How to Celebrate New Years Eve in the Florida Keys
If you’re dreaming of sunshine and margaritas to welcome the new year, The Florida Keys are the place to be.
From the famous Duval Street block parties in Key West to cozy seafood dinners and strolls on the beach watching fireworks in Islamorada — there are ways for everyone to celebrate. And, of course, when the party’s over, there’s nothing better than retreating back to your luxury vacation rental to unwind in your own private hot tub.
Ready to ring in the new year in paradise? Here’s your guide to celebrating New Year’s Eve in The Florida Keys!
2024 New Year’s Eve Events
There’s no shortage of New Year’s Eve parties and special events in The Florida Keys, whether you’re looking for a relaxing, romantic dinner, partying with a rowdy bunch of revelers, or a family-friendly firework show.
Here are just a few of the most popular New Year’s Eve events in The Florida Keys for 2024!
1. Sloppy Joe’s 31st Annual Dropping of the Conch Shell
Photo Credit: keywestconcierge
- December 31st, 2024
- 201 Duval Street, Key West, FL
- sloppyjoes.com/events
Looking for a traditional New Year’s Eve ball drop without the cold weather and crowds of Times Square? Head to Sloppy Joe’s Bar for its famous conch shell drop — preceded by the hottest street party in Key West.
Starting as early as noon, revelers pack the streets outside of Sloppy Joe’s for food, drinks, music, and an all-around good time. And when the clock strikes midnight, you’ll see the famous conch shell fall from the roof of this landmark bar in Key West.
2. Schooner Wharf’s Lowering of the Pirate Wench
- December 31st, 204
- 202 William Street, Key West, FL
- schoonerwharf.com/24countdown.htm
For something a little bit different, but still iconically Key West, nothing beats partying with the pirates at Schooner Wharf Bar on New Year’s Eve.
It has all the traditional NYE fun of music, food, and champagne toasts, but when it’s time to say goodbye to 2024, partygoers will gather outside by the dock to watch the famed Pirate Wench drop from the tall mast of a sailboat — all decked out in pirate-theme of course!
3. Fury’s New Year’s Eve Sunset Cruise
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Photo Credit: CandyRetriever
- December 31st, 2024
- Departs from 631 Greene Street, Key West, FL
- furycat.com/key-west/new-years-eve
Wanna ring in the new year on the water? Look no further than Fury’s New Year’s Eve Sunset Cruises. Enjoy spectacular sunsets while you glide through the waters of the gorgeous Gulf, getting ready to welcome 2025.
With three different cruises to choose from, there’s an experience for everyone. Enjoy a quiet, romantic sunset cruise with champagne, a lively party cruise with cocktails, light bites, and live music, or a glass-bottom boat sunset cruise for a bit of adventure. Just be sure to book early; these tend to sell out!
4. New Year’s Eve Fireworks on The Blackwater Sound
Photo Credit: Corri Seizinger
- December 31st, 2024
- Mile Marker 104, Key Largo, FL
- keylargofireworks.com
For a family-friendly New Year’s Eve in the Keys, the fireworks display on the Blackwater Sound is a great way to ring in the new year. The fireworks can be seen from a few different spots for a choose-your-own-adventure type of New Year’s Eve celebration.
If you want to keep it low-key, grab a beach blanket and head to Rowell’s Waterfront Park to relax and enjoy the show in the sand. Or, if you’re looking for a more lively atmosphere, waterfront restaurants like Sundowners and The Caribbean Club typically host NYE parties with food, drinks, live music, party favors, and more. Just be sure to call ahead; some take reservations, and the best seats fill up fast.
5. Island Grill’s Circus New Year’s Eve Beach Party
Photo Credit: Jimartinfotografo
- December 31st, 2024
- Mile Marker 104, Key Largo, FL
- keysislandgrill.com/our-events/circus-new-years-eve-beach-party
Countdown to 2025 with your toes in the sand at Island Grill’s Circus New Year’s Beach Party. Enjoy fresh seafood and Caribbean-style cuisine, island cocktails, live music, Circus performers, and much more.
There’s no better way to ring in the new year in a tropical paradise like The Florida Keys than right on the beach with drink specials and a night of entertainment!
Other Activities Around The Keys for New Year’s Eve
The Florida Keys are a barrel of fun on any given day, so spending a holiday here never disappoints. While the events we mentioned above are certainly worth checking out, you’ll also find NYE happenings at nearly every restaurant, bar, or entertainment venue from Key Largo to Key West. And if there’s a specific restaurant or bar you’ve enjoyed before, be sure to check out what New Year’s Eve events they’re offering; you’re very likely to find one!
With warm, sunny weather even in the winter, you can still enjoy all of the Keys' most beloved activities.
Other fun things to do in the Keys while visiting for the New Year holiday include:
- Beaches
- Boating
- Snorkeling
- Kayaking
- Fishing
- Sunset cruises
- Hiking
- Biking
- Museums
Packing for Your New Year’s Eve Getaway to The Florida Keys
Photo Credit: Pixel-Shot
One of the best parts about visiting the Keys for New Year’s Eve is that you get to lighten your luggage and leave all that heavy winterwear at home. Ringing in the new year here requires more tank tops and flip-flops than coats and boots.
Ready to ring in the new year island-style? Here are some packing essentials.
- Swimsuits/beachwear — yes, even in December!
- Flip-flops and/or water-shoes
- Comfy walking shoes
- Light, layering pieces that can be worn day or night
- Sun protection for during the day - sunglasses, hats, and reef-safe sunscreen
- A beach tote or light backpack
Wondering about your New Year’s Eve outfit? While most restaurants and bars across the Keys are island-casual, some hosting more upscale NYE events or costume parties may have a dress code.
It’s always a good idea to check the venue ahead of time, especially if you have reservations or tickets to a special event. If you’re not sure what you’ll be doing yet, play it safe and bring along a few slightly dressier pieces, like sundresses, linen pants, or resort-style wear. And if you’re just planning on strolling block parties or checking out local bars, staying casual and comfortable is your best bet!
Book Your New Year’s Eve Celebration in The Florida Keys
From the iconic conch shell drop over Sloppy Joe’s to the spectacular fireworks show over the Blackwater Sound, there are so many fun ways to ring in the new year in The Florida Keys!
Ready to plan your perfect New Year holiday getaway? Book your stay with Coco Plum Vacation Rentals for access to the best of everything the Keys have to offer.
A prime location in Marathon (The Middle Keys) makes it easy to travel to any island to ring in the new year. Plus, you’ll enjoy premium amenities like private pools and hot tubs, Tiki bars, waterfront options, and so much more.
