Christmas in Naples
Palm trees in fairy lights, a snowfall that melts before it lands, and a parade of lit-up boats gliding down Naples Bay. December is when the whole town dresses up, and it might be our favorite month of all.
Updated June 2026
Christmas in Naples doesn't look like Christmas anywhere up north, and that's exactly the point. Picture seventy-five degrees and sunny, royal palms wrapped in warm white lights, a downtown that smells of sea air and roasting nuts, and the only snow in sight being the kind that drifts down on cue at seven o'clock and is gone by the time it reaches the sidewalk. For a few weeks every December the town leans all the way into the holidays, and it does it with real charm.
The season builds around a handful of marquee moments: the City Christmas Parade through the heart of downtown, the lit-boat parade on Naples Bay, the nightly snowfall and music on Third Street South, and the lights strung the length of Fifth Avenue. Below we've laid out what's on, when, and where to stand, plus an honest read on the weather, the crowds and the prices. Dates shift a little year to year, so treat ours as a guide and confirm the current schedule on our events page or with each venue before you go.
What's on for the holidays
The four December traditions worth planning your trip around, plus a couple of lovely extras.
Weather, crowds & the cost
December is glorious in Naples. It's also peak season, and the prices know it.
A perfect holiday evening
- Catch the sunset over the Gulf from the beach by the Pier first, then drive in (the historic pier itself is being rebuilt, but the beach and sunset are wide open).
- Stroll the lit length of Fifth Avenue South, grab an early dinner, and let the kids meet Santa if he's about.
- Walk two blocks to Third Street South for live music and the nightly snowfall under the banyans.
- On boat-parade Saturday, head down to Tin City or Bayview Park early and watch the lit fleet cruise the bay.
- Cap it with dessert and a slow walk back, layer on, because Naples evenings in December are just cool enough to feel festive.
Where to go next
Make a whole trip of it, lights, water and the original blocks of town.
Naples Events
The running calendar of festivals, markets and holiday happenings, with the latest dates.
Third Street South
Naples' original shopping street, lit banyans and a nightly Florida snowfall through December.
Dolphin & Sunset Cruises
Get out on the bay year-round, and watch for the holiday lit-boat cruises in December.
Things to Do
Beyond the holidays, every way to spend a Naples day, from beaches to galleries to the swamp.
Find a place to stay nearby
Common questions
When is the Naples Christmas Boat Parade?
The Naples Bay Christmas Boat Parade is typically held on a Saturday evening in mid-December, with lit-up boats cruising down the bay after dark. The exact date changes each year, so confirm it with the host (the Marine Industries association) or our events page. You can watch for free from waterfront spots like Tin City, Bayview Park and Naples Landing.
When is the City of Naples Christmas Parade?
The City of Naples Christmas Parade usually takes place on an early-December weeknight evening, running through downtown from around Third Street South up onto Fifth Avenue South. It's free to watch. Dates shift annually, so check the City of Naples for the current date, time and route before you go.
What is the snowfall on Third Street South?
Christmas on Third features a nightly 'snowfall,' a fun bit of artificial snow that drifts over the street several evenings a week through December, paired with live Christmas music and shops open late. It kicks off with a tree-lighting and Santa's arrival in late November. It's free and especially magical for kids.
What is the weather like in Naples in December?
December is peak dry season: expect highs in the mid-70s, cooler evenings in the 60s, low humidity and plenty of sunshine, with little rain. It's warm enough for the beach by day but cool enough for a light layer at night, so bring one for the evening light displays and parades.
Is December a good time to visit Naples?
Yes, it's one of the best times, weather-wise and for atmosphere, with near-perfect days and the town at its most festive. The trade-off is that December is peak season: hotels are pricey and book up early, restaurants want reservations, and the events draw crowds. The headline lights and parades, though, are free.
Is the Naples Pier open at Christmas?
The historic Naples Pier was badly damaged by Hurricane Ian and has been undergoing reconstruction, so check the City of Naples for its current status. The beach beneath it and the sunset over the Gulf remain open and free, making it a lovely first stop before an evening of holiday lights downtown.