Get into the holiday spirit with Key West Art & Historical Society’s inaugural Holiday Concert & Bazaar on Wednesday, December 21st from 5PM to 9PM, located on the sweeping historic porch and promenade of the Custom House Museum. The free event will feature Key West’s finest artisans, musicians and choirs, and a spectacular holiday light show, along with free entrance into the museum and its two stories of exhibits.

“It’s going to be an authentic holiday shopping experience and a great way for the Society to share the island’s architectural crown jewel with the community,” says Society Operations Manager Shawn Cowles. “We’re looking forward to celebrating the season while supporting local artisans and welcoming the public to one of our three museums in this festive way.”

Visitors can browse hundreds of unique gift options while enjoying the music, food and libations with eggnog to lift the frazzled ‘final shopping days’ spirits. Artisans and vendors include Abigail Houff from Gilded Peach jewels, homemade Conch Republic Rum cakes by Mel Veazey, Lularoe clothing, a full range of imported artisan cheeses offered by The Cheese Girls, Alicia Renner’s AER Photography featuring iconic images of the Keys, Chef Guillaume Paturno’s fresh homemade pasta, Reclaimed gifts by Suzanne Brown and Katie Holtkamp, Creative Connection’s homemade soaps, oils, candles, homemade ornaments and cards, vintage eyewear, and a wide array of other specialty gift items.

Music entertainment will be offered by Skipper Kripitz and his League of Crafty Musicians, including Two of Cups Larry and Christine Smith, The Key West High School Choir, students from Bahama Village Music Program, piano students from the Music Room, and Marc House Clients and their Tie Dye music offering. “Conch 5 Studios” Key West High School Students will wow guests with a vector projections light show on the face of the Custom House. And of course, Santa will be on hand for last minute requests and ‘selfie’ photos.

In addition to the Holiday Concert & Bazaar, current and new Society members can enjoy a VIP shopping party and a 30% discount (normally 20% for members) at the museum’s store from 6PM to 8PM. The store will be open to all shoppers during the Bazaar and features a wide selection of fun, functional and fabulous wonders carefully curated to bring you the essence and history of Key West. Purchases made at the museum store support Key West Art & Historical Society exhibitions and educational programming. Show your membership card to receive your extra discount.

“We hope this will become a signature holiday event for Key West,” says Cowles.

This event is free to the public with discounted parking at the Westin garage on Front Street, sponsored in part by PSAV, Pilar Rum, and the Westin. For more information, or to inquire about being a vendor, contact Operations Manager Shawn Cowles at [email protected] or 305.295.6616 x111. Your Museums. Your Community. It takes an Island.