‘Twas the Boats Before Christmas

One of the most anticipated holiday events will occur on December 17th beginning at 6:00 PM when approximately 25 vessels decked out for Christmas will push off from the Factory Bay area and proceed eastward towards the Judge Jolley Bridge. From there they will circle by the Marco Island Yacht Club and proceed westward along the Marco River, hugging the shoreline until turning back into Factory Bay and past the Rose Marina. 

From that point they will continue past the Pier 81 Condominiums and the Snook Inn (unfortunately closed and under renovations from Hurricane Ian damage) to the entry into Collier Creek and Collier Bay, turning into Smokehouse Bay where they will pass by the Esplanade and back into Collier Bay. Here they will turn southerly along the shoreline as shown on the map provided by the Christmas Island Style Committee.

The route follows the same one used over the last three decades or more to the delight of mariners and spectators alike.

Once back at the Marco River they will move along and cross over to the shoreline of Isles of Capri, moving easterly back along the shoreline until about the end of East Pelican Street on Isles of Capri. Here the parade will end and move back towards the Marco Island side of the River.

Any questions regarding the parade should be directed to Gene Burson the committee chair for that event at 239-945-1775 or email him at christmasislandstyle@gmail.com or visit their website at www.christmasislandstyle.com.