Pride Journey Holiday Spotlight: Fort Myers, Florida

On November 27, the Edison and Ford Winter Estates will kick off the 45th Holiday Nights celebration with the annual tree lighting ceremony. The event will offer visitors an impressive light show with several new displays. This year's theme is "Sounds of the Season" and will incorporate musical elements. The event is sponsored by FPL, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, and Sunbelt Rentals.

The annual tree lighting will take place at the base of the historic Mysore Fig, on the Henry Ford property. The tree will be lit with thousands of animated lights choreographed to holiday music. The lights will reach high up into the branches of the tree and extend onto the ground around it. The Ford property offers ample room for visitors to spread out and social distance.

This year, Holiday Nights will be open Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Through January 3, guided Holiday Tradition Tours will be offered at 6 and 7 p.m. every night and visitors can also take self-guided tours of the site. Guided, Inside-the-Homes tours will be offered on December 2, 9 and 16 for a special up-close look at the homes' interiors.

Families can stroll through the Children's Tree Trail, which features dozens of trees decorated with handmade ornaments from Lee County school children. This year, the tree trail will be displayed along the Ford property, where visitors will have room to adequately social distance. A video message from Santa will be shown in the Caretaker's House, and carolers will stroll the grounds on select nights.

There will be a special Holiday Tea with Mina Edison and Clara Ford on December 3 and 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the River Pavilion. Mina and Clara will talk about their favorite holiday traditions and tea, lemonade and cookies will be served. After the tea, visitors may stroll the beautifully decorated grounds. Space is limited, so registration is required. Tickets for the tea are $15 for Edison Ford members or $35 for non-members and include general admission to Holiday Nights.

The Ford Cottage Shoppe, Museum Store and Garden Shoppe will be open until 9 p.m. every night and will be stocked with unique gift items for that hard-to-buy-for loved one. Refreshments will also be available for purchase. Masks are required during Holiday Nights.

Holiday Nights tickets for adults are $20, teens (13-19) $10, children (6-12) are $2 and Edison Ford members get in free. Guided Holiday Tradition Tours are $30 for adults, teens are $25, children $18 and $10 for Edison Ford members. Inside-the-Homes Holiday Tours are $50. Lee County residents with identification will receive $5 off Holiday Nights admission on Monday nights. To purchase tickets or view the nightly schedule, visit the website at www.edisonford.org.