Experience Holiday Nights at the Edison Ford Winter Estates

T’was the holiday season of 1880 when Thomas Edison, the inventor of the first successful light bulb, fastened a string of bulbs together creating the first set of Christmas lights. Little did he know that more than a century later, his light invention would take on so many shapes, sizes and colors!

Today, you can buy Christmas lights in the shape of snowflakes, in miniature or extra-large sizes and the color of the rainbow. This luminous invention is one of the many reasons the holiday season comes with a beautiful sense of wonder and excitement.

Photo courtesy of the Edison & Ford Winter Estates.

Lighting Up Fort Myers

With Fort Myers being the home of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford’s Winter Estates, what better way to celebrate the holiday season than to light up the night sky with Edison’s own invention!

Did you know, this year marks the 40th Anniversary of the annual Holiday Nights celebration held at the home’s historic location near downtown Fort Myers? Every year, for as long as we remember, the Winter Estates of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford are decorated with thousands of lights and a cheerful display of holiday decor. 

The Friday after Thanksgiving marks the official kick-off of the Holiday Nights celebration when hundreds gather to enjoy carolers, food and beverages, and of course - spectacular lights! The beautiful display of lights has become a well-known tradition in Southwest Florida, attracting visitors and locals alike. In fact, USA Today has named the event as one of the 10 best historic homes for the holidays.

Photo courtesy of the Edison & Ford Winter Estates.

Holidays at the Historical Village

The historic village, which includes the Edison Ford Museum and Laboratory and the Ford Cottage Shoppe, Museum Store and Garden Shoppe remains open every night of the Holiday season through January 3rd, 2016 (except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day).

Check out the nightly guided tours at 6:00pm and 7:00pm or tag along for one of the inside home holiday tours held at 6:30pm on December 1st, 8th and 15th. Holiday Nights tickets are $20 per adult and $2 for children ages (6-12) for general admission. Visit the Edison Ford Website for more event pricing and information. 

Be apart of history! Celebrate the holiday season at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates for its 40th Anniversary of Holiday Nights.  


Photo courtesy of the Edison & Ford Winter Estates.