The holidays are upon us and the magic of the season is all around. It really is “the Southernmost wonderful time of the year” in the Florida Keys. There’s nothing more magical than walking through the streets of Key West at night, seeing all of the pretty lights spiraling up the trunks of the tallest palms, and the historical white picket fences adorned with classic red bows and starfish. Island Christmases, no matter where they may be, have their own special vibe. I’ve been lucky enough to spend a few of my own tropical yuletides in the Conch Republic and here I have the Top 5 reasons why you should too!
1. Sunshine and Tropical Temps
With temperatures averaging in the mid-70s you can stop “dreaming of a white sand Christmas” and actually have one! Walk, bike, boat or lounge around this little island paradise during one of “the most comfortable times of the year”.
2. Lighted Boat Parades
It’s the “Bight before Christmas” and all through the Seaport this festive floating light show will be sure to put you in the holiday mood–with or without rum! 😉 You can watch from land or sea and, while there, take a stroll down the famous Harbor Walk of Lights where all is “happy and bright”.
3. The 12 (x30) Bars of Christmas
Just take a trip up and down famous Duval Street and see for yourself. Though the island is only 4×2 miles in size, there are over 360 liquor licenses in Key West, so you’ll be sure to find an establishment that delivers the kind of holiday “spirits” that suit you best, on or off the beaten path, and partake in the fun well into the New Year…and onto the next! The live music is always incredible and you’ll have no trouble finding your favorite place to “jingle bell rock” on!”
4. It’s the Real Life “Island of Misfit Toys”
Do you remember all of those unique and original toys stranded on the “Island of Misfit Toys” from the classic Christmas movie Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer? Well, Key West has well been well known as the place where the “weird go pro” and you will likely find a “star of wonder” just walking along or busking in the streets on any given day. The most beautiful thing about this is, on an island where the motto is “One Human Family”, everyone’s individual gifts are not only celebrated, they are welcomed and embraced as well.
5. And On Every Street Corner You’ll Hear…
Along with merrily accepting everyone’s individuality within the distinct diversity of this tiny island, also comes an offering of a plethora of places of worship. Regardless of your own traditions and celebrations this time of year, “on every street corner you’ll hear…silver bells (and roosters)” and have plenty of choices for holiday services and community gatherings in the ever present churches, synagogues, temples, and more.
And, if these five reasons don’t completely convince you to head south for your own Key West Christmas, you should know that even Santa is known to vacation here! Keep an eye out and you just might find this jolly fellow catching up on his Z’s in a hammock after his own big night out! 😉
Sherri in Paradise 