46th annual Holiday Nights is underway at Edison and Ford Winter Estates

Holiday Nights at Edison Ford Winter Estates lit up the sky on Friday. This annual tradition brings people to Fort Myers from all across the state and country.

People have been making memories at Holiday Nights for 46 years. Locals call it a tradition, but it’s exciting for tourists too.

Most importantly, Holiday Nights marks the beginning of the Christmas season in Fort Myers.

Lisa Wilson is the marketing and PR director for Edison and Ford Winter Estates. “It’s for any holiday that anyone is celebrating, and to me, it’s just the beginning of a fun, festive season,” Wilson said.

For years, she’s watched as crowds of people gather to watch this almost-100-year-old tree light up for the holidays. Ryan Sizer and his friends came for the first time. “It brings the whole community together,” Sizer said.

While they enjoyed the live music and the holiday decorations, these friends say the venue’s history is what brings people in. “Edison was a big part of the community, and the fact that we’re still honoring him today is very good,” Gordon said.

Icar Barosy brought his family to revel in the history, too. “The history of the grounds and being somewhere like the Ford Estates, and you know Edison and all that,” said Barosy.

This is the perfect way to unite a community in time for the holidays. “No, matter what somebody is celebrating, we hope that they can come and just enjoy the beauty of it,” said Wilson.

The Mysore fig is the largest tree on this 20-acre property.

Holiday Nights will conclude on Monday, January 3, 2022. You can go to this website for more information about hours and how to purchase tickets for Holiday Nights.