The 34th Annual Schooner Wharf Bar/Absolut Vodka Lighted Boat Parade will take place on Saturday, December 13, 2025, in the Key West Historic Seaport. Organized by Schooner Wharf Bar, the event features decorated vessels parading through the harbor, with judging and awards for participants.
Date and Time
- Saturday, December 13, 2025
- Pre-parade festivities: 6:00 p.m. (live music and activities along the Harbor Walk of Lights)
- Parade start: 8:00 p.m.
- Duration: Approximately 2–2.5 hours
Location and Route
- Starts and ends in the Key West Bight and Key West Harbor
- Procession passes the judging stand at Schooner Wharf Bar (202 William St.)
- Viewing along the Harbor Walk of Lights, Key West Bight Marina docks, and Schooner Wharf Bar patio
- Boats of all sizes participate, decorated with lights and holiday themes
Activities
- Pre-event: Live performances by the House of Pan steel drum band, food and drinks at participating venues
- Parade: Vessels display LED lights, nautical decorations, and holiday motifs
- Toy drive: Attendees encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys for the Cheryl Cates Memorial Toy Drive
- Post-parade: Informal gatherings at bars and marinas
Participation
- Open to motorboats, sailboats, and other vessels
- Entry fee applies; prizes total $40,000 for top 12 boats, plus raffle for all entries
- Registration deadline: December 11, 2025 (late entries accepted on event day)
- Captains meeting: Thursday, December 11, at 8:00 p.m. in the Sail Loft at Schooner Wharf Bar (covers route, judging criteria)
- To register: Contact Schooner Wharf Bar via schoonerwharf.com or 305-292-9520
Awards Ceremony
- Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 8:00 p.m.
- Location: Schooner Wharf Bar
- Prizes awarded; free raffle for participants
Additional Information
- Free public viewing; arrive early for dock space
- Managed by Key West Police and event staff; no vessel traffic disruptions expected
- Weather: Typical mid-December evenings in low to mid-70s°F
- Related viewing options: Charter cruises available from operators like Fury Water Adventures, Sebago Watersports, and Classic Harbor Line (tickets $75–$150, include drinks and appetizers)
Related Events
- December 6: Key West Hometown Holiday Parade (7:00 p.m., Old Town streets)
- December 13: Be Lighted Bike Ride (8:00 p.m., Truman Waterfront Park to Duval Street)
- December 31: Duval Street New Year's Eve countdown drops
For updates, registration forms, or weather contingencies, visit schoonerwharf.com/25boatparade.htm or keywestchristmas.org.