Best things to do in Fort Myers, Cape Coral: See what made our list

Charles Runnells, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News

Updated Tue, December 30, 2025 at 10:00 AM UTC

4 min read

Looking for some fun in Southwest Florida?

Here are our top things to do this weekend and beyond, including the Harlem Globetrotters' 100th-anniversary tour and your last chance to see Holiday Nights at Edison & Ford Estates. Plus a look at what's ahead in January.

To submit events, email the details to reporter Charles Runnells at crunnells@usatodayco.com .

1. Harlem Globetrotters' 100 Year Tour

Now on their 100 Year Tour, the Harlem Globetrotters will play two games against the Washington Generals on Dec. 27 at the Schottenstein Center.

The world-famous basketball wizards always dazzle audiences everywhere they go. Now they're back again at Hertz Arena — this time celebrating 100 years of trick shots, gravity-defying dunks and endless entertainment. 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8. Tickets are $37-$175. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. 948-7825 or hertzarena.com

2. 50th-annual Holiday Nights at Edison & Ford Estates

Last chance to see the popular Christmas lights display at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. The tourist attraction shines with thousands of holiday lights and decorations for this 50th-annual event. The milestone event includes new light displays, visits with Santa Claus (select nights), guided or self-guided Estates tours and a Children's Tree Trail with dozens of trees decorated with handmade ornaments from Lee County school children. Holiday Nights takes place 5:30-9 p.m. daily through Sunday, Jan. 4. $23 admission ($13 for ages 13-19, $3 for ages 6-12, free for younger). Lee County residents get a $5 discount every Monday (ID required). Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 334-7419 or EdisonFord.org

3. Broadway Palm's 'Fiddler on the Roof'

A scene from Broadway Palm's new musical, "Fiddler on the Roof"

The beloved Broadway musical about tradition and a Jewish family in a small Russian village. The show is packed with classic tunes such as "Tradition," "If I Were a Rich Man," "Sunrise, Sunset" and "Matchmaker, Matchmaker." Jan. 3-Feb. 14. $43-$98. Broadway Palm dinner theater, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 278-4422 or broadwaypalm.com

4. Boxing documentary 'Worth the Fight'

Mario Nuñez is one of several boxers profiled in the new documentary "Worth the Fight." He was overweight and depressed when he started boxing at SJC Boxing a few years ago. Now he’s won two state titles and wants to be a boxing trainer.

The inspiring, award-winning documentary looks at Fort Myers gym SJC Boxing and how it's mentored at-risk Lee County students, fed them, taught them life lessons and trained them in the "sweet science" of boxing. Directed by Emmy Award winner John Biffar. The screening also includes a buffet dinner, a meet-and-greet, and question-and-answer session with people in the movie. 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8. $100 (or $350 for a table for four). Broadway Palm dinner theater, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 278-4422 or broadwaypalm.com

5. Elvis tribute artist Chris MacDonald

Popular Elvis tribute artist Chris MacDonald celebrates The King's birthday with an eight-piece band (including a horn section), video clips and many costume changes. 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8. $47-$75. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, south Fort Myers. 481-4849 or bbmannpah.com

LOOKING AHEAD: Patsy Cline, art festivals and 'Little Women' musical

Florida Rep's 'Always… Patsy Cline'

This heartfelt musical celebrates country-music legend Patsy Cline, her music and her unlikely friendship with a fan. It features Cline's biggest hits, including "Crazy," "Walkin' After Midnight" and "I Fall to Pieces." Jan. 9-25 (discount previews Jan. 6-8). $78-$80. Florida Repertory Theatre, 2268 Bay St., downtown Fort Myers. 332-4488 or floridarep.org

Cape Coral Art Festival

More than 300 artists show and sell their work at the popular outdoor event, celebrating its 41stanniversary this year. Plus live entertainment, food and more. Organized by the Rotary Club of Cape Coral. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 10-11. Free. Cape Coral Parkway between Del Prado Boulevard and Southeast 10th Place, downtown Cape Coral/South Cape. capecoralartfestival.com

Bonita Springs National Art Festivals

The first in a series of three annual art fests happening between January and March at Riverside Park. More than 200 artists are featured in the juried event, celebrating its 26th anniversary this year. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 10-11. Free with a suggested $5 donation. Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St., downtown Bonita Springs. 495-8989 or artsbonita.org/artfest

Musical 'Little Women'

Players Circle Theater calls this its biggest, most lavish show to date: A heartfelt, energetic musical adaptation of the beloved novel "Little Women." Jan. 9-25. $40-$55. Discount previews Jan. 6-8. Players Circle Theater, 13211 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 800-3292 or playerscircletheater.com

Charles Runnells covers arts and entertainment for The News-Press and the Naples Daily News. To reach him, call 239-335-0368 or email crunnells@usatodayco.com. Follow or message him on social media: Facebook(@charles.runnells.7), Instagram (@crunnells1) and X (@CharlesRunnells)

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This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Harlem Globetrotters, Christmas lights, things to do in Fort Myers