October 9, 2019
Holiday Nights Opens November 29 at Edison and Ford Winter Estates
FORT MYERS, Fla. (October 9, 2019) — On Friday, November 29 at 6 p.m., Edison and Ford Winter Estates will kick off the 44th Holiday Nights celebration with the annual tree lighting ceremony. The event will offer visitors an impressive light show with more lights, new displays and decorations, and additional areas of the property will be illuminated. This year’s theme is “River Reflection” and will incorporate nautical elements.
The homes and gardens are decorated with thousands of lights for Holiday Nights at Edison and Ford Winter Estates.
One new display this year includes the Mysore Fig — one of the largest historic trees on the property. The tree will be lit with thousands of animated lights choreographed to holiday music. The lights will reach high up into the branches of the tree and extend onto the ground around it. Sunbelt Rentals is providing a lift truck, which allows staff to string lights much higher, creating a magical display.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting and making their list on opening night (November 29) and every Sunday night until Christmas from 6 to 8 p.m. Children will be invited to sit on Santa’s lap in the Edison Caretaker’s House. Adults and children alike can enjoy the Children’s Tree Trail — a collection of more than 60 trees decorated with handmade ornaments from Lee County school children.
Through December 30, guided Holiday Tradition Tours will be offered at 6 and 7 p.m. every night and Inside-the-Homes Holiday Tours will be offered on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. The museum and the botanic research laboratory will be open nightly until 9 p.m. Live music performances include carolers and a pianist on select nights.
There will be a special Holiday Tea with Mina Edison and Clara Ford on December 19 at 6 p.m. in the Edison Caretaker’s House. Mina and Clara will talk about their favorite holiday traditions and tea, lemonade and cookies will be served. After the tea, visitors may stroll the beautifully decorated grounds. Space is limited to 30 guests, so registration is required. Tickets for the tea are $15 for members or $25 for non-members and include general admission to Holiday Nights.
The Ford Cottage Shoppe, Museum Store and Garden Shoppe will be open until 9 p.m. every night and will be stocked with unique gift items and plants for that hard-to-buy-for loved one. Refreshments will also be available for purchase.
Holiday Nights tickets for adults are $20, teens (13-19) $10, children (6-12) are $2 and Edison Ford members get in free. Guided Holiday Tradition Tours are $30 for adults, teens are $25, children $18 and $10 for Edison Ford members. Inside-the-Homes Holiday Tours are $50. Lee County residents with identification will receive $5 off Holiday Nights admission every Monday and Tuesday. Tickets for a tour and river cruise package are available for groups of 10 or more and waterfront dining is offered next door at Pinchers. To purchase tickets or view the nightly schedule, visit our website.
Please note that Holiday Nights is closed December 24 and 25.
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