From lighted boats to a golf tournament to a tree festival and an outdoor concert, there’s plenty to put on your calendar this holiday season:
MIDDLE KEYS
• Christmas lights drive-through
Residents and passers-through of Marathon are invited to see the holiday light display at Marathon Community Park. The lights will stay up throughout the holiday season.
• Festival of Trees
Come see and bid on Zonta’s Festival of Trees Thursday to Saturday, Dec. 10-12 at Marathon Community Theatre. Hours are 3:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and from 9 a.m. to noon and 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday. Raffle tickets are $5 each, or 5 for $20. Guests can purchase them on site and then place them in the appropriate bucket for a chance at the raffle win. Winners will be announced at the conclusion of the Holiday Show (below). Guests will have their temperature taken, wear a mask, and follow a one-way route marked on the floor to observe the trees.
• Rotary golf tournament
Rotary Club of Marathon is hosting a four-person scramble on Saturday, Dec. 12 at the Florida Keys Country Club. The cost is $100 per player or $400 per team. The event includes breakfast and lunch for participants. Prizes for the hole-in-one contest include a “tricked out SUV” for first place and $10,000 for second place. Proceeds support the club’s scholarship fund for Marathon High School students.
• The Boot Key Harbor Christmas Lighted Boat Parade
The annual event is set to begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12. Find viewing on the waterfront of Boot Key Harbor. Prizes will be awarded for the best decorated boat in four divisions, and the grand prize winner receives $500.
• Outdoor dance performance and concert
Prodigy Dance Center will perform at 7 p.m. and Marathon Community Theater is putting on an outdoor concert on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7:45 p.m. at Marathon Community Park. Donations are encouraged and guests are advised to bring a chair or blanket to sit on at the amphitheater.
• Holiday Show
Seating is limited at Marathon Community Theatre’s “Holiday Show” on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 8:30 p.m. Parties will be seated in a socially distant manner. Tickets are $15 each, and going quick because of limited attendance.
• KCB Christmas Lighted Boat Parade
The Key Colony Beach Christmas Boat Parade will be held on Sunday, Dec. 13 starting at dusk. The parade will begin on the 7th Street canal and proceed along Sadowski Causeway through the west side canals, finishing up on the 10/11th St. canal. The entire Middle Keys community is encouraged to attend while observing all social distancing practices. Cash prizes will include $1,000 for Best Overall.
• Pop-up Christmas Market
The public is invited to a holiday bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 19 at Havana Jack’s on Key Colony Beach. The pop-up market runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• High Tea
Havana Jack’s is serving “holiday high tea” on Saturday, Dec. 19 and Sunday, Dec. 27 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Key Colony Beach. Tickets are $25 for adults or $17 for kids under 12.
• Santa cruises Marathon
Officials are planning details for Santa’s ride through Marathon on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24. There will be no stops this year, but an extended route.
UPPER KEYS
Pets and pina coladas
This year’s event is a little different due to the ongoing pandemic. The Keys Kritters Holiday Photo Booth will be open now through Dec. 24 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. People and their furry friends can stop by for a do-it-yourself photo opportunity. Those who can’t take advantage of the do-it-yourself option can schedule an appointment on Dec. 12 and 15 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Set an appointment by calling 786-281-6590. Hand sanitizer will be provided at the booth for safety. If you wish to receive a goody bag, they will be available inside the store for a $5 donation. More information on Keys Kritters’ Facebook page.
Lighted bike ride in Key Largo
The third annual Charity Lighted Bike Parade is set for Friday, Dec. 11 at 6:30 p.m. at Tropical Realty, MM 102, Key Largo. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office will lead the parade. The event raises funds to help Keys families and their children during Christmas.
Santa visits World Wide Sportsman
Stop by on Saturday, Dec. 12, and Sunday, Dec. 13, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to safely take a picture with Santa. Santa will be waiting at the back of the pillar to greet families and bring holiday cheer.
Toys for Tots Run
The Florida Keys Toys for Tots Fun run kicks off on Saturday , Dec. 12 beginning at The Florida Boy Bar & Grill and working its way north to OceanView Inn around 1 p.m. The Toys for Tots program collects new, unwrapped toys each year as Christmas presents to less fortunate children. More information at Florida Keys Toys for Tots Facebook page or floridakeys.toysfortots.org.
Key Largo boat parade
Boats decked in lights will illuminate Key Largo’s Blackwater Sound on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. Viewings from Sundowners, Big Chill and Marriott Resort. For more information visit keylargoboatparade.com
Shop, jingle and mingle
A pop-up market will go on from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13 at Cirque Salon of Key Largo, 101401 Overseas Highway. Shop, jingle and mingle as proceeds benefit Good Health Clinic.
Santa comes to Islamorada
Santa Claus comes to town from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13 in Islamorada. Visit Islamorada Fire Rescue’s Facebook page for the route. The last vehicle will collect any toy donations. Everyone is encouraged to refrain from gatherings outside of your immediate family.
