Harbor Lights to Parades: Key West Christmas 2024 Full Event Guide

Key West’s Christmas Magic: Lighted Parades, Historic Tours & More

Key West is a magical place for the holidays, where tropical weather, quirky traditions, and festive lights create a Christmas experience unlike anywhere else. Each year, the island offers a lineup of unique holiday events, blending classic traditions with island charm. From vibrant parades and decorated boats to historic tours and local markets, Christmas in Key West is a memorable mix of community spirit, creativity, and pure holiday joy. Here’s your guide to the most exciting events for Christmas 2024, including local tips for getting the most out of each one.

1. Lighting of the Harbor Walk of Lights

Kick off the holiday season at Key West’s Harbor Walk of Lights, where the Historic Seaport transforms nightly into a tropical winter wonderland. This stunning display boasts over 60,000 lights, palm trees wrapped in twinkling lights, and nautical holiday sculptures, including the island-famous lobster trap tree and a giant buoy. The colorful, festive lights reflect over the water, creating a unique atmosphere that’s both serene and magical. Open nightly through New Year’s Eve, this experience brings the island’s warm, whimsical holiday vibe to life and has become an annual favorite for locals and visitors alike.

• Don’t Miss: Make time to see the giant buoy and lobster trap tree, perfect for holiday photos. Arrive at dusk for the best lighting!
• Location: Key West Historic Seaport, 631 Greene St.
• Date & Time: November 27, 2024, at 5:00 p.m., then nightly through New Year’s Eve.
• Holiday Tip: Start your evening at a nearby restaurant like Conch Republic Seafood Company with a warm drink in hand, and plan to stroll along the harbor right as the lights switch on for a memorable evening.

2. Key West Hometown Holiday Parade

Experience the island’s beloved Hometown Holiday Parade, where floats, marching bands, and holiday-themed performances bring the streets of Old Town to life. Starting at Bayview Park and continuing through the historic heart of Key West, the parade blends traditional holiday cheer with tropical touches unique to the island. With festive floats, colorful lights, and decorated vehicles, the parade also includes Santa, local school groups, and community performers, making it a family-friendly favorite that draws visitors and locals alike.

• Don’t Miss: Find a spot early on Duval Street to get front-row views of candy tosses and lively performances. Keep an eye out for Santa in a distinctly tropical setup!
• Location: Bayview Park (Truman Ave and White St.) to Eaton St. via Duval St.
• Date & Time: December 7, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.
• Local Insight: Arrive early to secure a good spot on Whitehead Street, where locals gather for a clear view of the entire parade route.

3. Schooner Wharf Lighted Boat Parade

Key West’s Schooner Wharf Lighted Boat Parade brings holiday magic to the water with a festive twist. Boats large and small cruise Key West Harbor, adorned in holiday lights and creative decorations, from Santa’s sleighs to reindeer-dotted decks. The parade includes prize categories like “Most Original” and “Most Nautical,” while live music and holiday cocktails keep the atmosphere lively onshore at Schooner Wharf Bar.

• Don’t Miss: Reserve a waterfront table to enjoy holiday cocktails as you watch the decorated boats cruise by, reflecting their lights on the harbor.
• Location: Schooner Wharf Bar, Key West Harbor
• Date & Time: December 14, 2024; festivities begin at 6:00 p.m., parade at 8:00 p.m.
• Tip for First-Timers: Locals suggest booking your spot early at Schooner Wharf for the best view and trying their famous holiday eggnog or hot cider as you enjoy the show.

4. Holiday Historic Inn Tours

Explore the festive beauty of Key West’s historic inns with the Holiday Historic Inn Tours. This self-guided tour offers a glimpse inside some of Old Town’s most charming inns, each adorned in holiday decor and lights. Enjoy hors d'oeuvres, festive drinks, and live music at each location, and take in the unique architecture that gives each inn its distinct character.

• Don’t Miss: Visit the Curry Mansion for its impressive holiday decorations and historic ambiance; it’s a local favorite for photo ops!
• Location: Various historic inns in Old Town
• Dates & Times: December 9 & 16, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
• Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and pace yourself as you explore the inns. Locals recommend starting early to avoid crowds at popular stops.

5. Conch Tour Train’s Holiday Sights & Festive Nights Tour

All aboard the Conch Tour Train for a magical evening ride through Key West’s most beautifully decorated neighborhoods. This one-hour tour takes you past charmingly lit homes and businesses, with holiday lights glasses provided to add a playful twist to the experience. It’s a fun way for families to soak in Key West’s holiday spirit while learning about local history.

• Don’t Miss: Choose the evening tour to see homes fully illuminated. The holiday lights glasses make for a unique and fun viewing experience!
• Location: Departs from Key West High School, 2100 Flagler Ave.
• Dates & Times: December 9-23, 2024, with multiple evening departures (6:30, 7:00, 8:00, and 8:30 p.m.)
• Local Suggestion: Late-night tours are quieter, and private charters are a great option for larger groups looking for a personalized holiday tour.

