Florida Keys Holiday Calendar and Events
December 2nd, 2007
Florida Keys, FL - Perhaps because the southernmost islands in the continental United States never have experienced a traditional white Christmas, or even a frost for that matter, businesses and organizations in the Florida Keys are extraordinarily enthusiastic to show their holiday spirit.
From Key Largo to Key West, the calendar is packed with events designed to spread holiday cheer — including a trio of festive lighted boat parades featuring vessels whose decorations range from traditional greenery to offbeat salutes to the season.
Listed here are some holiday highlights, all spiced with an individualistic Florida Keys flair.
Ongoing through Dec. 22 Holiday Photos with Santini (or another dolphin) at Dolphin Research Center (Marathon) Dolphin Research Center, mile marker (MM) 59 bayside on Grassy Key, presents holiday photo opportunities for families or groups of up to four, posing on a dock with one of the center’s Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. A $35 fee for the group, plus individual admission prices, covers the photo session and a high-resolution digital image provided on a disk. Sessions are available twice daily, morning and afternoon, on a walk-in basis only. Contact: (305) 289-1121, ext. 203.
Ongoing through Dec. 15 Just 4 Kids “Believe in Angels” Charity and Toy Drive (Key West) Buy an angel ornament for $75 to provide a bicycle to a needy Florida Keys child and honor a fallen soldier. Each ornament is to be engraved with the contributor’s name and the name of a recently fallen American soldier, placed on a “Christmas Tree of Lights” by the child picked to receive the bike at the Key West Bight Historic Seaport, and later mailed by the Pentagon to the soldier’s family with a thank-you card from the bike recipient. Donations of less than $75 are slated for the families of recently fallen Florida police officers. Contact: (305) 292-6873 or (305) 766-8322, to purchase an angel ornament, donate a toy to the Just 4 Kids toy drive or participate in a heartwarming “angel party.”
Throughout the holiday season Harbor Walk of Lights (Key West) The harbor walk along the Historic Seaport at Key West Bight is to be festively dressed for the holiday season with three natural Christmas trees — anchored by the “Christmas Tree of Lights” to support the Just 4 Kids “Believe in Angels” charity drive. Celebrate with Key West Bight holiday events, shop at unique island shops and galleries, and relax at waterfront restaurants and watering holes. Part of the Key West “Bight Before Christmas” holiday celebration, the festivities are presented by the Key West Bight Preservation Association. Contact: (305) 292-4768.
Through Sunday, Dec. 2 “Nutcracker Key West” (Key West) This island-flavored version of the classic holiday ballet features 17 professional dancers from around the U.S., talented Keys kids and characters and sets depicting Key West’s history and coral reef environment. All shows are staged at the Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901 College Road. Contact: (305) 296-1520.
Friday, Nov. 30, 4-10 p.m. Florida Keys Holiday Festival (Islamorada) A 35-foot holiday tree at Founders Park, MM 87 in Plantation Key, is just one treat in store at this holiday extravaganza of delicious food and fun. A holiday parade is to feature Santa, set to arrive on a sailing sloop towed by eight “beluga whales,” and a real snow mountain is to provide “winter” enjoyment for kids. Caroling, a holiday gift bazaar and a silent auction of one-of-a-kind ornaments decorated by local artists round out the festival. Contact: (305) 664-4503.
Saturday, Dec. 1, 7 p.m. Key West Holiday Parade (Key West) The island city shows its holiday spirit with this annual hometown parade. Featuring marching groups and motorized and non-motorized floats, the festive procession traditionally draws entries from churches, civic organizations, businesses and neighborhood and school groups. Starting at Truman Avenue and White Street, it proceeds down Truman to Duval, where it takes a right and proceeds to Eaton Street. Contact: Maria Ratcliff at (305) 809-3881.
Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 1-2, 9 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. A Lignumvitae Christmas (on Lignumvitae Key, Islamorada) It’s the late 19th century at the historic Matheson House. Handmade trimmings and homemade treats are to be on hand for visitors. Take the short boat ride from Robbie’s, MM 77.5 bayside, to enjoy a vintage tropical holiday. A $10 donation for adults or $5 for kids covers the round-trip boat ride and tour. Contact: (305) 664-2540 or Robbie’s at (305) 664-9814.
