It’s an island tradition that dates back almost two decades. More than 100,000 holiday lights in musical synchronicity. The colorful lighting of a majestic, 30-foot Christmas tree at the threshold to the Gulf of Mexico. Live holiday music. A spectacular fireworks show on the beach. Laser lights. Even real snow falling from the palm trees. All attending by a thousand or more holiday loving folks — grandparents, parents, children and grandkids.

And get this: it’s all yours to enjoy free.

Yes, it’s the annual ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa Tree Lighting Celebration, when the Official Beach Resort of Captiva Island — and its parent corporation, Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts — extends a hearty and heart-felt thank you to all of our guests, past and present, local and from around the world. After the day’s festivities, be sure to reserve dinner via OpenTable at Old Captiva House here or Crow’s Nest Bar & Grille here.

Here’s another bonus: book your Thanksgiving weekend at any Sanibel Captiva Beach Resort — ‘Tween Waters, West Wind Island Resort, Beachview Cottages, Castaways Cottages or Sanibel Captiva Island Vacation Rentals — and you’ll gain special access to this one-of-a-kind event you won’t want to miss. Choose your resort, choose your beach and choose your style here — then book direct for guaranteed lowest rates, no resort fees, a $100 Resort Rewards coupon book, 20 free services and amenities and (oh yes), memories to last a lifetime.