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.
This “fishy” Christmas tree ornament created by Keys artist Cindy Williams won top honors during a past Florida Keys Holiday Festival in Islamorada. (Photo by Andy Newman, Florida Keys News Bureau)
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.
Jump-start your holiday spirit by checking out some of the early December highlights — all spiced with an individualistic Florida Keys flair.
Now until Dec. 31: Key West Holiday Fest (Key West). Each year during the holiday season, a wide range of celebrations takes place throughout the island city. Highlights include the lighting of the Harbor Walk of Lights and Holiday Historic Inn Tours. And let’s not forget the Key West City Hometown Holiday Parade set for Dec. 2! Exuberant spirit and local flavor prevail with marching bands, school groups, colorful floats with decorations ranging from traditional to offbeat, and “elves” tossing candy to kids who line the parade route.
Dec. 1: Florida Keys Holiday Festival (Islamorada). Frolic in a 30-ton magical mountain of snow (yes, honest-to-goodness snow!) at Founders Park (mile marker 87) from 4-10 p.m. Watch the ceremonial lighting of a 35-foot-tall tree or bid on one-of-a-kind Keys-designed creations during the popular ornament auction. Inspired by the Burl Ives song, “Silver and Gold,” a themed parade will usher in Santa Claus amid food, drink, music and kids’ activities. Plus there’s a Santa Paws canine competition for dogs and owners, with awards for the best doggone holiday attire.
This lobster trap tree, proudly displayed outside a business on Stock Island, salutes the Keys’ seafaring heritage. Decorations include hundreds of lights and recycled trap buoys painted by Stock Island artists. (Photo by Katrina Zoe Norbom, Ocean Mountain Media)
Dec. 6: Pet Photos with Santa (Marathon). It’s not just human kids who deserve to get their pictures taken with Santa — so “fur kids” have their chance from 4-8 p.m. at Keys Animal Hospital. The heartwarming holiday event supports the medical and special needs for the shelter animals at the Florida Keys SPCA campus in Marathon. The photos are free, but contributions of pet food, toys, beds or financial donations are eagerly welcomed. Call 305-743-DOGS (6250).
Dec. 9: Keys Community Concert Band Holiday Concert (Key Largo). The family-friendly free-admission event, themed “Not So Frozen,” offers traditional and pops music performed by the beloved Keys Community Concert Band. Other attractions include sing-alongs, stories and Santa, as well as a children’s ballet troupe performance. The fun-filled event takes place at the Murray Nelson Government & Cultural Center at mile marker 102.
Dec. 8, 9, 10 and 15: Lighted Boat Parades. Remember I mentioned boat parades? Each year, boat owners and crews “deck the hulls” from Key West to Key Largo. Decorated and lighted boats — typically featuring everything from a grouchy green Grinch to Santa pulled by a team of dolphins — cruise Florida Keys waters and delight holiday revelers. The offerings include the Stock Island Lighted Boat Parade (Dec. 8) through community marinas, the Key Largo Boat Parade (Dec. 9) on Blackwater Sound around mile marker 104, the Key Colony Beach Boat Parade (Dec. 10) in the Middle Keys, and the Schooner Wharf Lighted Boat Parade (Dec. 15) that travels around the Key West Historic Seaport and harbor areas.
Naturally, these are only a few of the Florida Keys’ holiday happenings. In fact, next week we’ll explore some festivities later in December. Meanwhile, check out the full calendar of events here, and join me and other slightly holiday-crazed locals in enjoying any (or all!) of them.
