Sep 24, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                     

CONTACTS: Nancy Hamilton, Lee Rose (239)338-3500

 
Music, entertainment, luminary trails, theatre and more!

The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel

sparkle with warm, tropical holiday cheer

LEE COUNTY, FL _ September 2007–The holiday season is one of the most beautiful times of year to be at The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in southwest Florida.  For visitors lucky enough to be in the area this time of year, there will many special events to celebrate the season in this tropical paradise.

The Edison & Ford Winter Estates present one of the area highlights of the holiday season.  Millions of lights celebrate Thomas Edison's contribution to modern life and the festivity of the season at Holiday House, a 31-year Lee County tradition enjoyed by more than 30,000 visitors each year.  Holiday House opens daily Nov. 30-Dec. 31, 2007, 5:30 to 9 p.m., except Christmas Eve and Day. Cost of admission is $15 for adults, $1 for children ages 6-12, and free for children under age 6. Call 239-334-7419 or visit www.efweflaorg/hh.asp. 

Visitors from all over the world come to join the residents of Sanibel and Captiva islands to celebrate the season with the 23^rd annual Christmas Luminary Trail and Open House. More than three miles of luminary candles will line Sanibel Island's Periwinkle Way from 5-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7 on Sanibel Island and Saturday, Dec. 8 on Captiva Island.    One of the most popular island events, nearly businesses are decorated for the holidays with 2000 candles illuminating the island pathways, storefronts and homes.  Call the Sanibel-Captiva Chamber of Commerce at 239-472-1080 or visit www.sanibel-captiva.org.

Holly Jolly Christmas is a new holiday revue production at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Fort Myers from Nov. 22-Dec. 25.  This song and dance extravaganza embraces the season with Broadway-style dancing, stunning costumes and the traditional holiday favorite songs.   All shows include a delicious luncheon or dinner buffet.  Call 239-278-4422 for reservations or visit www.BroadwayPalm.com.

The Southwest Florida Symphony presents many special performances over the holidays including "Mostly Messiah," selections from Handel's immortal Messiah and Vivaldi's Gloria.  Performances are scheduled for Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m. at Estero United Methodist Church and Dec.16 at 3 p.m. First Baptist Church of Cape Coral Featuring the Symphony orchestra, chorus and guest soloists.  The symphony will present  "A Very Merry Pops" Dec. 22 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 23 at 7 p.m.  at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers.  This heartwarming holiday tradition offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate the season with great music.  For tickets, call the Symphony box office at 239-418-1500 or purchase tickets on line at www.swflso.org.

           
The 20^th Annual Fort Myers Beach Boat Parade takes place Dec. 8.  Boats decked out in festive holiday array depart from Pink Shell Beach Resort at 5:30 p.m. with participants ending the festivities at the Bridge Restaurant for merry-making.  Call 239-454-7500 or visit www.fmbchamber.org.
           
The Imaginarium in Fort Myers plans its annual Holidayland celebration with special activities from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  on Dec. 8.  Kids enjoy visits and photos with Santa, printing holiday T-shirts, decorating holiday cookies, face painting, shrinky-dink ornaments, and other activities exploring winter holidays around the world at the Imaginarium!  Call 239-337-3332 or visit  www.cityftmyers.com/imaginarium.

During the Twelve Days of Christmas, Dec. 21, 2007 to Jan. 1, 2008, the Gasparilla Inn & Club on Boca Grande offers a wide variety of family activities for guests of all ages to enjoy.  Events such as culinary demonstrations, wine tasting, arts & craft programs, scavenger hunts and evening fun and games.   Private fishing trips, kayak tours and shelling expeditions can also be booked to ensure that everyone in the family has a memorable time on the island.  The Gasparilla Inn & Club was built in 1912 and opened for guests in 1913.  The historic pale yellow wooden frame and white pillared entrance, as well as warm, hospitable staff define this grand resort. The property offers a wide range of accommodations in The Inn and surrounding cottages, while maintaining an old Florida feel.  Call 941-964-2201 or visit www.gasparillainn.com.

 
The award-winning West Wind Inn on Sanibel Island is offering two special holiday packages: 

• Holiday Get Together Package:  valid Dec. 21-31, 2007, 5 room/5 night minimum, guestrooms $189/night plus tax, kitchenettes $212/night plus tax.
• Holiday Recover Package:  valid Jan. 1-21, 2008, 3-night minimum, guestrooms $185/night plus tax, kitchenettes $195/night plus tax.

This casual Sanibel Island beachfront resort offers guest rooms and kitchenettes. large heated pool/pool bar, tennis, bike rental, on-site restaurant, and is closest resort to the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge.  The West Wind Inn has been named one of the "Top 10 Performers" by Lodging Hospitality magazine.  For reservations call 800-824-0476 or visit www.westwindinn.com.

           
For more information on special holiday events and packages or for planning a vacation to The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, visit www.FortMyersSanibel.com.  Be sure to check out "Great Deals" for the latest special rates. 

Editors' Note: The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel  include: Sanibel & Captiva islands, Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Estero, Cape Coral, Pine Island, Boca Grande & outer islands, North Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres. For details on the destination, access www.FortMyersSanibel.com and click on Media Central.

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