Key West Holiday Fest Salutes Seasonal Spirit in Island Style
KEY WEST, Fla. — Santa might arrive by sailboat instead of sleigh, and balmy Key West has never seen snow, but visitors can immerse themselves in seasonal spirit and celebrations during the 2022 Key West Holiday Fest that runs through Dec. 31.
The entire Key West Historic Seaport harborwalk area is to glimmer with holiday displays themed to celebrate the island city’s maritime heritage. Elements include tens of thousands of lights, dozens of lighted palm trees, a lobster trap holiday tree, a nautically decorated pine and a tree adorned with fishing buoys that resemble giant ornaments.
From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve, Holiday Fest provides scores of opportunities for shared exploration of seasonal attractions and traditions. A comprehensive schedule of events is available at keywestholidayfest.com.
Highlights include tours of historic lighted inns on Friday, Dec. 16. Visitors can explore several festively decorated properties, discovering Key West’s unique architecture and heritage while sampling holiday treats and libations. Tickets for the tour are available at keystix.com or by calling 305-296-4959.
As well as these signature celebrations, the Key West Holiday Fest calendar is packed with events including the annual hometown holiday parade, festive island lights tours via the Conch Tour Train and Old Town Trolley, seasonal artisan markets and multiple New Year’s Eve “drops” that spoof New York City’s annual Times Square “ball drop.”
Event information: keywestholidayfest.com or 305-296-4959.
A U.S. Coast Guard boat and its crew participating in last year's Key West Lighted Boat Parade at the Historic Seaport. Photo by Carol Tedesco.
Visitors to the Key West Historic Seaport in are surrounded by the annual Harbor Walk of Lights. Photo: Rob O'Neal
Old Town Trolley's Holiday Sights & Festive Nights Tours showcase Key West's best-decorated neighborhoods and buildings. Photo: JoNell Modys