Sunday, Dec. 2, 1-5 p.m. Children’s Holiday Festival (Key West) A holiday wonderland for Keys kids at Bayview Park, Truman Avenue and Eisenhower Drive, features Santa and Mrs. Claus. Other attractions include food and game booths, and entertainment for children of all ages. Contact: Melissa Larmel at (305) 809-3882.
Sunday, Dec. 2, 5:30 p.m. Historic Holiday Candlewalk (Tavernier) It’s fun, educational and completely free. The candlelit stroll through historic downtown Tavernier lights up the evening and enlivens the spirit. Songbooks are provided to anyone wishing to join the carolers. Walkers are required to bring a flashlight to be decorated by the Candlewalk hosts. Meet in the Tavernier Hotel courtyard, MM 91.8 oceanside. Contact: (305) 451-8137.
Friday and Saturday, Dec. 7-8, 4-8 p.m. Santa by the Bight (Key West) Bring kids of all ages — and even pets — to get their pictures taken with Santa Claus on the Harbor Walk of Lights as part of the Key West “Bight Before Christmas” holiday celebration. Look for Santa in front of the Christmas tree at the Margaret Street plaza or William Street plaza on the harbor walk at Key West Bight. Professional photo prints are provided each evening by Key West Photo Crew — free with a donation to the Just 4 Kids toy drive or “Believe in Angels” charity drive. Attractions are to include seasonal music, free candy and holiday treats. Contact: (305) 292-6873 or (305) 766-8322.
Friday and Saturday, Dec. 7-8 and Dec.14-15, 6-8 p.m. Historic Lighted Inn Tours (Key West) Discover the holiday spirit and Key West’s architecture and history by touring five to six beautifully decorated historic inns each evening. Hosted by the Key West Innkeepers Association, the tours include culinary masterpieces by top island chefs and creative offerings by local artists, writers and performers. For tour cost and ticketing information, visit www.keywestinntour.com. Contact: (305) 295-1334.
Friday, Dec. 7, 6-9 p.m. Keys Fantasy Christmas Gala (Marathon) This festive event is an opening night gala for the 11th annual holiday exhibit “Keys Fantasy Christmas!” display of beautifully decorated Christmas trees. Sponsored by the Marathon Garden Club, the gala is open to the public with tickets priced at $45 per person. 5270 Overseas Highway, MM 50 bayside. Contact: (305) 743-4971 or www.keysy.com/mgc.
Saturday, Dec. 8, approximately 6 p.m. Eleventh Annual Boot Key Harbor Christmas Boat Parade (Marathon) This favorite local event is presented by BootKeyHarbor.com with support from Lighthouse Cay Club (formerly Sombrero Resort) located on Sombrero Boulevard off U.S. Highway 1 at mile marker (MM) 50 oceanside where judging, raffles, entertainment and award are to be presented. The parade begins at the west end of Boot Key Harbor and proceeds east to circle past Lighthouse Cay Club. Contact: Sam Nelson at (305) 743-4011.
Sunday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Winterfest 2007: Art & Music in a Natural Key (Big Pine Key) Experience the joys of art and music at Big Pine Key’s Winterfest 2007 at the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce, MM 31 oceanside. Highlights are to include live music by favorite local entertainers, exhibits and booths featuring the original work of artists and craftsmen, a kids’ corner, raffles of artwork and vendors offering food and beverages. Contact: (305) 872-2411.
Sunday, Dec. 9, 3 p.m. Southernmost Christmas Tree Celebration (Key West) Holiday revelers enjoy free conch chowder, then board Conch Tour Trains to proceed to the continental United States’ Southernmost Point to set up the Southernmost Christmas Tree at sunset overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The event is an annual community thank-you party presented by the Monroe Association for Retarded Citizens. 1401 Seminary St. Contact: (305) 294-9526.
