Chamber supports businesses, organizations celebrating ‘Luminary Season’
Due to the uncertainty of the retail business scene this year on Sanibel and Captiva, the SanCap Chamber has postponed its traditional Holiday Luminary until Dec. 6-7, 2024, as a kick-off to the 13-month celebration of the city of Sanibel’s 50th anniversary.
However, the chamber is supporting island businesses and organizations planning special promotions, “mini-Luminary” events and other celebrations during this year’s holiday season with luminary bags and publicity efforts.
“The holiday spirit lives on these islands despite Luminary’s postponement this year,” chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai said. “The chamber is helping to promote activities that will keep the spirit alive and visitors visiting during the days between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. The city of Sanibel will once again decorate the Periwinkle Way bike path canopy with lights to add to the festivities.”
Some highlights already planned for the coming season include:
– Nov. 24: The ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa on Captiva will light up a gigantic tree and its beloved holiday decorations accompanied by live music, snow and fireworks. For more information and tickets, visit tween-waters.com/tree-lighting-celebration/.
– Nov. 29: The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel has scheduled Holiday Shopping after-hours at the Refuge Nature Store from 4 to 6 p.m., with refreshments and special promotions. For more information, visit dingdarlingsociety.org.
– Dec. 1: The Community House and Saint Michael and All Angels Church on Sanibel will jointly celebrate Sanibel Lights from 4 to 7 p.m., including a tree-lighting, Christmas carols, bounce house and photo booth, The Sanibel School Elementary Choir, hot dogs, punch and cookies, and adult beverages for purchase. For more information, visit sanibelcommunityhouse.net and saintmichaels-sanibel.org.
– Dec. 1: The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village on Sanibel will host “Deck the Shore” from 4 to 6 p.m. with a tree-lighting, caroling, cookies and beverages. For more information, visit sanibelmuseum.org.
– Dec. 1: BIG ARTS on Sanibel will hold an Open House from 5 to 7 p.m. Stroll the three galleries, shop for unique holiday gifts, visit with Santa, enjoy beverages and bites, and do not miss the live artist instructor demonstrations. For more information, visit bigarts.org.
– Dec. 1: Bailey’s General Store and the Grog Shop will cooperatively greet visitors with apple cider and beverage tastings at the historic service station at the Bailey Center on Sanibel from 5 to 7 p.m.
– Dec. 1: Sanibel retail shops that have relocated or expanded to the Bell Tower shops in Fort Myers will participate in the Annual Bell Tower Tree Lighting & Luminary from 6 to 9 p.m. Santa and the Grinch make appearances, along with other family activities. For more information, visit belltowerfl.com.
– Dec. 2: F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva has planned its 15th Annual F.I.S.H. 10K/5K on Sanibel to coordinate with Luminary activities, with a virtual option available. After the run, it will host a benefit Sound+Waves Music Festival starting 5 p.m. on the beach at the ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa on Captiva. Fireworks will follow the live performances by eight artists. For more information, to register for the race or for festival tickets, visit fishofsancap.org.
– Dec. 2: The Sanibel Recreation Center on Sanibel will host a Holiday Event & Youth Reindeer Run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring pizza, BBQ, hot cocoa, face painting, crafts, a bounce house, crafts and pictures with Santa. The run will kick off at 11 a.m. inside of the gym. For more information, visit mysanibel.com.
– Dec. 8: Jerry’s Foods on Sanibel will celebrate from 5 to 8 p.m. with food and wine sampling, Boy Scout hot dogs by donation, ornament decorating, caroling and Santa’s arrival. For more information, visit jerrysofsanibel.com.
– Dec. 8: The Sanibel Community Church on Sanibel will celebrate its Luminary from 6 to 9 p.m. with a free petting zoo, pony rides, arts and crafts stations, snow pit, food, firepits for s’mores and Christmas lights. For more information, visit sanibelchurch.com.
– Dec. 13: The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge will host a free, neighborly Holiday Ice Cream Social beginning 2 p.m. at The Roost outdoor pavilion at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel. For more information, visit dingdarlingsociety.org.
To have an event or promotion added to the Luminary Season calendar, contact chamber Operations Manager Aaron Walton at aaron@sanibel-captiva.org or 239-472-8759.