No Snow, No Problem: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and NYE in Key West
The holidays in Key West may not come with snow, but that doesn’t mean they lack festive charm. Instead of bundling up, you’ll find yourself swapping the chill for balmy coastal breezes, palm trees draped in twinkling lights, and a unique yuletide twist that only Key West can offer. Whether you’re gathering for a Thanksgiving feast, taking in the dazzling light displays, or counting down to 2025 under the stars, the island’s laid-back energy makes it a perfect place to experience the season. And at Parrot Key Hotel & Villas, we embody the holiday spirit with flavorful feasts and cheerful flair, offering the perfect retreat from the holiday hustle.
Thanksgiving Traditions With a Sun-Kissed Spin
In Key West, Thanksgiving takes on a new kind of magic—one where the crisp autumn air is replaced by barefoot beach strolls and gathering with loved ones feels more like an intimate shore-side getaway. At Parrot Key, we invite you to leave behind the stress of preparation and embrace a day of effortless indulgence at The Grove Kitchen & Bar, where our all-inclusive Thanksgiving menu is available from morning to evening.
For those who prefer to start the day on an active note, join the Southernmost Turkey Trot 5K & 1 Mile Rooster Romp in the morning, taking you through the scenic streets of Key West. Afterward, settle in with a tropical cocktail and catch a football game at popular spots like Jack Flats or Old Town Tavern & Beer Garden on Duval Street, where big screens and cold drinks keep the energy high.
A Merry and Bright Christmas
Christmas traditions take on a whole new glow in Key West. Along with the seasonal touches at Parrot Key, like Christmas cookies delivered to your room on Christmas Eve and a decadent Christmas meal at The Grove Kitchen & Bar, the island transforms into a sparkling wonderland of lights.
Throughout December, step out of your villa and into the charming streets, where the town’s merriment is on full display. The Key West Holiday Parade on December 7 fills the streets with joyful energy, while the Harbor Walk of Lights—lit from November 27 through New Year’s Eve—casts a festive flow over the Historic Seaport. For a true Key West experience, don’t miss the annual Lighted Boat Parade on December 14, where boats adorned with glittering lights glide through the water, illuminating the harbor in a jolly spectacle.
For an even closer look at the lights, hop aboard the Conch Tour Train or the Old Town Trolley, hosted on select nights in December. Both tours offer a nostalgic, whimsical way to take in the neighborhoods. Enjoy cookies, cider, and caroling as you weave through the luminous scene, paired with tasty treats and plenty of good cheer.
Midnight Countdowns and Island Revelry
Ring in the New Year with Key West’s signature mix of fun and flair, where quirky traditions meet seaside serenity. At Parrot Key, guests staying with us on New Year’s Eve will find a bottle of Champagne and a gift bag of party favors awaiting them in their rooms, setting the tone for a spirited evening.
As you venture out to experience Key West’s famous festivities, you’ll find no shortage of unique ways to welcome 2025. Watch the iconic Dropping of the Conch Shell at Sloppy Joe’s, where a giant shell descends to mark the start of the new year or head over to Bourbon Street Pub for the glamorous Red Shoe Drop, a lively tradition where a local drag queen is lowered in a giant high-heeled shoe at midnight.
For a serene 2024 farewell, consider a New Year’s Eve sunset cruise, such as the Schooner Champagne Sunset Sail, where you can toast to 2025 under the stars. And for a classic end-of-year experience, gather for the fireworks display, launched from the end of White Street Pier over Key West Harbor—a perfect finale to your celebratory escape.
The holidays in Key West are a chance to step away from the ordinary and embrace something truly special. Picture yourself savoring a Thanksgiving feast by the water, wandering through a sea of radiant lights, or counting down to midnight under a sky full of fireworks. At Parrot Key Hotel & Villas, we invite you to slow down, indulge in the season’s simple joys, and experience them in a way that’s refreshingly different and deeply memorable. Pack your bags and join us in Key West for holidays like no other—right here in the heart of paradise.