Sunday, Dec. 9, 6 p.m. Key Colony Beach Lighted Boat Parade (Marathon area) Christmas lights on outriggers and displays on boat decks are part of the beautiful festivities at the Key Colony Beach Boat Parade, set to begin at the 7th Street canal. The parade route visits canals and cuts, and passes city hall three times. Great viewing spots include Sadowski Causeway at MM 53.5 and the area behind city hall. Contact: (305) 743-7214.
Dec. 10-29, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Marathon) 11th Annual Holiday Exhibit: “Keys Fantasy Christmas!” Celebrate the season by viewing a spectacular display of beautifully decorated Christmas trees. The exhibit is sponsored by the Marathon Garden Club and admission is free. 5270 Overseas Highway, MM 50 bayside. Contact: (305) 743-4971 or www.keysy.com/mgc.
Friday, Dec. 14, 5-9 p.m. Christmas Carol Concert and “Believe in Angels” Ceremony on the Harbor Walk of Lights (Key West) Live holiday music is to back the 5 p.m. culminating ceremony of the Just 4 Kids “ Believe in Angels” Charity Drive at the Key West Bight’s Greene Street plaza. Fifty kids are to place angel ornaments on the “Christmas Tree of Lights,” each one to honor a fallen American soldier, with a tree topper to honor fallen South Florida police officers. Scheduled events include a bell ceremony, a 21-gun salute and the release of 102 white doves — plus Santa’s arrival to give each participating child a new bike funded by the sale of the angel ornaments. Games for the kids, free cookies and eggnog, and Christmas carols by local entertainers round out the evening. Also, Just 4 Kids will set up a toy drive donation box to benefit other needy Keys kids. Contact: (305) 292-6873 or (305) 292-4768.
Saturday, Dec. 15, 8:30-10 a.m. Stand Up for Animals Holiday Mutt Strut Across Old Seven Mile Bridge (Marathon) Bring your own or borrow a shelter mutt (purebreds OK, too) to join the strut across the historic Old Seven Mile Bridge to Pigeon Key. Strutters are asked to get pledges to raise funds for Stand Up for Animals. Refreshments for dogs and their dates are to be served on Pigeon Key. A special appearance by the Grinch is scheduled, and dogs can have a photo taken with the Dr. Seuss character. Contact: (305) 743-3779.
Saturday, Dec. 15, Evening “Light up Lower Keys” Holiday Decoration Contest Judging (Lower Keys) This contest encourages holiday-lovers from Sugarloaf Key to Big Pine Key to adorn their homes and businesses with festive decorations. Prizes are to be awarded following the judging. The holiday happening is presented by the “News Barometer,” Fast Action Marine and Keys Engine Service. Contact: Steve Estes of the “News Barometer” at (305) 872-0106.
Saturday, Dec. 15, 4 p.m. Pops in the Park Family Holiday Concert (Key Largo) The Keys Community Concert Band is to perform a free “Sounds of the Season” concert at Key Largo Park on Laguana Avenue. Turn off U.S. Highway 1 at MM 99.6, oceanside. Holiday favorites are to highlight the afternoon entertainment. Performances are outdoors; no chairs are provided. Contact: (305) 451-4530.
Saturday, Dec. 15, 8 p.m. Schooner Wharf Bar/Captain Morgan Lighted Boat Parade (Key West) Lighted and decorated vessels, from rowboats to tall ships, proceed around Key West’s Historic Seaport and harbor areas. Prior to the boat parade, at 6:00 p.m., the Gerald Adams Elementary School Steel Your Heart Band will welcome spectators with songs of the season. Spectators can watch and applaud from bars, restaurants and resorts in and around the Historic Seaport. Contact: Evalena or Sheree at (305) 292-3302.
Saturday, Dec. 15, 8 p.m. Holiday Boat Parade on Blackwater Sound (Key Largo) Decorations, music and animations are to entertain holiday celebrants during the holiday boat parade on Blackwater Sound. Best viewing and libations are to be found at Sundowners, Senior Frijoles, the Marriott Key Largo Bay Resort and Caribbean Club, all near MM 103-104. Contact: (305) 451-4502.
