New Year’s Eve in Key West is one of the magical times of year. With events for families, couples, partygoers, and everyone else, it’s the perfect place to be when the clock strikes midnight. If you have a pulse, you’ll have a wonderful time in our tropical paradise.
With average December temperatures of 78 degrees, Key West is the ultimate destination for sunset cruises, long walks on the beach, amazing night life, and much more. Why not escape the snowy temperatures back home, take a few days off from scraping ice off your windshield, and take a trip to our tropical paradise?
A tour we think you'll love
If you’re considering a vacation this New Year’s Eve (or any New Year’s Eve!), Key West should be at the top of your list. Let’s look at a few things to do over the New Year’s holiday in Key West that you won’t want to miss!
Enjoy The Beaches With Key West Sandbar Tours
For the perfect celebration that you and your group will never forget, Key West Boat Trips gives you the opportunity to experience the amazing natural beauty for which the Florida Keys are famous.
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Sandbar hopping tours, which can run three or four hours (up to you) and take you to some of the most amazing sandbars in the Florida Keys.
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Lunch or Dinner cruises run for three hours and allow you to enjoy a delicious meal cooked by your experienced captain while you enjoy some time on one of the best sandbars in Key West.
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Enjoy a two-hour sunset cruise that allows you to enjoy a romantic evening in the amazing natural beauty the area has to offer. You can even jump into the waist-deep water and take some photos in front of the gorgeous sunset.
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The two-hour Mud Key Mangrove Safari takes you to beautiful Mud Keys through the backcountry. You can enjoy the amazing mangrove forests and see the Florida Keys like never before.
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Consider a four-hour trip to beautiful Boca Grande Key, where you can take a break from the world (no cell phone service!) and enjoy some time snorkeling in the picturesque turquoise waters. You can also choose to view additional beautiful scenery at nearby Woman Key and Ballast Key islands.
No matter which amazing cruise you select, you’re sure to have an amazing time! You’ll love it so much that you’ll want to come back to visit us again and again.
Pro Tip: Kick off your New Year’s Eve celebration with our sunset cruises, the ideal way to enjoy the beauty of the evening before diving into the vibrant Key West nightlife!
Ring In The New Year On Historic Duval Street
Duval Street, a renowned thoroughfare has always been a top attraction in Key West. It is a popular destination for visitors looking to experience an amazing New Year’s Eve in the area.
There are several great dining options where you can indulge in delectable cuisine or to get a delicious slice of authentic Key Lime Pie. For those looking for something more adventurous, check out one of the following locations:
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Sloppy Joe’s Bar on Duval Street is the perfect place to enjoy live music, a few drinks, and more. Similar to New York City’s ball dropping at midnight, Sloppy Joe’s Bar has the Dropping of the Conch Shell, a gigantic manmade conch shell drop at midnight to signal the coming of the new year.
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Experience a New Year’s Eve Celebration at Sunset Pier hosted by the Ocean Key Resort & Spa, where you can watch a replica key lime drop into a massive margarita glass at midnight. Enjoy a complimentary champagne toast and a host of other festivities. The Key Lime Drop event also features live music each year, adding to the vibrant atmosphere!
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Catch the Red Shoe Drop at Bourbon Street Pub at midnight! While Gary Marion, the original Drag Queen Sushi, has retired from the annual New Year’s Eve Sushi Drop, the tradition carries on with a new drag queen being crowned as sushi each year to perform the famous Red Shoe Drop.
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The Sunset Celebration occurs nightly in Key West but the last one of the year is always a massive event. Featuring live music, performers, amazing food, and so much more, it’s the perfect New Year’s Eve Party for those who want a little bit of everything.
Don’t miss out on the festivities around Duval Street – it’s an experience that truly embodies the spirit of the holiday and is worth visiting for anyone looking to ring in the New Year in a memorable way.
Pro Tip: Arrive early to secure a good spot for the midnight celebrations, as Duval Street can get quite crowded with revelers eager to ring in the New Year!
Enjoy Key West’s Night Life On New Year’s Eve
Among the many things for which Key West is known is its amazing night life and the New Year’s Eve parties are no exception. If you’re looking to have an unforgettable night out beyond Duval Street, consider these options:
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El Meson de Pepe, the island’s most popular Cuban restaurant in Mallory Square near Duval Street, has the Cuban Cigar Drop at midnight to ring in the new year. It’s quickly becoming one of the most popular New Year’s Eve parties in Key West, thanks to its vibrant atmosphere, authentic Cuban cuisine, and lively entertainment.
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If you’re looking for a great place to enjoy an outdoor meal and a few drinks, First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery in Old Town is an excellent choice. Built in the heart of the former headquarters for Pan-American Airways, this amazing location offers an ideal setting with the perfect ambiance to celebrate the New Year in style.
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For a more laid-back vibe, head over to the Hog’s Breath Saloon, a beloved local hangout known for its live music and friendly atmosphere. This lively bar features a variety of entertainment options, including local bands and karaoke, making it a fun spot to celebrate with friends and fellow revelers as you count down to the New Year.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to check out the local food vendors for delicious bites to fuel your night of celebration!
Chill Out This New Year’s Eve – Celebrations For Every Vibe
If you’d like a more relaxed, low-key New Year’s Eve, Key West has got you covered. They say “variety is the spice of life” and down here, it’s no different. No matter what type of night you’d like to have, you’ll find it somewhere in the city.
There are several sunset cruises that take place in the early afternoon on New Year’s Eve with varying atmospheres. Whether you prefer a wild party atmosphere, something more casual, or a romantic boat trip with the person you love, the perfect cruise is waiting for you in Key West.
Best of all, you’ll be back in time for other activities, so you won’t miss the pirate wench at Schooner’s Wharf Bar or whichever drop you’d like to see.
Have A New Years Eve In Key West To Remember
If you’re planning a getaway this New Year’s Eve, Key West is the ideal destination. Whether you seek live music, DJ performances, drag queens, the iconic dropping of the conch shell, red high heel shoe, pirate wench, live entertainment, or a more romantic experience, you’ll discover it all in the vibrant Key West this New Year’s Eve.
You’ll love New Year’s Eve in Key West so much that you’ll want to make it a tradition and keep coming back for a champagne toast as you watch a different object drop year after year. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
If you want to make this New Year’s Eve one for the ages and create incredible memories to last a lifetime, look no further than beautiful Key West.
From a romantic dinner cruise to an adventurous sandbar-hopping excursion, snorkeling in the stunning waters of Boca Grande, or any of our other fantastic options, Key West Boat Trips will provide you with an unforgettable experience. Don’t wait – book your unforgettable boat trip today!