A Florida Snowstorm at The Christmas on Third Festival of Lights

The legend of Santa Claus began in the cold  winter climate of Europe. In America, our ideal Christmas is portrayed as snowy, with a blazing fireplace inside and sledding outside. But that's not the case in all of the US. The southern part of Florida has a balmy, and usually, sunny climate year-round. Which just doesn't mesh with the ideal picture we have in our heads of Christmas.In the town of Naples, Florida they've taken to creating their ideal snowy Christmas - even if they have to make it themselves.




Every year, in the last week of November, the Christmas on Third Festival of Lights takes place on Third Street South. With the exception of Thanksgiving, every night the snow falls at 7:30pm and kids of all ages can take in the wonder of a snowfall in Southern Florida.











We arrived well before the scheduled snowfall. Third Street South is a shopping and eating street in the center of Naples. There were lots of people eating at the outdoor cafes and taking in the Christmas lights. Kids, families, extended families and even a few groups of teenagers who wanted to catch a Florida snowfall.

















Some of us grabbed some gelato - cause even though it was about to snow, gelato is always a good idea!




And then we waited. There was an excitement in the air - and I was just beginning to wonder if it wasn't going to snow when ....it started snowing! At first it was a few snowflakes, which turned to more until the car windows were covered with a layer of snow. 



If you can't tell from the photos, the artificial snow makers are attached to the light posts and the snow is blown from there. Similar to a snow making machine at a ski slope, only much smaller.




















Snow on palm trees! Well, not real snow...but fun snow! Enough to put you in the Christmas spirit. If you're not a cold weather fan, like Mr. UR, then this is the perfect place to see snow. Warm and balmy and you get to experience a warm snow for about half an hour and then go home to your palm tree covered yard or hotel. Or even down to the beach. A perfect evening!


If you celebrate Christmas, is yours a warm weather one or do you get snow?











I'm linking up! Please visit Travel Photo Thursday at Budget Travelers Sandbox, Weekend Travel Inspiration at Malaysian Meanders, The Weekly Postcard at Travel Notes and Beyond and Weekend Wanderlust at A Brit and A Southerner!

Comments

  1. We live in North Queensland Australia and ours is definitely a warm Christmas. We hope one day to experience a Cold Christmas with "real" snow. I can see the appeal of fake snow though. :)

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    1. I have experienced both warm and cold Christmases - and I have to admit that the cold one seems more authentic to our view of Christmas but... I really like Christmas shopping in shorts and sandals!

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  2. As much as North East US winters are long and brutal (some more than others), I don't think I could do warm for Christmas! i need a winter coat, a fireplace and warm rum punch or Irish coffee! thanks for joining #wkendtravelinspiration

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    1. I lived in the midwest until 15 years ago - and we always had snow for Christmas. In fact, we once spent Christmas in Florida in my teens and I was so distraught because it didn't "feel" like Christmas. But now I'm ok with it -though to me Christmas will always be a fireplace and snow. Thanks for visiting!

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  3. What a neat idea!
    I'm from the tropics and after living in North America for much of my adult life, I've come to expect and associate Christmas with snow. When I'm back home for Christmas, the decorations somehow feel flat under the blaze of the tropical heat.

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    1. I know what you mean but I'm getting used to more warmth at Christmas as I'm in the Southeastern US now. I guess you just get used to it a different way! Thanks for stopping by!

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  4. I am not a cold weather fan, so, this will be my kind of place. Have to find one of those streets decorated with lights. Everything looks so pretty.

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    1. Thanks for visiting Ruth! And it was very pretty! Snow with warmth!

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  5. We are loving celebrating christmas in sunny Auckland this year :-) I must admit I do miss the pretty lights and snow! This looks lovely! Thanks for linking with #TheWeeklyPostcard

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  6. We are currently in New England and have had some teasing snow but not enough yet. Still feels like Christmas with all of the amazing decorations.

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    1. I have never spent the holidays in New England but I would like to at least once. But for my husband, not so much! Enjoy your holidays!

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  7. I grew up in the Pacific NW where there is seldom snow at Christmas time. I guess it's all in what you are used to. With all of the lights and decorations, things seemed festive. Now I'm in a more snowy place and although the snow is pretty, I wouldn't miss it if it was gone.

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    1. That's how my husband feels Vicki - he likes to ski so snow is helpful for that but he doesn't miss it on a daily basis! :) Thanks for stopping by!

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  8. Okay, that is just hilarious! Who wouldn't love snow in the warmth of a Florida evening. I love it.

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  9. Snow storm in Florida? Brrr! I love it cold at Christmas time though. It makes it more authentic. Thanks for joining #TheWeeklyPostcard.

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  10. I grew up in Houston which is also too warm for snow. I would have LOVED a faux snowstorm a la Naples when I was a kid. It's like the best of both worlds. What a great idea.

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    1. The kids I saw were pretty happy - even trying to make snowballs. By the way, Michele I've tried to comment the last few times on your blog and the comment wouldn't take. Just wanted to let you know. Thanks for visiting!

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  11. This looks fun! We live in San Diego so we don't have winter wonderland (which is fine with us). But, momentary snow like this is something we all enjoy too. The snow and the lights make it look more festive.

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