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
Historic Holiday Display
Sanibel Historical Village
A holiday display in each of the village’s buildings with a story of each building’s usage is set forth on the trees and timelines throughout the village, a treasure trove of memories. Runs thru Jan. 9, 2022
950 Dunlop Rd #4017, Sanibel, 239-472-4648
Send Letters to Santa via the Yule Mule
Sanibel Historical Village
Santa probably used a local mule – a “Yule Mule” – while spending Christmas Eve on Sanibel. Come visit the Historical Village’s “Yule Mule” and write a letter to Santa at the same time. There is a letter-writing station set up with a special Air Mail to the North Pole mailbox.
950 Dunlop Rd #4017, Sanibel, 239-472-4648
Bailey’s General Store Annual Christmas Ornament Feature
Sanibel Historical Village
The personal collection of the Bailey family is on display at the Sanibel Historical Museum and located inside the second Bailey’s island store, which relocated to the village in 1992. Stay tuned for the unveiling of the official 2021 ornament!
950 Dunlop Rd #4017, Sanibel, 239-472-4648
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 – $69 | 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, 5PM & 7:30PM
- 12/25, Christmas Day, 10:30AM
- 12/26, Holy Family, 8:30AM & 10:30AM
- 1/1, Epiphany of the Lord, 5PM
- 1/2, Epiphany of the Lord, 8:30AM & 10:30AM
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)
Bailey’s General Store – 239-472-1516
Christmas Eve, 7am – 4pm
Christmas Day, CLOSED
New Year’s Eve, 7am – 7pm
New Year’s Day, 9am – 7pm
Blue Giraffe [Periwinkle] – 239-472-2525
Christmas Eve, 8am – 4pm
Christmas Day, CLOSED
New Year’s Eve, 7am – 6pm
New Year’s Day, CLOSED
Cielo – 239-472-5555
Christmas Eve, 4:30 – 9pm
Christmas Day, CLOSED
New Year’s Eve, 4:30 – 9pm
New Year’s Day, 4:30 – 9pm
Cantina Captiva – 239-472-0248
Christmas Eve, 11:30 – 8pm
Christmas Day, CLOSED
New Year’s Eve, 11:30 – 8pm
New Year’s Day, CLOSED
Cheeburger Cheeburger 239-472-6111
Christmas Eve, 11am – 8pm
Christmas Day, CLOSED
New Year’s Eve, 11am – 8pm
New Year’s Day, 11am – 8pm
Cip’s Place 239-472-0223
Christmas Eve, 11am–9pm
Christmas Day, CLOSED
New Year’s Eve, 11am–9pm
New Year’s Day, 3pm–9pm
Clam Shack 239-472-6882
Christmas Eve, 11:30am – 3pm
Christmas Day, CLOSED
New Year’s Eve, 11:30am – 3pm
New Year’s Day, CLOSED
Crow’s Nest 239-472-5161
Christmas Eve, normal hours
Christmas Day, buffet 4pm – 930pm
New Year’s Eve, normal hours
New Year’s Day, normal hours
Dairy Queen 239-472-1170
Christmas Eve, 12pm – 5pm
Christmas Day, CLOSED
New Year’s Eve, 11am-9pm
New Year’s Day, 11am-9pm
Dante’s Pizza 239-558-4429
Christmas Eve, 4pm – 7pm
Christmas Day, 4pm – 7pm
New Year’s Eve, 4pm – 7pm
New Year’s Day, 4pm – 7pm
Doc Ford’s – CAPTIVA 239-312-4275
Christmas Eve, 11am – 10pm
Christmas Day, 11am – 10pm
New Year’s Eve, 11am– 10pm
New Year’s Day, 11am– 10pm
Doc Ford’s – SANIBEL 239-472-8313
Christmas Eve, 11am – 10pm
Christmas Day, CLOSED
New Year’s Eve, 11am–10pm
New Year’s Day, 11am–10pm
George & Wendy’s Seafood Grill – 239-395-1263
Christmas Eve, 11am – midnight
Christmas Day, CLOSED
New Year’s Eve, 11am – midnight
New Year’s Day, 11am– midnight
Gramma Dot’s 239-472-8138
Christmas Eve, 11am – 930pm
Christmas Day, CLOSED
New Year’s Eve, 11:15am – 8pm
New Year’s Day, 11:15am – 8pm
Green Flash 239-472-3337
Christmas Eve, 11am – 9:30pm
Christmas Day, CLOSED
New Year’s Eve, 11am – 9:30pm
New Year’s Day, 11am – 9:30pm
Huxter’s Market & Deli 239-472-2151
Christmas Eve, 6:30am – 10pm
Christmas Day, 6:30am – 10pm
New Year’s Eve, 6:30am – 10pm
New Year’s Day, 6:30am – 10pm
Over Easy Café – 239-472-2625
Christmas Eve, 7am – 3pm
Christmas Day, CLOSED
New Year’s Eve, 7am – 3pm
New Year’s Day, 7am – 3pm
Island Cow 239-472-0606
Christmas Eve, 8am – 9pm
Christmas Day, 8am – 9pm
New Year’s Eve, 8am – 9pm
New Year’s Day, 8am – 9pm
