Florida Keys Kicks Off the Holiday Season this Weekend

Mountain of Snow at Islamorada's Holiday Festival

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While it may still be in the high 70s, the Florida Keys kicks off the holidays with as much gusto (or even more so) than their northern pals. From a snow mountain to boat parades and beautifully lit historic inns, here are the events you can look forward to this weekend.

Friday, Dec. 7, 4-10 p.m. Islamorada’s Eighth Annual Holiday Festival: Local kids wait with great anticipation each year for the 20-ton mountain of snow at Founders Park (mile marker 87). The event also features a tree-lighting ceremony, holiday parade with floats and Santa Paws Pet Parade. 

Friday, Dec. 7 and 14, 6-9 p.m. Key West Holiday Historic Inn Tour: Enjoy the history and architecture of beautifully decorated inns, as well as holiday refreshments from Key West restaurants and Opici Wine.

Saturday, Dec. 8, 5 p.m. Boot Key Harbor Lighted Christmas Boat Parade: In Marathon, the best viewing sites include Lazy Days South, Marathon Marina, Sombrero Dockside Lounge and Burdine's Waterfront (mile markers 47-50).

Saturday, Dec. 8, 7 p.m. Key Largo Boat Parade: The best views of  this Deck the Hulls parade are along Blackwater Sound (mile markers 103-104), including Sundowners, Jimmy Johnson's Big Chill, Senor Frijoles, the Marriott Key Largo Bay Resort and Caribbean Club.

Saturday, Dec. 8, 7 p.m. Key West Holiday Parade: The island city shows its holiday spirit with this annual hometown parade, starting at Truman Avenue and White Street.

Sunday, Dec. 9, 6 p.m. Key Colony Beach Lighted Boat Parade: Begins at the 7th Street canal with great viewing spots at the Sadowski Causeway (mile marker 53.5) and the docks behind city hall and the post office. 

Tags: family | Florida Keys | Holiday | Islamorada | Key Largo | Key West | Marathon