There are only three weekends left before Christmas Day and the cool temps this week are getting people pumped for Santa’s arrival. In fact, he is scheduled to make a few local cameos before the big day. Here are 12 SWFL holiday events this weekend where you might be able to spot the big guy.

It’s possible you will either begin or wrap up your holiday decorating this weekend. If you are looking for some great DIY ideas to do with the family, or solo, just click here for a few festive ones.

Boats are getting decorated on Fort Myers Beach. The fun boat parade returns to the waters of the back bay Saturday night. Additional parades involve cars in Naples and Estero.

SWFL Holiday Events This Weekend For Sports Lovers

The Second Annual Jingle Jog 5K and Santa Strut takes place Saturday morning at Coconut Point Mall in Estero. Register here to run or walk or just show up to cheer the participants on.

Next, the championship Florida Everblades play at home this weekend, bringing back an annual holiday tradition. The Teddy Bear Toss returns Saturday. Fans are asked to bring new teddy bears to the game.

As soon as the Everblades score their first goal it begins to rain bears. Fans throw them onto the ice by the hundreds. The bears are then collected and donated to Golisano Children’s Hospital. The Blades play the Jacksonville Icemen Saturday.

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Finally, if you have any upcoming events that you would like to share, please send them here. Here are your Weekend Vibes for December 6th through the 8th. Be sure to share with friends. No one likes missing a good time

Here Are More SWFL Holiday Events This Weekend

• Jingle Jog 5K & Santa Strut

  Put on your jingle bells and holiday attire to join Santa at Coconut Point Mall for competitive and timed 5K race. For those not so ambitious, there is 1 mile Santa Strut fun run. There is something for the entire family with prizes and other goodies. A portion of the proceeds benefit Golisano Children’s Hospital. Sunday, 7:30am. More info here.

• 36th Annual Fort Myers Beach Boat Parade

  The 36th-annual Fort Myers Beach Boat Parade returns this weekend. See all kinds of boats decorated in themes and decked out in lights. The water parade kicks off at Salty Sam’s Marina, lead by Santa and Mrs. Claus. It continues under the Matanzas Pass Bridge and through Estero Pass, Hurricane Pass and into Pelican Pass before returning. Saturday 6pm. Free. More info here. 

• Movie in the Park

  The City of Bonita Springs is hosting a Movie in the Park Friday night. Bring your lawn chair and blankets and enjoy the festive lights at Riverside Park. The Santa Clause starts at dusk. Free. More info here.

• Holiday Celebration Car Show Tropical Parade

  Coconut Point Mall in Estero hosts a Tropical Holiday & Tree Lighting celebration Saturday.  It all begins with a Car & Truck Show from 11am to 2pm. There are vendors, crafts and live performances. The highlight is Polynesian dancers taking over Fashion Drive with a show at 5pm. They are followed by a parade, the arrival of Santa Claus and the lighting of the shopping centers big Christmas Tree.  Free. More info here. 

• Cape Coral Holiday Festival of Lights

  Christmas arrives in Cape Coral Saturday with this annual event along Cape Coral Parkway between Del Prado Boulevard and Candia Street. Enjoy food, drinks, vendors, a snow slide and Tiny Tots Train rides. Other highlithgs include photos with Santa and the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree. Free. More info here.

• Festival Of Trees And Santa's Block Party

  Downtown Fort Myers celebrates the arrival of Santa Saturday with a big block party. The big guy arrives on a fire truck down First Street and ends stops at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. Not only are there photo opps with Santa but activities for the kids such as holiday crafts, letters to Santa, and cookie decorating. There will also be live performances. Then venture inside the art center for the annual Festival of Trees. The halls are filled with dozens of over the top trees decorated by local businesses. Vote for your favorite. The trees are then auctioned as a fundraiser for Goodwill of Southwest Florida. The fun begins at 10am. More info here. 

• Christmas at Farmer Mike’s in Bonita Springs

  Farmer Mike’s always has fun family activities. This year’s holiday party includes snow slides and hayrides. There is also a three-acre filed of lights and illuminations. The holiday eents are from 6-9 p.m. every Friday and Saturday through December 21. $16. More info here.

• Dunbar's Holiday in the Park

  It’s time for the Dunbar Community’s Soul Santa Parade just east of downtown Fort Myers proper. The annual event includes kids activities, entertainment, vendors and food trucks. Enjoy a Christmas tree lighting and tours of the  Williams Academy Musuem. Saturday, Roberto Clemente Park, 2-7 pm. Free.  More info here.

  

• Calusa Nature Center's 'Holiday Lights'

  Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium Holiday Lights opens this weekend. The 1/3-mile walking trail is decorated with holidy fare and more than a million lights. Enjoy hot chocolate, sweet treats and music while you enjoy the displays. Proceeds benefit Calusa Nature Center’s wildlife conservation programs. The light tours run 6-9:30 pm every Friday through Sunday until December 29th. $10 adults, $5 for ages 3-12. More info here. 

• 33rd Annual Christmas Carol Sing

  This is a long standing tradition in downtown Fort Myers and it takes place on a Saturday this year rather than Tuesday. People from all over the community gather to sing holiday music and also listen to the talented singers in the First Presbyterian Church Choir. The event raises mone for Community Cooperative. Donations of canned food items are all that is needed for admission. Shows are Saturday at 1 and 4 pm. First Presbyterian Church Downtown Fort Myers. More info here. 

• Christmas Comes To The Bell Tower Shops

  Santa arrives by firetrucks at The Bell Tower Shops in Fort Myers Friday where he will help light the mall Christmas Tree in Center Court. Enjoy lots of activities and games for the kids from 6pm-9pm. Then on Saturday and Sunday, enjoy the 16th Annual Fort Myers Art & Crafts Show in the parking lot. 10am to 4pm. Free. More info here. 

• Festivals of Speed

  Mercato in North Naples has all kinds of events this month includin the 8th annual Festival of Speed. It’s a car like no other. Get upclose to dozens of exotic cars, vintage cars, luxury cars, and motorcycles. Donations are being accepted to Mak-A-Wish too. Sunday 11am to 3pm. Free. More info here.

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