As the calendars flip to the final month of the year, Marathon’s community holiday events kick into high gear. From a lighthouse lighting to boat parades and winter wonderlands for the kids, Keys Weekly is proud to be your guide for this holiday season in town. Check out our listing of events below. And if we missed any, we want to know. Contact alex@keysweekly.com to spread the word about more holiday events in town.
Community Park Holiday Lights
When: Through New Year’s Eve
Where: Marathon Community Park, 200 36th St. Ocean, Marathon
Details: From now through New Year’s Eve, the City of Marathon Parks and Recreation community park holiday lights will come alive at dark. Come view the lighted flamingo and all of the other fun decorations.
Zonta Festival of Trees
When: Through Saturday, Dec. 4. Dec. 2: 3:30-8 p.m. Dec. 3: 3:30-9 p.m. (Contractor’s Association Christmas Party 7-9 p.m.). Dec. 4: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. (Cookies with Santa 10 a.m.-noon.)
Where: Marathon Community Theatre, 5101 Overseas Hwy., Marathon
Details: Stroll through the decorated Marathon Community Theatre to view all of the decorated trees. All of the trees are decorated and donated by local businesses, clubs, and individuals and are on display for your enjoyment. This is a fundraiser to benefit Zonta and further empower women and children through service. This is a free event with no charge for admission; just come and enjoy the event and purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win your favorite tree.
Santa and Mrs. Claus visit Coldwell Banker Schmitt
When: Friday, Dec. 3 at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co., 11050 Overseas Hwy., Marathon
Details: Santa Claus is coming to Coldwell Banker Schmitt! Come say “hi” to Santa. Free popcorn and gift bags will be provided for children.
St. Columba Christmas Bazaar
When: Saturday, Dec. 4, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: St. Columba Episcopal Church, 451 West 52nd St., Marathon
Details: This event will feature handmade items and ornaments for sale, as well as raffles and more.
Pet Photos with Santa and Dog Beach Party
When: Sunday, Dec. 5, 2 to 4 p.m.
Where: Courtyard by Marriott, 2146 Overseas Hwy., Marathon
Details: Bring your pets to meet Santa Claus. Donations accepted to benefit the Florida Keys SPCA.
Faro Blanco Annual Lighthouse Lighting
When: Sunday, Dec. 5, 3 – 6 p.m.
Where: Faro Blanco Marina, 1996 Overseas Hwy., Marathon
Details: Features holiday shopping along the Marina Walk Marketplace. There will be holiday music and dance performances, a silent auction, holiday buoy decorating, cotton candy, snow cones, hot chocolate and more, including a visit by Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Lights of San Pablo Catholic Church’s Gardens
When: Tuesday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. through Sunday, Jan. 9 – from dusk to 10 p.m.
Where: San Pablo Catholic Church, 550 122nd St. Ocean, Marathon
Details: A Marathon tradition, the lights of San Pablo Catholic Church’s gardens will return for most of December and the early part of January. Enjoy a leisurely walk through a beautifully lit outdoor garden with opportunities for reflection and prayer. Open to all.
“Home for the Holidays” – Marathon Community Theatre’s Holiday Show & Sing-Along Concert
When: Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 10 & 11, 8 p.m.
Where: Marathon Community Theatre, 5101 Overseas Hwy., Marathon
Details: Enjoy a family-friendly evening filled with cheer, joy and music at MCT’s annual holiday show and sing-along concert. The show will run one hour with no intermission and includes musical selections from the Island Harmony singers and the MCT Children’s Chorus as well as local church groups and singers. Be entertained by dancers from Prodigy Dance Center and the MCT Dance Department as they dance to classic holiday tunes. Doors will open at 7 p.m.; come in early and meet Santa before the show. Grab an eggnog, hot cocoa or a spiced wine at the MCT concessions bar and mingle with community friends and family. Masks are not required, but are strongly encouraged.
Winter Wonderland Dance Showcase
When: Saturday, Dec. 11, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Marathon Community Park Amphitheater
Details: Prodigy Dance Center and Island Groove Dance Studio present the Winter Wonderland Dance Showcase, a collaboration of performing arts within our community, to get into the holiday spirit. An event for the whole family to enjoy. Show starts at dusk. There is no entrance fee, and donations are greatly appreciated.
Key Colony Beach Christmas Boat Parade
When: Sunday, Dec. 12 at dusk
Where: Key Colony Beach
Details: The 2021 Christmas Boat Parade will start on the 7th Street canal along Sadowski Causeway and proceed through four adjacent canals in KCB. Spectators typically park along Sadowski Causeway or gather behind Key Colony Beach City Hall. Boats of all sizes and shapes are welcome to enter, and entry is free and open to all. Overnight docking for boat entries is available on Saturday and Sunday night upon request. Cash and gift certificate prizes will be awarded for Best in Parade, Best in Class, Brightest and Most Colorful, Most Creative, and Most Spirited Crew. To sign up, contact Ted Fischer (ted.fischer1@verizon.net, 302-841-9812) by Dec. 12 at 3 p.m.
Stanley Switlik Holiday Concert
When: Wednesday, Dec. 15, 6 p.m.
Where: Stanley Switlik Elementary Cafe
Details: Mark your calendars for Switlik’s annual holiday concert. The concert will feature K-5th grade performances as well as the Switlik Singers. Baked goods and treats will be on sale to benefit the Switlik Singers’ annual field trip.
Tropical Holiday Fun-Fest at Marathon Community Park
When: Thursday, Dec. 16, 5 to 9 p.m.
Where: Marathon Community Park
Details: Come out to the Marathon Community Park and enjoy a holiday event that is free for the whole family. It will include singing and dancing, games, bounce houses, a DJ, popcorn, hot dogs, a visit from Santa, and more.
Crane Point Winter Wonderland
When: Saturday, Dec. 18, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Crane Point Hammock, 5550 Overseas Hwy., Marathon
Details: Snow is in the forecast for Crane Point’s Winter Wonderland. This annual event will feature reindeer ponies, a chocolate fountain, hot chocolate, Santa stew, a visit from Santa Claus, and much much more.
Havana Jack’s Christmas Market
When: Saturday, Dec. 18, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Havana Jack’s Oceanside Restaurant & Bar, 401 E. Ocean Ave., KCB
Details: Come for an oceanfront lunch or cocktail and shop for your unique handcrafted Florida Keys Christmas gifts.
