Happy Tuesday, Naples. In today’s edition: Record-setting Naples gala season, Maria Shriver luncheon, Naples Snow Fest, and more.

Let’s get to it — Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Philanthropy takes center stage: Naples’ 2024-25 gala season set records, with 30 events raising over $47.5 million. In 2025, Naples Winter Wine Festival topped $34 million for Naples Children Foundation, surpassing the Met Gala — get all the details.

Turning nature into art: Naples artist Tamara Broker transforms queen palm pods into sea life, inspired by scuba dives. She stabilizes pods with metal, uses recycled paint, and delights crowds at regional shows — learn how pods become art.

From sketch to startup: Dr. Steven Goldberg’s stemless shoulder implant has streamlined surgeries by 20 to 30 steps and has attracted $2.7 million from Tamiami Angel Funds, as Catalyst OrthoScience products reach 14,700 procedures — read the full story.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Scams are rampant: My step-dad recently got a call from someone pretending to be his grandson, all beat up and asking for bail money. They knew his grandson’s name, how old he is, and what city he lives in. How? Data brokers. They sell your info to anyone willing to pay for it (yup… anyone). Incogni removes your info from all of those sites so scammers can’t use it against you. Cyber Monday discounts are available all week — check ’em out here.

Highlights this week

• Experience Naples Christmas Walk and tree lighting
• Join Naples Out of the Darkness Walk
• Play in snow at Naples Snow Fest
• Experience exotic supercars at Mercato
• Cheer on the Broad Street Christmas Parade
• Need new windows? Check out RBA’s latest deals

🫶 We got your back

Luminaries share life journeys: NextGen Speaker Series returns to Naples in 2026, kicking off Jan. 21 with former Lockheed Martin CEO Marillyn Hewson, then Jay and Patty Baker in February and NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace in March. The invitation-only luncheons pair networking with candid Q&As for rising Southwest Florida leaders. Invitations can be requested. Learn how you can attend.

A stylish new chapter: Old Vines Supper Club has leveled up, recently moving into a larger, sleeker home at the Galleria Shoppes at Vanderbilt with a full bar, outdoor seating, and a chic lounge for walk-ins. Expect seasonal tasting menus with smart wine pairings. Bonus: its Sip Twice – Pay Once happy hour runs 2:30 to 6 p.m. through Dec. 8. Get all the details.

Serious burrito cravings? Head to Paulita’s Taqueria for warm, generous burritos you can customize to your liking. Fresh ingredients, no weird additives, just big flavors that hit the spot. One bite, and you’ll thank yourself; dinner indecision is officially over.

An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.

Wellness on easy mode: Most probiotics don’t work because they dissolve too early. Seed’s double capsule design means all the right stuff gets delivered to all the right places… at the right time. After decades of gut issues, it’s one of the few things that’s actually helped. Their Daily Essentials Duo covers nutrient gaps and supports everyday health + it’s 40% off right now so it’s a great time to give it a try.

📆 Around town this week

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

This week

📚 Beyond the Bookshelf Luncheon @ Grey Oaks Country Club | Thursday (12/4) at 12:00pm – Swap your inbox for linen napkins at Grey Oaks, where Maria Shriver digs into resilience, literacy, and big dreams over a luncheon. It benefits Grace Place, with cocktails, a silent auction, lunch, keynote, and a book signing, because doing good pairs nicely with company.

🌙 Moon Walk: Nights in Nature @ Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center | Thursday (12/4) at 5:00pm – Full moon calls for Rookery Bay after dark, with a biologist leading you through the boardwalk to meet bats, frogs, and all the charming weirdos of the night. It runs October through May, so grab your curiosity, a little bug spray, and embrace the hush.

🎁 Gifted! A Holiday Party & Boutique @ Naples Woman’s Club | Thursday (12/4) at 5:30pm – Start with a ticketed cocktail mingle, with wine, appetizers, seasonal tunes, and vendors slinging actually giftable stuff. Then the boutique opens to everyone with even more booths, so you can shop, sip, and pretend it counts as getting into the spirit.

