Santa Claus will tour through the Upper Keys this weekend ahead of his busiest day of the year on Dec. 25. Families can bring their children and pets for photos with the big man in red at Keys Kritters in Key Largo. At Harry Harris Park, tykes can bring their list of wishes to Santa and meet local fire rescuers. Santa will finish his weekend visiting Islamorada neighborhoods to meet community members, as first responders collect unwrapped gifts for a local kids toy drive.
Pet pictures with Santa
Keys Kritters in Key Largo (MM 100.5) is hosting Santa Claus on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14-15 for the annual Pets & Piña Coladas. Bring the family and your furry friends for a picture with the big man between 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. A $5 donation gets you a Keys-style photo with Santa, a goodie bag for your pet and a piña colada.
Saint Nick stops at Harry Harris Park
Monroe County Fire Rescue, Monroe County Parks & Beaches and Friends of Parks and Beaches invite the public to get a picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus and meet local firefighters on Sunday, Dec. 15 from 10 a.m. to noon at Harry Harris Park in Tavernier. The first 100 children will receive a goodie bag, and there will also be candy canes and fire truck tours in addition to meeting with the “big guy” himself.
“We are excited to have Monroe County Fire Rescue bring Santa and Mrs. Claus to visit the fabulous Florida Keys for all of the local children to enjoy,” said Monroe County Parks and Beaches Director John Allen. “This is a new tradition we started last year, and it was a wonderful, fun turnout for all who came to the park.”
Islamorada Fire Rescue guides the sleigh
Santa will visit a number of neighborhoods in the village as Islamorada firefighters transport his sleigh on Sunday, Dec. 15. Organized by the Islamorada Firefighters’ Benevolent Association and Islamoada Fire Rescue, Santa and carolers will depart from Station 20 on Lower Matecumbe Key at 5:10 p.m. His final stop will be on Bee Street on Plantation Key at about 9:19 p.m. Scan the QR code or visit Islamorada Fire Rescue on Facebook for the full list of stops through Islamorada.
Fire rescuers will be collecting unwrapped toys during the stops as part of a local drive for kids in need.
