Nationally observed, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of every November each year. Originally originated as a harvest festival, Thanksgiving has been celebrated nationally on and off since 1789. Considering this holiday seemingly revolves around “giving thanks” thousands of families and friends come together every year in celebration of their love for one another, delicious food and a time to reflect on what is most important in life. 

With this holiday (and Christmas soon follow) events and celebrations are the staple is almost every city and community nationwide. The Key West Historic Seaport is no different. Below you will find a detailed list of all the amazing events being celebrated during the 2019 Historic Seaport Holiday Season.

Lighting of the Key West “Harbor Walk of Lights” | November 27th, 6 PM

Starting at 6 PM, come celebrate the holiday the Key West way and join us in our annual “Bight” Before Christmas at the Historic Seaport. Locals and visitors are invited to gather on the Harborwalk at Greene and Elizabeth Street to watch the official lighting of the 2019 Key West “Harborwalk of Lights.” With over 61,000 lights and 58 lighted palm trees, 2019 will be bigger and better than ever. 

Schooner Wharf Tree Trimming Party | December 1st, 5 PM 

The rules are simple — Bring in one Nautical Christmas Tree Ornament in exchange for eggnog with rum! Each ornament that is brought in will automatically be entered to win the prize for Most Original, Most Nautical OR Most Popular! Come out and enjoy these holiday festivities while enjoying all the sights and sounds that Schooner Wharf has to offer. From live music to refreshing cocktails and some of the best seafood at the Historic Seaport, you do not want to miss this event! 

* Remember to bring a toy for either Toys For Tots & Angels or Just For Kids to receive a free holiday beverage. 

Pet Pictures With Santa | December 6th, 6 PM – 8 PM 

Benefiting the Key West Boys & Girls Club, come out to the Key West Historic Seaport to get professional furry family photographs for that special holiday card this year. Santa Claus can be found at the “Nautical Christmas Tree” at the foot of William Street at the “Harbor Walk of Lights.” Whether you include the dog, cat, rooster or even just the kids, Santa will be waiting to get a great holiday photo with you and the entire family.

 Hosted by All Animal Clinic of Key West, all photo sales are $20 each (cash only) and benefit The Boys & Girls Club of the Keys. Each participating pets and child will receive goodies and treats including holiday pet bandanas, doggie treats, toys & coupons for the clinic. This event is FREE to attend and photos are taken by the famous photographer, Rob O’Neal. 

* Additional cash donations are happily accepted for the Boys & Girls Club of the Keys.

Key West Hometown Holiday Parade | December 7th, 7 PM 

Come out for Key West’s Annual Hometown Holiday Parade! Viewing starts on Truman Avenue at White Street and then will proceed down to Duval Street and ending on Eaton Street. With holiday floats and a ton of fun for kids of all ages, this is one of the most charming hometown parades you’ll ever see! Of course, Santa will be making a guest appearance!

Schooner Wharf Bar 29th Annual Key West Lighted Boat Parade | December 14th, 8 PM

You do not want to miss Schooner Wharf’s Annual Lighted Boat Parade Party! Every year visitors and locals line up all along the Harborwalk of Lights and marvel at all the lighted boats surrounding the Historic Seaport. Come enjoy complimentary libations and hors d’oeuvres while the judges take their votes from the decks of Schooner Wharf. With over $20,500 in prizes awarded to top 12 vessels and free raffles for all the participating parade entries, come out to Schooner Wharf on Sunday, December 15th, for the Awards Ceremony!

Sebago Lighted Boat Parade Party | December 14th, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Catamaran Echo Lighted Boat Parade Watch | December 14th, 8 PM

Conch Republic Seafood Company Holiday Classic Car Show | December 15th, 11 AM to 3 PM

Located on Greene & Elizabeth Street, come out to Conch Republic Seafood Company’s Annual Holiday Classic Car Show! On Sunday, December 15th, visitors and locals lineup to see classic cars from every era decked out for the holidays. Awards will be given for best engine, interior, original car custom details, best in show AND the “People’s Choice Award. A non-member can enter their cars on the same day for FREE with an unwrapped toy for a donation! 

* Please bring an unwrapped toy for Monroe County Domestic Abuse Shelter.

Violins In Motion | December 21st, 6:30 PM to 8 PM 

On the Harborwalk of Lights under the “Fishing Buoy Christmas Tree”, at Green and Elizabeth Street, come and listen to the Children’s Group perform holiday classics for you and your loved ones to enjoy. Come listen to their annual Violins in Motion by budding musicians from 6 to 18 years old. There is no sweeter way to get into the Christmas spirit! 

* They will be collecting donations for JDRF and Juvenile Diabetes Research. 

For more information, visit the official website of the Key West “Bight” Before Christmas Celebration at KeyWestChristmas.org. We look forward to celebrating this holiday season with you and your loved ones at the Key West Historic Seaport. 

• PHOTO CREDIT |  ROB O’NEAL

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Yelp | TripAdvisor | Web