Boston Red Sox’s spring training camps, white sandy beaches, the Thomas Edison and Henty Ford winter estates, and a wide array of restaurants. Their hotel features elegant Mediterranean-style buildings, and every accommodation is complete with appliances.
Dolphin Key Resort
This is a retro motel-style hotel that was built in 1968. You will find here the largest Tiki Bar under one roof. They are located one block from Down Town Cape Coral, and the hotel features thirty-five restaurants and bars for you and your entire family to enjoy.
Where to Eat
There are many restaurants that you will find in Cape Coral. After attending and exploring the festival of lights, you can spend your evening at a local restaurant that serves the tastiest foods in town. Here are some recommendations you can consider:
Ford’s Garage
It is a good place to sit, like an old garage, surrounded by vintage Ford cars. You have the option of many delicious and mouth-watering burgers and good beer. Anyone will love this restaurant in Cape Coral, especially those who will travel with teens and children.
Twister Lobster
One of the best dining spots in Cape Coral is Twisted Lobster. If you dare to eat raw, their fresh shrimp, gulf oysters, and snow crab are available to you. Their entrees are a combination of meat and seafood, including ribeye steak, lobster mac and cheese, gulf grouper, and Norwegian salmon.
Ciao Wood Fired Pizza & Trattoria
This place is popular for serving great Northern Italian and Mediterranean-inspired culinary creations. The modern facilities, inviting atmosphere, and contemporary dining area offer a perfect dining experience, along with a distinct combination of classic dishes and seasonal specialties.
More Things to Do in the Area
Would you like to experience the friendliness of Cape Coral? Famous for its 400-mile long canal and 355 days of sunshine, the region is one of the favorite holiday destinations for most families. A plethora of activities await you, including shopping, birding, cycling, kayaking, golfing, water sports, boating, and more.
Just remember that all of those are accessible throughout the whole year, along with the eternal Camp Coral sunshine.
Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery
Are you partying with your friends after attending the festival of lights? Why don’t you support local businesses and get your alcohol needs from this place? The shop is famous for its excellent rum that has been made with Florida sugar cane and other local ingredients.
Harbour View Gallery
Are you an art lover? This art gallery showcases juried local art and is staffed and owned by the artists themselves. This destination often hosts a program with monthly highlighted artists and enables them to sell their artwork.
Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve
This is one of the biggest preserved spaces in Cape Coral, which is open to the public. It’s a wetland that provides a seasonal kaya rental, Veteran Memorial Area, and a walking trail.
Sirenia Vista Park
This is an eight-acre environmental park, popular for featuring manatees in their habitat. Manatees are more likely to roam among the shallow waters of the park, which makes it simple for visitors to see them up close.
FAQ
1. Is there available parking?
Parking is available in designated areas around the festival grounds. Given the festival’s popularity, we recommend arriving early to secure a spot. Free parking tends to fill up quickly, underscoring the attraction of this light festival.
2. Is Smoking Permitted?
No, smoking is not allowed within the festival premises. The Cape Coral Festival of Lights prioritizes the health and comfort of all attendees. Thus, smoking is strictly prohibited, ensuring that the focus remains on the artistry of the outdoor lighting and light displays.
3. Are pets allowed?
Unfortunately, pets are not permitted at the Cape Coral Festival of Lights. The event frequently draws large crowds, which could lead to discomfort and safety concerns for pets. We advise making alternate arrangements for your animal companions.
4. Christmas Light Show: What Can Attendees Expect?
The festival boasts a spectacular Christmas light show that promises to be a visual delight. Expertly choreographed, the display adds a unique element to the overall festival experience. This is a component of the event that should not be missed.
5. Presence of Curtain Lights: Are They Part of the Display?
Yes, curtain lights are an integral part of the lighting design for the festival. These elements contribute not just to the aesthetics but also to the overall atmosphere, adding a touch of elegance to the backyard lighting areas within the festival grounds.
6. Will Food Be Available?
Multiple food vendors are stationed throughout the festival, offering a range of dining options. However, if you have specific dietary restrictions, you may want to consider bringing your own nourishment to ensure your needs are met.
7. Is the Festival Suitable for Children?
Indeed, the Cape Coral Festival of Lights is designed to be a family-friendly event. Various activities and installations are crafted to be accessible and enjoyable for attendees of all ages, making it an ideal family outing.
8. Is photography allowed?
Photography is encouraged; however, we ask that you be considerate of other festival-goers when capturing your memories. The installations and fairy lights present ample opportunities for both amateur and professional photographers to take captivating shots.
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