Florida Keys Waters Light Up During Holiday Boat Parades
Boatloads of fun for onshore spectators and participants alike!

Posted Monday, November 19, 2012

 

The Key Colony lighted boat parade. Photo: Key Colony Beach Community Association

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FLORIDA KEYS — Boat parades are planned throughout the Florida Keys, featuring decorated vessels large and small. From Key Largo to Key West, they will illuminate the waterways and enliven the Keys’ holiday season.

Visitors can view the processions from shore or excursion boat, or even deck out their own craft in lavish lights and greenery and become part of the merriment.

Saturday, Dec. 8, 7 p.m.
Key Largo Boat Parade (Key Largo)
Blackwater Sound is to shimmer as decorated boats parade along the shoreline in a celebration of the holiday season themed "Deck the Hulls." New this year is a create-your-own-theme contest where the top entrant wins a prize and his or her 2012 theme becomes the overall theme of 2013 parade. The best viewing and libations are to be found at Sundowners, Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill, Senor Frijoles, the Marriott Key Largo Bay Resort and Caribbean Club, all at mile markers (MM) 103-104. The parade is free to enter; one grand-prize winner and one randomly selected lucky boat are to receive $500 each. Contact: 305-394-3736 or visit www.keylargoboatparade.com.

Saturday, Dec. 8, 5 p.m.
Boot Key Harbor Lighted Christmas Boat Parade (Marathon)
At this favorite Middle Keys holiday event, dinghies, mega-yachts and vessels in between cruise the harbor in a sparkling procession. Best viewing sites include Lazy Days South, Marathon Marina, Sombrero Dockside Lounge and Burdine’s Waterfront, around MM 47-50. Contact: www.bootkeyharbor.com/christmas_parade.htm.

Sunday, Dec. 9, 6 p.m. (dusk)
Key Colony Beach Lighted Boat Parade (Marathon area)
Christmas lights on outriggers, Santa’s elves and brightly lit deck displays highlight the festivities during the Key Colony Beach Boat Parade, set to begin at the 7th Street canal. The parade is open to all boats and the route visits canals and cuts, and passes city hall three times. Great viewing spots include Sadowski Causeway at MM 53.5 and the dock area behind city hall and the post office. The public is welcome. An after-party with awards for captains and crews is to be held at Key Colony Inn with a free buffet and cash bar. Contact: 305-743-7214 or visit http://kcbca.org/kcbca-events/holiday-lighted-boat-parade/.

Saturday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m.
Lower Keys Lighted Boat Parade (Lower Florida Keys)
All boats are welcome to enter the parade including deep-sea cruisers, dinghies, kayaks and canoes. Santa and Mrs. Claus are expected to arrive and hand out candy to the kids. The best recommended viewing is from Pine Channel Causeway or Parrotdise Waterfront Bar & Grille, 183 Barry Ave. on Little Torch Key. Contact: Steve at 305-923-5370 or bigpinenews@aol.com.

Saturday, Dec. 15, 8 p.m.
Schooner Wharf Bar & Galley/Ultimat Vodka Lighted Boat Parade (Key West)
Tiny rowboats, tall ships and everything in between proceed around Key West's Historic Seaport and harbor areas. Before the 22nd annual boat parade, at 6 p.m., Gerald Adams Elementary School’s Steel Your Heart Band will welcome spectators with songs of the season, followed by the popular family band, The Doerfels. Holiday revelers can watch and applaud from bars, restaurants and resorts in and around the Historic Seaport. Contact: 305-292-3302 or www.schoonerwharf.com/12boatparade.htm.