Maybe it’s because the Florida Keys, the southernmost islands in the continental United States, have never experienced a traditional white Christmas. Or it might be simply because Keys residents love to celebrate special occasions.
The Stock Island Boat Parade celebrates the community’s working waterfront heritage.
But whatever the reason, despite our subtropical climate, we go a little overboard with our holiday decorations (if you’ve ever seen an inflatable 10-foot-tall reindeer perched atop a small houseboat, you’ll know what I mean) and throw ourselves gleefully into extended merrymaking.
In fact, from Key Largo to Key West, the December calendar is packed with events designed to spread seasonal cheer — including lighted boat parades featuring everything from kayaks to historic tall ships adorned with Christmas trees, multicolored lights and whatever other decorations their crews can dream up.
Rev up your holiday spirit by checking out one or more of the boat parades here — all spotlighting how we “deck the hulls” in the Florida Keys.
Friday, Dec. 13, 5:30 p.m.: Duck Key Christmas Boat Parade (Duck Key). Festively decorated boats of all types cruise the waters around Duck Key in this seasonal event presented by the Duck Key Fishing Club and Hawks Cay Resort, located at 61 Hawks Cay Blvd. Boats begin at Bimini Bridge in Indies Canal and proceed to the Angler and Ale grand stage at Hawks Cay.
Friday, Dec. 13, 7 p.m.: Stock Island Holiday Lighted Boat Parade (Stock Island). Decorated vessels ranging from dinghies and schooners to fishing boats and yachts stage a holiday cruise through the Stock Island waters around the Perry Hotel & Marina. The free-to-watch boat parade is presented by the Rotary Club of Key West and the Perry, with pre-parade activities beginning at 5:30 p.m. on the lawn at the Perry, 7001 Shrimp Road. Attractions include activities and treats for kids, a surprise snowfall, live entertainment and photos with Santa and the Grinch.
Sea creatures cavort in a past Key Largo Boat Parade.
Saturday, Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m.: Key Largo Boat Parade (Key Largo). Boats of all sizes show off festive decorations in a lively procession on Key Largo’s Blackwater Sound. Presented by the Key Largo Sunset Rotary Club, the parade is to be themed “Christmas in the Keys!” — and you can enjoy the fun from official viewing spots at Reefhouse Resort & Marina, Sundowners, Salty’s Bar & Grill, the Caribbean Club and Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill.
Saturday, Dec. 14, Dusk: Boot Key Harbor Christmas Boat Parade (Marathon). Everything from lighted and decorated dinghies to yachts cruise in the 28th annual Boot Key Harbor Christmas Boat Parade that’s open to all vessels. The festive parade begins at dusk and meanders past popular Boot Key Harbor waterfront restaurants.
Saturday, Dec. 14, 8 p.m.: Schooner Wharf Bar Lighted Boat Parade (Key West). Decorated dinghies, fishing craft, sailing vessels and classic tall ships light up the Key West Historic Seaport and harbor areas during the 33rd annual Schooner Wharf Bar Lighted Boat Parade. View the dozens of creatively bedecked vessels from the parade’s headquarters at the Schooner Wharf, 202 William St., and around the seaport’s harborwalk and docks. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. and feature a performance by the Bahama Village Music Program’s “House of Pan” steel drum band.
The Key Colony Beach boat parade sparks holiday spirit in the Middle Keys.
Sunday, Dec. 15, Dusk: Key Colony Beach Christmas Boat Parade (Marathon Area). Applaud vividly lit boats in the Middle Keys at the Key Colony Beach Christmas Boat Parade. Typically featuring boats of all shapes and sizes, the parade starts at the 7th Street canal and winds its way through canals and cuts. The best viewing spots include the Sadowski Causeway at mile marker 53.5 and the dock area behind city hall.
Saturday, Dec. 21, Dusk: Kiki’s Lighted Boat Parade and Drone Show (Lower Keys). All vessels are welcome to participate in this family-friendly Lower Keys event presented by Kiki’s Sandbar, located at 183 Barry Ave. on Little Torch Key. So celebrate the holidays by watching lighted and decorated craft promenade around Newfound Harbor in front of Kiki’s. A synchronized music and drone show and an appearance by Santa round out the seasonal merriment.
Of course, as well as boat parades, many other festive Florida Keys happenings are scheduled in December. Check out the full calendar of events here, and join me and other slightly holiday-crazed locals in enjoying them.
