49th Annual Holiday Nights Celebration
Don’t miss thousands of lights, hundreds of historic decorations, and one unique holiday experience! Returning for the 49th year, Holiday Nights has been revamped with new light displays and much more. The homes are decorated much as they would have been during Edison’s time, down to the period gifts under the trees. Don’t miss the Children’s Holiday Tree Trail with handmade ornaments created by students from local schools and shopping in the Museum Store and Garden Shoppe for unique holiday gifts. Plus, on select nights, there will be refreshments available for purchase, Santa visits, and carolers! Calendar of events coming soon.
Nightly (except for opening night November 29) guided holiday tradition tours at 6 and 7 p.m. (sold at the ticket office on a first-come first-served basis daily). Admission includes the entire Edison and Ford estates, grounds, and gardens; please note the museum and lab are closed after 5:30 p.m. and not included in Holiday Nights admission.
General admission tickets will be available at the ticket office or may be purchased online. Last admission is at 8:30 p.m. nightly.
Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day. Click here to view this year’s events: Holiday Nights 2024 Calendar
Discounted hotel rates are available through partner hotels. Scroll to the bottom of this page.
Admission
• Nightly guided tours are available on a first-come first-served basis in the museum ticket office and can only be purchased on the day of the tour. The guided tours are offered at $30 for adults, $25 for teens, and $18 for children ages 6-12.
• General admission is $20 for adults, $10 for teens, and $2 for children ages 6-12. Children ages 5 and under are admitted free with paid adult. General admission is sold on an unlimited basis nightly so there are no concerns about being turned away if tickets are not purchased in advance.
• Combo tickets are available for those visiting during the day and staying for Holiday Nights. Visitors with daytime admission can add on Holiday Nights admission for just $10 (good only on same evening as daytime tour). Purchase as a combo when you buy your daytime tickets or hold onto your receipt in case you decide to upgrade later that day.
Tickets for the guided tour and general admission includes the Edison and Ford estates where visitors will see the outdoor light display as well as the homes decorated for the season, with decorations and gifts as would have been common in the early 20th century. The lab and museum are closed in the evening. Discounts, coupons, or reciprocal benefits do not apply for Holiday Nights admissions.
Edison Ford members are admitted free (for general admission). Lee County residents with proof of residence (driver license, utility bill, etc) will receive $5 off adult admissions on Monday evenings throughout the event. Resident admissions must be purchased in person and are good for the day of purchase only.
• Holiday Nights admission tickets purchased online are good for any evening November 29-December 23 and December 26 through January 5. Reservations are not necessary for general admission – just show your e-ticket at the welcome booth when you arrive. Admission may also be purchased at the ticket office. Nightly holiday tradition guided tours are first-come first-served and must be purchased in-person on the day of the tour.
WHERE TO STAY
For out-of-town visitors, the following hotels are offering special rates for Holiday Nights’ guests.
Hampton Inn by Hilton Fort Myers Downtown
Discounted rate is $159, with the exclusion of the holidays, Christmas and New Years Eve. Guests will need to call (239) 362-9542 with code EFE (Edison Ford Christmas) to book with the discounted rate.
Hampton Inn & Suites Fort Myers-Colonial Blvd. Guests who book directly with this link can receive a 15% discount.
Luminary Hotel & Co., Autograph Collection Guests who book with this link can receive a 10% discount on available room nights for standard guestrooms.
Radical Robotics Day Camp
Join us as science and history come alive in our “living laboratory!” No experience is necessary to participate in these fun and fast-moving S.T.E.A.M. (science technology, engineering, art, and math) camps. For students currently in grades K-5, unless otherwise noted. Campers must bring lunches, and snacks if desired. Become a family member of Edison Ford and receive discounted registration!
Learn the essential skills of robotics in this fun, fast-moving camp perfect for students of all skill levels.
Space is limited and registration is required. Click here to register.
For more information on camps, click here.
Science Fiction & Science Fact Day Camp
Join us as science and history come alive in our “living laboratory!” No experience is necessary to participate in these fun and fast-moving S.T.E.A.M. (science technology, engineering, art, and math) camps. For students currently in grades K-5, unless otherwise noted. Campers must bring lunches, and snacks if desired. Become a family member of Edison Ford and receive discounted registration!
