The Florida Keys Is an Unexpectedly Festive Destination During the Holidays-Here's How to Plan a Visit

"In tropical Key West, December temperatures tend to fluctuate between about 70 and 80 degrees, while the water is perfect at an average of 72 degrees. Visiting the beach and accessing the ocean is almost always free-and provides an alternative setting to the icy roads and snow-covered sidewalks that many people have to deal with at home. In fact, it could be argued that the Florida Keys is one of the most festive places to celebrate Christmas, even with the lack of snow."

"The annual Key West Holiday Fest is packed with events, but a favorite is the Harbor Walk of Lights at the Historic Seaport. The centerpiece of the "Bight" before Christmas celebration (the name plays on the Bight, or bay, of Key West), the walk stretches along the waterfront between Elizabeth and Grinnell streets. With thousands of twinkling lights draped around palm trees, street lights, and boats, it's Florida's take on the traditional Christmas light drive,"

"The Christmas Tree Cave in the French Reef is a popular Key Largo dive and snorkel site year-round, but there's something special about visiting the site over the Christmas holiday. The dive site has spectacular coral formations and plenty of its namesake Christmas tree worms-ocean worms that resemble colorful little Christmas trees on the coral."

Warm winter temperatures in Key West typically range from about 70 to 80 degrees, with ocean water averaging 72 degrees. Beach access and ocean entry are generally free, offering a sun-soaked alternative to icy conditions elsewhere. Holiday festivities include illuminated boat parades and the annual Harbor Walk of Lights at the Historic Seaport, featuring thousands of lights and signature trees made from fishing buoys and lobster traps. Illuminations switch on in late November. Key Largo offers festive diving at the Christmas Tree Cave on French Reef, where colorful Christmas tree worms inhabit spectacular coral formations.

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