Want to witness a lighted ball drop at the midnight of the New Year? You must seriously contemplate a visit to Key West. The place has everything that a visitor would want to explore and more. If you are a night owl who wants to party hard, Key West is the right destination for you. Ring in the New Year in style in this warm place wearing comfy clothes and roaming on the streets of the city. What better way to usher in the Key West New Years Eve than by enjoying tantalizing cuisines, partying all night, participating in street celebrations, watching the ball drop, and dancing the heart out?
Whatever your inclination is, a visit to Key West can make your New Year utterly special. Due to its diverse offerings, Key West attracts different tourists from across the world. With many New Year party festivals hosted around the city, you can expect a grand welcome to the New Year. Other than regular parties at the nightclubs, special menus, and entertainment programs, the city also hosts tons of festive events for the visitors to hook them up for the night. So, if you are interested in visiting Key West, keep reading this article to find out what the city has in store for the New Year.
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Things To Do In Key West On New Year’s Eve
Key West New Year’s Eve celebration is one of the most-talked-about and highly anticipated events ever. The place is known for its lively atmosphere and tourists from across the globe attend this festival to toast to the New Year. For the excited souls who wish to be a part of the street celebrations and ball drop events, here is a shout-out from the Island. Here we have covered the Things To Do In Key West On New Year’s Eve. So, without any more procrastination, get started!
1. The Last Sunset Sail
What better way to welcome the New Year than by sailing in the middle of the water and watching beautiful fireworks? Take on a cruise trip for the last Sunset Sail and enjoy the parties happening on the cruise. The Key West New Years Eve Cruise departs at 4 PM and 5 PM and many locals and visitors take the cruise to ring in the New Year in waters. Say goodbye to the last sunset from the cruise and welcome the New Year with elegance.
On the cruise, you can explore various things like The Cory Heydon Band, the Rum & Reggae, Champagne Sunset Sail, Island Adventure, Glass Bottom Boat, and Dolphin Watch. It feels so special to say goodbye to the New Year while watching the last sunset. Enjoy the Key West New Years Eve Fireworks, live music, party favors, appetizers, and more while watching the scenery. This year the celebrations are going to take place on a grand note and you have to rush things and reserve the cruise as early as possible if you don’t want to miss the opportunity to sail the last sunset cruise.
2. Mallory Square
We have heard about Times Square and are well-versed in its popularity, but have you heard about Mallory Square before? If you still need to, you can directly witness it in Key West when you visit there for New Year celebrations. The sunset celebration marking the end of the year is quite a gigantic celebration at Mallory Square. If you don’t want to miss the ball drop, street stunts by artists, magicians, and more, you must visit Key West New Years Eve 2024 without missing. You can see crowds coming onto the streets to witness the magic enjoying themselves to the core.
You can explore a lot on the street along with witnessing the beautiful sunset. If you are a foodie, you can have a feast there as the street hosts many food stalls offering a wide range of delectable cuisines. If you are okay with walking a little distance in the festive surroundings, you can make a lot of wonderful memories for yourself. The most remarkable thing that takes place in Key West is the Conch Shell Drop, which resembles the iconic Times Square ball drop in New York City. The crowd counts down the last seconds of the year as the shell drops, marking the New Year’s start.
3. Bourbon Street Pub
It has been 24 years since the Red Shoe Drop has been taking place at Bourbon Street Pub in Key West. The highlight of the ball drop is that you can find a drag queen, Sushi fit in the giant red shoe which is set to drop as the clock strikes midnight. For the last 24 years or so, Gary Marion has been participating in this event as a drag queen, but this time it is heard that someone else will take the crown. Key West New Year’s Eve Drag Queen Drop is one of the most loved New Year traditions to watch. You can see a sea of people gathered at the New Orleans to watch the traditional red shoe drop event.
The street is decorated with beautiful lights and you can experience the festive vibes everywhere as soon as you enter the place. Crowds cheer for Sushi as she is dropped slowly in the huge red high heel at midnight. The best part is that you can watch the drag queen drop for free. However, if you don’t want to suffer in the crowds, you can book VIP tickets in a nearby hotel that has a great view of the event. If you cannot make it to the event personally, you can even catch it live on CNN broadcasts the live event for its viewers.
4. Pirate Wench at Schooner Wharf
Key West is the home for unique ball drops and Pirate Wench is yet another popular ball drop event held in the city. Schooner Wharf is a prominent waterfront bar that hosts New Year’s Eve parties. If you are looking for a place where you can get the best entertainment, you must consider visiting this bar and restaurant. As the name suggests, the party is pirate-themed and you can witness the people over there in pirate attires. Witness the culture of Key West closely by visiting this place for the New Year.
See the Pirate Wench drop from the top of the ship called Tall Ship America 2.0. The ship is located on William Street and is attended by a lot of people due to its entertaining theme. If you want to make New Years Eve In Key West a beautiful memory to reminisce, you must pay a visit to Pirate Wench Drop for sure.
5. Duval Street
If you want to participate in a traditional yet, untamed street ball drop event, you must head straight to Sloppy Joe’s, which is located in Dual Street. In the event, you can witness a huge shell drop as the clock chimes twelve. The audience awaits hours to witness the beautiful shell drop on the street in the free event. The event is hosted by the popular bar, Sloppy Joe in Key West every year.
You can indulge in live music performances by young talents which start early in the afternoon. If you are not someone who appreciates crowds, you have to look the other way for Key West New Years Eve Events. There are many other events you can attend as you ring in the New Year in Key West. If you love to hear live music and have some refreshments while doing so, you can visit Greet Parrot Bar, which is a very popular bar in Key West.
6. Sunset Pier at Ocean Key West
Sunset Pier at Ocean Key West is yet another famous waterfront in Florida. For those who wish to see and indulge in the beauty of the last Sunset of the year, Sunset Pier is a go-to place. If you are a nature lover, you will fall in love with the picturesque view of the place. If you plan to treat your stomach to the best cuisines, you can plan your dine out here. You can enjoy the view of the beautiful ocean as you indulge in yummy meals of your choice. Live music adds more refreshment to your mind. You can get some fresh seafood at the restaurant along with some tropical drinks.
Conclusion
Whether you are looking for spectacular fireworks, street parties, live music, or diverse cuisines to taste, Key West has you covered. The Key West New Year’s Eve Celebration will skyrocket and you can have a ball if you visit the place for the New Year. Make some unforgettable memories on this beautiful island where you can find everything you ask for. We are optimistic that we did a good job in rounding up the best places in Key West to visit for New Year in one place. If you also resonate with this thought, please kindly bookmark our website – www.newyearwiki.com and stay on standby.