Incredible as it may seem, the 2024 holidays are sneaking up fast. And in the Florida Keys, they’re celebrated with festivities that range from traditional to eccentric — with, of course, a unique island twist.
The star of the holiday spectacle in Key Largo is the beautifully lit 45-foot-tall tree dubbed “Holly.”
Despite the Keys’ subtropical climate and lack of wintry weather, residents tend to throw themselves gleefully into extended merrymaking. This week, “Keys Voices” explores some of the creative, colorful and heartwarming events in the Upper and Middle Keys that are designed to spark smiles and seasonal cheer.
Nov. 23: Light Up Key Largo. Kick off the holiday season at Light Up Key Largo, an annual celebration sponsored by the Key Largo Community Preservation Foundation. The family-friendly event features train rides, holiday vendors, games, food, treats, festive music, caroling and an appearance by Santa. Activities are set for 4-8 p.m., with the lighting of “Holly,” Key Largo’s 45-foot holiday tree, scheduled for just after dark at the Murray E. Nelson Government and Cultural Center, mile marker 102. Parking is available at Key Largo School with free shuttle service provided.
Dec. 3-8: Zonta’s Festival of Trees. The Zonta Club of Marathon, a women’s service organization, offers a free-admission display of decorated trees at its 14th annual Festival of Trees at Marathon Garden Club, 5270 Overseas Highway. View and bid to purchase decorated trees from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 3:30-10 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday. Kids can enjoy cookies with Santa and the Grinch Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. Raffle tickets can be purchased for a chance to win a tree, with the drawing for all trees at 8 p.m. Dec. 7.
Festivities at Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park include tours of the historic caretaker’s house.
Dec. 6: Islamorada Holiday Fest. Kids can frolic on a 30-ton snow mountain during the 20th annual Holiday Fest, set for 4-10 p.m. on the Great Lawn at Founders Park, mile marker 87 bayside in Islamorada. Families can view the 6 p.m. lighting of a 35-foot-tall tree with snow blowing through its branches, enjoy holiday treats from Santa’s Sweet Shoppe, bid on Keys-crafted ornaments by 50 local artists during an online auction, shop at the Holiday Gift Bazaar and enjoy live performances. New this year is the Publix Holiday Sweet Shoppe featuring gourmet desserts, holiday cookies and seasonal giveaways. A variety of savory food will also be available. The holiday parade kicks off at 7:30 p.m. with Santa, antique cars, bands and floats.
Dec. 7: Lignumvitae Christmas. Discover Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at a holiday event presented by the Friends of the Islamorada Area State Parks. Attractions include guided nature hikes, tours of the island park’s century-old caretaker’s home, storytelling presentations by historian and author Brad Bertelli, 1930s-era games, seasonal live music and an arts and crafts station. Lunch is available for a donation. Tickets include roundtrip ferry transportation to the park from Robbie’s Marina, 77522 Overseas Highway in Islamorada. Advance reservations and ticketing are required.
The holidays are celebrated with great enthusiasm in the Keys — even by the feline population!
Dec. 13-14: Pigeon Key Holiday Spectacular. The holiday season comes alive at Pigeon Key, the 5-acre island that lies beneath Marathon’s Old Seven Mile Bridge, with a VIP viewing of the island’s holiday decorations Friday, Dec. 13. Saturday, the “Polar Express” begins running at 1 p.m., with trips throughout the day and into the evening. Families can spend a full day on Pigeon Key enjoying marine science activities, holiday food and drinks, guided tours, holiday-themed movies on the big screen, Santa encounters and snow. Admission is $5 for walkers and bikers. Tickets to ride the Polar Express are $10 in advance or $15 the day of the event. Call 305-743-5999 for information.
Dec. 14-15: Lighted Boat Parades. Festively decorated boats are set to cruise the waters in the Upper and Middle Keys, creating dazzling holiday spectacles. For details of the Key Largo Boat Parade on Blackwater Sound, themed “Christmas in the Keys” (Dec. 14), visit keylargoboatparade.com. For the Key Colony Beach Christmas Boat Parade (Dec. 15), call 518-859-5662.
While a handful of the Upper and Middle Keys’ holiday highlights are outlined here, many more events are scheduled throughout the fun-loving island chain. For a full roster of festivities and other happenings, just click.
