In depth · Christmas & New Year
Christmas & New Year in Naples: the Christmas Walk, Night Lights in the Garden and New Year by the Gulf
Christmas in Naples means palm trees wrapped in lights, warm evenings on Fifth Avenue South, carols in the courtyards of Third Street and the Botanical Garden glowing after dark. It is the start of the winter season, and one of the loveliest times to visit.
Updated October 2026
The Christmas Walk and tree lighting
Each December Fifth Avenue South lights its Christmas tree and holds the Christmas Walk, with music, shops open late and the avenue full of families. In 2025 the walk ran on Friday 5 and Saturday 6 December, with the tree lighting in Sugden Plaza on the Friday evening. Check fifthavenuesouth.com for the 2026 dates.
Night Lights in the Garden
Naples Botanical Garden’s Night Lights in the Garden turns the gardens into a walk of lights through the holiday season. Tickets are timed and sell out on popular nights; members get early access. Book on naplesgarden.org.
Parades on land and water
Naples has held a Christmas parade downtown and a lighted boat parade on Naples Bay in previous years; in 2025 the downtown parade ran on 9 December from Broad Street South to 8th Street South. Watch the boats from the waterfront restaurants or Tin City. Check the City of Naples for 2026 dates.
New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve is celebrated with dinners and parties at the resorts and restaurants; many people simply walk to the beach. Book well ahead. Fireworks on the beach are not permitted for the public, so leave them to any official displays.
The winter season
Christmas marks the start of the high season: the weather is dry and mild, stone crab is on the menus and the concert and theatre seasons are in full swing at Artis—Naples and Gulfshore Playhouse.
Questions and answers
Is Naples busy at Christmas?
Yes: the weeks between Christmas and New Year are among the busiest of the year, so book hotels and dinners well ahead.
What is the weather like in Naples in December?
Usually mild, sunny and dry, with warm days and cooler evenings; the Gulf can feel fresh for swimming.
When is the Christmas Walk on Fifth Avenue South?
It is usually held over a Friday and Saturday in early December; check fifthavenuesouth.com for this year’s dates.
Join the conversation
Spent the holidays in Naples? Share your tips.
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Dates and programmes change from year to year. Check official sources before you go.