A HOLIDAY OUTLOOK AT BURNT STORE MARINA
This season at Burnt Store Marina promises more than tinsel and tree lightings. From social dinners and water view strolls, to giving back to those in need, the community is shaping a holiday experience anchored in warmth, connection, and coastal charm. With its picturesque docks, marina-side homes and Florida sunshine, this community offers a unique holiday backdrop, one where people, boats, homes, and twinkle lights meet generosity and community spirit. Whether you’re a long-time resident, or a holiday visitor, this is the kind of holiday scene where spirit of place, and spirit of giving unite, and where you might just make a new family tradition.
As evening falls on December 4, residents will gather in the heart of the marina, where Safe Harbor, Cass Cay and the Trading Post are located, for the Tree Lighting Ceremony, which has become a cherished annual tradition. The towering tree will burst to life with hundreds of shimmering lights, as the crowd will join in the countdown led by Santa, elves, and the children. Christmas Carols will fill the air marking the official start of the Holiday Season at Burnt Store Marina.
Even four-legged friends get in on the fun with Pet Photos with Santa on December 5, capturing picture-perfect moments that will bring smiles to both kids and adults alike.
On December 6, a fun Santa 9-Hole Scramble, which has become a festive golf event that blends friendly competition with holiday cheer. Afterwards, all golfers will meet under the small tikis for some great food, camaraderie, and holiday music.
Let’s get creative and meet on December 11 with a few hours of Adult Christmas Ornament Crafting at Burnt Store Marina Country Club. Having a special ornament to hang on your tree will bring the holiday magic back each and every year.
The highlight for many is the annual Holiday Cart Parade on December 12, which, of course, will start at Burnt Store Marina Country Club. The parade will feature dozens of brilliantly decorated carts, each glowing with lights and imagination. Spectators will line the street looking for Santa’s reindeer pulling his sled, filled with packages. A special treat this year will be the Calendar Girls, Southwest Florida’s dynamic dance troupe, performing energetic routines along the route. The Fort Myers High School Green Wave Band will add a touch of holiday magic with upbeat marching tunes that set a joyful rhythm for the day. You do not want to miss this.
Early risers can gather on December 13 for the Holiday Pancake Breakfast at the Safe Harbor Tiki, where Southwest Yacht Sales will have the smell of syrup, bacon and fresh coffee filling the morning air. This is a free breakfast, however any donations made will go to the Edison Sailing Center,13001 N. Cleveland Ave., North Fort Myers, FL 33901. The Center teaches children the fundamentals of sailing and teaches children 10 years and up how to safely operate motorboats. Later that evening across the Marina, the holiday spirit spreads to the docks for the Boat Decorating Contest. Safe Harbor will be registering the captains and crews who will turn their vessels into floating wonderlands. Glittering lights reflected off the water as you admire the creativity of the nautical displays. We have added beverage and snack stations in the Marina to enhance your holiday spirit.
Let’s not forget seeing the “Christmas Spirit” through the eyes of a child. On December 21 there will be a Kids Christmas Krafts with a Holiday Movie on the lanai of Burnt Store Marina CC. Children will have the opportunity to make several holiday crafts, enjoy some food, and watch a special Holiday Movie. They will be going home with memories that will last a lifetime.
Come out on December 16 for a Christmas Awards Dinner at Linkside Café, Burnt Store Marina Country Club. The winners of the Cart Parade, Boat Decorating and Home Decorating contest will be awarded, as well as enjoying some holiday camaraderie and food.
There will also be a Home Decorating Contest throughout the community with a deadline of December 12. This will give you plenty of time to return after Thanksgiving to shine your lights in Burnt Store Marina.
As the holiday season approaches, resident and businesses of Burnt Store Marina are coming together to share the true spirit of the holidays “giving.” Through a series of charitable drives and volunteer effort, this close-knit community is helping to make the season brighter for families, children, and animals across Lee and Charlotte County.
Burnt Store Marina Country Club collected non-perishable food items for the Harry Chapin Food Bank, to help fill holiday tables for families struggling with food insecurity. We thank you for your generosity in contributing over 500 lbs. of food.
Burnt Store Marina Country Club and the Fitness Center are doing their annual Toys for Tots, a toy drive, with unwrapped new toys, being gathered to bring holiday joy to local children. Donations will continue to be collected through December 16. (Please no stuffed animals)
New children’s pajamas will be collected at Cass Cay at the Tree Lighting. Each donor will receive a voucher for a free drink at Cass Cay. They will be donated to local foster children at “Donate4Kidz,” an organization in Cape Coral.
Residents have “adopted an angel,” by purchasing gifts for local children whose families are struggling this season. Angel Tree tags were displayed on a tree at Cass Cay for this Holiday Season. Residents purchased these wishes, and placed them under the tree at Cass Cay. These gifts will be delivered, and warm these children’s hearts with the spirit of Christmas.
Platinum Point Yacht Club has a pre-Christmas tradition for many years called Adopt-a-Child. A tree is put up in the clubhouse in early November with several tags attached. Each tag identifies a need or desire of a child for Christmas. The program is coordinated with a social worker and a counselor from East Elementary School in Punta Gorda. The school provides a list with their age, gender, and clothing sizes, along with the wishes for toys. Members of PPYC and the outside community are invited to take a tag or two, shop for the items and return them to the clubhouse. These gifts are then taken to the school by the second week of December. It is a very rewarding experience for all and means so much to these children.
Even our four-legged friends at the Barking Lot, are giving to the Animal Welfare League. Donations, of pet food, treats, toys, and bedding will help care for the many cats and dogs awaiting adoption this winter. Look for the bins at Cass Cay and the Trading Post.
Dozens of volunteers are working behind the scenes to organize, sort, and deliver donations in early December. It’s not about the size of the gift; it is about showing love and care for others.
With laughter echoing across the marina, and lights twinkling on both land and sea, the Burnt Store Marina Holiday celebration proves that this tight-knit community knows how to welcome the season-with joy, creativity, and plenty of holiday magic. Most of all, we are showing that the greatest gift of all…the joy of giving.
Please look for flyers and information in the surrounding community, with times and registration for the above activities. There will be maps going out showing the various decorated homes here, locations of where the decorated boats will be, as well as the map for the Holiday Cart Parade. Enjoy the waterfront ambiance, whether by golf cart or walking, the scenic marina offers evening views and holiday lights that feel festive in a uniquely coast way.
The Section 22 Board wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Any questions regarding these events you may contact Lynda Vail, [email protected] 973-800-6111.
