Friends and neighbors, 

December has officially arrived, which means Naples is glowing with holiday lights, cheer, and people! There’s so much to do to be festive this time of year, so I’ve offered a roundup of holiday events you won’t want to miss in Naples. Tonight is Handel’s Messiah at Artis—Naples, and tomorrow night the tree lighting downtown, but there are so many ways to celebrate the season.  

And if you need a spot for a pre-show meal, BrickTop’s is my go-to for a cozy, dependable dinner before heading to Artis—Naples. Their French dip or prime rib is an absolute must. 

I hope this guide inspires you to slow down, enjoy some festive magic, and make a few special memories this December. And if you don’t celebrate, I can find you plenty of excuses to treat yourself to the magic of a good meal this month. 

Cheers,

Naples in December has its own unique holiday spell. Palm fronds in twinkle lights, warm breezes, and traditions that are purely Floridian. Fake snow, glowing gardens, and boat parades that drift like slow-moving constellations -- there are so many ways to celebrate the season. Here’s a map to the completely local ways to celebrate the holidays:

📍 Artis—Naples
📅 Every December, Multiple Dates

If you want your holiday soundtrack live and in‑person, this is it. The Naples Philharmonic puts on their Holiday Pops concert annually. Expect your classic carols and that warm, nostalgic feeling that can’t be bottled. A great way to get into the holiday spirit. 

📍 701 5th Ave S
📅 Through late December

Picture this: a room full of Christmas trees each decorated by someone with enthusiasm, creativity, and probably two or three holiday‑themed cocktails. Some trees are elegant, some are goofy, some might’ve been “designed” by a kid with glitter and zero restraint. It’s free (or super cheap), low‑pressure, and truly Floridian. Stroll through, vote for your favorite, maybe take a selfie or three. 

📍 4820 Bayshore Dr
📅 Select nights in December

This one’s a magical little secret (or maybe not-so-secret now): the Botanical Garden gets lit up with thousands of lights winding through tropical trees and paths. Stroll through with the kids, friends, or just a coffee in hand and enjoy a warm, magical holiday evening under the Florida sky. 

📍 Third Street South, Downtown Naples
📅 Early December

Imagine block after block of storefronts lit up, crowds gathering with festive drinks, and a big communal cheer when the tree lights come on. That’s Downtown Naples in December. It’s easy, it’s fun, and the whole town feels a little closer together. If you haven’t done this, consider this your gentle push. 

📍 Cambier Park / Baker Park, Downtown Naples
📅 Mid‑December

Grab a blanket, maybe a thermos of something warm (or cold, it is Florida), and head to the park for outdoor caroling under the stars. Local singers, candlelight, community, and zero expectation of perfection (off-key singing is basically part of the charm). A laid-back way to soak up the holiday magic without breaking a sweat. 

📍 Sugden Plaza / 5th Avenue South
📅 Mid‑December

Yes, you heard right. Entire rows of tubas, euphoniums, and brass instruments, doubling down on holiday tunes in a way that’s joyfully weird and absolutely perfect. If your idea of “festive” includes good vibes and big brass, this is your jam. A unique Naples night to remember. 

📍 Best viewing from Naples City Dock (880 12th Ave S), Tin City waterfront, Bayfront restaurants/parks
📅 Typically the second Saturday of December
2025: December 13 at 6:15 pm

This is holiday lights, Naples-style. Boats decked out in Christmas lights drifting on the bay, music playing, maybe a bit of friendly competition for “most decked-out vessel.” It’s festive, it’s gorgeous, and a can't-miss Naples event. Get there early, bring a folding chair and a drink, and settle in for a magical waterfront parade.

It’s easy to forget to have some fun while running around getting gifts and creating holiday magic for everyone else in your life. I hope you find inspiration to slow down and find some festive magic for yourself! 

If you’re headed to a show at Artis—Naples, BrickTop’s is the perfect spot to stop before or after. While it is a chain, it has everything I want out of a meal that will always hit the spot. If I want something fancy or unique, I might head to Bicylette, but for old reliable favorites, BrickTop’s is my top choice. 

The menu is wide enough that everyone at the table will find something they actually want to eat, which is a lifesaver if you’re going with friends who can’t agree on anything. Personally, I stick to the prime rib or the French dip. The prime rib is always tender and flavorful, and the French dip hits that perfect spot of savory and comforting with its au jus. Add a glass of wine or a cocktail and you’ve got the perfect spot for a night out.  

The vibe is lively and feels nice without being too upscale. You can sit at the bar, a corner booth, or a table with friends and feel perfectly comfortable. The staff is friendly, attentive, and somehow keeps everything running smoothly, which is exactly what you want when you’ve got a show to catch.

BrickTop’s isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel. It’s just a solid, reliable spot where you’ll leave satisfied from the cozy meals. Honestly, sometimes dependable is exactly what you need before a night out.

BrickTop’s

📍  5555 Tamiami Trail N, Naples
🌐 bricktops.com

Hours

Last week’s poll asked: Do you still go Black Friday shopping?

Here’s where you landed:

The leading category was “For Sure!!” with over 30% of votes! Looks like most of our readers did some form of shopping this time of year to snag a deal. I truly like to support local businesses. To me, it’s worth the extra dollar or two and it helps us build community too. 

Find out how your neighbors are celebrating Naples’ most festive holiday tradition!

As the season gets busier, don’t forget to claim a little holiday magic of your own -- whether that’s a slow stroll under the lights, a quiet dinner you don’t have to cook, or a moment on the beach with nothing but the sound of waves.

Naples is sparkling this month… step into it.

Elizabeth Bellotti
Editor-In-Chief
Naples, Florida
The Naples Florida Review

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