Christmas Parade

Hi Everyone : )

My adult daughter and I will be arriving in Key West the afternoon of Dec 6th. I understand that is the day of the christmas parade. Can anyone tell me what time it starts and does it travel down Duval?

I have been counting the days since I left in September. lol

Thanks for your help.

Debb

Christmas Parade

This isn%26#39;t me but it%26#39;s a good description.

Some say it just isn’t Christmas without the chilly temperatures and a little snow, but don’t tell that to the many onlookers who line Duval each year for the Holiday Christmas Parade! Now, don’t think Macy’s or any other parade you might have seen on television… this is Key West, the last resort… and for most, time stands still on this tiny island at the very end of the Florida Keys.

If you’re old enough to “think back,” you might remember with fondness the way Christmas used to be before it became so commercialized? You know, Moms and Dads lining the street with babes in arms just to see the High School Band marching down Main Street. If you add a few old-fashion Christmas lights along the street, a few carolers from one church or another and a few local dignitaries, you’ve pretty much got the picture for this Key West parade…a well-worn relic from the past, but absolutely irresistible.

Key West Holiday Parade

December 6, 2008

Where: Duval Street

Website: This is probably one of the few G-rated events on the island and it is so warm and fuzzy that it’s positively “bear-like!” Nothing wrong with that at Christmas and if a cold spell happens to be coming through, excited parade goers might even have the opportunity to pull out a sweater from deep inside their closets to offset the chilly 65 degrees! If not, every one will simply dress appropriately in the usual Key West costume-shorts, tank top and sandals.

Of course, there will be a float or two, that someone spent plenty of time decorating in the holiday spirit, and half the town will march along in… well, costumes… as marching bands fill the air with “O Little Town of Bethlehem” and “We Three Kings!” Every convertible in town will be put to good use ferrying people that “matter” down the street and it all happens before any child is meant to be in bed, fast asleep-really! And believe it or not, more than a few riders on horseback appear from somewhere (certainly NOT on the island) to add their equine charm to the festivity. Naturally food vendors are around to nourish all the hungry people lining the street and once the parade stops, anyone interested may participate in a variety of planned activities that definitely spread good cheer!

The parade gets going on December 6th just so you’ll have almost an entire month to enjoy the Christmas spirit that ensues! If you happen to be walking along Key West’s most famous street, Duval Street, at this hour, you’ll think you stepped into a time machine, as you travel back to a much simpler time, years ago…and that my friends is NOT a bad thing-it’s a very good thing, indeed…and in Key West, it’s practically unbelievable. Merry Christmas to ALL… Key West has had it right for a very long time!

Christmas Parade

Thanks for the great info KWT. I didn%26#39;t notice a time in all of that so I guess we%26#39;ll just wander over and check it out : ) We may have to hang around a bit and have a drink or two while we wait....darn!!! lol

I believe it starts around dusk or 6ish.

Thanks Arnie : ) That%26#39;s kinda what I was thinking too...or hoping...lol

Wear something with pockets...there will be lots of candy coming your way! :)

Limey

In Todays Paper -

The city is planning children’s holiday

events, and City Manager Jim

Scholl is encouraging everyone to

participate in the city’s time-honored

parade.

“This is truly a family time in our

city, and we expect to see a great turnout

at both the holiday parade and the

festival,” said Scholl.

The parade takes place Dec. 6 at 7

p.m., but the deadline for entries is

Friday. Holiday parade applications

and festival booth contracts are available

online at www.keywestcity.com.

For more information, or to submit an

application, call Maria Ratcliff at 305-

809-3881. The Holiday Festival will be

the next day, Dec. 7, from 1 to 5 p.m.,

at Bayview Park.

Kermits is *already* decorated for the holidays. At the end of William. Walk over there if you get a chance.

Pjk

Thanks guys, it will be just what I need to get in the holiday spirit. Well...a different holiday spirit. lol

One other thing. Even though I%26#39;m from here, having traveled the entire US, it is worth pointing out that the Key West Christmas parade is the CANDIEST parade I have ever seen or heard of.

Last year, people were still picking up candy a full week afterwards. And it%26#39;s good candy, too! It%26#39;s insane(ly fun) how SWEET a parade Key West does and has!

LOVE the KW Christmas Parade....I have been lucky enough to be there for 3 of them in past years. Everyone is right....a good old-fashioned parade with marching bands, floats and LOTS of candy. (can%26#39;t go this year, but we%26#39;re already planning for 2009)

single middle class parent