Some people are asking Santa for beaches and palm trees this Christmas—and if you’re one of them, consider a trip to the Florida Keys. The archipelago at the bottom of the U.S. offers winter warmth and no shortage of holiday spirit.
In tropical Key West, December temperatures tend to fluctuate between about 70 and 80 degrees, while the water is perfect at an average of 72 degrees. Visiting the beach and accessing the ocean is almost always free—and provides an alternative setting to the icy roads and snow-covered sidewalks that many people have to deal with at home. In fact, it could be argued that the Florida Keys is one of the most festive places to celebrate Christmas, even with the lack of snow.
From illuminated boat parades to diving at a festively named coral formation, here are a few fun things to do over the holidays in the Florida Keys.
Harbor Walk of Lights in Key West
The annual Key West Holiday Fest is packed with events, but a favorite is the Harbor Walk of Lights at the Historic Seaport. The centerpiece of the “Bight” before Christmas celebration (the name plays on the Bight, or bay, of Key West), the walk stretches along the waterfront between Elizabeth and Grinnell streets. With thousands of twinkling lights draped around palm trees, street lights, and boats, it’s Florida’s take on the traditional Christmas light drive, but subs in fresh sea air for the car heating system. This year, the illuminations are switched on the evening of November 26, with the lighting of signature trees featuring fishing buoys and lobster traps.
Diving at the Christmas Tree Cave in Key Largo
The Christmas Tree Cave in the French Reef is a popular Key Largo dive and snorkel site year-round, but there’s something special about visiting the site over the Christmas holiday. The dive site has spectacular coral formations and plenty of its namesake Christmas tree worms—ocean worms that resemble colorful little Christmas trees on the coral.
Annual Lighted Boat Parade in Key West
There is nothing more Florida-at-Christmas than the annual Lighted Boat Parade, during which decorated boats cruise through the Key West Historic Seaport. One of the best places to watch the procession, on December 13 this year, is from the Schooner Wharf Bar, which hosts the event. But for an arguably better view, secure a seat on the Schooner America 2.0, which lets you see the boat parade from the water and includes music and refreshments.
Islamorada Holiday Fest in Islamorada
If you end up craving snow on your island getaway, head to the Great Lawn at Founders Park in Islamorada for the village’s Holiday Fest on December 5. There will be a 30-ton mound of snow, dubbed “Snow Mountain” where you can sled, make a snowman, or start a snowball fight—even in over 70-degree heat. The snowscape is set beneath Islamorada’s 35-foot-high Christmas tree, which helps set the holiday mood.
