Key West is a delight all year round. That being said, during the holiday season, it twinkles and lights up with a unique Key West holiday charm. This year, consider celebrating the most wonderful time of the year at the heart of the island’s maritime history – the Key West Historic Seaport and Key West Bight Marina. In this blog post, we’ll uncover the festive magic and activities awaiting you at this nautical wonderland on Christmas Day!

Christmas Day Brunch Sail Aboard Schooner America 2.0

Enjoy Christmas morning the Key West way – sailing! This 2 1/2 hour Christmas Day Brunch Sail from 10:00am – 12:30pm features complimentary brunch, including spiraled ham, bagels and pastries, meats and cheeses, smoked salmon, crudités, along with mimosas, Bloody Marys, wine, beer, soft drinks, and water. SIGN UP before it’s all sold out!

Last Minute Gifts? Yes, Please!

Calling all last-minute shoppers: Did you know that at various Key West Historic Seaport locations, you can purchase special holiday gift cards. One place, for example, is Half Shell Raw Bar! Wrap up joy this season with their holiday treat by purchasing $100 in gift cards + then unwrapping an extra $25 gift card as their gift to you! Spread the cheer and come celebrate the holidays with some delicious seafood, Half Shell Raw Bar style. :)

Evening Festivities: The Harbor Walk of Lights

As the sun sets over the marina, soak in the warm glow of twinkling lights that light up the night every night through New Year’s Eve! With a kickoff that took place on November 22 and a nautical theme honoring its maritime history, this year’s display is sending lots of extra love from the heart of Key West to Jimmy Buffett!

The “Harbor Walk of Lights” stretches along the seawall past Greene St, William St, and Margaret St. to the K.W. Ferry Terminal.

Plus, Key West New Year’s Eve Celebrations!

Join your friends and make new ones at the Schooner Wharf Bar New Year’s Eve Celebration! The popular waterfront watering hole once again will present its unique and original nautical New Year’s Eve tradition with “The Lowering of the Pirate Wench” from the towering mast of the tall ship America 2.0 docked in front of the bar in the Key West Bight.

Everyone’s favorite pirate wench and owner of Schooner Wharf Bar, Evalena Worthington, will descend dramatically against large, illuminated countdown numbers. The stroke of midnight will signal the start of 2024 with cannon fire and the jubilant sound of horns and noisemakers from the crowd against a backdrop of the ship’s crew dressed as pirates.

So, What Now? Head Down to Key West!

Celebrating Christmas Day at the Key West Historic Seaport and Bight Marina is a maritime adventure like no other. From festive meals with waterfront views, beautiful Christmas day sailings, and evening festivities, this nautical wonderland offers a unique blend of history, culture, and holiday cheer. For more information on these and other activities at the Key West Historic Seaport this holiday season and all year round, visit www.KeyWestHistoricSeaport.com! Happy holidays!