FLORIDA KEYS — To help navigate Santa’s stopover in the Florida Keys, “stars on the water” are to light up to guide his Key deer–driven sleigh over the Gulf Stream and enliven the Keys’ holiday season.

Boat parades are to illuminate the waterways, with vessel decorations ranging from traditional lights and greenery to offbeat salutes to the season.

Visitors can view the processions from shore or excursion boat, or even deck out their own vessels and become part of the merriment. Following is a roster of boat parades planned between Key Largo and Key West.

Saturday, Dec. 12; 7:30 p.m. “Hooray For Hollywood” Holiday Boat Parade on Blackwater Sound (Key Largo)

Decorations, music and animations are to entertain holiday celebrants and spectators who watch the seafaring procession from the bayfront area on Blackwater Sound, located around mile marker (MM) 104. Each entry in the fabulous parade of decorated, musical boats competes for cash, prizes and yearlong bragging rights for Best in Parade, Best Use of Theme, Most Colorful, Most Original, Best Business and Best Boat under and over 25 feet in length. In addition, each (free) entry qualifies for a $500 random cash drawing. Parade boats will line up at the headpin to Dusenbury Creek and continue north along the shoreline to the tip of Stillwright Point. Viewing and libations are to be found at Sundowners, Señor Frijoles, the Marriott Key Largo Bay Resort and the Caribbean Club, all near MM 103-104. An awards party is to follow at 10 p.m. at Sundowners’ tiki hut. Contact: Robert Stoky at (305) 451-4502, ext. 1, to register a boat.

Saturday, Dec. 12; 8 p.m. Schooner Wharf Bar Lighted Boat Parade (Key West)

Lighted and decorated vessels, from rowboats to tall ships, are to proceed around Key West’s Historic Seaport and harbor areas. The parade is to feature the music of the best world beats from Africa and Caribbean island rhythms of George Victory and the Observant Lion Band, a heart-racing musical combination of reggae, soca, funk and classic soul. Prior to the boat parade, at 6 p.m. the Gerald Adams Elementary School Steel Your Heart Band will welcome spectators with songs of the season. Judges observe the parade from the Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St., awarding prizes to the most creatively bedecked boats. Spectators can watch and applaud from bars, restaurants and resorts in and around the Historic Seaport. Contact: Evalena or Sheree at (305) 292-3302.

Sunday, Dec. 13; dusk Key Colony Beach Lighted Boat Parade (Key Colony Beach)

Christmas lights on outriggers and displays on boat decks are part of the beautiful festivities during the Key Colony Beach Boat Parade in the Middle Keys, set to begin at the 7th Street canal and wind in and out of neighboring canals. Great locations for public viewing include Sadowski Causeway at MM 53.5 oceanside and the area behind City Hall. Open to all boats, the parade route visits canals and cuts, and passes City Hall three times. Contact: Tucker Degraw at (305) 743-7214.

Saturday, Dec. 19; 7 p.m. Lower Keys Lighted Boat Parade

All boats are welcome to enter the parade, including deep-sea cruisers, dinghies, kayaks and canoes. If it floats, decorate it and join the fun. Santa and Mrs. Claus are expected to arrive and hand out candy to the kids. The best recommended viewing is from Pine Channel Causeway or Parrotdise Waterfront Bar & Grille, 183 Barry Ave. on Little Torch Key. Contact: Holly at (305) 872-0106.

For more information about the Florida Keys & Key West, including a full calendar of 2009 holiday events, click here.