Sanibel and Captiva islands will sparkle from end to end by illuminating candles to celebrate the gift of light at our holiday season during the 27th annual Luminary Festival weekend Dec. 2 on Sanibel and Dec. 3 on Captiva. Hotels, restaurants and retailers mark the occasion with fantastic offers, festival menus and grand displays.

“The Chamber of Commerce is working with more than 100 volunteers to ensure Luminary 2011 will be the best ever,” said Ric Base, President of the Sanibel Captiva Chamber of Commerce that presents the event each year.

On Luminary Festival weekend, the islands welcome the arrival of the holiday season with illuminated streets, decorated trees, several appearances by Santa and local businesses open for friends and guests to celebrate this magical event.

“We have more live music and entertainment and more trolley stops this year,Base said.

For the first time during Luminary, the Lion’s Club will host its famous fish fry at the Sanibel Community House. And two outdoor movies “Santa Clauswith Tim Allen and “Elf” featuring Will Ferril will be shown at the Islander Center with refreshments and wine available. Post Luminary, Traditions on the Beach will have caroling by members of the Sanibel Community Choir, which will begin around 9:30 p.m.

Luminary Trail Map

As you travel the ?andlelit trail,be sure to look for several fun and festive places to stop and enjoy. Once again, there will be a complimentary trolley service, a live nativity scene, music and activities for the whole family. The following is just a sampling of the events along the Luminary trail:

East End/Pinocchio’s/Lighthouse Cafe refreshments and food

Sanibel Island Book Shop refreshments and holiday specials

Lime Tree Center/Sotheby’s Realty champagne and chocolates

Jerry’s Center Pictures with Santa, refreshments, Sanibel Community Church’s live nativity scene, music and food

Periwinkle Place Pictures with Santa, 6 to 7:30 p.m.; Children’s Center School Choir at 5:45 p.m., and additional live music begins at 6 p.m.

Olde Sanibel Shoppes Sanibel School Choir and dog photos with Santa

There will be a total of 11 trolley stops along the trail, including Tahitian Gardens, BIG ARTS Herb Strauss Theater and Sanibel Community House, as well as The Village Shops, Promenade and Olde Sanibel Shops. Trolleys will operate between 5:30 and 9:30 p.m.

As Luminary’s presenting sponsor, The Sanctuary Golf Club general manager Ken Kouril said, “Luminary is a spectacular way to showcase the islands and its community spirit. We are proud to support this community-wide event.”

Other Luminary sponsors include:

Silver Sponsors Timbers Restaurant, Shop on Sanibel, Superior Tile Services, Island Management

Bronze Sponsors Island Graphics, SouthSeas Sanibel & Captiva Properties, Jensen’s Twin Palm Resort and Marina, Jensen’s On the Gulf, The Colony Resort, The Transpetters, and St. Michaels and All Angels Church

Gold Sponsors The Cedar Chest Fine Jewelry; How & Miller, CPA; Island Inn; Coffee Bar at Baileys; Myers, Brettholtz & Company, PA; LCEC; and Stroemer & Company, PA

Lastly, there is still time to volunteer for Luminary on Sanibel Island. If you are interested in helping before or during the event, email Linda and Mike Miller at ftmyersmouse@comcast.net. For additional information on the event, call the Islands of Sanibel & Captiva Chamber of Commerce at 472-1966 or visit www.sanibel-captiva.org.