SANTA’S COMING TO MARATHON: SEE THE BIG MAN ON CHRISTMAS EVE AT THESE CARAVAN STOPS

a fire truck with lights on driving down a road
Chauffeured by Marathon Fire Rescue, Santa greets eager onlookers in the Middle Keys on Christmas Eve in 2024. The big man takes his annual ride again this year on Dec. 24, beginning in Grassy Key at 6 p.m. CONTRIBUTED

Young ones in Marathon looking to get an advance meet-and-greet with Santa Claus on Christmas Eve can keep their eyes peeled for the flashing lights of Marathon Fire Rescue. The North Pole’s man in charge will roll through town on one of Marathon’s fire engines for his annual holiday caravan on Dec. 24, with timed stops according to the schedule here. Don’t hold the big man to exact times, as reindeer are known to get tired and need breaks along the way.

6 p.m. Jolly Roger RV Resort (Drive-thru; Santa only)
6:15 p.m. Morton Street / Guava Avenue – (Stop)
6:25 p.m. Morton Street / Kyle Avenue – (Stop)
6:40 p.m. Curry Hammock State Park – (Drive-thru)
6:50 p.m. Coco Plum Drive / Avenue C – (Stop)
7:05 p.m. Key Colony Beach City Hall – (Milk & cookies stop)
7:25 p.m. Fairfield Inn – (Drive-thru only)
7:30 p.m. Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co. – (Stop)
7:45 p.m. Intersection of Shark Drive & Harbor Drive – (Stop)
8 p.m. Winn Dixie / Surf Style Plaza – (Stop)
8:15 p.m. Crystal Cove – (Drive-by)
8:20 p.m. 41st Street & Louisa Street – (Drive-by)
8:35 p.m. Knights Key – (No stop, turnaround point)
8:55 p.m. U.S. 1 & 15th Street – (Stop)
9:05 p.m. Sombrero Boulevard / Copa D Oro – (Stop)
9:10 p.m. Sombrero Beach city beach house – (Stop)