The City of Cape Coral Brings Back The Cheer!
Dec 03, 2025 07:00AM ● By Ann Marie O’Phelan
Images Courtesy of the City of Cape Coral
Thanks to the Parks & Recreation Department, here are a few ways to enjoy the holiday fun in Cape Coral.
Those who enjoy a good run or walk can participate in the Reindeer Run on Saturday, December 13, 2025, 4-7 PM at the Coral Oaks Golf Course, 1800 NW 28th Ave., Cape Coral. Runners and walkers are welcome to dress for the holidays! After the race, there will be family fun, including a Santa Workshop area with light refreshments and a chance for the younger ones to get a photo with Rudolph the Reindeer. The packet pick up is at 4 pm, the 5K run is at 5 pm, and the 1.5-mile family walk/run starts at 6 pm. Registration fees range from $10-$40. Find out more and register online at capereindeerrun.com.
The annual Boat-A-Long returns along the Bimini Basin! On Saturday, December 20 from 4-9 pm, the fun begins at Four Freedoms Park. For over 40 years, this annual festival has brought plenty of holiday cheer to the whole family. Santa and his elves, holiday music, local food trucks, live entertainment, crafts for the kids, and a great chance to watch the decorated boats float by in the boat parade..
“The Holiday Boat-A-Long is a community favorite you don’t want to miss. Families, neighbors, and friends come together to enjoy lights on the water, great food, and a movie under the stars. It’s what the holidays are all about in our community,” says Deputy Parks & Recreation Director Michael Massoglia.
Following the parade, a holiday movie will be shown on a giant inflatable screen. Make sure you bring lawn chairs and blankets to rest and enjoy the cooler evening festivities!
If you want to have your boat in the parade, please register with Sea Tow by calling 239-945-4820. For more event details, visit www.capecoral.gov/holidayboatalong.
Lastly, New Year’s Eve this year is on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, and there’s no better way to celebrate it other than with the New Year's Eve Celebration & Ball Drop is from 6 pm to midnight. The annual event occurs on SE 47th Terrace (between SE 9th Place & SE 11th Place). This annual event is free and open to all ages. The downtown area is closed to traffic as thousands of attendees congregate to enjoy live music, shopping, food vendors, games and activities, such as face painting for the little ones, a countdown fireworks, and the ball drop! There are two ball drops, one is at 8 pm and the other at midnight. For more information, visit www.capecoralnye.com. The City of Cape Coral, 1015 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral, 239-573-3128, Parks & Recreation.
