Christmas in Key West: Best Things to Do, Holiday Lights, Sandbars & Festive Tours
Ever dreamed of celebrating Christmas in paradise?
Key West is the perfect place to celebrate the holidays with your loved ones. Instead of dreaming of a white Christmas, imagine palm trees adorned with white lights, sailboats sparkling with colorful holiday lights, and conch cottages with unique holiday decorations. That’s what Christmas in Key West is all about, and you should definitely be here!
Historic Seaport Key West
Experience the magic of Key West Seaport during the “night before Christmas,” when it’s adorned with festive lights and creative holiday displays.
The Key West Bight transforms into a lively Christmas wonderland from late November to New Year’s Eve. The holiday lights here have a nautical theme, paying homage to the island’s rich maritime history. Stroll along the Harbor Walk of Lights, which lines the seawall past Greene Street, William Street, and Margaret Street, all the way to the Key West Bight Ferry Terminal.
Old Town Trolley Holiday Lights Tour
Want to discover the best way to see all the holiday lights across the island? Join the Holiday Lights & Sights Tour. This delightful tour includes cookies, cider, and a 60-minute Key West tour that will surely put you in the holiday spirit. Afterward, head to Mallory Square to witness the Sunset Celebration. Then, at 6:00 pm, board the trolley to embark on your tour.
Get out to a Sandbar!
For the highlight of any trip to the keys, take get out to a sandbar like a local.
How do the Key West Local’s spend their days off? On the water! Enjoy the local sandbars and remote islands, with a sandbar charter, tiki bar boat charter, slide boat charter, or boat rental.
Celebrate Christmas Day Aboard the Ultimate Sandbar & Eco Adventure
Why not start a new tradition on Christmas Day?
Since you’re already in paradise, take it one step further and spend the entire day offshore.
You’ll never look at Christmas the same after you’ve spent one in Key West. Happy Holidays!
Conch Tour Train Holiday Light Tours
As one of Key West’s most long-standing and instantly recognizable attractions, this little-train-that-could has been delighting visitors to the Conch Republic since the 1950s!
When the holidays come around, though, the holiday spirit becomes electric on the annual Holiday Lights Tour. Before boarding, indulge in some cookies and warm cider and don’t forget to study up on your caroling. Once the holiday cheer has been stoked, it’s time to light up the night as we cruise through Key West and marvel at the shimmering dance of color emanating from the thousands of lights adorning the light posts, businesses, and homes throughout the island.
Cruise Around Key West
Do your own holiday light parade!
Cruise around Key West, island-style, with eco-friendly electric golf carts, Scooter Rentals, or gas-powered Golf Cart rentals. Discover the thrill of our roadworthy rentals, as they get you from one bucket-list spot to the next with a smooth and safe ride, perfect transportation experience for your vacation.
Key West Christmas Jet Skiing
No one ever said that Christmas time would be boring in Key West! Do something a little different this year and celebrate the holidays with a jet ski tour in Key West.
Reserve a jet ski tour led by a knowledgeable local guide who can take you on an exploration of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. These tours typically last for 1.5 hours and will circumnavigate the entire island of Key West.
You’ll see top spots like the Boca Chica Sandbar, the famous Southern Point, Key West Harbor, and, of course, the Florida Keys Wildlife Sanctuary.
3-Day Christmas in Key West Itinerary
- Day 1: Christmas Eve – Walk the Historic Seaport, see the Harbor Walk of Lights, take the Holiday Lights Trolley Tour (with cookies & cider)
- Day 2: Christmas Day – Spend Christmas offshore at sandbars like Boca Chica during a sandbar charter or eco adventure, as recommended in the PDF. Enjoy warm weather and turquoise water while relaxing like a local.
- Day 3: Post-Christmas – Explore Old Town, consider a jet ski tour that circles the entire island and passes landmarks like the Southernmost Point, Key West Harbor, and the Florida Keys Wildlife Sanctuary
Key West Christmas FAQs
Does Key West decorate for Christmas?
Yes — the whole island lights up. The Harbor Walk of Lights, holiday trolleys, decorated conch cottages, and boat parades turn the Old Town and seaport area into a Christmas wonderland
What is Christmas like in Key West?
Christmas in Key West is warm, tropical, and festive, with palm trees wrapped in lights, decorated sailboats, and island-style holiday events such as the Harbor Walk of Lights and multiple holiday tours
Is Key West warm in December?
Yes. December weather is typically: Highs: mid-70s to low-80s °F and Lows: mid-60s °F
Perfect for boating, sandbars, jet skiing, and outdoor holiday events.
Is Christmas a good time to visit Key West?
Absolutely. December brings great weather, holiday events, and peak outdoor activity season. Because availability is limited, reservations for tours and rentals are recommended
What can families do during Christmas in Key West?
Families visiting Key West at Christmas can enjoy holiday lights tours, the Conch Tour Train, exploring the Harbor Walk of Lights, spending the day on family-friendly sandbar charters, visiting remote islands by boat, and participating in seasonal celebrations like the Mallory Square Sunset Celebration
Is Key West a good place for kids during the holidays?
Yes. Key West is very family-friendly during the holidays. Children enjoy Christmas light tours, shallow sandbar days, eco-adventures, and calm-water boat rides. Warm weather also keeps most outdoor activities enjoyable for all ages
Are sandbar trips good for families with kids?
Sandbar trips are one of the best holiday activities for families. The water is shallow, clear, and calm, making it ideal for young children. Options such as tiki boats, slide boats, and standard sandbar charters offer a safe and fun day offshore for the entire family
Is Christmas crowded in Key West?
Christmas week is one of the busiest times of the year. Rentals, charters, and tours often sell out, and reservations are recommended in advance
Where do locals spend Christmas Day?
Locals traditionally spend holidays on the water at sandbars and remote islands with friends and family
