2026 Bight Before Christmas Festivities at Key West Historic Seaport Are Just Around The Corner!

Three spectacular Christmas trees, thousands of sparkling lights, festive entertainment, and a waterfront full of holiday magic. The holiday season is almost here at the Key West Historic Seaport!
There is something especially magical about the holidays in Key West. And the magic returns on Wednesday, November 25, 2026, when the 21st Annual Key West Harbor Walk of Lights officially kicks off the holiday season at the Key West Historic Seaport and Bight Marina.
A beloved tradition for locals and visitors alike, the Harbor Walk of Lights transforms the waterfront into a festive Christmas wonderland, celebrating the island’s maritime heritage with imaginative decorations, spectacular Christmas trees, holiday music, and family-friendly activities.
And the best part? Admission is free!

Three Christmas Trees. Three Festive Celebrations.
The evening’s festivities feature three unique Christmas tree lightings, each bringing its own personality and holiday spirit to the Historic Seaport.
6:00 PM | The Fishing Buoy Christmas Tree
The celebration begins at the Greene and Elizabeth Street Plaza with the lighting of Key West’s famous Fishing Buoy Christmas Tree. Holiday music gets underway at 5:00 PM, setting the tone for an evening of holiday cheer.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will make a special appearance, greeting children, handing out treats, and posing for holiday photographs. It’s a wonderful way for families to kick off the season!
6:30 PM | The Nautical Christmas Tree
Next, head toward the William Street end of the Harbor Walk of Lights for the lighting of the Nautical Christmas Tree.
This waterfront celebration features a traditional candlelight choir performance by the Fifth Street Baptist Christmas Choir, accompanied by complimentary hot chocolate, cookies, and plenty of holiday spirit. The Schooner Wharf Bar crew will also help make this special evening one to remember.
7:00 PM | The Famous Lobster Trap Christmas Tree
The evening concludes at the Margaret Street end of Old Lands End Village with the lighting of Key West’s original and famous Lobster Trap Christmas Tree.
A uniquely Key West holiday attraction, this creative Christmas tree celebrates the island’s fishing heritage. Visitors can enjoy festive music, holiday cookies, candy canes, and a special appearance by the Christmas Lobster mascot.
NEW FOR 2026: The Lighted Children’s Holiday March!
There’s something extra special planned for this year’s celebration!
New for 2026, families are invited to participate in the Lighted Children’s Holiday March, a festive procession connecting all three Christmas tree lighting locations.
Beginning at approximately 6:15 PM, children and families will make their way down Lazy Way toward the next two celebrations. Leading the procession will be Carolyn G on her one-of-a-kind Magical Musical Holiday Trike.
Children will receive free lighted holiday props to carry along the route, adding even more sparkle to this exciting new holiday tradition.
It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to get involved, enjoy the festivities, and create holiday memories together.
Spreading Holiday Cheer Beyond the Waterfront
The Harbor Walk of Lights is about more than beautiful decorations and Christmas celebrations. It’s also an opportunity to give back to the local community.
The event kicks off two meaningful holiday initiatives: the 2026 Cheryl Cates Toy Drive and the Crystal Cates Christmas Giveaway.
Visitors are encouraged to bring a new toy to donate to the Cheryl Cates Toy Drive, helping bring Christmas joy to local children. Toys will also be available for purchase at the event’s Imagination Station table for those who would like to contribute.
EVENT DETAILS
- Event: 21st Annual Key West Harbor Walk of Lights
- Date: Wednesday, November 25, 2026
- Admission: Free
- Fishing Buoy Christmas Tree: 6:00 PM
- Nautical Christmas Tree: 6:30 PM
- Lobster Trap Christmas Tree: 7:00 PM
- Location: Key West Historic Seaport and Key West Bight Marina
- Holiday Displays: Nightly beginning Thanksgiving Eve and continuing into the New Year
Plan your holiday visit! For additional event details, the complete schedule of holiday festivities, and more information about Christmas in Key West, visit KeyWestChristmas.org.
Come for the Christmas trees. Stay for the music, the lights, the traditions, and the magic of the Key West waterfront!
We look forward to celebrating the holidays with you at the Key West Historic Seaport!

✨ We can’t wait to see you celebrate the holiday season at the Key West Historic Seaport! ✨ Check out Key West Christmas online for more details and a list of updated events, as well as KeyWestHistoricSeaport.com!

