10 Best New Year’s Eve Events in Key West to Ring in 2024

Although Key West only covers around six square miles, it seems like every inch of the island is participating in New Year's Eve festivities. From drag queens to parrotheads, native Conchs to those just in town for the holiday, there's a party for just about everybody, as the island's myriad of New Year’s Eve 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 events, parties, and things to do on New Year’s Eve in Key West year after year.

1. See Fireworks in Key West at the Sunset Green Event Lawn at 24 North Hotel

24 North Hotel is saying sayonara to 2023 on Dec. 30 with an epic party and fireworks celebration on the Sunset Green Event Lawn. Join us at 6 p.m. for food, drinks, and a performance by The Marshall Morlock Band, followed by a dazzling fireworks show at 9 p.m. All ages are welcome to the best fireworks show in Key West. A portion of your food and beverage purchases will go straight to the Highgate Charitable Foundation. Stay steps from the party at 24 North Hotel. Check out our ocean view suites.

2. Reserve a New Year’s Eve Sunset Cruise

Book a cruise to watch the last sunset of 2023. Fury Water Adventures presents a special New Year’s Eve 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. Book ahead.

3. Enjoy a Special New Year’s Eve Dinner Menu

Key West’s top-notch restaurants are rolling out exclusive New Year’s Eve menus of their own. Settle in for the night with delicious takeout or celebrate the arrival of 2024 at places like Seven Fish and Martin’s, who both have special New Year’s Eve celebrations and menus planned. If you find yourself in Mallory Square, El Meson de Pepe will be slinging their popular Cuban fare, and their “Cuban Cigar Drop” has become a new favorite New Year’s Eve tradition. Reserve your table ahead at OpenTable.

4. Watch the Last Sunset at Mallory Square

How many places in the world celebrate the sunset on a daily basis? In Key West, it’s kind of a big deal. The last sunset of the year at Mallory Square in Old Town is always a special occasion. Visit the public square two hours before sunset to stake out your spot.

5. Swing into 2024 at the Great Gatsby New Year’s Eve Party at First Flight

Ring in the New Year at First Flight Island Restaurant and Brewery. Their Great Gatsby party begins at 8 p.m. with a 4-hour full open bar, hors d'oeuvres, Champagne toasts, chef-manned action stations, a live band, and DJ performances. Dress in your best 1920s garb, and at the stroke of midnight, watch the replica Pan American plane take flight in their garden.

6. Livestream Duval Street on New Year’s Eve

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 Key West webcams 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.

7. Watch the Red Shoe Drop at Bourbon St. Pub

Once led by Key West's beloved drag queen Sushi, the Red Shoe Drop is more elaborate than it sounds. Every year at the Bourbon St. Pub (724 Duval St.), Sushi would hop into a giant, glittering red heel to be lowered to the ground as the crowd counted down. Originally made of paper mâché and chicken wire, the shoe evolved over the years to a much safer apparatus of fiberglass and stainless steel. It was something to see, especially with Sushi's always elaborate costumes. After 25 years of “dropping,” the legendary drag queen retired in 2023 to make room for another to take the red shoe ride. We’re happy the tradition lives on, and we can’t wait to welcome the new queen to usher in 2024.

8. See the Dropping of the Conch Shell at Sloppy Joe’s

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.

9. View the Lowering of the Pirate Wench at Schooner Wharf Bar

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, 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.

10. Plan a Champagne Toast

If you’re more of the stay-in type, snuggle up 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, 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 Brut, Dom Perignon Brut, and a number of "Special Club" vintage Grower Champagnes from Goutrobe, Paul Bara, Gaston Chiquet, and Pierre Gimonnet.

Party before the countdown at Republica Bar & Lounge within 24 North Hotel. The Cuban-inspired craft cocktail lounge features an exciting drink menu, unique charcuterie boards, and live music every night of the week.

What are you waiting for? Secure your New Year’s Eve hotel in Key West. Book direct to save 25% and check out our rooms at 24 North Hotel, one of the most family-friendly hotels in Key West. We have a Starbucks on site, offer shuttle service to Old Town near all the New Year’s Eve festivities, and our pool area is one of the best on the island. See our special offers, which include rates just for Florida and Georgia 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.