GET YOUR CALENDARS OUT: DATES TO KNOW FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON IN MARATHON


After a week of extreme thankfulness and fervent American materialism, Thanksgiving has arrived, and it’s officially Christmas season in Marathon. There is much to keep everyone busy in the last month of the year in the heart of the Keys, which is a small island. You’re not alone if your calendar seems to be blank and your mind is racing; we’ve got you covered. Enjoy the best events of the most amazing season in the Middle Keys by tearing out this schedule and putting it on your refrigerator. Unless otherwise specified, almost all of the events on this list are free for the general public.

Images courtesy of Jerry Rojas, Sandra Lee Photography, and Alex Rickert.

BPW Sip and Shop MarathonWhen: Nov. 22, Friday, 6–9 p.m.Where: Faro Blanco Resort’s Lighthouse Grill Event LawnDetails: To kick off the holiday season, join BPW for shopping and socializing. This is a judgment-free place to shop for friends, family, or oneself. Cash bar, raffle prizes, and free entrance.

Garden Club Holiday Bazaar at MarathonWhen: Nov. 30, Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.Where: Garden Club MarathonDetails: Pre-owned holiday attire, decorations, and ornaments are on display at the yearly shopping bonanza. In addition, there will be a plant sale from the club nursery, lottery prizes, freshly baked Christmas delicacies, and a variety of merchants selling orchids and unusual holiday presents.

Lighting of Faro Blanco Marina’s LighthouseWhen: Nov. 30, Saturday, 6–8 p.m.Where: Marina Faro BlancoDetails: Enjoy a festive evening of lights, music, and celebration on the waterfront to start the holiday season in style. Enjoy dinner, live music, and a special visit from Santa to commemorate an annual tradition. At 6:30 p.m., live music and celebrations start, and at 7:00 p.m., the lighthouse will come to life.

Zonta Festival of TreesWhen: Tuesday, Dec. 3 through Sunday, Dec. 8Where: Marathon Garden ClubSpecifics: 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. On Wednesdays, from 5 to 7 p.m., there is a free professional photo with a green-screen backdrop. 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.

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Pet Photos with the GrinchWhen: Tuesday, Dec. 3, 4:30-6:30 p.m.Where: Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, 9141 Overseas Hwy.Specifics: 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 SchmittWhen: 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 BazaarWhen: Saturday, Dec. 7, 9 a.m. 1 p.m.Where: St. Columba Episcopal ChurchSpecifics: 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 LightsWhen: Saturday, Dec. 7 (estimated) through Monday, Jan. 6. Dusk to 9:30 each night.Where: San Pablo Catholic ChurchDetails: 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 LightingWhen: Sunday, Dec. 8, 6 p.m.Where: Havana Jack s Oceanside Restaurant and BarDetails: 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 SantaWhen: Wednesday, Dec. 11, 4 to 6:30 p.m.Where: Keys Animal HospitalDetails: 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 concertWhen: Wednesday, Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m.Where: San Pablo Catholic ChurchDetails: 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.

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Duck Key Christmas Boat ParadeWhen: Friday, Dec. 13 at duskWhere: Duck KeyDetails: 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 WonderlandWhen: Friday and Saturday, Dec. 13 and 14, 8 p.m.Where: Marathon Community TheatreDetails: 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 SantaConWhen: Saturday, Dec. 14, 1-6 p.m.Where: Keys Fisheries, Lighthouse Grill, Sunset Grille, Lazy Days South, Pigeon KeyDetails: 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 SpectacularWhen: Saturday, Dec. 14, 1-9 p.m.Where: Pigeon KeyDetails: 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 ParadeWhen: Saturday, Dec. 14 at duskWhere: Boot Key HarborDetails: 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 [email protected].

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Grassy Flats Full Moon PartyWhen: Saturday, Dec. 14, 6-11 p.m.Where: Grassy Flats Resort & Beach ClubDetails: 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 ParadeWhen: Sunday, Dec. 15 at duskWhere: Key Colony Beach 7th Street canalDetails: 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 ([email protected] 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. ColumbaWhen: Sunday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m.Where: St. Columba Episcopal ChurchDetails: 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 SantaWhen: Tuesday, Dec. 24 at duskWhere: 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.

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