New Year’s Eve 2022 in Key West

Although Key West only covers 7 square miles, it seems like every inch of the island is participating in New Year's Eve festivities. From drag queens to parrotheads, there's a party for just about everybody, as the island's myriad of NYE celebrations cater to a wide range of personalities, much like Key West itself. No matter which you choose, you can count on a good time. That said, here are some of the most popular things to do on New Year’s Eve in Key West year after year.

See Fireworks at the Sunset Green Event Lawn at 24 North Hotel

Kick off New Year’s Eve early with a special fireworks event on the Sunset Green Event Lawn at 24 North Hotel on Dec. 30. There will be delicious food and drinks, spectacular fireworks lighting up the night sky, and live music by The Marshall Morlock Band. You can read more about the band here. All ages are welcome. The Sunset Green Event Lawn opens at 6 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.

Reserve a New Year’s Eve Cruise

Book a cruise to watch the last sunset of 2022. Fury Water Adventures presents a special NYE live music sunset sail on their state-of-the-art catamaran. Witness beautiful views of the famous Key West sunset while indulging in light appetizers, frosty margaritas, Champagne, beer, and wine. See your New Year’s Eve options and book ahead.

Enjoy a Special New Year’s Eve Dinner Menu

Key West’s top-notch restaurants are rolling out special New Year’s Eve menus of their own. Settle in for the night with delicious takeout or celebrate the arrival of 2023 at Antonia’s on Duval Street. The cozy eatery will feature a special prix fixe four-course menu with savory dishes like oysters on the half shell, wagyu beef carpaccio, and trout with nori butter. Seven Fish will also have a dedicated New Year’s Eve prix fixe menu, as well as Martin’s, Hard Rock Café, and more. Reserve your table ahead of time at OpenTable.

Livestream Duval Street

Totally exhausted from a magical evening of festivities but don’t want to miss out on the rest? Relax in your room at 24 North Hotel and stream live webcams from around Key West for aerial views of all the New Year’s Eve action. Get a glimpse of Old Town from a safe distance by visiting our live webcam guide to see the Duval Street Cam, Key West Butterfly Cam, Two Friends Karaoke and Rooftop Cams, Sloppy Joe’s Bar and Stage Cams, and more.

Watch the Shoe Drop with Drag Queen Sushi

Led by Key West's beloved drag queen Sushi, the shoe drop is more elaborate than it sounds. Every year at the Bourbon St. Pub (724 Duval St.), Sushi hops into a giant, glittering red heel to be lowered to the ground as the crowd counts down. Originally made of paper mâché and chicken wire, the shoe has evolved over the years to a much safer apparatus of fiberglass and stainless steel. It's something to see, especially with Sushi's elaborate costumes.

See the Dropping of the Conch Shell

Sloppy Joe's annual Dropping of the Conch Shell has been going strong since 1993. In fact, before the event was established, there weren't any "official" New Year’s Eve gatherings. Now there's always a crowd at the corner of Greene and Duval. Come early to get a spot on Sloppy Joe's rooftop or stay down below to dance and catch beads.

View the Lowering of the Pirate Wench

A bit further from the Duval Street crowd is the Schooner Wharf Bar's Lowering of the Pirate Wench. From her station on the mast of the America 2.0, co-owner of the Conch landmark and resident pirate wench, Evalena Worthington, slides down the line in full pirate attire with the countdown to the New Year in the background. It's definitely one of the most unique ways to spend the evening. And as always, there will be plenty of live music, dancing, and drink specials.

Plan a Champagne Toast

Snuggle in at 24 North Hotel and cap off the night with a Champagne toast of your own. Pick up a few bottles of your preferred bubbly to pop open at midnight. Visit Uva Wine Shoppe on Fleming Street in Old Town to choose from a limited production of estate-grown wine, Conch Town Liquor & Lounge on N Roosevelt Boulevard (only a half-mile from 24 North!) for a large selection of Champagne and Prosecco, or Key West Fine Wines on Eaton Street for a carefully curated selection of the world’s most delicious wines. The shop features top-notch bubblies like Cristal Champagne, Gimonnet Special Club Champagne, and a number of "Special Club" vintage Grower Champagnes from H. Goutorbe, Paul Bara, Marc Herbrat, and Pierre Gimonnet.

What are you waiting for? Book your New Year’s Eve hotel in Key West. Check out our nightly rates at 24 North Hotel, one of the most family-friendly hotels in Key West. We have a Starbucks on site, shuttle service to Old Town, and our pool area is one of the best on the island. See our special offers, which include special rates for Florida residents.

Share a pic of what you get up to this New Year’s Eve with us on Instagram at #TheKeysCollection. And if you don’t already, keep up with us by following the 24 North Hotel Facebook and Instagram.