Key West Real Estate: Holiday Boat Parades Light up the Keys

The holiday season is in full swing with plenty of festivals, local artisan bazaars, and parties. There is one thing that many of us look forward to every year in December, which celebrates not only the holidays, but also a big part of life in the Florida Keys-boat parades. Every year, we have several parades you can catch with lit up boats bringing a festive touch to our waterways. For a wonderful way to spend some time with family and friends and get into the holiday spirit, check out one or more of the following holiday boat parades this month.

Key West has the Schooner Warf Bar Annual Lighted Boat Parade. Coming up Saturday December 12^th at 8:00 pm, you will see a variety of vessels, from tall ships to rowboats, all lighting up the night around the Historic Seaport and harbor areas. This parade has been running for 24 years now, and includes a contest for the most creative displays.

Key Largo has its own show on the 12^th as well with the HolidayLighted Boat Parade at Blackwater Sound. Beginning at 7:30 pm, you will see kayaks, yachts, and more all lit up for your enjoyment. Some key viewing spots include Sundowners, the Marriott Key Largo Bay Resort, and Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill. There is even a big party afterward to celebrate the winning boat entries at Sundowners.

The parades continue on December 12^th in Marathon with the 19^th annual BootKey Harbor Lighted Christmas Boat Parade. This parade begins just after sunset, around 6:00 pm, with boats ranging from small dinghies to large yachts and everything in between glittering with twinkling lights. The parade travels along the 3 miles of the harbor and back out again with a celebration party and judging results at Lazy Days South restaurant and bar.

KeyColony Beach has its Light Boat Parade on Sunday, December 13^thwith brightly lit outriggers and boat decks traveling through the canals and cuts around Key Colony. There will be three passes around the City Hall as well. The parade begins at dusk, and is sponsored in part by the Key Colony Fishing and Boating Club. The dock along city hall and the post office offer great view points.

Head down to the Lower Keys on December 19^th for the Pine Channel Causeway Parade. The lit up vessels will include canoes, dinghies, deep sea cruisers, and kayaks. An extra special treat for the kids will be Santa and Mrs. Clause who will be on hand to give out candy. Kiki Sandbar on Torch Key is said to have the best viewing. The parade begins at 7:00 pm.

I hope you have the chance to check out our holiday boat parades this month; they are truly a beautiful sight to behold. If you are visiting here for the holidays, this should be a part of your Florida Keys bucket list. If you already live here, you know just how festive these parades can be. Whatever you choose to do for the holidays, I hope you and your family have a safe and happy season.

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