In the Florida Keys, the holidays are celebrated with festivities that range from traditional to eccentric — with a unique island twist. Despite the lack of typical “winter” weather, people throw themselves gleefully into extended merrymaking. Discover some of the Upper and Middle Keys’ creative, colorful and heartwarming events sure to spark seasonal cheer.
Audiences can discover the Florida Keys’ seafaring heritage, coral reef environment and holiday spirit during eight performances of “Nutcracker Key West.” Debuting Dec. 5, the production gives the classic ballet a unique twist, transforming the well-loved tale of a young girl’s dream into a celebration of Key West’s culture, traditions and underwater wonders.
The Hogfish Bar & Grill, a funky Keys-style emporium overlooking the water at Stock Island’s Safe Harbour Marina, has long been popular with locals and visitors – including Jimmy Buffett. Fans of the iconic spot can celebrate its 22nd anniversary Nov. 30 with a free concert starring some of the late Buffett's musical colleagues.
Spencer Slate, who owns Captain Slate’s SCUBA Adventures in the Upper Florida Keys, grew up watching television’s iconic “Sea Hunt” and today believes every diver is an ecologist. Inducted into the International SCUBA Diving Hall of Fame in 2004, he encourages people to be watch-keepers who help preserve and protect the world’s oceans.
For Florida Keys foodies, Oct. 15 rivals a national holiday in importance. Why? Because that marks the opening of the annual stone crab season. The orange-red, pale yellow and black stone crab claws contain a sweet, tender meat that’s among the Keys’ most popular delicacies — and they're served at restaurants around the island chain.
Each year, thousands of people head to Key West for the Fantasy Fest celebration, eager to don exotic masks and costumes and escape their real-world cares in a whirl of revelry. Set for Oct. 18-27, the festivities include lavish costume competitions, street fairs, masquerade parties, unparalleled creativity and the dazzling Fantasy Fest Parade.
In difficult times, it’s calming to recall places that engender a sense of peace — such as the majestic "Christ of the Deep" statue, installed in the waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary in 1965. The 9-foot bronze has become an iconic symbol of Key Largo's John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
One of Florida Keys’ greatest “natural resources” is the friendly, easygoing people who make the region their home — charterboat captains, artists, restaurateurs, animal rescuers, attractions operators, musicians and more. By seeking local residents’ insights and recommendations for unique new adventures, visitors can begin to sample the authentic lifestyle of the colorful, magical islands.
Dee Dee Vaughan Smause, co-founder of Plant a Million Corals with her parents, Dr. Dave Vaughan and Donna Vaughan, is passionately committed to restoring coral reefs and preserving the Florida Keys’ marine biodiversity. She finds great satisfaction in sharing Plant a Million Corals’ message of hope and seeing how it resonates with people.
With every lyric he sings and every chord he strums, Howard Livingston communicates his passion for the Florida Keys and the island chain’s lifestyle — a deep-rooted passion that, many years ago, inspired the dissatisfied Chicago manufacturing company owner to become a carefree, fulfilled musician who lives on the water in the Lower Keys.