City to host Annual A Very Sanibel Tree Lighting🎄✨
Event
The islands community is invited to kick off the holiday season with a new tradition on Sanibel.
In partnership with the city of Sanibel’s 50th Anniversary Workgroup, the Sanibel Recreation Center will present the Annual A Very Sanibel Tree Lighting on Nov. 29 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Sanibel Community Park and then The Community House on Sanibel. The celebration is free and open to all.
Recreation Department Marketing & Events Coordinator Denise Dillon explained that last year’s inaugural event to mark the city’s 50th anniversary was larger and more well received than imagined.
“So the city is planning to carry the tradition forward to kick off the holidays,” she said.
The celebration will open with a ceremony and program from 5:20 to 6:30 p.m. at the park. It will feature a sing-a-long with The Keys Duo, welcome from anniversary workgroup liaison and Recreation Department Director Andrea Miller, and seasons greetings and remarks from Mayor Mike Miller.
There will also be a routine by the rec center’s youth dancers under the direction of the Coastal Dance Company, performance by the BIG ARTS Community Chorus, and the lighting of the 20-foot tree.
Dillon noted that the city’s Garland of Goodwill will be on display, with an opportunity for the community to still add their own personalized ribbon to the project and continue to grow it.
“The tree lighting, with the addition of the Garland of Goodwill, represent more than just holiday celebrations,” she said. “They symbolize community, connection and resilience.”
After the ceremony, all are encouraged to head to The Community House for more festivities.
“We’re going to have Santa, as well as Rudolf, Olaf, the Gingerbread Man and Grinch,” Dillon said, adding that children can visit with Santa and families will have the opportunity to take photos.
In addition, there will be a festive photo booth to capture the memory.
“We will have a professional photo booth on hand with photos that people can print out and take home,” she said. “And there will be holiday props that they can add to their photos.”
Attendees can take part in a variety of Elf Workstations — crafts and activities tables — provided by community partners, including the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium, Children’s Education Center of the Islands, Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, FISH of Sanibel-Captiva, Hilscher-Clarke Electric Company, Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, Sanibel Fire and Rescue District, and Sanibel Police Department.
“There’s enough to keep the kids busy throughout the evening,” Dillon said.
Angel Hair by Barbie and Timeless Ties Permanent Jewelry will be available for purchase.
“We’re going to have two vendors on hand,” she said.
Inside entertainment will be provided by Andrew Lipke’s Holiday Pops and The Keys Duo.
Attendees can enjoy food provided by A Bit of Bailey’s and Tutti Pazzi Italian Kitchen. For those with a sweet tooth, Pinocchio’s Original Italian Ice Cream will offer up ice cream and cookies, plus punch.
Additional partners include: A Bit of Bailey’s, Best Bee Brothers, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, The Community House, and Tutti Pazzi as Shining Star; Alliant Association Management, Charitable Foundation of the Island, Decorating Den Interiors, Hilscher-Clarke, LCEC, Pinocchio’s, R.S. Walsh Landscaping, Sanibel Air & Electric, and The Health Whisperer as Golden Garland; Saint Michael as Twinkle of the Island; and Sanibel Day Spa and The Key West Express as Holiday Helper.
The community is invited to come out.
“We’re grateful to sponsor any type of celebration when we can year-round for the city, its residents and its visitors,” Dillon said. “This event will also help the island to continue to grow and rebuild, and to continue these traditions, it’s going to foster a sense of community and holiday spirit.”
The event will be held rain or shine.
For more information, call the rec center at 239-472-0345.
The Sanibel Community Park is at 2231 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
The Community House is at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
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IF YOU GO
What
Annual A Very Sanibel Tree Lighting
When
Nov. 29 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Where
Sanibel Community Park, 2231 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, and The Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
Details
Free and open to public
