November Happenings in SWFL. -STOCK PHOTO

Nov. 10 – Nov. 28: Sunshine Ace Hardware to send letters to Santa on behalf of SWFL children 

‘Tis the season for Southwest Florida children to make their Christmas lists and state their case on whether they’ve been naughty or nice this year. Now through Nov. 28, boys and girls across Southwest Florida can write their letters to Santa at any Sunshine Ace Hardware store to be sent to the North Pole. Sunshine Ace Hardware has a specially marked mailbox at each retail location to place letters bound for Santa’s home. Letters to Santa can be sent from any Sunshine Ace Hardware location.

Thursday, Nov. 20: Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach November Wine Night

The elegant four-course wine dinner at JWB Grill on Thursday, Nov. 20, will feature selections from Napa Valley’s renowned Far Niente winery. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., the evening will pair fall-inspired dishes, such as butternut squash bisque, filet mignon and autumn spiced cheesecake, with Far Niente’s Chardonnays, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Dolce wines paired with each course. Reservations are limited.

Link: JWB Grill November Wine Dinner

Saturday, Nov. 22: WICKED: FOR GOOD Movie Party at Alamo Drafthouse Want to take your Oz experience over the rainbow? Alamo Drafthouse and Cinema will host a WICKED: FOR GOOD Movie Party on Nov. 22, where the magic won’t stop at the screen. Come dressed to impress for the costume contest – there’s a fun giveaway for the most spellbinding look – and every guest will receive a bag of enchanting goodies: a Grimmerie field notebook for jotting down spells, a Green Elixir bubble bath mixer for some wicked self-care, a loofah inspired by Glinda’s iconic gown, a wind-up butterfly to release during the wedding scene, a storm cloud ribbon wand to whip up your own mini tornados and a witch hat hair clip. Link: drafthouse.com/southwest-florida/event/movie-party-wicked-for-good?cinemaId=3201&sessionId=23523

Sunshine Ace Hardware to host ‘Thanksgrilling’ BBQ Party on Nov. 22

Sunshine Ace Hardware is kicking off the holiday culinary season in Southwest Florida by hosting Thanksgrilling parties at each of its stores on Nov. 22. The annual Thanksgrilling event features creative culinary techniques for those seeking alternatives to traditional oven-roasted Thanksgiving turkeys and side dishes. Guests can indulge in the tasty samples, freshly prepared on Traeger, Weber and Big Green Egg grills.

Sunday, Nov. 23: Old Vines celebrates grand opening of The Supper Club at the Galleria Shoppes at Vanderbilt (third Naples location for Old Vines)

Old Vines is expanding its celebrated dining experience with the opening of a new location for The Supper Club at the Galleria Shoppes at Vanderbilt. The new space will be significantly larger than its original Davis Boulevard restaurant, but it will continue to offer a polished yet playful “dinner lounge” atmosphere — reminiscent of classic supper clubs from the 1930s and 1940s. While the new location will serve as the primary dining destination, the original Davis Boulevard Supper Club will remain open for private events and exclusive gatherings.

Link: oldvines.net/supperclub

Wednesday, Nov. 26: Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach Drinksgiving Eve

Celebrate Thanksgiving Eve island-style at Lah De Dah Beach Bar at Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach. Drinksgiving Eve features live music, tropical cocktails and a laid-back beach vibe perfect for reconnecting with friends and kicking off the holiday weekend. The event is open to the public; reservations are not required.

Link: Drinksgiving Eve

Thursday, Nov. 27: Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach Thanksgiving Day Buffet

Head to Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach to enjoy an island-inspired Thanksgiving feast inside the beautiful ballroom, where guests will enjoy a generous buffet featuring coastal cuisine and classic holiday dishes for a festive fusion of seasonal flavors and relaxed island vibes.

Link: Thanksgiving Day Buffet

Thursday, Nov. 27: Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach Thanksgiving at JWB Grill

Don’t feel like cooking this Thanksgiving? Head to JWB Grill at Margaritaville Beach Resort, Fort Myers Beach, where coastal sophistication meets holiday tradition. Enjoy a chef-inspired menu of seasonal favorites made with fresh, local ingredients, all served in an intimate, Gulf-front setting.

Link: Thanksgiving at JWB Grill

Nov. 26-Nov. 29: Thanksgiving weekend at Bay Street Yard and Festival of Misfit Toys

Bay Street Yard in downtown Fort Myers is celebrating Thanksgiving weekend with three days of festivities, starting with a “Drinksgiving” Thanksgiving Eve Bash on Wednesday, Nov. 26, featuring drink specials, a local alumni competition and music by Marcus Washington and DJ Ian Kelley. The fun continues on Saturday, Nov. 29 with the “Festival of Misfit Toys” toy drive and music fest from noon to 10 p.m., showcasing nine top Florida rock artists and benefiting Toys for Tots. Food and drink specials will be available throughout the holiday weekend.

Link: BayStreetYard.com/Specials-Events

Saturday, Nov. 29: Tommy Bohanon Foundation Softball Tournament and Toy Drive

The one-day tournament and toy drive will benefit local families in need. Attendees will be able to enjoy bounce houses, holiday craft vendors, food trucks with exciting action on the softball fields. To help kick-start the holiday spirit, Santa will make a special guest appearance. The admission fee is a new, unused toy on the day of the tournament.

Link: TommyBohanonFoundation.org

Nov. 28-Dec. 1: Synthetic Ice Rink at Brightwater Lagoon

From Nov. 28 to Dec. 1, Brightwater Lagoon in North Fort Myers will transform from a tropical paradise into a festive winter wonderland with its first-ever synthetic ice rink, giving guests the chance to skate beside the sparkling lagoon. The Hub will offer a Florida-style holiday escape complete with melt-free “ice” and skates available onsite. Visitors can also enjoy the lagoon’s signature resort-style amenities, including sandy beaches, a swim-up bar, food trucks, inflatable floating obstacle courses, mini-golf and kayak and paddleboard rentals.

Link: MetroLagoons.com/Winter-in-Paradise

Nov. 28 – Dec. 20: Sunshine Ace Hardware hosts Cookies with Santa 

Sunshine Ace Hardware will also host Cookies with Santa at select locations. Children can enjoy cookies and take photos with Santa from 9-11 a.m. at the following locations:

28 at 9100 Bonita Beach Road in Bonita Springs.
29 at 8850 Founders Square Drive in North Naples.
6 at 18911 Tamiami Trail South in San Carlos Park.
13 at 5630 Ave Maria Blvd. in Ave Maria.
20 at 8813 Tamiami Trail North in North Naples (Pelican Bay).