🎨 Nature Collage @ Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center | Friday (12/5) at 9:30am – Get your hands sandy at this Rookery Bay art class where local artist Monique Olsen guides you through painting, collage, and layering shells, leaves, sand, and feathers. No experience needed, just a love of nature. Bring a friend, call it therapy, Gulf Coast edition.

💎 Buddha Mama Fine Jewelry Trunk Show @ Marissa Collections | Friday (12/5) at 10:00am – Swing by Marissa Collections for a Buddha Mama trunk show that pairs serious sparkle with a meaningful backstory. Handmade pieces inspired by Buddhism, rooted in a kitchen-table fundraiser for a Buddhist center, and now carried around the world. Try on intention, upgrade date night conversation.

This weekend

❄️ Naples Snow Fest! @ Paradise Coast Sports Complex | Saturday (12/6) at 3:00pm – Snow in Naples means one thing, the county’s Snow Fest, since ’85, returns to Paradise Coast Sports Complex with real snow in 80-degree weather, slides, and a movie. Let the kids run wild in bounce houses while you call this winter getaway, Santa included.

🎄 Marco Island Christmas Tree Lighting @ Veterans Community Park | Saturday (12/6) at 6:00pm – If you like your holiday spirit with palm trees, twinkle lights, and zero windchill, this free island tradition is your night. Veterans Park fills fast, so bring a chair, grab a patch of grass, and enjoy live music, performances, food, and the tree lighting.

🚤 Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade @ North Matanzas Pass | Saturday (12/6) at 6:00pm – Whether you’re dockside or aboard, the Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade brings lights, inflatables, and a fierce fight for the People’s Choice Award. Watching is free, registration’s open if you want to enter your boat for a small fee, plus priceless bragging rights.

🎄 Naples Holly Jolly Cart Parade @ Innovation Preparatory Academy of Naples | Saturday (12/6) at 6:30pm – Naples is rolling out the Holly Jolly Cart Parade, a festive golf cart procession hosted by the Collier County Sheriff, free to watch, with food trucks, music, and prizes. Bring a chair and cheer, or register, trailer your cart, and try to outshine your neighbors.

🎺 Naples Concert Band @ Cambier Park | Sunday (12/7) at 2:00pm – Time to ring in the season with the Naples Concert Band and guest vocalist Steven Calakos, aka brass, carols, and catching up with neighbors without shouting at a bar. They have been serenading us for 50 years, still warm, still classy, and still community.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/2 Broadway Melodies & Holiday Memories @ South Regional Library – 6 pm
• 12/3 Little Women the Musical @ Kizzie Theater – 7:30 pm
• 12/4 A Very Buffet Christmas @ Mercato – 6:30 pm
• 12/5 13th Annual Golisano Children’s Hospital Fashion Show @ Hyatt Regency – 10:30 am
• 12/5 Stereo Riot @ Whiskey Park – 9 pm
• 12/12 Tuba Christmas @ Sugden Plaza – 6:30 pm
• 12/12 Ecstatic Chants: Mantra Music Experience @ Love Yoga Center – 7 pm
• 12/13 Femmes of Rock @ Center for Performing Arts Bonita Springs – 7:30 pm

🏠️ This house is wild

Listed by: Magdevys Rodriguez, PA (Coldwell Banker Realty)

Updated home in Golden Gate Estates on 2.27 acres, one lot off the canal for privacy and a serene backdrop. 4-bed, 2.5-bath, 2,504 sqft with a split plan, plus 3-car garage, 2018 metal roof, and circular drive.

A new custom pool and expansive sun deck anchor an oversized lanai. Inside, a Silestone kitchen with island and pull-out pantry pairs with tile throughout, tray ceilings, and a spa-style primary. 40 by 40 slab and metal pole barn handle RVs, boats, and big toys. No HOA, minutes to Great Wolf Lodge, Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park, Publix, and I-75.

Take a peek inside →