Christmas in Key West 2022

There’s nothing like sending beach photos to relatives during the holidays while they’re up north knee deep in snow. Aside from this Christmas pastime, there are more Key West events and traditions that put locals and visitors in a holiday state of mind. Here are some activities you can’t miss out on this 2022 holiday season.

Although we strive to provide the most current information, attractions and events mentioned may be closed or canceled without notice. We recommend checking individual attractions for operating hours, updates, and safety measures before visiting.

Harbor Walk of Lights

The Harbor Walk of Lights stretches along the seawall past Greene, William, and Margaret Streets to the K.W. Ferry Terminal - which are completely lit-up in pure island fashion! Take a photo with nautical-themed Christmas trees which honor the maritime history of the Key West waterfront. Visitors can enjoy local shops, eats, and drinks on the harbor while taking in the holiday spirit. The event is held every evening from dusk to dawn throughout the holiday season.

Old Town Trolley’s Holiday Sights & Festive Nights Tours

Want to see the historic Key West homes in all their lighted glory? This is fun for the whole family. The Old Town Trolley offers evening tours from Mallory Square on select nights and times throughout December. Buy tickets in advance.

Christmas Shopping in Key West

Check off everyone on your shopping list at the island’s local festive markets and artisan boutiques. The Key West Artisan Market is dedicated to spotlighting the best local makers, mom-and-pop businesses, and vendors in the Keys and South Florida (open on select Sundays in December). The Studios of Key West is also supporting community artists and small businesses by hosting a Holiday Artisan Market completely online. Visit their online shop to see works from 25 unique local artisans specializing in jewelry, textiles, home accessories, and more. Check out more of Key West’s one-of-a-kind boutiques to snag the perfect Christmas gift with our Very Key West Holiday Gift Guide.

Schooner Wharf Bar Tree Trimming Party

Christmas comes early at Schooner Wharf, as locals and visitors gather to trim the bar’s holiday tree (those who help get a free cocktail!), decorate with ornaments (make and bring your own to be entered into a contest), bring an unwrapped present for their Toy Drive, and enjoy live holiday music and seasonal drinks like Swedish glögg, Hot Applejack, and Eggnog with rum. The Tree Trimming Party will be held Sunday, Dec. 4 at 6 p.m.

Santa at the Shops at Mallory Square

See Santa at the Shops at Mallory Square on select dates throughout December (Dec. 10 and 16 from 12 - 2 p.m.). Santa will be in the North Pole located upstairs in the historic shops to hear all of your Christmas wishes! Letter-writing stations and a mailbox will be available.

Hometown Holiday Parade

For a small-town local feel, the Hometown Holiday Parade features local high school bands and floats on Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. The parade starts at Truman Ave. (at White St.) and continues down Duval Street to Eaton Street.

The Conch Republic Seafood 2022 “Holiday Classic Car Show”

Visit the Conch Republic Seafood Company on the Harbor Walk of Lights at Greene and Elizabeth Street to see classic cars from every era decked out for the holidays. Guests can see who takes home the top awards and get the opportunity to vote for “People's Choice” for best engine, interior, original and custom, “Best in Show”, and more. The free event will be held on Dec. 18 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. For more information, visit the Holiday Classic Car Show.

Schooner Wharf’s 31st Annual Key West Lighted Boat Parade

Other cities and towns have ice skating around Christmas time, but in Key West we “deck the hulls” for this annual holiday boat parade. Boats of all sizes are decorated with lights, precision and care to impress spectators, but, most importantly, the judges at Schooner Wharf Bar & Galley, as there’s prizes and free raffles up for grabs. The procession begins at 8 p.m. on Dec. 10, with viewing along the Harbor Walk of Lights and the Historic Seaport. Arrive at the Key West Bight early to take in holiday music, shopping, and dinner. More info here.

The 12 Days of Stripmas: A Burlesque Production

Key West Burlesque brings the classic holiday song, ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’, to life in this Victorian-style comedy production. See the performance Dec. 16 - 17 at the Key West Theater. Click here for tickets.

14th Annual Rudolph Red Nose 5K Run

Don your favorite Christmas pajamas and join others Dec. 17 at 7 a.m. at the Southernmost Beach Café for the annual run. Afterwards, enjoy refreshments, prizes for best festive or most unusual pajamas, and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit A Positive Step of Monroe County, a non-profit organization serving high risk kids and families since 1999.

Set Sail on Christmas Day

There are a few Christmas Day sails happening in Key West. Schooner America 2.0 is a two-hour Christmas Day brunch that features complimentary boozy drinks along with a fully-catered brunch and other delicious Christmas day treats aboard the 1851 revival sailboat. Fury Water Adventures is hosting a ‘Christmas Ultimate Adventure’ of its own. Climb aboard their spacious catamaran for an all-day Christmas excursion which includes a Banana Boat ride, snorkeling, a special holiday-themed menu, and so much more.

Enjoy your island holiday getaway with a longer stay at 24 North Hotel. See which of our specials works for you. If you’re traveling to Key West without a car, we offer continuous shuttle service into town and so much more. Happy Holidays!

Now for a limited time, save up to 50% off our extended Cyber Monday sale. Offer expires Dec. 2.