How To Have A Magical Christmas In Key West
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Last Updated 9/19/2020 ** Please check ahead on the various activities listed for Christmas 2020 – all things are different this year and activities may or may not be happening**
Ahhh Christmas. That time of year when everything is perfect. HAHA. Christmas around my house is never perfect. I never seem to get things decorated the way I want for one. I have tons of lofty decorating goals such as making my house look like something out of a Better Homes & Gardens feature, but for some reason, it never actually does! Maybe because I’m not a designer!! While I may not be a designer, I am a great trip planner. I love to research and plan the perfect trip. Whether it’s New York or the Blackhills of South Dakota, I know how to plan it.
Right now, I’m dreaming of the perfect Christmas in Key West. If Key West doesn’t immediately strike you as the perfect place to spend Christmas, that’s ok – I get it – no snow! But you’d be surprised at how festive a Key West Christmas can be. Let’s explore.
Key West
I’m almost a Floridian. I mean I feel like I should have residency! I’ve been to Florida too many times to count. Lately, I’ve been spending time in Boca. I love it. So I keep going back. While I love all parts of Florida, my favorite area is South Florida. Within South Florida, there is no better place to have a good time than Key West.
You know who knows how to have FUN? People in Key West! I swear those Conch’s are always partying! There’s always some beachy-boozy festival going on down there and they always look like they’re in on a well-kept secret. Probably because they are! They live in KEY WEST – how cool is that?!
Key West is my ultimate dream location. If I win the lottery I’m buying a place in Key West. I want to live like an islander. I want warmth 12 months a year. I want to complain that it’s “freezing” because it’s ONLY 55 degrees. HAHA! Fifty-five where I’m from is pretty much the start of shorts season – I kid you not!
It’s a little weird to celebrate the holidays without cold & snow, but it’s actually a GOOD kind of weird! Heat sounds especially good right now considering as I sit here writing it’s only 28 degrees outside my window. On the other hand, Key West average temperature is a balmy 76 degrees, so sign me up! Christmas in Key West will be amazing.
Key West
Key West is the ultimate party city in any season. For the holidays, they really pull out all the stops so you’ll relish in the island-themed Christmas party that is a Key West Christmas Holiday! Fun in the sun will be yours when you head down to the southernmost point in the US. They may not have snow, but they sure know how to put on holiday festivities. Plus they have all their standard beachy-island run-of-the-mill-fun that’s yours year round. So go to Key West and you’ll have a double hit of fun especially with Christmas in Key West.
So how should you live it up for your perfect Christmas in Key West? Read On:
Harbor Walk of Lights
Head down to the harbor and check out the array of fabulous holiday lights. You’ll see everything from nautical displays, lighted palm trees and tons of decor all lit up in holiday style! Plus you’ll find unique holiday shopping for all the gifts you need.
Free. Displays open every evening at dusk thru New Year’s Eve.
Lighted Boat Parade
This is one of the absolute coolest Christmas traditions. You’ll see so many tricked out boats parading thru the harbor in all their holiday glory. You can view all the boats along the Harbor Walk of Lights at the historic seaport. More info check here.
Free. Parade starts at 8:00pm. Go early. Grab a drink and settle i.n!
Old Town Trolley Lights & Sights Tour
Hop on the trolley, sit back and relax while you enjoy this narrated tour of the beautiful Key West properties all decked out in their Christmas splendor. Price is only $19.95
December 6, 12, 13, 14, 16 5:45pm , 6:00pm, 6:15pm.
December 18, 19, 21, 22, 23 5:45pm, 6:00pm, 6:15pm, 7:00pm, 7:15pm, 7:30pm
Key West Holiday Historic Inn Tour
Check out these picturesque historic homes in the old Key West gory all decked out in their Christmas finest on this tour. This is a self-guided tour so you can go at your own pace. Take as much or as little time as you’d like in each of these historic gems.
Dec 15th & 28th.
Hit the Beach.
Enjoy the weather! You’re in Key West in December. It’s warmer here than just about anywhere in the continental United States this time of year so enjoy it! I recommend Smathers Beach because it’s got everything you need to enjoy a beach day. From food vendors to watersport rentals, it’s got you covered. Add free on-street parking and the coveted bathrooms and you’ve got it made in the sun. Enjoy the Weather. Check out the beach at 2601 S Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040, USA
Where to Stay
914 Eaton Street
This is where I’m staying in April. I chose this hotel because it’s right in Old Town, walking distance to everything – all the shops, bars, and such. Plus, I’m getting a suite with a full kitchen for a great price. It seems expensive at $360 per night, BUT it’s a great location and I’ll be splitting it with my friend, so it’s really $180/night. And, I can save money by not eating out since it has a full kitchen. Plus, there are two pools. I can’t wait!! Check out their beautiful grounds. It will be amazing.
More Great Places to Stay
Fairfield Inn & Suites Key West – 2400 North Roosevelt Blvd.
The location is outside of downtown Key West so you’ll have peace & quiet, but you’re still just a short ride away from all the action on Duval Street. That’s a win-win in my book because you won’t have to deal with the noise and you’re getting a MUCH better deal by staying a little further out from the main party scene.
If you go the week before Christmas you can score rooms under $175/night. Great deal for Key West!
You can’t go wrong with Marriott! They’re my go-to hotel because they’re consistently good. I like Fairfield Inn because with the suite factor you can spread out. You’ll have the pull-out couch for extra room. Fairfield offers 1 bedroom suites with 2 double beds and a pullout couch so you’ll have plenty of room for all!
You might even get a balcony because some rooms do have balconies. I’d call in to the hotel directly to make your reservation and request a room with a balcony. If you’re a Marriott cardholder (which you should be!), mention it here! It will help score that great room!
This Fairfeld also has the FREE breakfast buffet, a FREE shuttle to Duvall Street and a DELUXE pool with a fun pool side tiki bar!
And A Couple More Great Hotel Choices
3031-41 North Roosevelt Blvd.
This is another solid option for an affordable stay at a very nice property with all the amenities you could want: onsite beach, beautiful outdoor pool, onsite bistro & Starbucks, FREE onsite parking, and NO resort fees.
611 Truman Ave
A boutique hotel with a perfect location. You’ll enjoy the stunning onsite pool, the beautifully decorated rooms and the perfect location – 1 block from all the action on Duval Street – especially nice for Christmas in Key West with all the holiday activities going on in town.
While Key West can be pricey, but there are lots of options for great stays on the economical side. Find all deals on Key West here.
No matter where you stay or what you do, have a great time on your Key West Christmas Adventure! Also tell me what do you like best about Key West? I’d love to hear your comments!
This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure statement for more information.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.