2026 Bight Before Christmas Festivities at Key West Historic Seaport Are Just Around The Corner!
Three Christmas Trees. Three Festive Celebrations.
The evening’s festivities feature three unique Christmas tree lightings, each bringing its own personality and holiday spirit to the Historic Seaport.
6:00 PM | The Fishing Buoy Christmas Tree
The celebration begins at the Greene and Elizabeth Street Plaza with the lighting of Key West’s famous Fishing Buoy Christmas Tree. Holiday music gets underway at 5:00 PM, setting the tone for an evening of Christmas cheer.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will make a special appearance, greeting children, handing out treats, and posing for holiday photographs. It’s a wonderful way for families to kick off the season!
6:30 PM | The Nautical Christmas Tree
Next, head toward the William Street end of the Harbor Walk of Lights for the lighting of the Nautical Christmas Tree.
This waterfront celebration features a traditional candlelight choir performance by the Fifth Street Baptist Christmas Choir, accompanied by complimentary hot chocolate, cookies, and plenty of holiday spirit. The Schooner Wharf Bar crew will also help make this special evening one to remember.
7:00 PM | The Famous Lobster Trap Christmas Tree
The evening concludes at the Margaret Street end of Old Lands End Village with the lighting of Key West’s original and famous Lobster Trap Christmas Tree.
A uniquely Key West holiday attraction, this creative Christmas tree celebrates the island’s fishing heritage. Visitors can enjoy festive music, holiday cookies, candy canes, and a special appearance by the Christmas Lobster mascot.
NEW FOR 2026: The Lighted Children’s Holiday March!
There’s something extra special planned for this year’s celebration!
New for 2026, families are invited to participate in the Lighted Children’s Holiday March, a festive procession connecting all three Christmas tree lighting locations.
Beginning at approximately 6:15 PM, children and families will make their way down Lazy Way toward the next two celebrations. Leading the procession will be Carolyn G on her one-of-a-kind Magical Musical Holiday Trike.
Children will receive free lighted holiday props to carry along the route, adding even more sparkle to this exciting new holiday tradition.
It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to get involved, enjoy the festivities, and create holiday memories together.
Make the Key West Historic Seaport Part of Your Holiday Tradition
The holidays are a special time in Key West, and the Harbor Walk of Lights captures everything that makes the island such a memorable destination. With its nautical decorations, beautiful waterfront scenery, festive entertainment, and welcoming community atmosphere, the Historic Seaport offers a Christmas celebration with a distinctly tropical twist.
Whether you’re a longtime Key West resident or visiting the island for the holidays, the Harbor Walk of Lights is an experience worth adding to your seasonal plans.
Mark your calendar and join us Wednesday, November 25, 2026, for an evening of Christmas tree lightings, holiday music, family activities, and thousands of sparkling lights!
Thousands of Lights Illuminate the Key West Waterfront
The November 25 celebration marks the beginning of the 2026 Bight Before Christmas Harbor Walk of Lights!
Visitors can enjoy three blocks of creative holiday displays featuring thousands of twinkling lights inspired by Key West’s rich maritime history. From imaginative nautical decorations to spectacular Christmas trees, the waterfront offers a holiday experience unlike anywhere else.
Beginning Thanksgiving Eve, the Harbor Walk of Lights will illuminate the Key West Historic Seaport every evening and continue well into the New Year.
Whether you’re enjoying an evening stroll, stopping for dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants, or simply taking in the festive atmosphere, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the holiday season at the Historic Seaport.
Spreading Holiday Cheer Beyond the Waterfront
The Harbor Walk of Lights is about more than beautiful decorations and Christmas celebrations. It’s also an opportunity to give back to the local community.
The event kicks off two meaningful holiday initiatives: The 2026 Cheryl Cates Toy Drive and the Crystal Cates Christmas Giveaway.
Visitors are encouraged to bring a new toy to donate to the Cheryl Cates Toy Drive, helping bring Christmas joy to local children. Toys will also be available for purchase at the event’s Imagination Station table for those who would like to contribute.
The Crystal Cates Christmas Giveaway will also launch during the celebration, helping provide computers to qualifying local elementary school children.
These community initiatives are a wonderful reminder that the spirit of the holidays is about sharing, giving, and bringing people together.
Plan Your Visit
– When: Kicks off Thanksgiving Eve at sunset; lights on nightly through New Year’s Eve
– Where: Key West Historic Seaport — from Greene Street to the Ferry Terminal at Grinnell Street
– Admission: Free and open to the public
Finally, for more information on the unique shops, restaurants, and activities available at the Key West Historic Seaport and Key West Bight Marina, visit www.KeyWestHistoricSeaport.com and www.KeyWestBightMarina.com.
Key West Historic Seaport and Key West Bight Marina:
Your Gateway to Everything Key West!
