Thanksgiving is somehow upon us, and after we make it through a week of supreme gratitude and rabid American consumerism, it’s truly the holiday season in Marathon. For a tiny island, the heart of the Keys has plenty to keep everyone occupied in the final month of the year. If it feels like your head is spinning and your calendar is blacked out, you’re not alone – and we have you covered. Tear this schedule out, stick it on your fridge, and enjoy the best events of the most wonderful time of year in the Middle Keys. Nearly all events listed here are free to the community, with ticket prices noted otherwise.
Photos by Alex Rickert, Sandra Lee Photography and Jerry Rojas.
BPW Marathon Sip and Shop
When: Friday, Nov. 22, 6-9 p.m.
Where: Lighthouse Grill Event Lawn at Faro Blanco Resort
Details: Join BPW for mingling and shopping to kick-start the holiday season. Shop for friends, family or yourself – no judgment here. Free admission, cash bar and raffle prizes.
Marathon Garden Club Holiday Bazaar
When: Saturday, Nov. 30, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Marathon Garden Club
Details: The annual shopping extravaganza features gently-used holiday wear, decor and ornaments. There will also be raffle items, fresh holiday baked goods, a plant sale from the club nursery and numerous vendors offering orchids and unique holiday gifts.
Lighting of the Lighthouse at Faro Blanco Marina
When: Saturday, Nov. 30, 6-8 p.m.
Where: Faro Blanco Marina
Details: Kick off the holiday season in style with a waterfront evening of lights, music and festive cheer. Celebrate an annual tradition with dinner, live music and a special appearance from Santa. Live music and festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. and the lighthouse will come to life at 7.
Zonta Festival of Trees
When: Tuesday, Dec. 3 through Sunday, Dec. 8
Where: Marathon Garden Club
Details: Come check out Marathon’s most creative display of eclectic Christmas trees and enter to win your favorite. Viewing hours are 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 3:30 to 10 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday. Wednesday features a complimentary professional photo with a green-screen background from 5 to 7 p.m. Come by on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon for cookies with Santa and the Grinch, with the winning tickets drawn at 8 p.m.
Pet Photos with the Grinch
When: Tuesday, Dec. 3, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Where: Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, 9141 Overseas Hwy.
Details: Have your pet strike a pose with the Grinch and receive an everlasting Who-tastic picture. The event is a donation drive for the Florida Keys SPCA; donations are accepted in the form of cash, pet food, toys and bedding. Please have pets leashed or in a kennel at all times.
Santa Claus Comes to Coldwell Banker Schmitt
When: Friday, Dec. 6, 5:30 p.m.
Where: 11050 Overseas Hwy.
Details: Come say hello to Santa Claus for a photo opportunity as he and Mrs. Claus visit Coldwell Banker Schmitt in Marathon. Free gift bags are available for children.
St. Columba’s Christmas Bazaar
When: Saturday, Dec. 7, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: St. Columba Episcopal Church
Details: Welcome to St. Columba’s winter wonderland. Enjoy food and drink while shopping for tons of Christmas decor and gits, homemade baked goods, hand crafted items and more offered by vendors. A sneak peek Friday night pre-sale is from 5 to 7 p.m. for just $5, including refreshments.
San Pablo Church’s Christmas Lights
When: Saturday, Dec. 7 (estimated) through Monday, Jan. 6. Dusk to 9:30 each night.
Where: San Pablo Catholic Church
Details: Take a stroll through the gardens of San Pablo Catholic Church and witness one of Marathon’s most iconic signs of the season with opportunities for reflection and prayer. All are welcome.
Havana Jack’s Christmas Tree Lighting
When: Sunday, Dec. 8, 6 p.m.
Where: Havana Jack’s Oceanside Restaurant and Bar
Details: Join Havana Jack’s for the restaurant’s annual Christmas tree lighting. Fun starts at 6 p.m. with the tree lighting at 7 p.m. Listen to the sounds of Johnny Live and wear your ugliest Christmas sweater for a chance to win prizes.
Pet Photos with Santa
When: Wednesday, Dec. 11, 4 to 6:30 p.m.
Where: Keys Animal Hospital
Details: Join Santa and the staff of Keys Animal Hospital for a beloved holiday tradition. The event is a donation drive for multiple local animal charities; donations are accepted in the form of cash, pet food, toys and bedding. Please have pets leashed or in a kennel at all times.
‘A Christmas Celebration’ concert
When: Wednesday, Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m.
Where: San Pablo Catholic Church
Details: The Keys Chamber Orchestra and Lower Keys Community Choir will present a series of concerts in early December. “A Christmas Celebration” includes a collection of music and lessons to celebrate the season. A goodwill offering will be taken, and admission is free.
