Page 26 - December_2015_Life_in_Naples_Magazine

ENJOYING THE SEASON

FLORIDA STYLE
by Claudia Polzin
Consultant to Nonprofits If during this very busy time of the year you just need
an evening of laughter and fun – then you need to direct
M any of us moved here from “somewhere else” – and sometimes it yourself to the Sugden Community Theatre and get your
is difficult to begin new traditions or to adjust to a new area and tickets for The Foreigner by Larry Shue. This comedy is
its traditions. But the sights and sounds of the holidays are all one of deep secrets and diabolical plots that all have a
around us in the land of beaches and palm trees – a little different perhaps comedic twist – guaranteed to provide you with laughter
than in the land of snow and ice but just as festive and the love of family and and enjoyment. The play will open November 25 – but
friends never changes no matter where we live. will run through December 20.

So time to start exploring – you can choose to purchase tickets to concerts This year marks the 21st season of another tradition in
and plays or you can choose to attend many concerts that are free and open Naples – the Classic Chamber Concerts – performances
to the public. That list is long for the month of December: at the Sugden Theatre. The opening concert will be on
• December 6 – Naples Concert Band in Cambier Park December 7 and features guest cellist Jarat Blajian – a
• December 6 at 4 p.m. Christmas Concert at First 19 year old with a great talent.
Presbyterian Church
• December 13 – Gulf Coast Big Band in Cambier Park As you can see the season of December in Naples
• December 13 at 4 p.m. Christmas Concert at Vanderbilt has something for everyone to enjoy – no matter what
Presbyterian Church their taste in music or preference of old or new. Don’t
• December 19 and 20 – at 5 p.m. Christmas Concert at let yourself get so busy with the “things” that we think
Trinity-by-the-Cove Episcopal Church we have to do in December that you don’t have the
• December 20 – Naples Jazz in Cambier Park time to enjoy our beautiful community and our special
• December 27 – Music Makers Big Show Band – Cambier Park Christmas traditions.

Many times Naples is known for our expensive homes and restaurants
– but the arts are alive and well in our beautiful city and the list above
demonstrates that it is also accessible for all to enjoy. If you have children
and have never had the opportunity to take them to a live concert – this
might be the year to do that. There is nothing so special as enjoying a
concert live and seeing the musicians bring the music to life in front of
you. For all of the concerts in Cambier Park you also have the wonderful
opportunity to enjoy a walk down Fifth Avenue – the town will be lit up
for the holidays. This tradition has been going on for 41 years and will
begin again on December 3.

December 3 will mark the 41st year that Naples has celebrated the
Annual Christmas Walk and Tree-Lighting on 5th. On this evening the
street is filled with groups and organizations celebrating the season, groups
singing, children dancing, trees being decorated, and the family that is
Naples coming together.

Another beautiful tradition happens on December 8 with the Annual
Celebration of the Chanukah Festival in Venetian Village – the celebration
of the Festival of Lights can be appreciated by everyone. But you can
also plan to come back to Venetian Village on December 15 for a unique
adventure that can only be enjoyed in the land of the sun – the Annual Boat
Parade in Venetian Bay. Individuals decorate boats for the holidays – carols
are being sung by the young and old – in tune and out of tune – but all with
the joy of the season.

26 Life in Naples | December 2015