2015 Holiday Events In The Florida Keys

FLORIDA KEYS -- The spirit of the holiday season comes alive in the Florida Keys & Key West with festive events and functions spreading cheer in the island chain's subtropical climate. From Key Largo to Key West, the calendar is packed with events designed to celebrate the holiday spirit. 

Listed here are some highlights, all spiced with a traditional Keys flair.

Nov. 25 – Dec. 20: Key West Holiday Fest. Key West. A wide range of seasonal celebrations include the Nov. 25 lighting of the Harbor Walk of Lights along the Historic Seaport at the Key West Bight, tours of historic decorated inns, a lighted parade and more. Events are to be hosted by the Lodging Association of the Florida Keys & Key West. For a complete schedule of events, visitwww.keywestholidayfest.com. 

Nov. 28: Big Pine & the Lower Keys Island Art Festival. Big Pine & the Lower Keys. Highlights of this holiday event include live music by local entertainers, food, exhibits and booths featuring locally produced arts and crafts. Festivities traditionally take place on the grounds of the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce, mile marker (MM) 31 oceanside. Visit www.lowerkeyschamber.com or call 305-872-2411.

Nov. 28: Light Up Key Largo. Key Largo. Sponsored by the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce, holiday happenings with live music, decorations, food and drinks are to spark the seasonal spirit. The annual tree lighting is to be held at the Murray E. Nelson Government Center and Key Largo Cultural Center, MM 102. Eggnog, caroling and an appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus are virtually guaranteed to put everyone in a festive mood. The event starts at 6 p.m. Visitwww.keylargochamber.com or call 305-451-1414. 

Dec. 3-6: Hot Pink Holidays. Key West. Sponsored by the Key West Business Guild, this LGBT holiday event is full of festive activities as well as special retail opportunities on the island. Events include holiday lights tours, a hometown holiday parade experience and Christmas caroling. Visit www.hotpinkholidays.org or call 305-294-4603. 

Dec. 4: Florida Keys Holiday Festival. Islamorada. This extravaganza begins with a tree-lighting ceremony at Founders Park, MM 87. Attractions include food, live performances and kids activities including the crowd favorite 30-ton mountain of snow. Visit www.islamoradachamber.com or call 305-664-4503.

Dec. 5: Key West Holiday Parade. Key West. The island city shows its holiday spirit with this annual hometown parade. Featuring marching groups and floats, the festive procession traditionally draws entries from churches, civic organizations, businesses and neighborhood and school groups. Visit www.keywestcity.com or call 305-809-3881.

Dec. 12: Pops in the Park Jingle Bells Rock Concert. Islamorada. A special holiday concert is to be held at the ICE amphitheater at Founders Park, MM 87 bayside. The family-friendly concert features traditional music of the season. Presented by Keys Community Concert Band, the event starts at 4 p.m. and admission is free. All seats are outdoors and attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets. Visitwww.keyscommunityconcertband.org or call Donna Heiner at 305-853-7294.

Dec. 12, 13 & 19: Lighted Boat Parades. Throughout the Florida Keys. Decorated and lighted boats are to cruise through Keys waters Dec. 12 on Key Largo's Blackwater Sound and in Key West Harbor and Marathon's Boot Key Harbor; Dec. 13 at Key Colony Beach and Dec. 19 at the Lower Keys' Pine Channel Causeway. For the Key Largo Holiday Boat Parade, visit www.keylargoboatparade.com or call 305-394-3736; for the Key West Lighted Boat Parade, visit www.schoonerwharf.com or call 305-292-3302; for the Key Colony Beach lighted Boat Parade, visitwww.kcbca.org or call 305-743-7214; for the Boot Key Harbor Lighted Boat Parade, visit www.bootkeyharbor.com/christmas_parade.htm or call 305-849-0285; and for the Lower Keys Lighted Boat Parade, call 305-923-5370.

Dec. 13: Christmas on the Sheriff's Animal Farm. Stock Island. Kids and adults can visit the furry, fluffy and feathered residents of the animal farm and petting zoo and get a photo taken with Santa. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office Animal Farm is located at the county's detention center at 5501 College Road. Admission is free and the farm is open to the public the second and fourth Sundays of each month. Visit www.keysso.net/miscellaneous/animal_park.htm or call 305-293-7300.

Dec. 19: A Holiday Concert at Marathon Community Theater. Marathon. Shows are slated to ring in the holiday cheer at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults and $2 for children. Visit www.marathontheater.org or call 305-743-0994. 

