Key West to feature New Year’s Eve themed countdown ‘drops’

Saturday, 22 Nov, 2024 0

Lighthearted takeoffs on the traditional ball drop in New York’s Times Square are a highlight of New Year’s Eve in Key West, the southernmost city in the continental United States.

Standout celebrations Tuesday, Dec. 31, include the midnight “drop” of female impersonator Randy Roberts in a spangled super-sized red high heel shoe.

Thousands of people are expected to gather outside the Bourbon St. Pub/New Orleans House complex as Roberts takes center stage at the annual extravaganza.

Roberts is best known for his live vocals and riveting show at Key West’s La Te Da Cabaret, where he depicts iconic female performers including Cher and Bette Midler.

He has also appeared on “America’s Got Talent.”

In addition, revelers can enjoy a streetside show with local and national performers.

Just before midnight, the shoe carrying Roberts will be lowered from the complex’s balcony and landing as midnight strikes and 2025 begins.

Street viewing of the show and “red shoe drop” is free.

Revelers can purchase VIP tickets for exclusive balcony viewing, a top-shelf open bar and plentiful hors d’oeuvres.

Tickets are to be on sale starting Dec. 1. www.neworleanshousekw.com/about-us/

Partygoers on lower Duval Street can watch the 31st annual “drop” of a gigantic manmade conch shell, the symbol of the Florida Keys, to the flat roof of Sloppy Joe’s Bar.

Festivities are emceed by a rooftop host and, as a huge clock counts down the seconds to midnight, the giant shell begins to descend.

Live music inside Sloppy Joe’s rounds out the revelry. www.sloppyjoes.com

In the Key West Historic Seaport, New Year’s Eve merriment is centered around the Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St., and recalls the island’s colorful seafaring heritage.

Just before midnight a “pirate wench” is to be lowered from atop the mast of the tall ship America 2.0 — completing her descent as the clock strikes and cannons boom to welcome 2025.

The event includes live music, dancing and festivities at the Schooner Wharf. www.schoonerwharf.com

A “Gatsby New Year’s Eve” gala is planned at the original home of Pan Am, featuring the midnight “landing” of a replica Pan Am aircraft carrying a costumed flight attendant.

Today called First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery, the structure was Pan Am’s first ticket office in 1927.

Attractions at the ticketed soiree include a full open bar, chef-manned food stations, live music and DJ performances.

Attendees are encouraged to wear formal 1920s Gatsby-era costumes. www.firstflightkw.com/nye

For a complete roster of holiday activities and special events: www.fla-keys.com/calendar/

Learn more about : Florida Keys & Key West ( N. America )

TravelMole Editorial Team

Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.

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