In this one-day camp, students will explore the basic principles of science and test their skills through projects and experiments in this one day camp.
Space is limited and registration is required. Click here to register.
For more information on camps, click here.
Pre-K Classes
Join us for one or all of our upcoming pre-k classes. Back by popular demand, these classes are designed for children aged 18 months – 5 years. Don’t miss an excellent opportunity for curious children to learn more about science, the world around them, and socializing with others! Class sizes are limited and involve parent participation.
- January 23: “Enchanted Garden Explorers: Cultivating Curiosity.” Join us for an adventure in gardening where young explorers will engage in guided tours, plant scavenger hunts, and hands-on activities. With a dedicated garden space and sandbox for cowpots, children will nurture their green thumbs while learning about plants and the environment.
- February 20: “Innovators Unleashed: The Legacy of Edison & Ford.” In this dynamic class, children will discover the groundbreaking inventions of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford through museum visits and hands-on activities. Participants will replicate these innovations, fostering creativity, problem-solving, and an understanding of the impact of inventions.
- March 27: “Symphony of Imagination: A Journey into Sound.” Embark on a musical adventure where young enthusiasts will create instruments and explore sound through engaging activities. This class combines creativity and fun, helping children develop their auditory skills and a love for music.
- April 24: “Architects of Tomorrow: Mastering LEGO Engineering.” Aspiring builders will explore engineering principles through collaborative LEGO projects, including the construction of a LEGO zip line. This hands-on experience encourages creativity, teamwork, and innovative thinking in future architects!
Members: $15 per class; non-members: $20 per class
Click here to register.
Book Signing with Author-Illustrator Doug MacGregor
Meet award-winning cartoonist and children’s book author and illustrator, Doug MacGregor. Doug has several children’s books that are perfect for holiday gifts. He will be glad to sing and personalize books for your young loved ones. This event takes place at the Ford Cottage Shop and is included with Holiday Nights admission.
Phonograph Demonstration with John Kurdyla
Phonograph expert, John Kurdyla is back and will provide an overview of the fascinating qualities of the phonograph in a special presentation in our learning lab. He will demonstrate how it works and play the device for visitors. Included with admission.
Decorate Christmas Cookies
Come decorate cookies and enjoy the Holiday Nights lights! This event provides families with a night out to see the lights and still get the cookies made! Offered on December 21, from 6-9 p.m.
Participants will each receive a lighted specialty drink cup, and apple cider and lemonade will be provided. Admission to Holiday Nights is included. The river pavilion will be festively decorated, and holiday music will be played in the background.
Purchase tickets online by December 21 at noon.
A family ticket is $125.00 (for 4 people and includes admission to Holiday Nights). Additional tickets may be added for $30 each additional (up to 2 additional tickets can be purchased). An extra ticket includes an additional six-piece cookie bundle.
The ticket price includes a Do-it-Yourself Cookie Bundle Kit with 12 cookies (three different holiday shapes), four types of icing, three types of sprinkles, and an instruction card. Cookies are un-frosted sugar cookies, cut in various Christmas-themed shapes. A gluten-free option is available.
Click here to purchase tickets!
Future Makers Spring Break Camp
Join us as science and history come alive in our “living laboratory!” No experience is necessary to participate in these fun and fast-moving S.T.E.A.M. (science technology, engineering, art, and math) camps. For students currently in grades K-5, unless otherwise noted. Campers must bring lunches, and snacks if desired. Become a family member of Edison Ford and receive discounted registration!
Campers release their full potential in this project-based camp, getting a crash course in code, electronics, and robotics. The camp then focuses on open-ended projects as the campers apply what they learn.
Registration coming soon! For more information on camps, click here.
The Science Behind Art Camp
Join us as science and history come alive in our “living laboratory!” No experience is necessary to participate in these fun and fast-moving S.T.E.A.M. (science technology, engineering, art, and math) camps. For students currently in grades K-5, unless otherwise noted. Campers must bring lunches, and snacks if desired. Become a family member of Edison Ford and receive discounted registration!
Immerse yourself in the wonders of art and science as we uncover the hidden connections between art and science, inspiring young minds to think critically and imaginatively.
Space is limited and registration is required. Click here to register.
For more information on camps, click here.