Dec. 20: Monthly Artisan Market, A Holiday "Shop Local" Edition. Key West. Browse the vibrant open-air bazaar filled with Keys artists, authors, chef-made cuisine, craftspeople and performers. Admission is free and the market is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the first Sunday of each month. Visitwww.facebook.com/KeyWestArtisanMarket. 

Dec. 26-27: 56th Annual Key West House & Garden Tours. Key West. Presented by the Old Island Restoration Foundation, the annual self-guided tours showcase festively dressed Key West homes and gardens. Advance tickets are $30 and proceeds benefit the Old Island Restoration Foundation's museums, collection and education, grant and scholarship programs. Visit www.oirf.org or call 305-294-9501. 

Dec. 27: Florida Keys Craft Beer & Bubbly Fest. Marathon. From noon to 7 p.m., enjoy tastings of craft beers, wines and champagnes along with live entertainment and delicious food at Marathon Community Park, MM 49 oceanside. Admission is free. Visit www.keysbeerandbubblyfest.com/. 

Dec. 31: Annual Key West Dachshund Walk. Key West. Frost-free Key West becomes a "wiener wonderland" when about 200 dachshunds and their owners take a noontime New Year's Eve stroll through the island's picturesque downtown. Spectators can watch the fun and meet the canine participants on Fleming Street between Whitehead and Duval streets. Email keywestdachshundwalk@gmail.com. 

Dec. 31: New Year's Eve Fireworks on Blackwater Sound. Key Largo. The backcountry bay is the setting for the annual New Year's Eve fireworks extravaganza hosted by Sundowners, Jimmy Johnson's Big Chill, Señor Frijoles, Cactus Jack's, Gus's Grille at the Marriott Key Largo Beach Resort and the Caribbean Club, all located around MMs 103-104. Visit www.keylargofireworks.com. 

Dec 31: New Year's Eve Midnight Fireworks in Islamorada. Cheeca Lodge & Spa, MM 82 oceanside, is to offer a gourmet dinner, live music, dancing on the beach and a midnight fireworks display. Visit www.cheeca.com or call 305-517-4580. Morada Bay Beach Café at MM 81.6 bayside is to host a large beach party with live music, a specially planned beach barbecue, signature cocktails, performers and fireworks. Visit www.moradabay.com/full-moon-party/. 

Dec. 31: New Year's Eve Celebrations in the Southernmost City. Key West. The Southernmost City typically celebrates with a "conch shell drop" at Sloppy Joe's Bar, 201 Duval St.; the descent of a super-sized red high-heel shoe carrying drag queen Sushi at the Bourbon St. Pub/New Orleans House complex, 724 Duval St.; the lowering of a pirate wench from atop a tall ship's mast at the Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St.; and at the Ocean Key Resort & Spa, at 0 Duval St., plans call for a huge replica of a Key lime wedge to splash down into a larger-than-life margarita glass on the property's Sunset Pier. For more information on the respective events, visit www.sloppyjoes.com, www.bourbonstpub.com or www.schoonerwharf.com or call Ocean Key Resort at 305-295-7005.

Amazing Nude Cruise Opportunities For 2016
By Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong
As nudist and naturist vacation options keep growing each year around the globe, it is only natural for sailing charter and cruise operators to say, “Welcome Aboard!” From the shores of the USA to the beautiful Caribbean islands to the historic Mediterranean, opportunities abound for nudists and naturists to sail the seas with others who believe that nude is natural. <MORE> 

Ten ways to celebrate the holidays in Kissimmee, Florida
It’s beginning to look (and feel) a lot like Christmas here in Kissimmee from festive parties at our world-famous theme parks to nightly snow fall in downtown Celebration.  Feel the wonder and magic all around as you create new family traditions or spend quality time with friends at our one-of-a-kind holiday events.  Here are 10 spectacular holiday delights to check out this season.   

