Angsting over holiday shopping this year? Relax – we’ve got you covered!
There are so many fun shopping experiences happening throughout the Keys this season that you’ll be able to easily find the perfect gift for everyone on your list.
Check some of these out these fun shopping events:
Every Sunday, The Key West Artisan Market, showcases an array of unique merchandise and curated art from local painters, sculptors, wood workers, jewelers, and more. It’s a perfect place to pick up that special gift and listen to some great live music at the same time. The weekly market is open from 10 am – 2 pm at Higgs Beach in Key West. Info: 305-731-3385; keywestartisanmarket.com.
On Monday, November 22 you can make your own homemade gift during DIY Spa Night at The Studios of Key West. Artisan Angela Berube will show you how to make your own therapeutic massage/bath oils, aromatherapy shower steamers and salt scrubs. Give them as gifts or keep them and just pamper yourself. The workshop takes place from 5 – 8pm in the Courtyard at 529 Eaton Street. Info: 305-296-0458; tskw.org. 
The Big Pine & The Lower Keys Island Art Festival rolls into town with some great shopping on Saturday, November 27. This fun annual holiday event always draws a big crowd and includes some really wonderful arts and crafts as well as live music, exhibits, food vendors and more. Takes place from 9am – 3pm at the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce, MM 31, oceanside. Info: 305-872-2411; lowerkeyschamber.com.
If you want to support local artists and small businesses without leaving home, check out Key West’s Holiday Artisan Market. The online shop opens November 27 and is active through Christmas Eve. The site offers a plethora of unique works by local artisans who create jewelry, textiles, home accessories and more. Find it at TSKW.org/holiday-artisan-market-online-2/
Key West’s luxe Gardens Hotel (526 Angela St) is also staging a Holiday Shopping & Champagne Event on November 27 from noon to 4pm. This pop-up boutique will be filled with all kinds of fabulous locally made gifts which you can browse while sipping on delicious holiday bubbles. Info: 305-294-2661; gardenshotel.com.
November 27 also marks the date for the Gingerbread Craft Market which takes place from 9am – 4pm at Tavernier’s Francis Tracy Garden Center (94040 Overseas Hwy). This fun garden market is filled with unique vendors, crafts, artisans, baked goods, and plants. Find out more at gardenclubupperkeys.org.
You know the holiday season has arrived when the Monroe Association for ReMARCable Citizens (MARC) announces that its Table Top Christmas Tree Auction is ready to go. The beautiful Fraser Fir trees, between 3½’ to 4½’ tall, make great gifts and are elaborately decorated by local businesses, private residents, and artists. The annual events takes place on November 30 at 7 pm at the Opal Resort and Marina, with an early preview starting at 5 pm. Info: 305-294-9526; marckeywest.org.
The Studios of Key West is hosting “Piece By Piece” – Winter Members’ Exhibition which will be on view daily from December 2 through Christmas Eve. It’s one of TSKW’s most popular exhibitions of the year and a perfect place to pick up a piece of original local art. Find it at 533 Eaton St in Key West. Info: 305-296-0458; tskw.org.
On Friday, December 3, you can shop a special Artist Showcase at The Green Pineapple Boutique. Browse new collections, find the perfect gift, and sip on wine and bubbles while you explore each of the featured artist’s collections. Takes place from 5:30 – 7:30pm at Stock Island’s acclaimed Perry Hotel (7001 Shrimp Rd). Info:305-296-1717; greenpineapplewellness.com.
In the Upper Keys, Friday, December 3, is also the night of the Islamorada Chamber’s sensational Holiday Festival which includes a snow mountain, festive parade, community tree lighting, caroling, holiday gift bazaar, delicious food, live music, and a silent auction of masterpiece ornaments created by local artists. Takes place from 4 – 10 pm at Founders Park, MM 87, Bayside. Info: 305-664-4503; islamoradachamber.com.
“Light Up Key Largo,” follows on Saturday, December 4 with the island’s annual holiday kick off and tree lighting party. Santa and Mrs Claus will be on hand for a fun night that includes caroling, ice skating, kids activities, a decorated wreath contest and lots of holiday shopping. The celebration takes place from 4:30 – 9pm at the Murray Nelson Government Center, MM 102, Bayside. Info: KLCPF.org 
“Celebrate the Season” on Sunday, December 5 from 5 – 7pm when the Key West Art Center & Gallery (301 Front St) turns the entire gallery around to feature new works by over fifty Florida artists, jewelers, potters and more. Shop local works by icons Martha dePoo, Gabrielle Wilson, Karen Beauprie, Helen Kordon and others as you indulge in sweet treats and glasses of wine.
On Friday, December 10, you can shop hundreds of unique gifts during the Key West Art & Historical Society’s 5th Annual Holiday Concert & Bazaar which takes place from 5 pm to 9 pm on the sweeping historic porch and walkway of the Custom House Museum (281 Front St, Key West). This immensely popular celebration features some of Key West’s best artisans, musicians and choirs, as well as food, libations and a spectacular holiday light show of magical vector projections on the face of the the island’s architectural crown jewel. Info: 305-295-6615; kwahs.org.
Key West’s Stock Island Arts District hosts it’s monthly I Love Stock Island Art Stroll on Saturday, December 11 from 11 am – 5 pm. Over 10 local artists at several different locations showcase sculptures, woodworking, mosaics, screen printing, soaps, fabric art and more. Info: 305-731-5780: ILoveStockIsland.org.
When you’re in the Keys, holiday shopping can be the most wonderful time of the year. Hope to see you there!
