Holiday Nights to open at Edison, Ford estates
The Edison and Ford Winter Estates will kick off the 47th annual Holiday Nights celebration with a tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 25 at 6 p.m. on its grounds, at 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers.
Attendees will have an opportunity to participate in the countdown with Dave Elias from NBC-2 when the Christmas tree is lit with thousands of animated lights choreographed to holiday music. The American Sirens will perform after the tree lighting. The event is sponsored by Florida Power & Light, Bob Dean Supply, Sunbelt Rentals, and TriCircle Pavers.
This year’s theme is “Holidays on the Riverfront” and will incorporate water and nautical elements. Holiday Nights will run through Jan. 1, except on Christmas Eve and Christmas night. Guided Holiday Tradition Tours will be offered at 6 and 7 p.m. daily, except opening night, or attendees can choose a self-guided tour. Inside-the-Homes tours will be offered on Nov. 30 and Dec. 7, 14 and 21 at 6:30 p.m.
New light displays have been installed this year. When attendees enter the riverside of the property, they will walk through a new lighted tunnel. It will set the stage and lead them to the new fountain tree with animated lights. The tree to be used in the tree lighting ceremony is also new and incorporates animated lights choreographed with music.
The family-oriented event includes the Children’s Tree Trail, which features dozens of trees decorated with handmade ornaments from Lee County school children. Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit on Sundays from 6 to 8 p.m. through Dec. 18. The “Wild Wizard” — Edison’s nickname — will conduct science experiments on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. through Dec. 20.
There will also be music. Strolling carolers will sing on Dec. 7 and 16, the Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers will perform on Dec. 14 and a tenor saxophone player will perform on Dec. 16-23. An antique circus car (a Calliope) with a built-in pipe organ will be played on Dec. 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. Curators will be on hand to answer questions about the car, which is a modified 1914 Model T Ford.
Attendees can shop vendor booths during the new Holiday Market on Dec. 11 from 4 to 9 p.m. The Museum Store and Garden Shoppe will be open daily until 9 p.m. for Holiday Nights and will be stocked with unique gift items for that hard-to-buy-for loved one. Refreshments will be available for purchase on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings and Dec. 19-23 and Dec. 26-27.
Holiday Nights tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for ages 13-19 and $2 for ages 6-12; members are free. Guided Holiday Tradition Tours are $30 for adults, $25 for ages 13-19, $18 for ages 6-12 and $10 for members. Inside-the-Homes Holiday Tours are $50. Lee County residents with identification will receive $5 off admission on Sunday nights.
For more information or tickets, visit www.edisonford.org.