1. Join Mickey and friends at Magic Kingdom during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, a winter celebration for live entertainment, spectacular fireworks and an oh-so-jolly holiday parade. Select Nights November 8 - December 18, 2015
2. See Ma in her kerchief, Pa in his cap and more as the classic holiday poem, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, is brought to life using two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures, including two-story tall ice slides at ICE! at Gaylord Palms.  This year’s Christmas at the Gaylord Palms will also feature Alpine Rush Snow Tubing, Breakfast with Mrs. Claus, Gingerbread Decorating Corner, The Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt and more. November 24, 2015 – January 3, 2016
3. Grinchmas at Universal's Islands of Adventure transforms Seuss Landing into the whimsical world of the Grinch. See characters come to life, as Whos down in Who-ville stroll through Seuss Landing, ready to say hello and spread good cheer. Get the Grinch's autograph, shake his hand and have a photo taken with the mean, green one for a one-of-a-kind holiday memento.  December 5, 2015 – January 2, 2016
4. It’s the final year to take in the dazzling sight of buildings blanketed in sheets of multi-colored lights, twirling carousels, heavenly angels and even Santa and his reindeer at The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios. This breathtaking display features millions of glittering lights perfectly synchronized to holiday music.  November 6, 2015 - January 3, 2016
5. Now Snowing, Central Florida's original and premier "Snowing" event, offers a schedule filled with surprises. Now Snowing is a month long Winter Wonderland Spectacular featuring an ice rink, strolling Charles Dickens Carolers, community performers, photos with Santa, horse drawn carriage rides, the Celebration Express train, and nightly snowfall at 6:00, 7:00, 8:00 and 9:00 p.m. November 28 – December 31, 2015
6. Macy's Holiday Parade at Universal Studios will make the streets come alive with balloons and floats beyond imagination! There are plenty of delicious treats to eat and drink plus festive music everyone will enjoy! Adding to the celebration is the return of a holiday favorite, Mannheim Steamroller. Don't miss their live performances on select Saturday and Sunday nights!  December 5, 2015 – January 2, 2016
7. Waves of holiday spirit splash over the park during SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration, creating a wintery, watery wonderland. Journey to the North Pole on THE POLAR EXPRESS Experience, then share a smile with a playful penguin in Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin! With everything from Santa to Shamu, presents to penguins, and elves to Elmo, this Christmas Celebration is where the season meets the sea. November 21- December 31, 2015
8. A joyous and inspiring telling of the Christmas Story at Epcot's Candlelight Processional, narrated by a variety of celebrity guests accompanied by a choir of hundreds and an orchestra. November 27 - December 30, 2015
9. Christmas Bricktacular at LEGOLAND Florida brings in the holiday season with a 30-foot tall LEGO Christmas tree made of 270,000 LEGO bricks. Every night a family will be chosen to help light the Bricktacular tree and visitors will also have an amazing photo opportunity with a life-size LEGO Santa Claus. Christmas Bricktacular festivities take place every Saturday and Sunday in December.
10. Celebrate the season with the annual festival of lights parade in Historic Downtown Kissimmee.  The event features holiday carolers, strolling entertainers, marching bands, seasonal food and beverages and a special appearance from Santa!

NATIVE TRAILS BREATHES NEW LIFE INTO SACRED TRADITIONS
Free noontime festivals explore Native American song, dance and culture
www.ScottsdaleNativeTrails.com
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Oct. 12, 2015) – Explore the cultural and environmental footprint of the Southwest’s Native American nations during the 14th season of Native Trails, presented by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation and produced by the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. Through song, dance and storytelling during free noontime performances January through March, Native Trails will share with audiences a message passed on to tribal youth – the importance of preserving and conserving the land and its resources.  

“Some of my fondest memories are from when I was a child, spending time with my grandparents,” said Derrick Suwaima Davis (Hopi/Choctaw), artistic director for Native Trails and seven-time hoop dance world champion. “There was no running water, no electricity, yet we worked with the environment to live. As Native people, we were inspired by nature and given the responsibility of stewardship. Through our song, dance, food, architecture, and being in harmony with nature – working with the seasons, the sun and the moon – we desired prosperity for all beings and for everyone to reach their full potential. Today I believe in doing the best I can with the least amount, and incorporating the traditional ways I was taught, while encouraging healthy behavior and a prosperous life for future generations and all on the circle of life.

For centuries, Native Americans have lived off the land, even as the world has evolved and brought new challenges to the environment. Tribal elders continue to show younger generations their traditional ways, teaching them to lead healthy lives while respecting and working in harmony with nature. This year, Native Trails shares a message of stewardship through the songs and dances of various tribes including the Hopi, Diné (Navajo), Akimel Au-Authm and San Carlos Apache.

Enjoy these free noontime performances on the lawn at Scottsdale Civic Center Park most Thursdays and Saturdays between Jan. 9 and March 31, 2016. Elaborate performances showcase a variety of dances, including the intricate Hoop Dance and the Round Dance, an audience-participation dance celebrating the connection of all people and cultures.

“The Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation is proud to once again be the title sponsor of Native Trails,” said the Nation’s President Ruben Balderas. “The Tribal Council knows local residents and visitors alike will enjoy learning about the various native tribal cultures and partaking in the exciting exhibits and shows. Native Trails is truly a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience."

Delve further into American Indian culture while visiting with vendors and artisans selling jewelry, baskets, pottery, instruments and paintings at the festivals. Every Saturday, featured artisans will share their trade with the audience. Don’t forget to get a taste of indigenous cuisine at participating food trucks.

