November 29, 2022

Holiday Happenings by the Historic Seaport

Tis the season to be jolly, and there's no better place to enjoy the festivities than right in our backyard at Key West's Historic Seaport. Here’s a list of the best holiday events and parades, by land and sea, happening this holiday season.

The Lighting of the 2022 “Harbor Walk of Lights”

Starting Wednesday, Nov. 23rd.
Lighting at 6:00 pm, and holiday music starts at 5:00 pm.

Best Holiday Events in Key West

The Harbor Walk, steps from our resort at Greene and Elizabeth St., is where the festivities begin, and you’ll find the best view and light display. Visitors and locals will enjoy the creative holiday displays and thousands of lights honoring the “Maritime History of Key West”. The Key West “Harbor Walk of Lights” includes the 20’ Fishing Buoy Tree, a 16’ Nautical Christmas Tree, and the original Key West Lobster Trap Tree.

See light sculptures of ship’s anchors, tropical birds, tropical fish, a flock of pink flamingos, jolly pelicans, merry manatees, animated sea turtles and dancing dolphins, and even a festive moray eel, all under brightly lit holiday palm trees!

And with thousands of ADDITIONAL lights around the Historic Seaport this year, the 2022 Key West “Harbor Walk of Lights” looks like it’s going to be one of your favorite holiday treats. (Photo credit: Historic Seaport.)

Key West Holiday Parade

Saturday, December 3rd, 7 pm -9 pm

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and the most charming and loved by all is the Key West Holiday parades. The community gathers together with a holiday flare, and the locals participate with marching bands, school groups, motorized and non-motorized floats, and children patiently waiting for Santa Claus to appear. Everyone gets creative, and you can feel the holiday vibe during this festive parade.

The parade kicks off at 7 p.m. at Truman Avenue and White Street beside Bayview Park. (Photo credit: Rob O’Neal.)

Key West Lighted Boat Parade

Saturday, December 10th

The parade begins at 8:00 p.m., and the festivities start early on the Harbor Walk of Lights Bight Before Christmas Celebration. The elementary students with the Bahama Village Steel Pan Band entertain with calypso Christmas music at 6:00 pm., followed by a group of the island’s favorite musicians playing classic holiday tunes mixed with contemporary songs and classics.

The best place to watch is here at Schooner Wharf because that’s where the judge's stand is. (Photo credit: Schooner Wharf Bar.)

Holiday Happenings at the Marker Key West Harbor Resort

NYE! Glass Cats LIVE in Concert

December 31st, 3 - 6 pm

Enjoy a New Year's Eve poolside concert with local favorites Glass Cats at The Marker Key West Harbor Resort. 3 pm - 6 pm. Free Event. Learn more.

Where to Ring in the New Year

Ring in the New Year with us by the seaport as a pirate wench is to be lowered from atop a tall ship's mast beside the Schooner Wharf Bar.

Did you know every year on New Year’s Eve, pirate wench Evalena Worthington, the owner of Schooner Wharf Bar, descends the mast of a stately tall ship to ring in the new year? Photo credit FLORIDA KEYS NEWS BUREAU and Keys Weekly.

May your days be merry and bright. Wishing you a happy holiday season from our family to yours. #lovethemarker

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