Duck Key Christmas Boat Parade
When: Friday, Dec. 13 at dusk
Where: Duck Key
Details: Join Hawks Cay and the Duck Key Fishing Club for the third annual Duck Key Christmas boat parade. A parade of lighted boats will begin at Angler & Ale restaurant and process through the Indies canal before boats make a U-turn at the Seaview Drive bridge and return. Join a post-parade in-water raft-up and on-shore afterparty and awards ceremony at Angler and Ale. Proceeds will benefit the U.S. Coast Guard Station Marathon.
Marathon Community Theatre’s annual holiday show: Sunny Wonderland
When: Friday and Saturday, Dec. 13 and 14, 8 p.m.
Where: Marathon Community Theatre
Details: MCT proudly presents its annual holiday show and sing-along concert. Join the crew for fun, laughter and a sing-along. The family-friendly show will run for one hour and include numerous group and individual musical, vocal and dance performances. Doors open at 7 p.m., so come early and grab a hot cocoa, wine, beer or champagne at the concessions bar. Tickets are $12 including fees and available at www.marathontheater.org.
7 Mile SantaCon
When: Saturday, Dec. 14, 1-6 p.m.
Where: Keys Fisheries, Lighthouse Grill, Sunset Grille, Lazy Days South, Pigeon Key
Details: Put on your best Santa suit (elves, Christmas trees and other holiday characters count too) and join by land or by sea for Marathon’s first-ever SantaCon. A poker run will take you to four waterfront restaurants around Marathon for cocktails before making your way to Pigeon Key for a final card drawing. A $50 ticket buys your poker card, one complimentary cocktail at each poker stop and entrance to Pigeon Key’s holiday spectacular. Note: Participants may not visit Pigeon Key by boat. More information is at https://floridakeysmarathon.com/7-mile-santa-con/.
Pigeon Key Holiday Spectacular
When: Saturday, Dec. 14, 1-9 p.m.
Where: Pigeon Key
Details: Marathon’s favorite historic island will be turned into a holiday wonderland. Meet Santa, enjoy delicious food and drinks, take part in marine science activities, watch holiday-themed movies on the big screen, partake in fun activities for kids and adults, and enjoy the SNOW in the forecast. Entry is $5 for walkers or bikers or $10 to ride the Pigeon Key Polar Express. More information is at pigeonkey.net.
Boot Key Harbor Christmas Boat Parade
When: Saturday, Dec. 14 at dusk
Where: Boot Key Harbor
Details: The Boot Key Harbor boat parade will return on its traditional second Saturday of December. Exact parade route through the harbor TBA. Boats interested in participating may contact organizer Ilene Clark at 561-542-2727 or by email at iclark317@comcast.net.
Grassy Flats Full Moon Party
When: Saturday, Dec. 14, 6-11 p.m.
Where: Grassy Flats Resort & Beach Club
Details: Join the crew at Grassy Flats for a full moon celebration. The party features live music, fire dancers, food and drink specials, a Junkanoo parade and more. A happy hour kicks things off from 4 to 6 p.m. with one free drink ticket included with admission before 6 p.m. Presale tickets are $25 and day-of passes are $35. Locals can purchase $10 tickets at the door with a valid Marathon ID. Visit grassyflats.com/event-details/full-moon-party to buy tickets.
Key Colony Beach Christmas Boat Parade
When: Sunday, Dec. 15 at dusk
Where: Key Colony Beach 7th Street canal
Details: The KCB Fishing and Boating Club and KCB Community Association present the city’s annual lighted boat parade. Boats of all sizes and shapes are welcome to enter the parade for free. Awards and prizes are available for the best vessels in multiple categories. To sign up, contact Steve DeCrow (sed6420@gmail.com or 518-859-5662) by Dec. 14. Overnight docking is available for participating boats on Saturday and Sunday nights upon request.
Handel’s Messiah at St. Columba
When: Sunday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m.
Where: St. Columba Episcopal Church
Details: St. Columba’s Keyswide choir will come together with renowned local musicians to perform a Christmas masterpiece. Join the church for this free concert.
Christmas Eve Parade with Santa
When: Tuesday, Dec. 24 at dusk
Where: Streets of Marathon & Key Colony Beach (exact stops TBA)
Details: Santa will make his annual travels through the streets of Marathon to visit all the city’s good boys and girls on Christmas Eve. Stay tuned for announcements of exact stops by the city of Marathon.
ARE WE MISSING ANY? Let us know by emailing alex@keysweekly.com
