The Christmas season is historically a wonderful time to visit the Florida Keys because many people stay home with their families and the islands are less crowded before “Season” kicks in.
From Key Largo to Key West the palm trees are lit and the festivities range from the traditional to the eclectic. The week after Christmas we start to see our population grow with “snowbirds” and tourists alike escaping the northern winters.
If you are considering visiting us during this Christmas holiday the following activities are going on and I have no doubt you will find something unique and wonderful this holiday season. Plan on bringing a light jacket or sweater as the breezes off the waters surrounding of the Keys can be a bit cool with temperatures ranging from 60-70 degrees during the nighttime hours.
December 1st - Key West Holiday Parade
The holiday season kicks off in Key West with a hometown parade with marching bands and floats. The parade begins at 7 pm and is made possible by local churches, civic organizations and businesses. For more information you can call (305) 809-3881
December 1st-January 31st “Florida Gold Cup Sailfish Championship” - Islamorada -The 2008 Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship is a combination of three of the premier sailfish events in the Florida Keys.
There are three events that comprise the Florida Keys Gold Cup. They include the Islamorada Sailfish Tournament November 29th thru December 2nd 2007, the Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament January 17th thru 29th 2008,and the Islamorada Fishing Clubs’ Sailfish Tournament on January 23rd and 24th 2008.
Each angler competes on an individual basis for the Championship Ring that includes bragging rights for the entire year. Teams compete for the coveted Gold Cup Trophy that is displayed at the Islamorada Fishing Club, headquarters for the final event. There are also team awards for second and third places. For more information go to The Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship website.
December 7th-Decenber 15th “Historic Lighted Inn Tours” - Key West - A couple of weeks before Christmas the Key West Innkeepers Association hosts tours every Friday and Saturday evening of the beautifully decorated historic inns of Key West. Key West is known for its historic inns and is brought to you by The Key West Innkeepers Association features 65 Inns, Guesthouses, B&B’s and Vacation Rentals. For information on available accommodations, visit keywestinns.com or contact the Key West Innkeepers Association toll-free at (800) 492-1911.
December 9th-Marathon Key, Boot Key Harbor Lighted Boat Parade
If you have never been to a lighted boat parade this is an event not to be missed. There are several in the Keys. Marathon’s Parade works its way through Boot Key Harbor and is best viewed from the waterfront along Sombrero Boulevard and the Boot Key Harbor bridge. This years’ event begins at 6 pm. For more information you can call (305) 743-5417 or email info@floridakeyschamber.com
December 9th - Big Pine Key, Winterfest Art & Music Festival
Big Pine Key hosts music by local entertainers, food, exhibits and booths for the holiday season. The event is will be held on the grounds of the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce MM 31 oceanside. For additional information you can call (305) 872-2411
December 15th-Key West Lighted Boat Parade
The Key West Lighted boat parade hosted by the Schooner Wharf Bar in old Key West will be held on December 15th. The parade makes its way through the Key West Harbor and the Historic Seaport. Best veiwing is from the boardwalk along the seaport, Schooner Wharf Bar, and the Ocean Key House pier. For more information call (305) 292-3302
December 15th-Key Largo, Florida Keys Community Concert Band Concert
The community band will be performing a holiday concert at the Key Largo Community Park. The park is located at MM 99.6 and will start at 4 pm. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket to enjoy this concert.
December 15th-Key Largo Holiday Boat Parade
Blackwater Sound is the place to be for the Key Largo lighted parade. The best viewing for this parade can be found at Sundowners, Senior Frijoles, The Marriott Key Largo Bay Resort and Caribbean Club. The parade begins after sundown and is another of those magical evenings for young and old alike. For more information call (305) 451-4502
December 18th - January 26th, Key West Red Barn Theatre
This is absolutely one of my favorite places in Key West. Hidden in a little alley off Duval St. in downtown Key West is this fantastic little theatre. Seating is limited and on a first come first served basis. Showing from December 18th - January 26th will be presenting the musical “Bark”, based on the book written by Gavin Geoffrey Dillard Directed by Joy Hawkins, following the lives of six dogs as they sing and dance through their lives. A beautiful tribute to mans best friend. For more information call (305) 296-9911
December 19th-January 12th, Key West Waterfront Playhouse
The Waterfront Playhouse, another gem of culture in Key West will be hosting the play “The Best Man”. Humor is on tap, presented at 8 pm at the Playhouse located in Mallory Square and Tiffs Lane most Tuesdays through Saturdays. Please inquire about the holiday schedule by calling (305) 294-5015
December 31st - Key Largo New Year’s Eve Fireworks Celebration
The Annual New Years Eve fireworks celebration will be held over the waters of Blackwater Sound. The best viewing for the festivities can be found at Sundowners, Senior Frijoles, The Marriott Key Largo Bay Resort and Caribbean Club. MM 103-104 on US1
December 31st - Key West New Year’s Eve Celebration
If you are further down the Keys, Key West will be hosting their annual New Year’s Eve Celebration. Duval St. is the place to be once again where Sloppy Joe’s will host the “Conch Shell Drop” at midnight. If you are after a bit more of a nautical theme you may want to see the decent of a pirate wench from the mast of the tall ship Liberty Clipper in the Historic Seaport.
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