Insider Guide: The Holidays in Naples
As I type this, the garland is being wrapped around the light posts which, means it is only a matter of time before the Christmas tree is up in Sudgen Plaza, and that means that it is officially the holiday season! While the holidays will be undeniably different this year, thankfully, Naples is getting creative to still (safely) host a few holiday events.
So cue the Christmas playlist and enjoy this year’s “The Holidays in Naples”! Oh, and don’t worry, I didn’t forget about Thanksgiving! Click HERE for our top picks on where to dine in and where to take out for a classic Thanksgiving Feast!
Love the angel wings in the picture? They were painted by Naples’ very own, Alanna Jewel Jaron on the window of Third Street South’s Sara Campbell’s boutique! Click HERE to watch a time lapse of the amazing artistic process and be sure to stop by the boutique for a selfie as well!
47th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting on 5th Avenue South
THE holiday event of the year, this two day event will include the tree lighting in Sudgen Plaza paired with a live concert, a skating rink, a live nativity scene, and more.
What I am most excited for however is the long table dining that will stretch down 5th Ave.! The tablescapes were stunning last year and the experience was so unique so stay tuned for the list of participating restaurants and menu reveals!
December 4, 5:00 PM - December 5, 10:00 PM
Marco Island’s Holiday Boat Parade
A SWFL tradition, the boat parade can be seen from various points of the island. As they release details, I will update this post as well as social media! You can also check for updates on Marco Island’s website!
December 12th, 6 PM
Marco Island’s Elf Bribe & Seek!
This family-friendly event sounds like so much fun! Elves will be hiding throughout the park and will give prizes to kids/families that find them. There will also be games, crafts and music, and social distancing guidelines will be followed. For further details, click HERE!
December 11th, 4PM - 6PM
Marco Island’s Movie in the Park
Surviving Christmas will be played though the location is TBD. Click HERE for updates!
December 18th, 5:35PM
A Marco Christmas with Santa & Mrs. Clause
Rumor is that this island tradition will be converted into a drive-thru due to COVID but the website has thus far given no details. Click HERE to check or stay tuned on @thenaplesinsider.
December 19th, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
A Season of Giving with Waterside Shops
Waterside Shops is donating 10% of daily sales to local charitable organizations from November 12th to December 15th. Click HERE for the list of participating charitable organizations and what day they are benefitting from this event!
November 12th - December 15th
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Fireworks will still ring in the new year from Naples Pier and while it has not been said whether limits will be placed on attendance or beach stickers are required to park in the inlets, we know it is going to be a great event to say goodbye to 2020 and hello to 2021! No matter the parameters, we suggest arriving early to get a good spot both in parking and on the beach. Matt and I usually make a day of it with a packed lunch and a casual dinner at Naples Beach and Golf Resort’s Sunset Grill.
December 31st, 7:30PM
Naples New Year’s Art Show
This is a favorite event of mine because the weather is typically cooler so we can peruse the artisan’s booths along Fifth Ave. while enjoying a cup of coffee or any of the food and drink from the vendors there. Afterwards we of course like to grab a happy hour at either The French or Caffè Milano so that we can continue to people watch!
January 2, 10AM - January 3, 5PM
For all Fifth Avenue South events, click HERE to stay up to date on changes, cancellations, etc.
Thanksgiving in Naples
We typically host our friends and family for Thanksgiving but with everyone still apprehensive about travel, we are celebrating solo this year. In an effort to still make the holiday memorable, I went on the search for the best way to celebrate Thanksgiving in Naples whether you are hosting a small gathering or opting to dine out this year!
If You’re Dining Out…
A Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner at The Bevy
The Bevy is a long-time favorite spot of ours so we were excited when they announced they would be serving a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Aside from a traditional meal, The Bevy will also have a la carte options available though it is to be determined whether it will be an abbreviated version of their daily menu or holiday specific options.
Regardless, you can enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner and then head to the beach to catch the sunset.