6. Holiday Village & BeLighted Bike Ride

Celebrate Key West’s holiday cheer with the family-friendly Holiday Village, where games, crafts, and photos with Santa set the stage for a fun evening. As night falls, the BeLighted Bike Ride kicks off with bikes festively decorated in lights. Cyclists take to the streets, riding through Old Town to showcase their holiday creations in a unique, island-style parade.

• Don’t Miss: Watch the colorful bike parade along Duval Street for a spectacular view of the lights. Join in by decorating your own bike!
• Location: Coffee Butler Amphitheater, Truman Waterfront Park
• Date & Time: December 6, 2024; Holiday Village from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., BeLighted Bike Ride at 8:00 p.m.
• Insider Tip: Locals recommend viewing the ride from near Mallory Square or Duval Street, where you’ll get the best view of the festive bikes.

7. Christmas Cantata at Fifth Street Baptist Church

Celebrate the season with traditional Christmas music at the Fifth Street Baptist Church’s Christmas Cantata. This event features a beautiful mix of classic carols and contemporary holiday songs sung by the church choir, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere that brings the community together. It’s an annual tradition beloved by locals and visitors alike.

• Don’t Miss: Arrive early to get a good seat, as this community favorite fills up quickly.
• Location: Fifth Street Baptist Church, Key West
• Date & Time: December 15, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.
• Local Advice: Stay for the post-service refreshments and chat with locals to make this festive experience even more memorable.

8. Custom House Holiday Concert & Bazaar

For a lively mix of holiday shopping and entertainment, head to the Custom House Holiday Concert & Bazaar. This annual event, set in the stunning Key West Museum of Art and History, offers unique artisan goods, food vendors, live music, and an impressive holiday light show designed by local students. It’s a must-visit for those looking to shop locally and soak up holiday vibes.

• Don’t Miss: The interactive light show is a crowd favorite and a fun photo op, so bring your camera!
• Location: Key West Museum of Art & History, 281 Front St.
• Date & Time: December 13, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Pro Shopper’s Tip: Local artisans bring one-of-a-kind items that make for memorable gifts. Shop early for the best selection.

9. ReMARCable Tabletop Tree & Wreath Auction

Get into the holiday spirit with a charitable twist at the ReMARCable Tabletop Tree & Wreath Auction. Held at Opal Key Resort, this event showcases beautifully decorated trees and wreaths up for auction to support MARC, a local non-profit that assists residents with disabilities. Enjoy a preview and bid on unique pieces for a good cause.

• Don’t Miss: Check out the preview for a close-up look at the creative decor before the auction starts.
• Location: Opal Key Resort, 245 Front St.
• Date & Time: December 6, 2024; Preview at 5:30 p.m., auction at 7:00 p.m.
• Charity Note: Bring extra cash for the raffle-style items, as it’s a popular part of the auction with local favorites.

10. Florida Keys Southernmost Car Club’s Holiday Classic Car Show

For classic car enthusiasts, the Holiday Classic Car Show at Key West’s Historic Seaport is a festive treat. With vintage cars decked out in holiday decor, this event is also a toy drive for local shelters, blending holiday giving with a display of timeless vehicles. Visitors can vote on their favorite decorated cars, adding a playful twist to this holiday display.

• Don’t Miss: Vote for “Best in Show” and other categories while admiring the holiday creativity on each vehicle.
• Location: Conch Republic Seafood Company, Historic Seaport
• Date & Time: Mid-December, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (exact date TBD)
• For the Kids: Bring an unwrapped toy to donate and get your kids involved in giving back while exploring the unique cars.

11. Eaton Street Christmas Stroll & Keys Choral Arts Concert

Enjoy a charming Christmas Stroll along Eaton Street, followed by a performance by Keys Choral Arts at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. The stroll offers open-air holiday performances from local musicians, while the choral concert includes beloved Christmas carols and classic songs performed in one of Key West’s historic churches.

• Don’t Miss: Check out the art galleries and local shops along Eaton Street for holiday gifts during the stroll.
• Location: Eaton Street and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 401 Duval St.
• Date & Time: December 8, 2024, at 3:30 p.m. (Christmas Stroll); December 17, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. (Concert)
• Local Suggestion: Arrive early to secure a seat at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church for the concert, as it’s one of the season’s most popular events.

As the lights sparkle over Key West’s harbor and the sounds of holiday cheer fill the air, Christmas here is truly like no other—a blend of tropical warmth and festive spirit that only the Conch Republic can deliver. Whether you’re strolling under palm trees wrapped in twinkling lights or joining locals in joyful carols, you’ll find that Christmas in Key West is a celebration to remember.

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