There’s No Place Like Cayo Hueso for the Holidays
While visions of winter holiday joys traditionally involve fluffy falling snow and warm crackling fires, few U.S. destinations can boast a solid month of festivities and holiday merry-making to compare with the annual Key West Holiday Fest. The island-wide Keys-centric celebration kicked off in late November and continues through December 31, with highlights including (but not limited to):
Wednesday, December 7 – The 5th Annual POSH (Paws Often Steal Hearts) Florida Keys SPCA Fundraiser at the Audubon House and Gardens and the Wesley House Family Services Lighted Bike Ride, a festive, costumed peddling party toy drive which launches from Bayview Park.
Friday, December 9 and Friday, December 16 – It’s two nights of fabulous Holiday Historic Inn Tours. Jump on a trolley and explore some of the most romantically decorated locales on the island while tasting sweet and savory holiday treats and libation samplings.
Friday, December 9 – Pack up Fifi and Fido and delight in Pet Pictures with Santa at the Christmas tree at the foot of William Street at the Key West Bight Marina. Proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of the Keys.
Saturday, December 10 – The 3rd Annual Parade of Paws & Holiday Bazaar at Higgs Dog park to benefit the Florida Keys SPCA. Costumes encouraged!
Saturday, December 10 through Sunday, December 18 – There’s only one place in the world where you can experience the spectacularly crafted Nutcracker Key West, inspired by the unique and colorful environment of the Florida Keys with lush landscapes complete with snowy egrets on shimmering salt ponds, a wicked Rooster-King, an exquisite Sea-Star Fairy, and “underwater” sequences of almost unimaginable beauty.
Saturday, December 10 – The 26th annual Schooner Wharf Lighted Boat Parade features festively illuminated watercraft, including schooners and small yachts, fishing and pleasure craft, row-boats and skiffs. Arrive at the Key West Bight Marina at the Historic Seaport early in order to stroll through the magical Key West Harbor Walk of Lights with its array of shops, restaurants and watering-holes, charmingly decorated for the holidays.
Sunday, December 18 – The Conch Republic Holiday Classic Car Show is a classic car cornucopia held each year at the Historic Seaport as a toy-drive for children at the Monroe County Domestic Abuse Shelter.
Sunday, December 25 – Festive outdoor live holiday jazz music enlivens the air and enchants the heart at the beautiful and historic Gardens Hotel in downtown Key West.
Saturday, December 31 – At noon, it’s the 12th Annual Key West Dachshund Walk. Dachshund’s and Dachshund impersonators along with their human companions gather at Fleming and Whitehead Streets before parading through downtown streets lined with adoring fans.
Saturday, December 31 – At night, chose between an abundance of uniquely Key West New Year’s Eve Celebrations, including the Conch Shell Drop at Sloppy Joe’s Bar on Duval Street; the world-famous Red High Heel Drop with Sushi the Drag Queen at the Bourbon St. Pub; the saucy Pirate Wench Drop at the Historic Seaport and the Key Lime Wedge in a Margarita Glass drop at the Ocean Key Resort.
“The month of December is a wonder-filled time to visit the Keys and experience a very special type of holiday magic in Key West,” commented Jodi Weinhofer, President of the Lodging Association of the Florida Keys & Key West. “But, with so many events presented by so many different entities, it can be difficult for visitors and locals alike to discover just what is happening and when. That’s where the Lodging Association comes in. We help spread joy by providing a one-stop information resource for all Key West holiday events.”
Key West Holiday Fest is presented by the Lodging Association of the Florida Keys, the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, the Westin Key West Resort & Marina, Ocean Key Resort & Spa, and Historic Tours of America. For more information, contact the Lodging Association at 305-296-4959 or visit keywestholidayfest.com.