Local Favorites

Authentic local experience

December 16, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

Good morning, Naples!

This is Naples Brief, bringing you the authentic local experience that only residents know about.

The Digest: Local Favorites

Hidden Beach Gems

  • Skip the crowds at Naples Pier and head to North Gulf Shore Beach Access or Via Miramar Beach.

  • These favorites offer tranquil settings with pristine sand and excellent shelling opportunities.

  • The 17th Avenue South Beach provides a secluded escape perfect for peaceful morning walks

Restaurant Picks

  • The Bay House serves southern-inspired seafood with stunning waterfront views.

  • For authentic Italian, head to Bar Tulia's original location on 5th Avenue South.

Happy Hour Secrets

Del Mar on Fifth Avenue South offers one of Naples' best-kept-secret happy hours (Monday-Friday, 4-6 PM) with $5 off selected cocktails and wines, plus half-price Mediterranean spreads.

A fresh meme for you.

Holiday Events

  • Naples Philharmonic: Holiday Pops (Dec 20-22)
    Performances at Artis-Naples featuring festive music.

  • Tiburón Holiday Market (Dec 20-27)
    European-style market with nightly snow, ice skating, and local artisans at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón.

  • Candlelight Christmas Carols (Dec 20)
    Cambier Park Bandshell at 5:30 PM.

  • Holiday Science Spectacular (Dec 21)
    Family-friendly science event at The Norris Center, 7 PM.

  • A Cottage Christmas Exhibit (Dec 20-31)
    Explore mid-century holiday decor at Collier Museum.

  • Christmas Grand Buffet (Dec 25)
    Lavish buffet at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón.

Live Entertainment

  • Seed to Table Live Music Lineup:

    • Dec 20: Flashback Fridays with Extasy and DJ Mr. Mitch (8 PM - Close).

    • Dec 21: Winter Wonderland featuring DJs Gerardo Aragon and German Garcia (9 PM - Close).

    • Dec 22: Rhythm Kings at Hops & Vines (6 PM - 9 PM).

  • Special Performances:

    • Robert & Wendy LIVE at Hops & Vines (Dec 17, 6 PM - 9 PM).

    • Girls Nite Out with DJ Messina (Dec 18, starting at 8 PM).

Family-Friendly Activities

  • Holiday Meet & Greet with Santa Claus & The Grinch (Dec 21-22)
    Seed to Table, from 12 PM to 3 PM. Complimentary photo downloads available.

  • Victoria Park Holiday Lights Tour (Ongoing through Dec)
    Enjoy a guided shuttle tour of the neighborhood's festive displays.

  • Gingerbread House Decorating Class (Dec 22)
    At The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón.

Dining Experiences

  • Christmas Eve Dinner
    Special menus at upscale restaurants like The Catch of the Pelican.

  • Festive High Tea
    Afternoon tea with seasonal treats at The Ritz-Carlton Naples.

New Year’s Eve Celebrations

  • Rebecca’s Wine Bar NYE Party (Dec 31)
    Celebrate with food, drinks, and music until midnight. Dinner seating available until 9 PM.

  • Black-Tie NYE Gala ft. Stella Cole (Dec 31)
    Five-course champagne dinner and live music at The Ritz-Carlton Naples.

  • Night of Opulence Party (Dec 31)
    Gourmet buffet dinner and fireworks at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón.

Other Highlights

  • Naples Dixieland Jazz Concert (Dec 22)
    Cambier Park Bandshell at 2 PM.

  • Holiday Lights Tour (Dec 27)
    Explore Naples' best light displays via guided tours.

Weather & Beach Report

Weekly Forecast

  • December 20-31: 73-78°F, Ideal for outdoor activities

Water Conditions

  • Water Temperature: 69°F

  • Red Tide: None reported

  • Best Shelling: Early morning at Vanderbilt Beach

Beach Tips

  • Peak crowds expected 11 AM - 3 PM

  • Holiday parking fills quickly

  • Bring a light jacket for evening activities

  • Sunset time: 5:40 PM

Tip: Make dinner reservations well in advance for holiday events, especially for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve celebrations.

Don't forget to tag @NaplesBrief in your holiday photos to be featured in our next newsletter.

Explore the awesome newsletters👇

Regards,
Yar