Celebrating your holidays on Sanibel Island

Well , Thanksgiving is over, and so is Black Friday, both gorgeous days on the Island.

The sun was brilliant, the breeze was refreshing, the Gulf sparkled.

And all of this with temperatures in the high 70's and low 80's.

What a stunning prelude to the December holidays coming upon us with amazing speed.

But if you have put off coming to our beautiful , tropical island , rest assured that there is plenty to do~And the menu of things to do is eclectic and enchanting.

In addition to your normal day time activities of beaching, pooling, boating, biking , fishing and walking, there is a charming venue for every taste and preference.

Here is a small sampling of what you can look forward to:

On November 30 (see you don't even have to wait for the month to change over!), there is a production at the Big Arts Straus Theatre guaranteed to have you humming ,  Duets.  This original production showcases just some of the ways two fantastic voices can come together in an inspired pairing that is truly special.

On December 2, relax to the sounds of the strolling Spanish Guitarists at the Sundial Beach Resort as you sip Sangria served in a French-Press with muddled fruit .  Children can enjoy "Fountain of Youth" punch and select gold (chocolate) coins from their treasure chest.  Complimentary Paella is prepared and served by the Conquistador Chef between 5-6 PM. Enjoy the breeze on the terrace overlooking the Gulf or at the bar.

On December 4, there will be a magical evening hosted by Tween Waters Inn. Bring a blanket and some wine as you sit back and enjoy beautiful operatic voices while the sun dips into the Gulf of Mexico.

And on both December 4 and December 5, you can become a real part of the Sanibel spirit by traveling the Luminary trail. Complete with trolley service, there are music and activities the length of the trail.

Beginning December 7, film buffs can get their fill.   Big Arts Schein Hall  popular film series returns for another 28 showing of the most-talked-about and award-winning movies of the year.  Films are followed by discussions and complimentary receptions.  

On December 12,  the 6th Annual Captiva Island Boat Parade begins at South Seas Island Resort Marina and cruises through Pine Island Sound to Tween Waters Inn Marina on Roosevelt Channel.  Visitors can choose to cruise in the parade with special passenger tickets with Captiva Cruises or watch the event from shore at McCarthy’s Marina, Tween Waters Inn, and Green Flash Restaurant.

And again at Big Arts, on December 18,  favorite holiday standards will take you through a musical winter wonderland.

But perhaps our most enthusiastic suggestion takes place on December 20 at Big Arts with the Southwest Florida Symphony.  It is not just the music, popular holiday tunes, but the conductor and soloist who are outstanding in their fields and a joy to watch and hear.

So much to pick from, it's near impossible to name them all.  But spending holidays on Sanibel are a pure joy, no matter what you choose to do. Or not do.