33rd Annual Schooner Wharf Bar/Absolut Vodka Lighted Boat Parade

DECK THE HULLS!!!
December 14. 2024

2024 Lighted Boat Parade Winners


 

The holiday season in Key West is decidedly different than it is in northern climes. 33rd Annual Schooner Wharf Bar/Absolut Vodka Lighted Boat Parade --- set to sail into our southernmost city's Key West Bight and Harbor on December 14th at 8:00pm. For Key West and the Florida Keys, it's a tropical tribute to the season and a big family affair. Parade participants and spectators on the docks watching the parade feel as if they are part of one big family.

The parade starts at 8 p.m. Saturday, but the family fun begins at 6 p.m. along the brilliantly decorated Harbor Walk, while the Bahama Village Music Program "House of Pan" steel band chimes in with Caribbean, calypso Christmas carols to please the crowds along the warm winter waterfront. The festivities continue with the island vibe of sound of steel pans. Get your holiday Caribbean on with reggae, soca and calypso!

There are scores of delightfully decorated motor and sailing vessels that compete for bragging rights and there are boatloads of prizes with a Free Raffle. The prizes are guaranteed to spur our local creative seafarers to reach their artistic peaks. Long hours go into crafting inventive designs and stringing garlands and icicle lights from bow to stern.

Vessels have ranged from a kayak with battery-powered lights, to fishing vessels, to classic schooners. Past winners have included dolphins jumping in and out of the water, as well as manatees, pelicans, sea horses, and other island creatures. Look for palm trees - not spruce, fir or pine - aboard the holiday vessels.

And don't forget the conch shells, this is the Conch Republic after all. Add a sprinkling of the Grinch, spinning ornaments, dancing gingerbread men, and you have the makings of a Key West maritime holiday tradition.

Entries brings Santa's sleigh directly to the judges' stand at Schooner Wharf Bar. And why not? Along with a traditional ham dinner, hot apple jack, eggnog and other seasonal libations are available to toast the holiday while watching for jolly old Saint Nick to climb up the fireplace on a mast (as did one winning entry's boat).

Children will delight in the chance to catch candy and beads thrown to spectators from ships' decks, while viewers of all ages will admire the creativity of light displays and cheer for their favorite vessels.

A starry night, a festive crowd and thousands of twinkling lights climbing heavenward from the sea�that's Key West's way of saying "Happy Holidays!" So join in spreading the spirit where mistletoe hangs from the mast and strings of lights adorn the riggings: at the 33rd Annual Schooner Wharf Bar & Galley Lighted Boat Parade.

Video credit Chris Sloan
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2024 Registration Form

Christmas Holiday events and celebrations in Key West Florida
 

Angels Just 4 Kids
Its Just 4 Kids, a charitable organization with lots of dedicated volunteers,
is located right here on our beautiful island of Key West, Florida.



Get here on the Key West Express
 

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2004 Results | 2005 Results | 2006 Results | 2007 Results | 2008 Results | 2009 Results | 2010 Results | 2011 Results | 2012 Results | 2013 Results and Boat Photos | 2013 Awards Ceremony Results and  Photos | 2014 Results & Boat Photos | 2015 Results & Boat Photos | 2016 Lighted Boat Parade Awards/Results | 2016 Lighted Boat Parade Winners and Boat Photos | 2017 Lighted Boat Parade Winners and Photos | 2018 Lighted Boat Parade Winners | 2019 Lighted Boat Parade Winners | 2021 Lighted Boat Parade Winners | 2022 Lighted Boat Parade Winners | 2023 Lighted Boat Parade Winners | 2024 Lighted Boat Parade Winners
 

For more information, do not hesitate to call Evalena or Sheree at 292-9520

MEDIA: Contact Barbara K. Wright at 305-296-7182 for more information