FLORIDA KEYS — Perhaps because the southernmost islands in the continental United States have never experienced a snowy white Christmas, businesses and organizations in the subtropical Florida Keys are extraordinarily enthusiastic about showing their holiday spirit.

From Key Largo to Key West, the calendar is packed with events designed to spread holiday cheer — including a trio of festive lighted boat parades featuring vessels whose decorations range from traditional greenery to offbeat salutes to the season.

Listed here are some holiday highlights, all spiced with an individualistic Florida Keys flair.

Now through the holiday season Harbor Walk of Lights (Key West) The harbor walk along the Historic Seaport at Key West Bight, stretching from Greene Street to Grinnell Street, is to be festively dressed for the holiday season. Celebrate with Key West Bight holiday events, shop at unique island shops and galleries, and relax at waterfront restaurants and watering holes. Part of the Key West “Bight Before Christmas” holiday celebration, the festivities are presented by the Key West Bight Preservation Association. Contact: (305) 292-5044 or visit keywestchristmas.org.

Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 29-30, 5-8 p.m.

50th Annual [Holiday] House Tours (Key West) Presented by the Old Island Restoration Foundation, the annual self-guided tours showcase festively dressed Key West homes and gardens. Proceeds benefit the Old Island Restoration Foundation’s museums, collection and education, grant and scholarship programs. Tickets with maps to the featured homes are $25 per person, available one week before the tours at the Oldest House & Garden and TIB Bank at 330 Whitehead St. and 3618 N. Roosevelt Blvd., or during the tour at any featured home. Contact: (305) 294-9501 or visit oirf.org.

Thursday, Dec. 31, just before midnight

Key West New Year’s Eve Celebrations (Key West) The Southernmost City celebrates New Year’s Eve 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 Street Pub/New Orleans House complex, 724 Duval St.; and the descent of a pirate wench from atop a tall ship’s mast in the island city’s Historic Seaport. Contact: (305) 296-2388, ext. 121, for Sloppy Joe’s conch shell drop; (305) 293-9800 for the high heel drop; (305) 292-3302 for the descent of the pirate wench.

Thursday, Dec. 31, midnight

New Year’s Eve Fireworks on Blackwater Sound (Key Largo) The back bay in Key Largo is to be the setting for the annual New Year’s Eve fireworks extravaganza hosted by bayside restaurants Sundowners, Señor Frijoles, Cactus Jack’s, Gus’ Grille at the Marriott Key Largo Beach Resort and the Caribbean Club, all located around mile marker 103-104. Contact: (305) 451-4502.

Friday, Jan. 1, 2009, 8 a.m.

Village New Year’s Day Celebration (Islamorada) The annual 5k Run, Walk and Crawl is slated to start at 8 a.m. Jan. 1 at Founders Park, MM 87 bayside in Islamorada. For the less athletically minded, a day of festivities follows with the blessing of the fleet at Whale Harbor Bridge and other events. Contact: (305) 853-1685.

For more information about the Florida Keys & Key West, including a comprehensive schedule of holiday events and festivities, explore this Web site. Or, in the U.S. and Canada, call toll-free 1-800-FLA-KEYS (800-352-5397).