Seasonal Celebrations to Star in Key West Holiday Fest
KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Although the continental United States’ southernmost island has never experienced a traditional white Christmas, visitors can immerse themselves in seasonal spirit during the 2024 Key West Holiday Fest.
Continuing throughout the holiday season, the festival is packed with events designed to spread holiday cheer — all spiced with an individualistic Florida Keys flair.
The festivities are to begin Wednesday, Nov. 27, with the sunset illumination of the Harbor Walk of Lights at the Key West Historic Seaport. Free to attend, the event is scheduled for 6 p.m. in the Greene Street plaza at Greene and Elizabeth streets.
During the holidays, the Harborwalk at the Key West Historic Seaport, stretching from Greene to Grinnell streets, is to glimmer with thousands of holiday lights and displays themed to celebrate Key West’s maritime history. Elements are to include dozens of lighted palm trees, a lobster trap holiday tree and a tree adorned with fishing buoys that resemble giant ornaments.
Holiday Fest’s subsequent highlights include tours of historic lighted inns on two consecutive Fridays, Dec. 6 and 13. Visitors can discover the Yuletide spirit — and Key West’s architecture and heritage — by exploring participating locations each Friday while sampling sweets, treats and libations.
On-the-water enthusiasts can indulge their seasonal spirit at the 33rd annual Schooner Wharf Bar/Absolut Vodka Lighted Boat Parade set for 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Decorated fishing vessels, sailboats, schooners and even dinghies are to light up the Key West Historic Seaport and harbor. Viewing areas include resorts, bars and restaurants in and around the seaport.
Along with these signature celebrations, the festival calendar features events including the annual hometown holiday parade, a traditional family-friendly favorite. The parade is scheduled to kick off Saturday, Dec. 7, at White Street and Truman Avenue and roll down Truman and Duval Street. Marching bands, floats, community and school groups and even Santa typically participate to spread good cheer.
In addition, audiences can discover the Florida Keys’ seafaring heritage, coral reef environment and holiday spirit during eight performances of “Nutcracker Key West.” Debuting Dec. 5, the production transforms the well-loved seasonal ballet into a celebration of Key West’s culture, traditions and underwater wonders.
Revelers also can enjoy holiday lights tours via the Conch Tour Train and Old Town Trolley, a free concert and bazaar at the Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House, festive fundraising events, a “Fiesta de Navidad” dance production, multiple New Year’s Eve “drops” that spoof New York City’s annual Times Square “ball drop” and much more.
Festival information and schedule: https://tinyurl.com/KeyWestHolidayFest, KeyWestHolidayFest.com or 305-296-4959
The illumination of the Harbor Walk of Lights Nov. 27 sets the stage for more than a month of holiday color, cheer and joy. Photos by Carol Tedesco
Tours of lighted historic inns deliver the Yuletide spirit along with sweet treats and libations.
The annual lighted boat parade Dec. 14 is as much fun to watch as it is to participate in with vessels large and small bedecked with holiday lights and cheer.