It’s the most wonderful time of the year and we want our guests to know all things holiday related on Sanibel & Captiva Islands. Below you will find current information on Sanibel Christmas & New Year’s activities, church services & restaurant hours – we also included some off-island information should you wish to explore! We hope you will utilize this information to make the most of your time while staying at the Island Inn!
Sanibel Christmas Activities
Tunnel of Lights
Sanibel Community Playground & Park
Stroll through the tunnel of lights on the bike path next to the Sanibel Community Playground & Park to get in the holiday spirit!
2231 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
Seashell Crafts
Sanibel Community House
Mondays, 10AM-12PM, Free class, supplies cost between $3-$5 and the shellcrafters will help you make something special.
2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-2155
Christmas Kayaking & SUP Adventures
Tarpon Bay Explorers
While you won’t find a Christmas tree in the back bay of Sanibel, you can certainly find some peace and quiet among the mangroves! Call ahead for reservations! Closed Christmas day.
900 Tarpon Bay Rd, Sanibel, 239-472-8900
Santa’s Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise
Adventures In Paradise
On Christmas Eve, Santa invites you to bring the family for an hour and a half cruise among dolphins to visit with the beach where he’ll be waiting with small gifts for all kids. Photos of your little ones on Santa’s lap will be provided complimentary. Narrated by knowledgeable Captain & Marine Biologist, Adults – $79 | Kids (0-12) – $59. Reservations Required!
14341 Port Comfort Rd, Fort Myers, 239-472-8443
Musical Performances & Church Services
Saint Isabel Catholic Church
- 12/24, Christmas Eve, 4PM & 6PM
- 12/25, Christmas Day, 10:00AM
- 12/30, Holy Family, 4PM
- 12/31, Holy Family 10AM
- 1/6, Epiphany of the Lord, 4PM
- 1/7, Epiphany of the Lord, 10AM
3559 SanCap Road, 239-472-2763
Saint Michael’s & All Angels Episcopal Church
- 12/22, Lessons & Carols
- 6PM, enjoy this time honored traditions of a service of beautiful Christmas hymns and scriptures. Led by the St. Michael’s Choir and a chamber ensemble from the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, also livestreamed.
- 12/24, Christmas Eve Services
- 5PM, including the procession with manger animals, communion, carols, and candlelight. All children are invited to be a part of a simple no rehearsal, no speaking part pageant. If you are vacationing on the island, a resident, or visiting relatives over Christmas, your children and grandchildren are welcome to join in – also livestreamed.
- 8PM, Holy Eucharist Candlelight Service, also livestreamed.
- 12/25, Holy Eucharist, 10AM, also livestreamed.
- 12/26, 1st Sunday after Christmas, 8AM & 10:30AM, also livestreamed.
2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-2173
Sanibel Community Church
- 12/24, Christmas Eve Services
- 4pm – Contemporary Service & Kids Moment
- 6pm – Contemporary Service & Kids Moment
- 8pm – Traditional Service with Choir in the Sanctuary
- 12/26, 10AM
1740 Periwinkle Way, 239-472-2684
Sanibel Congregational UCC
- 12/19 Jazz Vesper Service, 3PM
- Experience delightful jazz arrangements of Christmas songs, thoughtful readings from a variety of sources, and a chance to sing favorite carols
- 12/24 Christmas Eve Services
- 5pm – Annual Lighthouse Beach Christmas Eve Service
- Carols, Candles, Christmas Story
- Bike or walk highly recommended!
- Bring a beach chair or blanket.
- 9pm – Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
- On-site in the Church Sanctuary
- 5pm – Annual Lighthouse Beach Christmas Eve Service
- 12/25 Christmas Day Services
- 10AM – Bell Sunday Service
- Ring out wild bells!
- 2PM – Messiah Sing
- Handle’s Messiah Sing-a-long: a “Sing-In” of the Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah, plus other favorites. Everyone will receive a copy of the music and will be invited to sit with others who sing your choral part. You’ll be led by a professional Orchestra and Conductor, and have an opportunity to hear all of the solos sung by local artists and FGCU music students. There is no rehearsal – you can sing what is comfortable for you and listen to everything else.
- 10AM – Bell Sunday Service
- 1/1, New Year’s Day Mass, 10AM
2050 Periwinkle Way, 239-472-0497
Chapel by the Sea
- 12/24, Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
- 6PM – Beautiful music both inside the historic chapel or outdoors under thousands of twinkling lights.
- 12/25, Christmas Day Worship Service
- 11AM, As always, all are welcome to this informal service highlighted by prayer and joy!
11580 Chapin Ln, Captiva, 239-472-1646
Sanibel Christmas Restaurants (+ NYE & NY Day)