November 26th, 4PM - 9PM / $28 Per Adult / Reservations
Thanksgiving Dinner With a Twist at The French
Fried Squash Blossoms with House Made Milk Ricotta? Duck Leg Confit with Black Truffle Jus? The French is serving up Thanksgiving Dinner with a twist and every single item looks DELICIOUS! That being said, if you’re a classic turkey kind of person, they are offering a Thanksgiving Turkey complete with Chestnut Stuffing, Whipped Sweet Potato, Brussel Sprouts, and Cranberry Sauce & Gravy.
November 26th, 2PM - 8PM / $65 Per Adult / Menu
Alfresco Dining at The Claw Bar
The Claw Bar is a new fave of ours and the idea of dining alfresco poolside sounds like the epitome of the Naples lifestyle. The menu contains the classic Traditional Turkey Dinner as well as Prime NY Strip, Florida Black Grouper, and Pan-Seared Salmon. Also, The Claw Bar has THE BEST pimento cheese so when I saw the Pimento Cheese Hushpuppies on the menu I was sold! Also, there will be live music should you opt to dine upstairs in London Club!
November 26th, 12PM - 8PM / $55-$75 Per Person / Menu
Thanksgiving in the Garden With The Continental
The whimsical garden setting of The Continental’s outdoor dining area is like no other so it seems like the perfect setting to celebrate an intimate Thanksgiving.
The menu is has lots of classics like a Roast Turkey Dinner and a Pumpkin Cheesecake but they also have unique Thanksgiving Dinner options like Scallop Minestrone and Braised Mushrooms with Squash!
November 26th, 12:30PM-7:30PM / $14-$38 Plates / Reservations
If You’re Dining In…
After a few years of hosting both Thanksgiving and Christmas, I wanted to get creative on how to host without the mess! Thankfully, we have so many amazing local businesses who deliver ready-to-go charcuterie boards, appetizer spreads, multi-course menus, and more! While hard to narrow down, I’ve narrowed who we would personally hire to cater some or all of our Thanksgiving dinner.
Luxe Charcuterie Spreads with A Grazing Plate
We have an exciting collaboration with A Grazing Plate coming soon but in the meantime, it is a must to include in this round up because it is the PERFECT option for the start of Thanksgiving Dinner or as the star of a small plates themed celebration. Speaking from experience, charcuterie boards are a process to create and often turn out to be more costly and less amazing than if I had just hired a professional so I was so excited when I came across A Grazing Plate because they offer boxes, platters (you can provide your own), and tables of the most Instagrammable charcuterie spreads you could imagine.
To view options and to place your order, click HERE!
Dinner at Home With The Bevy
If you’re opting for an at home celebration, The Bevy offers 4 family style options, a passable appetizer option, and a brunch option. None of the options are Thanksgiving themed but who says that you cannot enjoy Branzino Fettucini Alfredo for Thanksgiving?
To view all the catering options, click HERE and scroll to the bottom!
Family Style Thanksgiving To-Go With The French
The French is offering an amazing Thanksgiving spread that will make hosting Thanksgiving a breeze. From a creative starter salad to traditional sides such as Chestnut Stuffing and Whipped Sweet Potatoes, this is the perfect Thanksgiving Day feast and for only $59/person with the only effort being to pick up and plate it, it really can’t be beat!
For the full menu, click HERE!
Thanksgiving at Home With M&G Farmstand
From Parmesan Arancini with Truffle Aioli to Grilled Caribbean Shrimp with Chipotle Horseradish Sauce for appetizers and from Sage Sausage & Apple Cornbread Stuffing to Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower, M&G Farmstand offers healthy, elevated options for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and beyond. We’ve enjoyed M&G Farmstand’s grab-n-go options on busy days when we want something quick for lunch that’s also healthy so I can only imagine how delicious they’re holiday catering menu is.
For the complete catering menu, click HERE!
What are your plans for the holiday? We are spending our Thanksgiving with a few family members and are still trying to figure out Christmas but we’re trying not to put too much time into it because well, it’s 2020 and things change from day to day! But, whatever you are doing to celebrate, I hope you have a safe and happy holiday!
