“This is our 50th anniversary of Holiday Nights,” explains Lisa Wilson, the Marketing & PR Director for the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. The theme this year is Golden Jubilee, so guests will enjoy many gold-colored lights and golden decorations. “There will be a big ‘wow’ factor,” adds Wilson who says that every year is a little bigger and better. 

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on site on Sunday nights up until Christmas. Afterwards, they head back to the North Pole!  There will be a movie screen playing family-oriented holiday movies nightly. Musicians and carolers will be on-site on select nights, and there will be vendors selling food and drinks on select nights. Check the online calendar for more details. 

“It’s absolutely wonderful for the entire family!” says Wilson.

Guests can peer inside of the historic homes and buildings and get a glimpse of what life was like during Edison’s time. A stroll along the Children’s Holiday Tree Trail with handmade ornaments created by students from local schools is a must as is shopping in the Museum Store and Garden Shoppe for holiday gifts. 

The Holiday Lights event runs from November 28 through January 4, 2026—nightly from 5:30 pm to 9 pm (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.) Guests can stroll at their own pace or take a guided tour (offered at 6 and 7 pm nightly). There’s also an inside-the-homes guided tour that will be offered on 12/3, 12/10, and 12/17 (advance registration is required.) Guided tours and inside-the-homes tours have an additional cost over the general admission. Lee County residents with ID will get $5 off on Monday nights. Check online for ticket prices, discounts, and other information. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office or online. Admission includes entrance to the Edison and Ford estates, grounds, and gardens. The museum and lab are closed after 5:30 p.m. and are not included in Holiday Nights admission. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, 239-334-7419, edisonfordwinterestates.org.