Presented by Naples Florida Rentals: Your Winter Escape Is One Click Away 🔑✨
If you’ve been thinking about a Naples getaway this winter, here’s the truth: the best homes are already disappearing into peak-season bookings. But for a short window, Naples Florida Rentals is giving locals and insiders access to five-star homes at pre–peak pricing—rates you won’t find on Airbnb or VRBO (and definitely not in January).
While the big platforms add service fees and surge pricing, you can unlock direct-book savings and stay in the homes travelers compete for all season long.
Why book direct with Naples Florida Rentals?
💰 Best price always. No platform fees, no service charges, no inflated holiday pricing.
📱 A real Naples host. Text or call Dana anytime—she’s local, and she actually picks up.
↩️ Flexible cancellation. Change your plans up to 7 days before arrival.
🎯 Personal home-matching. Call/text (239) 397-0929 and Dana will match you with the perfect home for your dates, budget, style, and even your pets.
🔥 These December homes are booking fast. Once peak season hits, they’re gone until spring.
Friends and neighbors,
Hope your Thanksgiving leftovers kept you full, and your pies were perfect. As Naples shifts into full season, this week’s lineup brings something for everyone!
Shop a holiday pop-up and then head to the tree lighting, waltz around the gleaming cars at Festivals of Speed, or check out the golf showdown happening over at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón next week.
Whatever you do, don’t forget to grab tickets to Live Fest with Darius Rucker next Saturday. Plus, there’s even a special alfresco dinner this Friday night if you need plans.
Get out there!
Cheers,
Table of Contents
Top 7 Events This Week: Tropical Tunes, Twinkling Lights & the Big PGA/LPGA Showdown!
1. A Very Buffett Christmas ft. Caribbean Chillers
📅 Thursday, December 4 | 6:30 - 8:30 PM
📍Piazza @ Mercato, 9110 Strada Pl, Naples
If your December could use an escape to Margaritaville, Mercato has you covered. The Caribbean Chillers bring Jimmy Buffett’s greatest hits to the Piazza’s new stage. Swing by The Pub’s event bar for cocktails, grab dinner to-go from any of Mercato’s restaurants, and settle in for holiday cheer in Hawaiian shirts. Event info here.
2. City of Naples Christmas Parade
📅 Tuesday, December 9 | 6:30 - 8:00 PM
📍Downtown Naples
Naples’ holiday tradition returns next Tuesday evening. The parade kicks off on Broad Avenue South and winds its way to City Hall. Event info.
3. Festivals of Speed
📅 Sunday, December 7 | 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
📍Mercato, 9110 Strada Pl, Naples
This is not the typical Mercato car show. The ultimate luxury showcase rolls in with everything from vintage beauties to the newest exotics. Lamborghinis, Ferraris, McLarens, Bentleys—you name it. Guests can wander with a cocktail in hand, sample bites from Mercato restaurants, and ogle automotive art from every era. Have your own showstopper? Register it to compete for awards, including Best of Show and Most Elegant. Admission is free, but registration is required. Grab your tickets here!
4. Dinner in the Field - Bicyclette Cookshop @ Farmer Mikes
📅 Friday, December 5 | 6:30 PM
📍Farmer Mike’s, 26031 Morton Ave, Bonita Springs
If your Friday needs a unique date night plan, Bicyclette Cookshop is hosting a dreamy alfresco dinner amid Farmer Mike’s fields. Expect a multicourse feast celebrating Southwest Florida’s winter harvest, expertly crafted by Chef Kayla and fellow James Beard nominee RJ Yoakum. Doesn’t get more farm-to-table than this. Dress for an outdoor evening. $250 pp. Book your spot here on Resy.
5. Gifted! Holiday Pop-up Shops
📅 Friday, December 5th | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
📍570 Park Street, Naples
Gifted! brings local makers, live music, edible treats, flowers, jewelry, and more into one festive pop-up. The Naples Woman’s Club hosts this holiday pop-up, honoring 22 local “Celebrity Artists” and raising funds for students pursuing fine arts degrees. Browse unique gifts, nibble, mingle, bid in the silent auction, and then wander over to the 5th Avenue Tree Lighting afterward for the perfect downtown holiday double-feature. Free to attend (a $5 donation is appreciated). Event info here.
6. Grant Thornton Invitational
📅 Thursday, December 8-14 | 6:00 - 10:00 PM
📍The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón
Golf’s dynamic duo invitational returns as PGA TOUR and LPGA stars team up for a mixed event with equal prize money. Whether you know the players or you just enjoy skill at the highest level, Tiburón’s greens are buzzing all week. And for the music lovers: Live Fest returns on December 13 (next Saturday) with Darius Rucker and Russell Dickerson taking over the driving range for a massive outdoor concert under the stars. Get tickets to the invitational or Live Fest tickets!
7. Imperial Enchantment: A Night in the Mystical Palace Opera Naples Benefit Gala
📅 Thursday, December 11 | 6:00 - 10:00 PM
📍Royal Poinciana Golf Club, 1600 Solana Rd, Naples
Opera Naples rolls out its most glamorous night of the year with an evening inspired by Puccini’s Turandot. An evening of up close performances accompanies dinner, dancing, and a lively auction. Proceeds support Opera Naples’ performances and education programs reaching over 3,000 local students. If you’re in the mood for a night of elegance (and maybe a little “Nessun dorma”), this is the one. Secure tickets or tables here.
Poll Results: Pie Preferences?
Last week’s poll asked: Which is the superior pie?
Here’s where you landed:
A surprising winner is Pecan Pie with 23% of the votes. Also many write in repeats for Coconut Cream Pie and Chocolate Silken Pie! Is there a favorite Chocolate Silken Pie in Naples I’m missing out on? Let me know!
This Week’s Poll: Naples Locals!
I always enjoy learning more about our readers. So tell me: how long have you been a Naples local?
Why It Matters
As the season ramps up and the calendars fill, my hope is that this newsletter gives you two things each week: one excuse to get out of the house, and one idea you wouldn’t have heard about otherwise.
Whether you’re sipping a cocktail at Mercato, walking 5th Avenue under the lights, or sitting on the couch bookmarking events for later, Naples is pretty special this time of year—and I’m grateful to share it with you.
Warmly,
Elizabeth Bellotti
Editor-In-Chief
Naples, Florida
The Naples Florida Review
P.S. - Check out our sponsor’s vacation homes, comfortable for you, your family, and even your pets. Find out why they currently have more than 500 reviews (all 5 stars!). For more information and to book that perfect vacation, click here.
Love reading The Naples Florida Review? Click here to share with your friends and family.
Advertise with us
Put your brand in front of 100,000 passionate Naples Florida Review readers. Let's partner.
Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong.