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Beautiful Bonita Springs Tree Lighting Photos At Holiday In The Park

Tree lighting ceremonies are still taking place all over Southwest Florida this week. I had the privilege of hosting one of them last night. It was the beautiful Bonita Springs…

amphitheater lit in Christmas lights
Photo: Gina Birch

Tree lighting ceremonies are still taking place all over Southwest Florida this week. I had the privilege of hosting one of them last night. It was the beautiful Bonita Springs Tree Lighting at Holiday In The Park and here are some photos. This typically takes place the first Tuesday of December. It's one of my favorite holiday events every year. It is a true home town celebration and people turn out in droves.

Bonita Springs Tree Lighting

It takes place in Riverside Park in downtown Bonita Springs. Santa and Mrs. Clause arrive by a horse drawn carriage lead by a parade of corvettes. The park steadily fills with people waiting for city officials to throw the switch and light the tree. Snow flurries miraculously fall at the same time. There is also a snow pile and snow slide for kids. The bandshell has a revolving list of singers, dancers and musicians from local schools. It is a true feel good event

The surrounding businesses get in the sprit as well. The city sponsors a decoration contest. This year a few went all out with lights and displays. It is worth a drive down Old US 41 to take a look. The area is so charming and so pretty with all of the lights, especially those in the park.

If you missed the tree lighting don't worry. The city has all kinds of holiday activities on the calendar. You can't miss the Holiday Stroll through Riverside Park. It happens every night through January 1st. The park is beautifully lit. You can explore the decorations and listen to holiday music each night from dusk to 9pm. There are holiday themed photo ops too.

In addition, this Friday, December 8th, is Movies in the Park. There is a free showing of "A Christmas Carol." Bring your blanket and chairs and enjoy the show. Some refreshments will be available as well.

Finally, Here are a few beautiful Bonita Springs Tree Lighting photos at Holiday In The Park. If you have any to share, email them to me here. I can add them to the gallery.

Pre Festivities

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Behind the scenes

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Horse and Carriage

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Booger the Elf and Gina

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Santa and Mrs. Clause

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Santa and Mrs. Clause

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Stage view

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Backstage

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Dancers

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Behind the scenes

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Amphitheater

IMG_7986.jpgPhoto: Gina Birch
Gina Birch brings the sunshine to Sunny 106.3 every weekday morning from 6-10. She has worked in radio, television and print in Southwest Florida for nearly 30 years. During that time, she has become an advocate for numerous charities including those that support animals, children, women and wellness. In addition, she has written for numerous local, regional and national publications about food, wine and travel. Those are her longtime passions...along with shoes.