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Florida Keys offer a lot for this Christmas and holiday season

By Brian Miller

KEY LARGO, FL - DECEMBER 23: In this handout image, Spencer Slate, dressed as Santa Claus, is towed by an underwater scooter around the Christ of the Deep statue December 23, 2003 in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary which is located approximately four miles off Key Largo, Florida. Slate, a Key Largo dive shop owner, surprised his customers with the Santa costume as a pre-Christmas treat. (Photo by Bob Care via Getty Images)
KEY LARGO, FL - DECEMBER 23: In this handout image, Spencer Slate, dressed as Santa Claus, is towed by an underwater scooter around the Christ of the Deep statue December 23, 2003 in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary which is located approximately four miles off Key Largo, Florida. Slate, a Key Largo dive shop owner, surprised his customers with the Santa costume as a pre-Christmas treat. (Photo by Bob Care via Getty Images) /
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The Florida Keys is a great place to visit during the holidays.

South Florida and the Florida Keys may not come to mind when you think of Christmas but it can offer a warm reprieve from the traditional season.

In a week, I will be knee-deep or rather head under the water deep in the waters off the Florida Keys. My trip this year will not be a sole focus on football but instead the holiday seasons along with the chain islands that form the Florida Keys.

While snorkeling is an absolute must for any trip to the Keys, this year, it’s about the seasonal fun that the keys have to offer. While I’m not there yet, you may be heading down before me so here are some fun things to look for this holiday season.

Key West has a lot of lights and tram tours to take you around to see them.

The lights are only a part of the festivities in Florida and let’s be honest, lights can be seen in any community in the United States. On December 14th, the annual boat parade of lights will take place and that is pretty cool to see these in one of Key West’s biggest events. The parade has judges, and there are prized handed out to the winners in a variety of categories. The event will sometimes draw thousands of visitors.

On Mallory Square, drop in on select days and let the little ones meet and greet the big man himself. Santa Claus will be keeping his distance of course but what a great way to see him take in some much-needed R&R before the big day!

Big Pine Key Golf Cart Christmas Parade.

On Saturday, December 15th, Big Pine Key will hold their annual golf cart Christmas parade. The lit golf carts provide a unique tropical holiday experience that isn’t quite as snowy as parades in the north.

Need some decorations? Stop by The Stocking Factory located on Overseas Highway in Big Pine Key. From Christmas stockings to ornaments, you can feel a bit more festive! Visit their website as well.

Many festivities will be changed due to the COVID situation and dates remain in fluctuation but no matter what area of the Keys you are heading to, you should have no problem finding a traditional and tropical holiday. I’ll let you know what I see when I get there.

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