Key West Holiday Fest not as boisterous in 2020, but just as beautiful

Key West Holiday Fest not as boisterous in 2020, but just as beautiful

While Key West Holiday Fest 2020 has of necessity been scaled down due to COVID-19, numerous festive events are still taking place throughout the island city that locals and visitors can enjoy while easily observing current community health ordinances.

Now through December 23, Historic Tours of America Holiday Lights & Sights Home Decorating Contest: Spectators can enjoy the spectacle while residents from Key West to Key Haven enter HTA’s competition for the most beautifully decorated house on the block, with public votes determining the winners. Cash prizes awarded for First, Second, and Third place. Information and entry form available at https://www.trolleytours.com/key-west/holiday-light-contest

Now through December 24, Key West Chamber of Commerce Business Decorating Contest: Key West and Stock Island businesses can enter the Key West Chamber of Commerce decorating contest, open to Chamber members and non-members. $5000 in prizes will be awarded. Register by December 15 at KeyWestChamber.org

Now through Christmas Eve, The Studios of Key West Holiday Artisan Market: The annual event featuring marvelous holiday treasures produced by local artisans has been moved online this year. Visit TSKW.org for offerings from twenty-five featured artists, including jewelry, sculpture, fabric and fiber art, apparel, artisan soaps and more.

Now through Christmas Eve, the MARC annual Christmas tree lot: Christmas trees, wreaths, garlands, holiday accessories, ornaments, and wonderful locally produced gifts. More than 1500 trees traveled from North Carolina to Key West and are available until they run out or Christmas Eve, which ever comes first. 1401 Seminary Street. For information call the MARC Plant Store at 305-296-9556 or email [email protected].

Now through New Year’s Eve, Key West Harbor Walk of Lights at the Historic Seaport: Revel in an enchanting wonderland of light-bedecked palm trees, Christmas trees, ships, shops, restaurants and watering holes, dazzlingly decorated for the holiday season from Lazy Way Lane at the Green Street Plaza to the Ferry Terminal at Grinnell Street.

Now through the holidays, historic Fort West Martello Tower: The Key West Garden Club, stewards of the Civil War era property, have decked out the magnificent Fort and surrounding grounds and gardens with luscious holiday decorations and lights. Open from 9:30am to 2pm daily at 1100 Atlantic Ave., admission is free; donations cheerfully accepted. Much of the festive décor will be visible at nighttime for walking, biking and drive-by enjoyment. For information, email [email protected].

Now through the holidays, the Parade of Paws fundraiser for the Florida Keys SPCA: Every year, the Florida Keys SPCA hosts the wildly popular holiday Parade of Paws event that raises funds for the animal shelter and fame, fortune and great prizes for the competitors. This year due to COVID-19, the event is going online. Competitors can visit fkspca.org and set up an online gallery where you can show off your pet’s charms and invite your friends to buy votes with dollars. Questions? Email Tiffany at [email protected] or call 305-294-4857.

Friday, December 4 through Wednesday, December 23: Conch Tour Train Holiday Lights Tours: Multiple nightly hour-long tours (with the exception of Dec. 5, 12 and 17) convey caroling passengers through streets and neighborhoods to revel in the magically illuminated streets of Key West. Visit www.conchtourtrain.com for tickets and information or call 305-294-5161.

Friday, December 4 through Wednesday, December 23, Old Town Trolley Holiday Lights and Sights Tour: Multiple nightly tours at 6:30 and 7:15pm (with the exception of Dec 5) take revelers on an hour long tour of the island’s most elaborately decorated houses, buildings, and neighborhoods. Visit https://www.trolleytours.com/key-west/ for tickets and information or call 305-296-6688.

Saturday, December 12, 10:00am to 3:00pm, Artisan Market Holiday Mart at Sunset Green Event Lawn at the Keys Collection: Attendees can enjoy beverages and snacks from Keys Collection hotels  – the Gates Hotel and 24 North Hotel – while shopping a festively decorated curated market of handcrafted art and holiday gifts made in the Keys. Stringent safety measures will be in place to safeguard attendees and the vendors who serve them. 3820 N. Roosevelt Blvd; free parking. Questions, contact Jill Snodgrass at 305-731-5780.

