The City of Sanibel, in collaboration with the SanCap Chamber and local organizations, is set to begin a 13-month celebration of Sanibel Island’s 50th anniversary, marking its incorporation as a city in 1974. The festivities will kick off on November 5, 2024, the official incorporation date, with a series of exciting community events.
Event 1: Time Capsule Opening – November 5, 2024
The celebration begins on November 5 at 4 p.m. with a free Time Capsule Opening at City Hall, located at 800 Dunlop Road. Mayor Richard Johnson and the city council will preside over this historic event. The time capsule, buried decades ago, symbolizes Sanibel’s successful grassroots movement to establish home rule and prevent overdevelopment, leading to the creation of the environmentally conscious Sanibel Plan.
Event 2: Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony – November 30, 2024
The festivities continue with a Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 30 at 5 p.m. in Sanibel Community Park. This free event will include refreshments, and the lighting of a majestic 20-foot tree adorned with festive decorations that will stay on display through December.
Event 3: Sanibel Luminary Holiday Stroll – December 6, 2024
One of the island’s most beloved traditions, the Sanibel Luminary Holiday Stroll, will return on December 6 at 5:30 p.m. after a two-year hiatus. This special event will light up the island’s pathways with luminary candles, holiday lights, and feature treats, Santa photos, a live nativity scene, and musical entertainment. The following evening, Captiva Island will host its own Luminary Stroll on December 7.
Looking Ahead: A Year-Long Celebration
As Sanibel moves into its 50th year as a city, a series of special events will take place throughout 2025. Historical presentations, art shows, and annual traditions like the Shell Festival in March and Islands Night in May will be part of the celebrations, leading up to Luminary 2025 on December 5, 2025, which will cap the anniversary festivities.
For a full list of events, 50th-anniversary merchandise, and ways to support the celebration, visit 50YearsofSanibel.com.