Sunday, Dec. 16, 6 p.m. Marathon Community Theater Holiday Concert (Marathon) The live Christmas concert is the theater’s gift to the community. It’s always a special evening and, because there’s no admission charge, seats go fast. Contact: (305) 743-0408.
Saturday, Dec. 22, 4 p.m. Pops in the Park Family Holiday Concert (Plantation Key, Islamorada) The Keys Community Concert Band is to perform a free “Sounds of the Season” concert at Founders Park, MM 87 on Plantation Key. Holiday favorites are to highlight the afternoon entertainment. Performances are outdoors; no chairs are provided. Contact: (305) 451-4530.
Wednesday, Dec. 26 Kwanzaa Celebration (Key West) Presented by the Bahama Conch Community Land Trust, the island city’s Kwanzaa incorporates activities celebrating family-oriented values. Dec. 26 events, honoring Umoja or unity, are tentatively set for Key West’s Truman Waterfront property. Contact: For time and location, call (305) 294-0884 or visit www.bahamaconchclt.org.
Friday and Saturday, Dec. 28-29, 5-8 p.m. Holiday House Tours (Key West) Presented by the Old Island Restoration Foundation, the annual self-guided tours showcase five festively dressed Key West homes and gardens including Key West’s Oldest House & Garden at 322 Duval St. Proceeds benefit the Old Island Restoration Foundation’s museums, collection and education, grant and scholarship programs. Tickets with maps to the featured homes are $25 per person, available one week before the tours at the Oldest House & Garden, TIB Bank at 330 Whitehead St. and 3618 N. Roosevelt Blvd. or during the tour at any featured home. Contact: (305) 294-9501 or visit www.oirf.org.
Monday, Dec. 31, just before midnight Key West New Year’s Eve Celebrations (Key West) The Southernmost City celebrates New Year’s Eve with a “conch shell drop” at Sloppy Joe’s Bar, 201 Duval St.; the descent of a super-sized red high heel shoe carrying drag queen Sushi at the Bourbon Street Pub/New Orleans House complex, 724 Duval St.; and the descent of a pirate wench from the top of the mast of the tall ship Liberty Clipper in the island city’s Historic Seaport. Contact: (305) 296-2388, ext. 121, regarding Sloppy Joe’s conch shell drop; (305) 293-9800 regarding the high heel drop; (305) 292-3302 regarding the descent of the pirate wench.
Monday, Dec. 31, midnight New Year’s Eve Fireworks on Blackwater Sound (Key Largo) The back bay in Key Largo is to be the setting for the annual New Year’s Eve fireworks extravaganza hosted by bayside restaurants Sundowners, Senior Frijoles, Cactus Jacks, Gus’ Grille at the Marriott Key Largo Beach Resort and the Caribbean Club, all located around mile marker 103-104. Tables fill up fast, so arrive early. Contact: (305) 451-4502.
Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2008, 12:30 a.m. Kwanzaa Celebration (Key West) Presented by the Bahama Conch Community Land Trust, the island city’s Kwanzaa incorporates activities celebrating family-oriented values. The New Year is to begin with a “Thunder from Down Under” Junkanoo parade proceeding from Bill Butler Park, Poorhouse Lane and Windsor Lane, to the Coral City Elks Lodge at 1107 Whitehead St. Contact: (305) 294-0884 or www.bahamaconchclt.org.
Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2008, 8 a.m. Village New Year’s Day Celebration (Islamorada) The annual 5k Run, Walk and Crawl is slated to start at 8 a.m. Jan. 1 at Founders Park, MM 87 bayside in Islamorada. For the less athletically minded, a day of festivities follows with the blessing of the fleet at Whale Harbor Bridge, a skate competition and jam, and a birthday party for Islamorada, the Village of Islands. Contact: (305) 853-1685.
For more information about the Florida Keys & Key West, including a complete schedule of December 2007 events, explore www.fla-keys.com or, in the U.S. and Canada, call toll-free 1-800-FLA-KEYS (800-352-5397).
