Although there is no chill in the air, just like us Conchs and transplants like it, Christmas in the Keys welcomes the season in our own subtropical way, punctuating the first few weeks in December with fun events which run the gamut from festivals to sip-and-shops.
One such treasured event here in the Upper Keys for the past 22 years has been Pets & Piña Coladas, a celebration of pets and their humans, with Santa paying Keys Kritters pet shop a visit.
After a two-year hiatus, the popular Keys Kritters pet store in Key Largo continued its tradition of taking holiday photos with Santa as well as offering free frozen piña coladas and strawberry daiquiris, apropos for a Keys holiday. These frozen drinks were available sans alcohol as well, making this a family-friendly weekend.
Hundreds of leashed dogs, a few exotic pets and several cats attended this joyful staple of the Upper Keys community over the weekend. Framed between palm tree and Christmas tree, a few hundred pets – mostly dogs – and their families took a photo with Santa himself. The stunning, grayish-colored hairless cat wearing a leash was carried away as if he was used to photo shoots; his piercing green eyes looked ready for some serious after-paparazzi pampering.
Luckily, he was at the right place, as Keys Kritters was having a sale on all things Christmas, including its holiday-themed decorative pet cookies, chews, a wide array of cat and dog toys, collars, leashes, and costumes. Keys Kritters owner Robbie Majeska stated all Christmas-themed toys and treats will be on sale through Dec. 24.
The Majeska mom-and-daughter team welcome families and their pets to the 23rd annual Pets & Piña Coladas at Keys Kritters. CAROLYN DEPAULA/Keys Weekly 
This feline awaits a photo with Santa Claus. CAROLYN DEPAULA/Keys Weekly 
A sleeping kitten. CAROLYN DEPAULA/Keys Weekly 
Santa Claus visits Keys Kritters for the annual Pets & Piña Coladas Dec. 10-11. CAROLYN DEPAULA/Keys Weekly
