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Christmas time

We may want to visit Key West around Christmas time (3 nights). Would we be better off Sun-We’d (leaving Christmas Eve ) or Mon - Christmas or after Christmas (not near NYE). Which time frame would be less crowded or is it the same and are there more kids here than usual (we normally travel to KW over Thanksgiving). Thanks!

Key West around Christmas is generally busier than Thanksgiving, as it’s a popular winter destination for families and snowbirds. The island sees an increase in both adult travelers and children, so you can expect a livelier atmosphere with more families than usual compared to your Thanksgiving visits.

Here’s a breakdown of your potential travel windows:

  • Sunday to Wednesday (leaving Christmas Eve): This period will start to get busy as you approach Christmas Eve. Hotels and restaurants can start filling up, and popular attractions like Mallory Square or Duval Street may be crowded, especially in the afternoons and evenings.
  • Monday to Christmas Day: Arriving closer to Christmas itself may be slightly quieter on the first day, but expect the highest crowds at attractions on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Some restaurants may have limited hours or special holiday menus, so planning reservations is essential.
  • After Christmas (Dec 26–29, avoiding NYE): The period just after Christmas is busy but more predictable. Crowds from Christmas travelers start leaving, but many families are still on vacation. Prices tend to be slightly higher due to the holiday period, and the atmosphere is still festive but not as frenzied as NYE week.

Additional tips to minimize crowd-related stress:

  • Book accommodations and any popular restaurant reservations as early as possible.
  • Plan early morning visits to main attractions to avoid peak crowds.
  • Consider exploring quieter areas like Fort Zachary Taylor Beach or the Key West Cemetery for a less crowded experience.
  • Expect traffic on main streets, particularly on Duval Street and near the harbor, during the late afternoon.

Overall, if your goal is to avoid the busiest crowds, arriving just after Christmas (Dec 26 onward) is slightly better than arriving right before or on Christmas. However, all options during the Christmas week will be busier than Thanksgiving, and the island will be lively with families and festive activities regardless of your exact dates.

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