Where the Holidays Set Sail: Boat Parades of the Florida Keys
Throughout December in the Florida Keys, Santa often trades his sleigh for a schooner and swaps reindeer for dolphins, especially during the island chain’s festive lighted boat parades.
Communities from Key Largo to Key West illuminate waterways with brilliantly decorated vessels, from tall ships to playful skiffs decked out in creative, quirky holiday flair.
Visitors can soak up the Keys’ distinctive holiday spirit from waterfront hotspots and harbors, on parade watch cruises – or join the fun by festooning their own boats with twinkling lights and imaginative holiday décor.
Here’s a lineup of boat parades that promise sparkle, creativity, and island cheer for the holidays in the Florida Keys.
Key Largo
Key Largo Boat Parade
Saturday, Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m.
Boats of all sizes are to 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 themed “The Grinch in the Keys” to showcase the community’s lighthearted holiday spirit. Spectators can enjoy the fun from viewing spots including Sundowners – the location for the parade awards ceremony – along with Reefhouse Resort & Marina, the Caribbean Club and Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill. Mote Marine’s coral nursery at Reefhouse is offering advance tickets for $5 for reserved viewing spots. The parade ends with a sparkling fireworks display.
Islamorada
Deck the Hulls at Papa Joe’s Waterfront
Saturday, Dec. 20, 6:30 p.m.
Watch lighted boats parade past Papa Joe’s Waterfront restaurant, each decorated with the theme “Favorite Christmas Movie.” There’s free entry for decorated boats under 30 feet and lots of viewing space along the lawn, at the Tiki Bar and from the inside dining area, plus free food for kids.
Marathon
Duck Key Christmas Boat Parade
Friday, Dec. 12, 5:30 p.m.
Festively decorated boats of all types are to 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. Angler and Ale restaurant is the place to be for viewing and after-parade activities, including a Party on the Promenade with live music from 7 to 9:30 p.m. and an after-party gathering the restaurant. The parade kicks off a weekend of celebration in honor of the reopening of Duck Key Marina.
Boot Key Harbor Christmas Boat Parade
Saturday, Dec. 13, 5 p.m.
Everything from lighted and decorated dinghies to yachts will cruise in the 29th annual Boot Key Harbor Christmas Boat Parade that’s open to all vessels, with proceeds benefiting the Presents in Paradise charity. The festive parade begins at dusk and meanders past popular Boot Key Harbor waterfront restaurants. Parade awards and the after-party take place at Dockside, 35 Sombrero Blvd.
Key Colony Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Sunday, Dec. 14, 5 p.m.
Spectators can applaud vividly lighted boats at the Key Colony Beach Christmas Boat Parade. Typically featuring boats of all shapes and sizes, the parade winds its way through the community’s canals and cuts. Public viewing is available along the Sadowski Causeway.
Key West & The Lower Keys
Schooner Wharf Bar Lighted Boat Parade
Saturday, Dec. 13, 8 p.m.
Decorated dinghies, fishing craft, sailing vessels and classic tall ships light up the Key West Historic Seaport and harbor areas during the 34th annual Schooner Wharf Bar Lighted Boat Parade. Spectators can view the dozens of creatively bedecked vessels from the parade’s headquarters at Schooner Wharf, 202 William St. where the judges stand is located, and around the seaport’s harbor walk 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.
Stock Island Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
Sunday, Dec. 14, 6:30 p.m.
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 with a carnival at 3 p.m. on the lawn at the hotel, located at 7001 Shrimp Road, followed by the lighted parade at 6:30 p.m. The fun includes holiday activities and treats for kids, live entertainment, photos ops and even snow!
Kiki’s Holiday Boat Parade
Saturday, Dec. 20
All vessels are welcome to participate in this family-friendly Lower Keys event presented by Kiki’s Sandbar, located at 183 Barry Ave. (mile marker 28.5) on Little Torch Key. Revelers of all ages — and even their canine companions — can watch the lighted and decorated craft promenade along the waterfront in front of Kiki’s. On land, enjoy mechanical reindeer rides, a snow blowing machine and live music by Stormfront.
