Yes, the Florida Keys are known for their sunny beaches and seafood.
But, have you ever wondered what happens at a Key West New Year’s Eve celebration?
All throughout the year, Key West draws a diverse range of tourists because of its culturally varied festivals and events.
The third largest coral reef in the world, historic buildings, and massive celebrations like Fantasy Fest, Spring Break, and New Year’s Eve are all reasons to visit the town located at the southernmost point of the globe.
Things To Do
The Last Sunset Sail With Fury Water Adventures
There are two distinctively different ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve at Fury Water Adventures. Take one of their cruises to kick off your celebration; each one is designed to suit a your type of party.
Speaking of parties, there’s the Commotion on the Ocean Live Music Sunset Sail.
And, for families, there’s the Glass Bottom Boat Sunset Cruise & Reef Eco Tour.
New Year’s Eve Tour | Description | Price |
Commotion on the Ocean |
| $89.95 |
| $64.95 | |
Glass Bottom & Sunset Cruise |
| $74.95 |
Departure Point | Address | Fury Check-In Booth |
Opal Key Resort & Marina | 245 Front St, Key West, FL 33040 | Located just behind the Opal Key Resort on the corner of Front St. and Greene St. in the Opal Key Marina. Check-in booth is located on the pier. |
Duval Street | Key West, FL 33040 | Located between Ocean Key Resort & Pier House Resort, at the end of Duval Street. |
Historic Seaport | 201 William St, Key West, FL 33040 | Located on the corner of Greene St. and Elizabeth St., next to The Conch Republic Seafood Company |
Mallory Square Sunset Celebration
The last Sunset Celebration of the year at Mallory Square is quite significant.
Assemble around performers each night and prepare for some extra-special festivities.
Watch jugglers, magicians, and other performers entertain audiences against the stunning backdrop of a brilliant pink and orange sunset.
Where To Eat
El Meson de Pepe
- Location: 410 Wall St, Key West, FL 33040
- Price: $$ – $$$
- Website: elmesondepepe.com
This Key West Cuban restaurant is a local favorite, known for its authentic food, lively and rustic setting, and live salsa music. El Meson De Pepe has been in operation since 1985.
Since they’re near Mallory Square, this family-owned and operated restaurant is a popular spot for sunset celebrations. This is undeniably one of the best restaurants in Key West.
Favorite menu item: Plantain Chips – almost everything on the menu can be served with these fried ripe, sweet plantains as a side.
Bel Mare Restaurant
- Location: 700 Front St, Key West, FL 33040
- Price: $$$$
- Website: belmarerestaurant.com
In Italian, Bel Mare translates to “beautiful sea.” With views that overlook the historic Key West Bight, savor house made pastas, inventively mixed drinks, and a large selection of wines while dining in this Key West restaurant on the water.
Favorite menu item: The Chef’s Special Piccata – particularly Grouper Piccata – is loved by patrons. It’s cooked with orzo pasta, artichokes, zucchini, roasted cherry tomatoes, Taggiasca olives, broccolini, and lemon-butter caper sauce
Louie’s Backyard
- Location: 700 Waddell Ave, Key West, FL 33040
- Price: $$$$
- Website: louiesbackyard.com
In Key West, Louie’s Backyard is an iconic and highly regarded restaurantthat offers a gorgeous dining experience. It is housed in a historic estate with expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Favorite menu item: Shrimp and Grits – Sautéed Gulf shrimp with bacon, mushrooms and stone ground grits
Discover hidden-gem beaches, explore the Florida Keys food scene, find the perfect accommodation, experience the Keys’ stunning waters, and much more.
Key West New Year’s Eve Parties
Lowering of the Pirate Wench at Schooner Wharf
- Location: 202 William St, Key West, FL 33040
- Website: keywestschooners.com
Experience the canon blasts that usher in the New Year when you visit the Tall Ship America 2.0. At Schooner Wharf Bar, take in the celebrations and live music while watching the Pirate Wench fall from the top of the ship.
Dropping of the Conch Shell at Sloppy Joe’s
Source: TropixTraveler
- Location: 201 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040
- Website: sloppyjoes.com
Above Sloppy Joe’s, the most well-known bar in Key West, is where the loudest ball drop on Duval Street takes place. Countless observers assemble to witness this yearly custom in action. This location is like a smaller version of Times Square, so if you’re not seeking for crowds, stay away from there.
The Red High Heel Drop Starring Sushi
Source: The Gates Hotel Key West
- Location: 724 Duval St # 2, Key West, FL 33040
- Website: neworleansguesthouse.hotels-keywest.com/en/
Sushi descends from the New Orleans House balcony wearing a huge red high heel shoe. Duval Street is packed with spectators who party until the early hours of the morning, and VIP balcony seats typically sell out in a matter of hours.
Live Music Bar at Green Parrot Bar
Source: Fun in Key West
- Location: 601 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040
- Website: greenparrot.com
Head out to the Green Parrot for the best live music bar for your celebration; however, reserve a spot in advance since space is often limited. On December 30-31, Johnny Sketch will perform. They are a colorful, classically educated New Orleans funk group.
Spend New Year’s Eve In Key West
Who would ever think that you can spend New Year’s eve surrounded by tropical beaches, vibrant celebrations, and seafood?
Key West New Year’s eve offers a one-of-a-kind experience filled with quirky traditions. Whether you’re dancing in the streets, watching iconic drops, or enjoying a waterfront dinner, you’ll find endless ways to celebrate as the clock strikes midnight.
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Key West New Year’s Eve FAQs
Yes, Key West is a fantastic place for New Year’s Eve! Known for its lively atmosphere, unique celebrations, and vibrant nightlife, it’s a popular destination to ring in the New Year. Visitors can enjoy fireworks, street parties, live music, and Key West’s famous “drops.”
Key West celebrates New Year’s Eve with a variety of quirky and exciting events. The most famous are the iconic “drops,” including the lowering of a giant red high-heel shoe with a drag queen inside, the descent of a pirate wench from a tall ship, and the lowering of a conch shell. There are also fireworks displays, street parties, and plenty of live music across bars and venues.
The best place to watch the fireworks in Key West is at Mallory Square, which offers a great view of the waterfront display. Other good spots include the harbor area and the Southernmost Point, where you can see the fireworks lighting up the sky over the water.
Fireworks in Key West typically start at midnight on New Year’s Eve, right as the clock strikes 12 to welcome in the New Year.
In 2024, Key West continued its tradition of dropping a giant red high-heel shoe with drag queen Sushi inside, a beloved and unique part of the New Year’s Eve celebrations in the city.
