When you think of activities during the holiday season, you may think of snow and cold weather. The reality is that Key West Holiday Fest can be one of the greatest ways to indulge during the holidays.
You can enjoy the lights of the Key West waterfront, a hometown holiday parade, and countless seasonal artisan markets. Knowing all that Key West has to offer can ensure you embrace the holiday magic.
What Is Key West Holiday Fest?
Key West Holiday Fest is one of the most incredible events that are held in Key West all year long. It kicks off the day before Thanksgiving and continues all the way until New Year’s Eve.
The calendar of events is extensive, providing individuals, couples, groups, and families with ways to be enchanted. A highlight of the events include:
Key West Harbor Walk Of Lights
This is at the Key West Historic Seaport. You’ll be able to walk from Lazy Way Lane all the way to the Ferry Terminal on Grinnell Street. You’ll find lighted palm trees, restaurants, shops, and pubs that are all decked on in varying levels of holiday joy.
Holiday Concerts
Various holiday concerts are given, including at the Key West Tree Lighting Ceremony as well as at different churches.
Holiday Historic Inn Tours
Explore some of the top sights around the island, including the Winslow’s Bungalows and the Key West Butterfly Conservatory. You’ll see not only the incredible architecture but also how they are beautifully decorated for the season. While at each, you’ll be able to indulge in some holiday treats.
Holiday Bazaar
Various holiday bazaars will be found around the island, allowing you to shop for crafts and more. One of the biggest is the one found at the Custom House Museum.
Production Of The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker Key West is a Florida version of the Nutcracker ballet, which is held at the Tennessee Williams Theater. It includes not only local children and adults but also professional dancers from around the globe.
Explore The Florida Keys From A Different Angle
The Florida Keys is filled with the holiday spirit throughout the month of December. While you can certainly take the Key West harbor walk and more, you owe it to yourself to embrace all that the island has to offer.
Take a boat tour around Key West, allowing you to see everything from the various sandbars to the holiday light show on the water.
A custom tour can be created, allowing you to see the magically illuminated city from the boat. It can provide a photo-worthy experience that can be scheduled day or night. You can even spend Christmas Eve on the water, searching for dolphins by day and Santa’s sleigh by night.
Extend Your Trip To Cover Christmas And New Year’s Eve
With so many things to do around Key West, you won’t want to miss any of it. While you can take a Key West Harbor Walk at any time, some things are limited to only a day or two.
By staying longer, you can feed your holiday spirit a bit more. For example, you can spend an evening drinking your way through the Key West Historic Seaport and take in a holiday light show. You can feed your appetite with holiday bites and seasonal libations. Plus, you may want to ring in the New Year at Ocean Key Resort.
Staying for a week or longer can get you better hotel rates, too. It may be just what you need to ensure you truly see all that the island has to offer for Key West Holiday Fest.
The 5 Best Holiday Events In Key West
Experience the holiday magic by truly indulging in the holiday events in Key West. If you have a limited time on the island, there are five things that you absolutely must do:
- Watch the Key West Holiday Parade
- Attend the Holiday Classic Car Show
- Take the Old Town Trolley Holiday Lights and Sights Tour
- Explore the Key West Bight Marina (by land and by sea)
- Visit the North Pole to take photos with Santa and write letters
What To Look Forward To With Festive Nights Tours
There are countless ways to see holiday light displays when you’re here during November and December. It’s all a matter of how you want to tour the island. You can do it on foot with the Key West Harbor Walk, take one of the Old Town trolley holiday lights & sights tours, and you can explore the lights on the water by boat.
The entire island gets into the fun of stringing up lights. Of course, the resorts will participate, but you’ll also find that there are light posts around downtown that are decorated, entire neighborhoods that shimmer with color and holiday décor, and more.
With the many tours, you can see what the island has to offer. Many will even include caroling, drinks, and even special glasses. It can ensure you create amazing memories, whether you’re flying solo or taking the entire family along. You may want to brush up on some of your Christmas tunes, as many of the tours take their caroling seriously, especially on Christmas Eve.
Tip: Make the most of your night tour with festive holiday jammies for the whole family.
Uniquely Key West Things To Do
There’s a reason you’re spending the holidays in Key West. It’s to enjoy the Floridian environment and to see how the island celebrates everything from Christmas to New Year’s Eve.
What this means is that you should do more than just look at holiday attractions.
Go On The Conch Tour Train Ride
The Conch tour train ride is available year-round to see the sights of Key West. However, there are a few festive island lights tours that will take you through different neighborhoods.
Eat At The Southernmost Beach Café
You’re likely familiar with the landmark buoy that tells you that you’re in the southernmost part of the US. There’s also a café right there, and it’s known for some of the most incredible Floribbean food you’ll ever have.
Visit Santa Claus
You didn’t think Santa was just going to wear a red suit in Key West, did you? Have fun with your photos this year, as Santa will be wearing a Hawaiian shirt and flip-flops.
Tip: If you want pet photos with Santa, be sure to check out the event held at the Christmas tree at Key West Bight Marina that benefits the Boys & Girls Club of the Keys.
Have the time of your life with Key West Holiday Fest. There are plenty of ways to make it your own, whether you want to party in the magically decorated streets or you want to plan a family-friendly party as you explore the Harbor Walk of Lights.
Take A Memorable Boat Tour Around Key West
However you spend your time, there are Key West Boat Trips that allow you to truly make the most of the holiday season. We can provide you with a private boat tour that is customized to meet your holiday wish list.
A jolly captain will show you the sights of the Florida Keys and even introduce you to some of the incredible foods, ranging from grilled hot dogs to local seafood. Book your unforgettable tour today!
