Why Spend Christmas on Sanibel? It's A Wonder-World for Weeks in December!

Well, here it is not even Thanksgiving and we are talking about Christmas.

But why not?

Everyone else is doing it. Stores, towns, restaurants are already promoting the upcoming holiday, so we are jumping in to say a few words as well.

Generally, by this time of year, there are few nice accommodations still available on the Island. But the overall economy has apparently impacted vacations as there is lots of availability island wide for the week of December 18 to December 25, as well as for the following week, December 25 to January 1. The larger condo units are least available as families are traveling in intergenerational parties more than ever. But the two bedroom units have good vacancy for both weeks. And early December has even more vacancy, so those lucky enough to get a month's vacation might consider one of the lovely homes on the Island.

And, with a little luck, air fares can often be found at a discounted rate during this 12th month of the year.

The Island twinkles with lights kicked off with the Luminary Festival all month long.

This year marks the 26th year of the annual celebration hosted by the Sanibel Island and Captiva Island Chamber of Commerce. The Luminary Festival is a community-wide holiday event that involves businesses, organizations, residents and visitors. Everyone comes together to enjoy goodwill and community spirit.

During the Luminary Festival, everyone is invited to visit Chamber businesses and merchants that decorate their storefronts and offer special holiday celebratory events. Everything that can be decorated is, including shops, shopping plazas, restaurants, churches and more. Luminaria lines the streets, creating a truly magical display.

There's no need to plan to eat in advance of attending the Luminary Festival. Most of the participating shops offer food and drink as well as great deals on their products or services. You'll find a variety of different treats and beverages to enjoy as you travel the trail.

In addition to viewing incredible lighting and decorations and taking advantage of great shopping bargains, you can look forward to fun for the entire family at the Sanibel and Captiva Island Luminary Festival. Visits and photos with Santa, free trolley service along the "trail," a live nativity scene plus music and fun activities are all part of the celebration.

This year, the Luminary Festival takes place on Sanibel on December 4 and Captiva Island on December 5. The festival begins at dusk and ends around 9:30 pm.

The Luminary magic lasts all month, however, as does the sunshine and clear blue skies.

Given that snow has already visited many parts of the USA, don't you think a December visit to tropical Sanibel would be quite a gift to you and your family?