Candles, Santa, live entertainment, open houses, and a brand-new Luminary Lager brew are all part of the 2021 Luminary Holiday Stroll on Sanibel Dec. 3 and 4.
It’s the 37th year for the event sponsored by the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce. “The business community is looking forward to opening doors again to residents and guests on this special weekend that has become synonymous with island holidays,” said John Lai, chamber president and chief executive officer. “It has been a celebrated occasion for so long that last year, despite all efforts to maintain merry momentum, traditional Luminary was sorely missed.”
As in years past, Sanibel Island will observe Luminary on Friday, Dec. 3, and Captiva Island on Saturday, Dec. 4, 5:30 to 9 p.m. both nights. Highlights of the festivities bring a live nativity scene to Sanibel and the well-loved golf cart parade to Captiva.
Last year, Luminary introduced fresh traditions that will continue this year. The tagline “Eat. Shop. Stay. Play,” specially created for the 2020 event, has become permanently woven into the fabric of chamber messaging. Also returning this year, limited-edition Luminary Lager will be on tap, brewed in partnership with Point Ybel Brewing Company.
“This year’s Luminary Lager is brewed as a German Vienna Lager,” said Point Ybel owner and brew-master Jordan Weisberg. “Light amber in color with a delicate biscuit aroma, it gets its delicious flavor from German Vienna malt. It’s light, crisp, and refreshing.”
Luminary Lager will be available for a limited time at the following locations: Casa Ybel Resort, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club, RC Otter’s, Tipsy Turtle, and Traditions on the Beach.
“We invite everyone to don their holiday garb and come out to greet neighbors and new friends in a revived atmosphere of fellowship,” said Lai. “Please, come eat, shop, stay, and play all weekend long. A huge thanks to our sponsors for helping us bring the celebration back in signature island style. More sponsors than ever stepped forward this year.”
“Luminary is an event that brings Sanibel residents, along with visiting guests, together with local businesses to celebrate the joy of the holiday season,” said Chris Davison, general manager of presenting sponsor Island Inn. “The Island Inn could not be prouder to be its presenting sponsor.”
Sponsors for 2021 Luminary Holiday Stroll include: Presenting Sponsor: Island Inn; Gold Sponsors: American Realty of Captiva, Bailey’s, Bank of the Islands, Coco Y Cabana, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, Pinocchio’s Original Italia Ice Cream, Sanibel Carts, Toys Ahoy, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank; Bronze Sponsors: BIG ARTS, Blue Giraffe Island Dining, The Grog Shop, Priscilla’s of Sanibel, St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church; Parking Lot Sponsors: Bailey’s, The Community House, Jerry’s Foods, Olde Sanibel Shoppes, Villages Shops, Periwinkle Place, Tahitian Gardens.