For over 30 years the southwest Florida holiday season officially begins on the first Saturday of December when over 20,000 people gather for the largest celebration between Tampa and Miami. The Holiday Festival of Lights is a Cape Coral heritage event. The Holiday Festival of Lights is the FEEL GOOD event of the year held on Cape Coral Parkway in Downtown Cape Coral. It’s over 3/4 of a mile of holiday attractions, performances, vendors, food, and refreshments to ring in the season. The stars of the event are the official lighting of the city Christmas tree and the arrival of Santa Claus. Dignitaries and major sponsors are included in the tree lighting ceremony, Santa then arrives to light the tree and meet the children that includes FREE pictures with Santa. Throughout the 3/4 mile event will be 3 Holiday performance stages with local dance troupes, schools, choirs and others performing their holiday programs. The Holiday Festival of Lights will have a variety of sponsors and vendors that will line the Parkway, many offering FREE gifts and registration for prizes, along with food vendors providing a multitude of festival food to everyone in attendance.