Beacon of Hope is gearing up for its 17th annual Holiday House, set for Dec. 4-6, 2026, at Tarpon Lodge in Bokeelia. The three-day fundraiser is the nonprofit's largest of the year, and organizers are once again promising a packed weekend of shopping, music, and a Santa arrival by fire boat.
A Fundraiser With Staying Power
The Holiday House has become something of an institution on Pine Island. According to the Pine Island Eagle, the event has grown from a 12th annual fundraiser back in 2021 to the 17th annual edition this year, having run as the 15th annual Holiday House in 2024 before becoming the 16th annual event last December. Beacon of Hope board member Elsie Stearns has led the Holiday House every year since it began, per the outlet's report.
Last year's turnout underscored just how much the event has grown. More than 600 people, probably about 650, attended across the three days of the 2025 Holiday House, the publication reported, describing the event as an incredible success. Proceeds from the fundraiser go directly to supporting Beacon of Hope's work, and Stearns has said the annual event supports the community and local businesses, according to the same report.
New Vendors, Returning Author, and a Hot Dog Grill
This year's Holiday House will feature new musicians and vendors alongside the return of author Marty Ambrose, the Eagle's reporting shows. The Matlacha Pine Island Fire Control District is set to cook hot dogs at the event, and a raffle table will include items from each participating vendor. Entry includes appetizers, and cash bars will be available while attendees shop, per the outlet's account.
Dinner reservations are also offered this year, and attendees are advised to book them early, the report notes. One auction highlight will be an original artwork piece by Mel Meo, painted for a dear friend in New Jersey; the piece was sent from a shop in New Jersey to Pine Island at the owner's request, according to the same account.
Family Day Brings Santa by Fire Boat
Sunday, Dec. 6, is designated family day at the Holiday House, with Santa and Mrs. Claus available for family photographs across all three event days. Santa is expected to arrive by fire boat at approximately 1:30 p.m. that Sunday, the outlet reported, with DJ Frankie providing music for children to dance with Santa. Children's crafts and activities round out the family-day programming.
Beacon of Hope describes its mission as helping our people excel, according to the Eagle's reporting. The organization is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, according to its own board of directors president's message, which also lists the charity's Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services registration number. The Holiday House will once again take place at Tarpon Lodge, located at 13771 Waterfront Drive in Bokeelia.
