Santa’s Block Party Dec. 3
Goodwill Festival of Trees Dec. 1 – Dec. 4 at Davis Art Center
The 16th Annual Festival of Trees returns to the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. Experience the winter wonderland of trees gorgeously decorated and generously bedecked by local businesses to raise money for Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida and SBDAC, plus many events all taking place Nov. 30 – Dec. 4.
Experience one of the most sensational holiday traditions in Southwest Florida. Presented by Publix Super Markets Charities, Festival of Trees is a huge holiday destination downtown where beautiful trees are decorated and filled with presents by local businesses to help raise money for Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida and the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center.
Offering family events for every age, the seasonal celebrations begin with a ticketed preview party on Wednesday, Nov. 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. Come get into the holiday spirit with a sneak preview of the Festival of Trees and celebrate with hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and wine pull.
A holiday themed wine and paint night will be a ticketed offering Thursday, Dec. 1 from 6 to 9 p.m. ‘Tis the season to get creative with one of SW Florida’s favorite local artists, Dharma Lefevre. This talented and quirky elf will demonstrate how to create a gorgeous wintery landscape. Each artist will be supplied with canvas, paint, brushes, and of course… wine.
Mayor Kevin Anderson’s annual tradition of lighting the massive wreath gracing the loggia of the SBDAC followed by live music from The Nowhere Band is a free event happening Friday, Dec. 2 from 7 to 10 p.m.
Santa’s Block Party will be held Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Join Santa for family fun and holiday festivities. Santa’s Block Party is an opportunity for kids to create holiday art, color Christmas and holiday cards, decorate yummy cookies from Publix Super Market, enjoy a train ride, and write letters to Santa and our military service members. Memphis Motown Soul Experience will be performing on Dec. 3 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
And the popular tree raffle drawing where all trees and gifts will be raffled off to the lucky winners is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 4 at 5 p.m. Except for the tree being donated to Golisano Children’s Hospital, all trees, valued at over $1,500 each, will be making spirits bright in their new locations. Winners will be notified and receive the themed tree plus all of the gifts on and around, including delivery and set up. A toy drive will also be held so bring your unwrapped gift for free entry to see the trees.
The Festival of Trees general admission for viewing, voting for favorites, and purchasing raffle tickets ($10 each or $25 for three) occurs throughout the five-day festival and is $2 per person, with kids ages 5 and under admitted free.
The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District.
For more information, call 239-333-1933 or visit www.sbdac.com for details, tickets and to check for possible schedule changes.