As one of America’s top tropical holiday destinations, Key West is a small town that’s big on holiday cheer. And nothing embraces its holiday spirit more than Key West Holiday Fest.
This annual month-long celebration, which spreads good cheer all over our small island, kicks off on Wednesday, November 24 with the Lighting of the Bight: Key West Harbor Walk of Lights. Every night, starting on Thanksgiving Eve, Key West’s historical Harbor Walk hits the switch for a breathtaking display of holiday lights.
The entire harbor area, including a Fishing Buoy Tree, fresh pine Nautical Christmas Tree and the original Key West Lobster Trap Tree, shimmer and shine with hundreds of thousands of festive holiday lights. This “Harbor Walk of Lights” stays lit nightly through New Year’s Eve and stretches along the Key West Historic Seaport and Key West Bight Marina.
Throughout the season, you can indulge in all kinds of festive holiday happenings including a magical Holiday Stroll in Old Town and a fun Tree Trimming & Toys for Tots Party at Schooner Wharf Bar on December 5; the Annual Parade of Paws on December 11; the Schooner Wharf Lighted Boat Parade on December 12; Holiday Artisan Markets on December 18 and 19; Key West Home Tours on December 29 and 30; and a huge island-wide New Year’s Eve Celebration on December 31.
Throughout the month, there will be plenty of other events going on, as well, including the Historic Inn Tours, concerts, art openings, theatrical performances, and so much more.
If a balmy tropical get-away adorned with twinkling lights, historic inns decked out in their holiday finest, and fun festivities popping up all over the island is your idea of a fun way to spend the holidays, then Key West is your place in the sun!
FYI: Because Holiday Fest events may be added or changed based on the evolving coronavirus situation, organizers urge people to visit the festival website at keywestholidayfest.com for up-to-the-minute information and room bookings.