Saturday, December 12 and Sunday, December 13, Collections Key West Gallery Holiday Gift Show, 12:00 to 5:00pm: Immerse in a brilliantly curated wonderland of art in the form of unusual jewelry, elegant wood-works, paintings, sculpture, antiques and novelties, while being serenaded on piano by master musician Jay Wetzel. Also open week-ends noon to 5:00 and by appointment all December. 6810 Front Street, Stock Island. Contact Karen Wray at 305-923-4778, [email protected].

Sunday, December 13, Lighting of the Menorah, 5:30pm, virtual event, presented on the City of Key West — Government Facebook page.

Saturday, December 19 through Saturday, December 26, The Studios of Key West Holiday Movie Challenge Virtual Screening: What would “Love Actually” sound like with a Conch accent? What if “It’s a Wonderful Life’s” George Bailey grew up in Key West instead of Bedford Falls? Since December 3, teams of filmmakers have been busy writing and filming shorts that riff off of favorite classic holiday movies. Online streaming begins December 19. Visit TSKW.org for ticket information.

Sunday, December 20, 11:00am to 3:00pm, the Conch Republic Seafood Holiday Classic Car show: See classic cars from a variety of eras at the official show of the Florida Keys Southernmost Car Club, and chose a People’s Choice winner with your votes. Located at the Conch Republic Seafood Company parking lot at the corner of Greene and Elizabeth Streets. Attendees are asked to bring an unwrapped toy for the Monroe County Domestic Abuse Shelter.

Friday, December 25, 4:00 to 10:00pm, Christmas Dinner at Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen and Bar: A special Christmas three-course feast awaits your party of up to 12 people. For your first course, choose from Poach Pear Salad, She Crab Soup or Mushroom Ravioli; second course choices are Traditional Roast Turkey, Scallops, Short Ribs or Lamb Rack, with the third course a selection of decadent desert offerings. Located at The Perry Hotel Key West at Stock Island Marina, 7001 Shrimp Road. Call 305-294-3939 for reservations.

Friday, December 25, 10:00am to 4:00pm, the Fury Key West Christmas Ultimate Adventure: A six-hour voyage on a spacious Fury catamaran with activities including snorkeling, parasailing, jet-skiing, banana-boat ride, fun at a water park with aqua slide, action climbing tower, water trampoline and more, plus beverages, and breakfast and lunch featuring a special holiday themed menu. For tickets and information visit furycat.com/key-west/christmas or call 305-292-600.

Friday, December 25, 4:30 to 6:30pm, Christmas Day Sunset Sail on the festively decorated luxury catamaran SV Argo Navis: Take in the beautifully holiday lit Key West Historic Seaport, Mallory Square and Sunset Key by sea on the 75’ luxury vessel, with plenty of room to spread out for social distancing. Limited to 26 passengers, the all-inclusive excursion includes festive beverages and holiday appetizers served by the crew. Temperatures taken prior to boarding. For reservations call 305-509-1771 or visit sailargonavis.com.

Thursday, December 31, 5:00pm, New Year’s Eve sunset sails on Fury Catamarans: Choose from “Commotion on the Ocean” which sets sail at 5:00pm for a two hour cruise with live music, light appetizers and cocktails, or the romantic Champaign Sunset Cruise, also departing at 5:00pm for a 1.5 hour sail. For reservations visit furycat.com/key-west/new-years-eve.

Thursday, December 31, 7:00 to 9:00pm, New Year’s Eve sunset sail on the luxury catamaran SV Argo Navis: Depart from 0 Margaret Street at the Key West Historic Sea Port on the 75’ vessel and toast the incoming New Year with cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres, party favors and a champagne countdown on the hour – because it’s midnight somewhere! Limited to 26 guests, for reservations call 305-509-1771 or visit sailargonavis.com.

In order to safeguard public health and well-being, social distancing will be in place at all public events and venues, and in Key West facial coverings in the form of a mask, buff, bandana, cloth scarf or handkerchief are required both indoors and outdoors with the exception of when inside a residence or lodging place such as hotels, resorts, and inns. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, some events may be canceled or rescheduled. It is recommended to re-confirm all events and bookings in advance. Key West Holiday Fest is presented by the Lodging Association of the Florida Keys and Key West, the Monroe Country Tourist Development Council, and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Keys Real Estate, Knight & Gardner Realty. For more information, contact the Lodging Association at 305-296-4959 or visit keywestholidayfest.com.

[livemarket market_name="KONK Life LiveMarket" limit=3 category=“” show_signup=0 show_more=0]