Christmas Vacation in Naples - 10 Best Ways to Enjoy
From Christmas boat parades to spectacular Christmas lights, Naples has a wide range of holiday activities to keep you busy during your stay. To make planning your itinerary easier, TripShock has put together recommendations of the 10 best ways to enjoy a Christmas vacation in Naples.
Table of Contents
- Christmas Boat Parade
- Winter Wonderland in the Village
- Day Cruise
- Kayak Tour
- Dolphin Tour
- Naples Botanical Garden
- Visit Palm Cottage
- Go to a Museum
- Go to the Zoo
- See Christmas Lights
1. Christmas Boat Parade
Pictured above is a boat donned with holiday lights, Santa Claus sleigh, and reindeer.
Enjoy a glittering and vibrant Christmas Boat Parade where boaters decorate their boats in stunning lights and tropical fixings. You can view the parade from Naples City Dock and other locations such as Kelley’s Fish House, Bayview Park, and The Boat House on Naples Bay. The proceeds benefit the Ricky King Foundation. Click here for more information.
2. Winter Wonderland in the Village
Image by venetianvillage.com. The Christmas tree will be showered with snowflakes during the snow shows.
You will truly be walking in a winter wonderland at The Village Shops. See gleaming reminders that the holiday season is in full swing with garland-wrapped walkways, an abundance of wreaths, Naples’s biggest Christmas tree, and a stunning showcase of more than 100,000 dazzling Christmas lights that will take your breath away. While you’re strolling about, stop in at 40+ one-of-a-kind boutiques at the Village Shops featuring a wide range of trendy fashions, shoes, accessories, and more.
3. Day Cruise
Pictured above is a boat at a luxury waterfront mansion
Enjoy the beautiful sights of Naples while cruising past exquisite million-dollar homes. There are several day cruises in Naples and some tours offer narration of the area’s history. You may even see amazing marine animals like playful dolphins, seabirds, and manatees. You also find sightseeing cruises that offer lunch, dinner, and snacks.
{Read Reviews & Book Naples Day Cruises Online}
4. Kayak Tour
Pictured above is a couple kayaking together
Kayaking is an incredible way to exercise and enjoy the outdoors. It’s also an excellent way to experience the landscape and wildlife. Kayaking is moderate enough for the whole family to participate and it’s also a great activity for couples and small groups. You’ll find several kayak tours with a variety of popular sights to visit such as the coastal Mangrove Forests, the Rookery Bay Reserve, or a quiet barrier island.
{Read Reviews & Book Naples Kayak Tours Online}
5. Dolphin Tour
Pictured above are two dolphins playing and jumping in the ocean water
Enjoy watching dolphins play, swim, and jump through the waters. This activity is a great way to get up close and personal with wild dolphins. It’s common for dolphins to swim along the side of or behind the boat. Some tours in the area will take you to Gordon Pass where you will see gorgeous homes of the rich and famous or the ruins of the Cape Romano Dome house.
{Read Reviews & Book Naples Dolphin Tours Online}
6. Naples Botanical Garden
This first-class garden oasis showcases plants from around the world
Naples Botanical Garden is a tropical paradise with fun activities for the whole family. This 90-acre preserve features activities that range from exhibitions to self-guided audio tours to learn interesting facts about flora and fauna sprawled throughout the garden.
While you’re there, grab a W.O.N.D.E.R. activity pack that focuses on a monthly theme and features an activity page, garden map, word scramble, and more. You can also bring your furry friend for a tranquil stroll during dog walk times.
7. Visit Palm Cottage
Image by commons.wikimedia.org. The Historic Palm Cottage is the oldest home in Naples.
A visit to Palm Cottage is an enlightening way to gain insight into the vibrant history of Naples. This historic home turned museum features docent-guided tours which include viewing oral history films in the Cottage Theater. You can venture out on your own and stroll through Norris Gardens on a self-guided tour. Palm Cottage also offers walking tours of the Naples Historic District.
8. Go to a Museum
Image by revsinstitute.org. The Revs Institute is home to the Miles Collier Collections.
Museums in Naples feature everything from ancient artifacts to unique pieces of modern art. Visiting a museum will give you insight into the pivotal history of Naples. If you’re a car enthusiast, then The Revs Institute is a museum you must visit. The museum collects and showcases the rarest and significant vehicles ever built in history.
You’ll have unlimited access to more than 100 impeccable automobiles to give you an authentic historic experience. The Naples Holocaust Museum revisits one of the most daunting eras of the world. See stories of the Holocaust through thousands of exhibits, artifacts, and photos.
9. Go to the Zoo
Naples Zoo is home to approximately 70 species
Featuring a full day of activities for every generation, Naples Zoo showcases exhibits and a wealth of rare animals like a giant anteater or the fosa of Madagascar. You’ll see a host of exotic plants and encounter many animal favorites such as giraffes, monkeys, and lions. The animals get to enjoy the holidays too during the annual Winter Fest. Play holiday-themed games, listen to Christmas music and meet Santa.
10. See Christmas Lights
Pictured above is a Christmas holiday light display with blue lights
A Christmas vacation in Naples would not be complete without seeing Christmas lights. Get into the holiday spirit by viewing stunning light displays throughout Naples. Victoria Park is a go-to spot for drive-through light displays. Hundreds of homes are all in when it comes to showing off extravagant decorations every year.
The Holiday Nights at Edison and Ford Winter Estates kick off the holidays by showcasing an outstanding display of lights and historic decorations. This exciting Christmas experience also features musicians and carolers, family science shows, and visits with Santa.