Island Pizza 239-472-1581
Christmas Eve, 11am – 9pm
Christmas Day, CLOSED
New Year’s Eve, 11am – 9pm
New Year’s Day, 11am – 9pm
Jerry’s Food Store 239-472-9300
Christmas Eve, 7am – 3pm
Christmas Day, CLOSED
New Year’s Eve, 7am – 9pm
New Year’s Day, 7am – 9pm
Jerry’s Restaurant 239-472-9300
Christmas Eve, 7am – 3pm
Christmas Day, CLOSED
New Year’s Eve, 7am – 9pm
New Year’s Day, 7am – 9pm
Joey’s Custard 239-472-7222
Christmas Eve, 11am – 3pm
Christmas Day, CLOSED
New Year’s Eve, 11am – 3:30pm
New Year’s Day, 11am – 10pm
Keylime Bistro – 239-395-4000
Christmas Eve, 8am – 10pm
Christmas Day, 8am – 10pm
New Year’s Eve, 8am – 10pm
New Year’s Day, 8am – 10pm
Lazy Flamingo (Blind Pass) 239-472-5353
Christmas Eve, 11am – 4pm
Christmas Day, CLOSED
New Year’s Eve, 11am–9pm
New Year’s Day, 11am – 9pm
Lazy Flamingo (Periwinkle Way) 239-472-6939
Christmas Eve, 11am – 4pm
Christmas Day, CLOSED
New Year’s Eve, 11am–9pm
New Year’s Day, 11am – 9pm
Lighthouse Café 239-472-0303
Christmas Eve, 7am – 3pm
Christmas Day, CLOSED
New Year’s Eve, 7am – 3pm
New Year’s Day, Call for Details
Lighthouse Waterfront Restaurant 239-489-0770
Christmas Eve, 11am – 8pm
Christmas Day, 2pm – 8pm
New Year’s Eve, 2pm – 8pm
New Year’s Day, 11am – 9pm
Mucky Duck 239-472-3434
Christmas Eve, 11:30am – 3pm / 5pm-9pm
Christmas Day, CLOSED
New Year’s Eve, 11:30am – 3pm / 5pm-9pm
New Year’s Day, 11:30am – 3pm / 5pm-9pm
Old Captiva House – 239-472-5161
Christmas Eve, normal hours
Christmas Day, buffet 4pm – 930pm
New Year’s Eve, normal hours
New Year’s Day, normal hours
Paper Fig – 239-887-0050
Take-out catering
Place orders by 12/22
Pick up orders on 12/30
Closed 12/31/21 & 1/1/22
Pecking Order 239-472-2534
Christmas Eve, 11am – 6pm
Christmas Day, CLOSED
New Year’s Eve, 11am–6pm
New Year’s Day, 11am–6pm
RC Otter’s – 239-395-1142
Christmas Eve, 8am – 10pm
Christmas Day, 8am – 3pm
New Year’s Eve, 8am – 10pm
New Year’s Day, 8am – 10pm
Sanibel Café – 239-472-5323
Christmas Eve, 7am – 12pm
Christmas Day, CLOSED
New Year’s Eve, 7am – 2pm
New Year’s Day, 7am – 12pm
Sanibel Deli & Coffee Factory – 239-472-2555
Christmas Eve, 7am – 11am
Christmas Day, CLOSED
New Year’s Eve, 7am – 11am
New Year’s Day, Closed
Sanibel Fish House – 239-472-7770
Christmas Eve, 11am – 4pm
Christmas Day, CLOSED
New Year’s Eve, 11am – 10pm
New Year’s Day, 11am – 10pm
Schnapper’s Hots – 239-472-8686
Christmas Eve, 11am – 4pm
Christmas Day, CLOSED
New Year’s Eve, 11am – 7pm
New Year’s Day, 11am – 7pm
Shima Japanese Steakhouse 239-396-6004
Christmas Eve, 5pm – 7:15pm
Christmas Day, 5pm – 7:15pm
New Year’s Eve, 5pm – 7:15pm
New Year’s Day, 5pm – 7:15pm
Sweet Melissa’s – 239-472-1956
Christmas Eve, 12pm – 8pm
Christmas Day, CLOSED
New Year’s Eve, 2 seating’s, 6pm & 8pm Reservations Required
New Year’s Day, 5pm – 8pm
The Shack
Christmas Eve, 11am – 9pm
Christmas Day, CLOSED
New Year’s Eve, 11am – 9pm
New Year’s Day, 11am – 9pm
Traders – 239-472-7242
Christmas Eve, CLOSED
Christmas Day, CLOSED
New Year’s Eve, 5pm – 10pm
New Year’s Day, CLOSED
Timbers – 239-395-2722
Christmas Eve, 5pm – 8pm
Christmas Day, 3pm – 8pm
New Year’s Eve, 5pm – 830pm
New Year’s Day, 5pm – 830pm
Traditions On The Beach – 239-472-4559
Christmas Eve, 5pm – 10pm
Christmas Day, 4pm – 10pm
New Year’s Eve, 7pm-12am SOLD OUT
New Year’s Day, 4pm-10pm
Thistle Lodge – 239-472-3145
Christmas Eve, 11am – 3pm / 5pm – 9pm
Christmas Day, 11am – 830pm
New Year’s Eve, 5pm – 1230am
New Year’s Day, 11am -3pm / 5pm – 9pm
The Sand Bar – 239-472-0305
Christmas Eve, 5pm – 8pm [last seating]
Christmas Day, CLOSED
New Year’s Eve, 5pm – 9pm
New Year’s Day, 5pm – 9pm
The Bubble Room – 239-472-5558
Christmas Eve, 11am – 3pm / 430pm – 730pm
Christmas Day, CLOSED
New Year’s Eve, 11am – 3pm / 430pm – 730pm
New Year’s Day, 11am – 3pm / 430pm – 730pm
Rosie’s Café & Grill
Christmas Eve, 8am – 3pm
Christmas Day, CLOSED
New Year’s Eve, 8am – 3pm
New Year’s Day, CLOSED
