Old Island House and Garden Tours

Key West is bustling with people from all over the world choosing our little island to celebrate the holiday season.  Numerous activities and events abound, however one of the favored December events for visitors, that love the Keys architecture and the tropical foliage, is the Old Island House and Garden Tours.  This tour offers visitors a great opportunity to visit and tour some the the most fabulous and ecelectic homes in Key West.  From elegant Victorian homes, to cozy cigar makers cottages to artist studios the Old Island House and Garden Tours takes you on a tour that incorporates Keys history with design finesse.  The event takes place this upcoming weekend, December 28 & 29, 5-8pm.  Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at https://oirf.org/ticketpay.php.  Tickets are  also available at 322 Duval Street or by calling 305-294-9501. During tour hours, tickets will be sold at the featured houses – cash or check, please.  If other holiday activities interfere, remember that you do not have to see all the houses in one night. Splitting your visits over two nights and taking them out-of-order is permitted.  For more information on this intriguing tour and to view details on each home and for a map of the tour route, visit:  http://www.oirf.org/event.php?id=5. Enjoy the holiday season and best wishes for the New Year!

Christmas Week Events in Key West

The holiday season is a fabulous time to visit Key West, and certainly the Mermaid & The Alligator puts you in the holiday spirit.  The home stands glorious covered with festive decorations, groups of carolers pass by the Inn each evening in the Conch Train singing out their hearts, Caya and Havana sport their holiday garb and the little city is bustling with activity.  If visiting Key West for the holiday week, you may have a difficult time deciding which activity to choose from.  There is the amazing Nutcracker ballet, where professional dancers, along with local dancers and local children partake in this Christmas classic that will take your breath away.  There is the Annual Christmas Concert at the St Pauls Cathedral, featuring Key West's finest talents, there is local Theater, Christmas Dinner specials and Christmas Eve mass at St. Marys.  We love Christmas in the Keys and are happy to help our guests choose activities.  Talk to your concierges, Geri and Rebecca and let them guide you to some truly wonderful holiday events that take place over Christmas.  Our little island boasts a great community and the holidays brings out the best of it! 

The Key West Lighted Boat Parade

Don't miss the Key West Lighted Boat Parade,  this upcoming Saturday night, Dec 15th at 8pm.   The Lighted Boat Parade an annual affair that combines with the Harbor Walk of Lights to celebrate the Holiday season. Each year a variety of boats decorate their sails, masts, and hulls with lights and festive cheer. There is an official judge’s stand along with a serious competition for the Best Nautical Holiday Decorations in Key West. 2012 marks the 22nd annual Key West Lighted Boat Parade and it will be hosted on December 15th at 8pm. The judge’s stand is located at the Schooner Wharf Bar & Galley while the lighted boat parade travels through the Key West Bight.  Join in on our island festival and enjoy the creativity and unique nature of an island-style holiday celebration.  Just a 10 minute walk from the Mermaid & The Alligator ask Geri and Rebecca for directions.  See you there!!