Celebrating Thanksgiving in Key West (2025)
If you’re ready to try something a bit different for Thanksgiving vacation this year, Key West is an excellent spot for some fun, family time, and of course, feasting! From spacious vacation homes that can fit the whole family and lots of family-friendly activities, to dinner cruises and local restaurants serving up turkey with all the trimmings, Key West is full of surprises when it comes to Thanksgiving.
Ready to trade sweaters for swimsuits and pumpkin pie for Key lime pie? Here’s your guide to celebrating Thanksgiving in Key West.
What to Expect During a Key West Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a great time to visit Key West; the weather is cooler, but still warm enough to enjoy the beaches, crowds are moderate, and there are lots of fun things to do!
Weather in Key West for Thanksgiving
The weather in Key West for Thanksgiving is typically pleasant, with plenty of sunshine and temperatures that tend to range from the low 70s to mid-80s. And while November is at the tail end of the rainy season and hurricane season, heavy rain or storms are rare this time of year.
Key West Thanksgiving Crowds
Key West can see higher numbers of visitors for virtually every holiday; however, Thanksgiving typically experiences lighter crowds than those seen around Christmas or New Year’s Eve. While you may see some long lines to visit certain attractions or need reservations for some restaurants, overall, the crowds are considered moderate and manageable during Thanksgiving week.
Where to Stay for Thanksgiving in Key West
Being the touristy city that it is, you’ll find no shortage of hotels in Key West, but if you really want to relax and enjoy Thanksgiving with the family, we recommend booking a vacation home.
You’ll enjoy your own private space with plenty of room for everyone, a full kitchen and dining room for your Thanksgiving meal, and exceptional amenities like pools, BBQ grills, outdoor spaces for gatherings, and more.
Things to Do in Key West for Thanksgiving
While some small businesses may be closed or have special holiday hours on Thanksgiving Day, most of the island is open throughout the holiday week. You can still stroll, shop, drink, dine, and enjoy all the best things to do in Key West during your Thanksgiving vacation.
Stroll Duval Street & Mallory Square
Duval Street and Mallory Square are the heart of the island’s holiday energy. Visitors can shop for unique gifts, browse art galleries, stop into lively bars, or enjoy waterfront dining. Street performers and nightly sunset celebrations at Mallory Square add festive charm to your Thanksgiving getaway.
Relax on the Beaches
Thanksgiving in Key West comes with warm weather, making the local beaches an irresistible draw. Smathers Beach, Higgs Beach, and Fort Zachary Taylor Beach are perfect for lounging in the sun, swimming, or simply soaking up ocean views. Pack a picnic or enjoy a holiday meal by the water.
Dive Into Water Adventures
The clear waters around Key West invite snorkeling, paddleboarding, and sailing excursions. Coral reefs and marine life make for unforgettable underwater experiences, while sunset cruises and catamaran sails let you enjoy the island’s tropical beauty from a different perspective.
Feast on Island Dining
Whether you’re craving traditional turkey or fresh-off-the-boat seafood, Key West restaurants deliver. Many spots along Duval Street offer special Thanksgiving menus, while others focus on Caribbean-inspired dishes that add a tropical twist to your holiday meal.
Experience the Ultimate Adventure
For those who want to earn their appetite, Fury Water Adventures’ Thanksgiving Ultimate Adventure H2.0 packs the day with thrills. From parasailing high above turquoise waters to jet skiing, banana boat rides, and an inflatable ocean waterpark, it’s a full day of action before sitting down to a holiday feast.
Where to Have Thanksgiving Dinner in Key West
Whether you want the traditional home-cooked meal, something catered, or to dine out, there are many options for having Thanksgiving dinner in Key West — you can even take a Thanksgiving dinner cruise!
Have a Traditional Thanksgiving at “Home”
Just because you’re traveling during the holiday doesn’t mean you can’t have the traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Vacation Homes of Key West offers homes of all sizes to accommodate every family. With fully equipped kitchens and dining rooms, you can enjoy a traditional family Thanksgiving, just as you would at home.
You can pick up everything you need at local grocery stores to cook the perfect roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, pumpkin pie, and more, or enjoy more time with your family by having it catered.
Local catering options include:
- Destination Catering and Events: Order a full Thanksgiving dinner delivered right to your vacation home. Locals rave about their famous jerk-seasoned turkey!
- Great Events Catering: Known for offering traditional turkey meals with all the sides, plus limited specialties such as smoked turkey, charcuterie boards, and more, for pickup.
- Publix: One of the island’s major grocery chains, Publix offers fully cooked Thanksgiving turkeys, sides, appetizer platters, pies, and more for pickup.
*Please note that pre-ordering is required. We recommend contacting your preferred caterer ahead of time to inquire about this year’s menu options, pricing, and pickup information. Many Key West restaurants also offer holiday meals available for takeout.
Enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner at a Key West Restaurant
There’s no shortage of restaurants in Key West that serve Thanksgiving dinner. You’ll find everything from traditional sit-down turkey dinners and Thanksgiving buffets to special menus featuring a mix of traditional turkey dinners and local specialties, like fresh seafood, Cuban-inspired dishes, and Key lime pie.
Here are a few of our favorite spots to hit up for Thanksgiving:
- Conch Republic Seafood Company: A breezy, waterfront restaurant overlooking the Historic Seaport known for its annual “Thanksgiving in Paradise” serving up all your turkey-day favorites, plus fresh seafood, tropical frozen drinks, and more.
- Bagatelle: An upscale spot on Duval Street known for its special Thanksgiving menu featuring traditional turkey and sides, plus steaks, seafood, pasta dishes, and more.
- Dante’s: A casual, poolside cafe favored among locals for its laid-back Thanksgiving buffet featuring turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole, pumpkin pie, and other traditional Thanksgiving foods.
- Pepe’s Cafe: Aptly named “The Oldest Eating House in The Keys,” Pepe’s Cafe is a historic spot known for serving a traditional Thanksgiving dinner every year, alongside its regular menu of seafood, steaks, and burgers.
- Louie’s Backyard: An elegant, beachfront restaurant known for serving a special Thanksgiving dinner menu that is a favorite among locals. Reservations are typically required and fill up fast!
- Mangoes: A vibrant, Duval Street spot known for offering all your Thanksgiving favorites, plus Caribbean-inspired dishes like seafood paella, blackened fish, conch fritters, and more.
- Frita’s Cuban Burger Cafe: A casual cafe renowned for its Cuban favorites with a Thanksgiving twist, like turkey empanadas, cornbread stuffing waffles, “Thanksgiving dinner stuffed burritos” and much more. Perfect for a casual Thanksgiving meal, or to grab some empanadas to spice up the Thanksgiving table at your vacation home.
*Please note that while most Key West restaurants tend to be open for Thanksgiving, availability and menu options can change at any time. We recommend calling ahead to inquire about this year’s hours, prices, menus, and reservations.
Set Sail on a Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise
If you want to try something truly unique that embodies the spirit of the Florida Keys, book a Sunset Watersports Thanksgiving Sunset Dinner Cruise.
You’ll set sail into the sunset while enjoying live music, an open bar, and a traditional Thanksgiving buffet featuring turkey and all the trimmings. These Thanksgiving cruises have become a favorite way to spend the holiday among Key West locals and visitors alike.
*Advanced booking is required.
Plan Your Perfect Key West Thanksgiving
Ready to plan your perfect Key West Thanksgiving? Book your stay with VHKW to ensure there’s room for the whole family.
With vacation homes that feature up to 10 bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens and dining rooms, and private patios and pools, there’s room for everyone to relax, play, and enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday.
We’ll see you this Thanksgiving in Key West!