Native Trails performances began in January 2003 as part of the City of Scottsdale’s cultural tourism initiative, Culture Quest Scottsdale. The program was created following a City-conducted study that revealed Scottsdale tourists craved experiencing American Indian culture during their visit. That has proved true each season; last season (January – April 2015), 6,497 people attended the event.

For more information on Native Trails (including black-out dates), visit www.ScottsdaleNativeTrails.com or contact the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau at 480-421-1004 or toll-free at 800-782-1117.

16 San Diego Events Not to Be Missed in 2016
From music festivals with ocean views to celebrations of the avocado, San Diego is home to a number of events throughout the year that can’t be found anywhere else in the U.S. Below are 16 uniquely San Diegan special events that visitors can experience in 2016.
Jan. 28-31
Farmers Insurance Open 
The annual PGA Tour men’s golf tournament is played at the Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, home of the 2008 and 2021 U.S. Open.
Feb. 1-28
San Diego Museum Month
Throughout February, San Diego visitors can experience the region’s rich cultural offerings at half-price. Guests can pick up a free San Diego Museum Month Pass at participating Macy’s locations; with the pass, they can receive half-price admission for up to four guests per visit at 42 of San Diego’s museums, ranging from exquisite art museums to historical sites and interactive science centers.
Mar. 10-23
San Diego Latino Film Festival
San Diego’s proximity to Mexico makes it a natural venue for this prestigious film festival, focusing on acclaimed movies by Latinos or about the Latino experience. Held at the UltraStar Cinemas at Hazard Center in Mission Valley and at the Digital Gym Cinema in North Park, the festival includes parties, workshops, art exhibitions and the opportunity to mingle with international movie and television stars.
Mar. (TBD)
CRSSD Festival
Held at downtown San Diego’s recently opened Waterfront Park, CRSSD is a new music festival featuring the top names in electronic music, craft beer, gourmet food, impeccable daytime vibes and an unparalleled bayside setting.
Apr. 17
Fallbrook Avocado Festival
Since the 1960s, tens of thousands of avocado lovers converge in Fallbrook, California’s avocado hub located in San Diego’s North County, to sample avocados, check-out the crazy cooking contest entries, buy funky avocado-themed gifts and enjoy bands, live entertainment and friendly beer gardens.
Apr. 23
Chicano Park Day
In the early 1970s, the Latino community established Chicano Park, the world’s largest collection of Chicano murals, beneath the San Diego-Coronado Bridge overpass. This free annual event celebrates the art and culture of San Diego’s Latino residents with traditional music, dance, a lowrider car show, vendor booths, kids’ arts workshops and more.
May 15
Amgen Tour of California
A Tour de France-style cycling road race, the Amgen Tour of California kicks off in San Diego, where the world’s top professional cycling teams will depart for a race covering hundreds of miles along the state’s coastline and highways.
Jul. 15-17
San Diego LGBT Pride Parade, Rally and Festival
One of the city’s largest grassroots organizations, San Diego LGBT Pride sponsors a weekend of festivities including a headlining parade through Hillcrest and two-day music festival in Balboa Park.
Jul. 21-24
Comic-Con International 
The largest comics and pop culture event in the United States attracts thousands of artists, celebrities and fans of comic books, movie memorabilia and all things related to pop culture to the San Diego Convention Center in downtown San Diego.
Aug. TBD
Unleashed by Petco Surf Dog Competition
Dozens of dogs take to the waves near Imperial Beach pier to compete in small dog, large dog and tandem surfing heats.  

Aug. TBD
40th Annual World Body Surfing Championships
International and U.S. body surfers compete at the Oceanside pier and beach in San Diego’s North County. 
Sept. 3-5
Festival of Sail
The Maritime Museum hosts more than 20 tall ships and other marine vessels from around the world that sail into San Diego Bay for the event. Guests tour the tall ships, enjoy live entertainment, sample food and drink, enjoy a family activity area, and shop for one-of-a-kind items among more than 150 festival vendors. 
Sept. 16-18
KAABOO Del Mar 
An upscale music festival experience held at the seaside Del Mar Fairgrounds, KAABOO will feature seven stages and more than 100 musical acts plus a dedicated comedy stage and food and beverages from local and celebrity chefs, craft breweries and local wineries.
Nov. 4-13
San Diego Beer Week 
With more than 100 breweries in the county, San Diego’s Beer Week trumps all others. Hundreds of beer-centric events take place throughout the region during this 10-day festival that highlights San Diego’s award-winning craft beer, breweries and pubs. 
Nov. 14-20
San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival
Wine and food enthusiasts gather for this five-day event, the region’s largest wine and culinary extravaganza, held at several venues throughout downtown San Diego.
Dec. 2-3 
Balboa Park December Nights
This celebration of the holiday season is the largest free community festival in San Diego and features foods and crafts from around the world, music and events in Balboa Park’s diverse museums.
Click here to view more San Diego special events planned for 2016.
For even more event listings and up-to-the-minute additions and changes, visitwww.sandiego.org/eventcalendar.

