Village Open House – Luminary Stroll & Shop

The Village invites the public to join us during a FREE Open House from 3:00pm-5:00pm on Friday, December 5th. A Sanibel Cracker Christmas display highlights Cracker inspired decorations throughout the site. A merry group of volunteers will soon be trimming trees, wreaths, and garland to adorn Bailey’s General Store, Miss Charlotta’s Tea Room, School House, Shore Haven, Morning Glories Cottage, Post Office, Burnap Cottage, Village Entrance, and Pavilion. Stroll the Village to brighten your holiday spirit. The Holiday display continues through December.

The Village’s 2025 annual theme celebrates Florida Cracker Culture. Today “Cracker” is primarily used as a term of cultural identity and pride among people whose families have lived in Florida for many generations, especially those descended from early pioneers, cattlemen, and homesteaders. The name “Cracker” likely originated from the cracking sound of whips used by early Florida cattle herders as they drove cattle though the palmetto scrub.

Join us in our Shore Haven Welcome Center for cookies and punch, as well as the BIG ARTS Chorus and more! Find holiday presents in our Gift Shop. A unique gift is Sanibel’s Story: Voices and Images from Calusa to Incorporation by local author Betty Anholt. The Village funded the reprinting of this special book with the support of the City and in recognition of Sanibel’s 50th Anniversary. Betty will be with us to share Sanibel’s history.