SANTA FE SEASON OF JOY ALIGHTS WITH TRADITION, CULTURE, DANCE & SONG
 
Markets, Music and More Mark 2015 Holiday Celebrations
 
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO November 04, 2015: Santa Fe, which means “Holy Faith,” welcomes everyone of all faiths to celebrate the season with dozens of special events closely tied to the city’s centuries of diverse history and culture. “The City Different” always offers big portions and high quality, and this season’s menu of activities is no exception. A full calendar is available at www.santafe.org/Calendar where new events are added frequently. Here are some highlights:


November 27 — Annual Lighting Of The Christmas Tree & Santa Fe Plaza: During the yuletide no place is more festive than the historic Downtown Plaza, home of the city's official Christmas trees. Every Thanksgiving Friday, colored lights transform the square into a wonderland. Watch the state capital of New Mexico become a world capital of Christmas. Festivities begin at 3:00 p.m., followed by Santa Claus’ arrival on a decorated vintage red firetruck, and the lighting at 6:00 p.m.
 
November 28 - 29 — Winter Indian Market: The holiday-season version of the greatest indigenous art show in the world includes 175 artists from the US and Canada, six award-winning artist demonstrators and fashion row featuring the work of Native fashion designers.Incomparable holiday gift shopping opportunities include jewelry, pottery, art objects, imaginative holiday decorations and more. www.swaia.org

December 3 - January 2 — GLOW—A Winter Lights Event In The Garden: The Santa Fe Botanical Garden presents GLOW: nights of extraordinary displays of winter lights, kinetic light sculptures and a shimmering tunnel that transports visitors into an illuminated garden wonderland. Enjoy festive food and beverages, and on Saturday nights visits and photos with Santa and live music. There’s nothing like GLOW to create a special holiday tradition for your family and friends. http://www.santafebotanicalgarden.org/events/glow/


December 6 – Community Menorah Lighting: The Genoveva Chavez Center and co-sponsor Chabad Jewish Community Center present the annual lighting of the menorah on the Downtown Plaza. The ninety minute event begins at 3:00 p.m. and will include speakers, refreshments and entertainment.
 
December 13 -- Las Posadas: The annual candle-lit procession circles the historic Plaza and showcases the Hispanic tradition that recreates Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to give birth to Baby Jesus. The group is taunted throughout by the devil from the rooftops but generosity and love win out as the couple and visitors find a warm welcome in the Palace of the Governors courtyard for carols and complimentary cookies and warm drinks. Free.www.palaceofthegovernors.org


Christmas Eve -- Canyon Road Farolito Walk: Internationally famed Canyon Road blossoms in candlelight during this beloved annual celebration. The adobe-gallery lined road is decorated with thousands of farolitos—homemade candle lanterns—and luminarias, or small bonfires. See exceptional works of art inside century-old adobes, enjoy the comforting hot chocolate, cider and traditional biscochitos in the art galleries, and keep warm singing carols by the luminarias along the way. Simply a must experience event for anyone with holiday spirit.www.farolitowalk.com
 
Christmas Eve -- Noche Buena: Midnight mass on Christmas Eve at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi is a colorful, musical event that incorporates an old Spanish tale about an aged rooster who greeted the Christ Child with his joyful crow. The historic cathedral will be decorated and lit to reflect its Native American and Spanish heritage. www.cbsfa.org


New Year’s Eve On The Plaza — Santa Fe launches the first of a new annual tradition on the historic Downtown Plaza. There’ll be live entertainment including the mighty Lumbre del Sol, food trucks and vendors, youth and non-profit groups serving warm drinks, and traditional luminaria bonfires surrounding the area. The night begins at 10:30 and culminates in a digital media / light show countdown. More details to come on www.santafe.org.


Seasonal -- Live Musical Performances: A variety of special live holiday music performances take place in small settings such as the Loretto Chapel and larger venues such as The Lensic Performing Arts Center. Check out all the fun on www.santafe.org/Calendar.


Seasonal -- Indigenous American Dances: The pueblos near Santa Fe conduct unique, ancient ceremonial dances during the holiday season. For a full schedule and important etiquette for these religious events, please visit www.miaclab.org/42.