Places across the Keys to ring in 2022 – Key West Florida Weekly

You can freeze during the traditional New Years Eve ball drop in New Yorks Times Square.

Or you can welcome 2022 someplace tropical, like the Florida Keys.

Key West revelers can choose from several lighthearted takeoffs on the Times Square gala as midnight approaches Friday, Dec. 31.

At the Bourbon St. Pub/New Orleans House complex, 724 Duval St., female impersonator Sushi is to star in the Red Shoe Drop festivities for the 24th year. Seconds before midnight, a super-sized red high heel carrying the elaborately gowned Sushi will be lowered from the complexs balcony toward the cheering crowd below.

As well as Sushis lively banter prior to the drop, spectators can enjoy performances by notable female impersonators and other local and national talents on a street-side stage.

Street viewing of the entertainment and drop is free and open to the public. A limited number of tickets for a VIP balcony party overlooking the stage is offered each year; call New Orleans House Guest House at 305-293-9800 for VIP ticket availability.

Party people on lower Duval Street can watch the drop of a gigantic manmade conch shell, the symbol of the Florida Keys, to the flat roof of Sloppy Joes Bar, 201 Duval St. Festivities are emceed by a rooftop host and, as a huge clock counts down the seconds to midnight, the supersized shell begins to descend. Live music inside Sloppy Joes rounds out the revelry. Visit http://www.sloppyjoes.com.

In the Key West Historic Seaport, New Years Eve merriment is centered on the Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St., and celebrates the islands colorful seafaring heritage. Just before midnight, political correctness is out the window as a pirate wench is to be lowered from the top of a majestic tall ships mast completing her descent as the clock strikes and cannons boom to welcome 2022. The event includes live music, dancing and festivities at the Schooner Wharf. Visit http://www.schoonerwharf.com.

At the Ocean Key Resort & Spa, 0 Duval St. on Key West Harbor, plans call for a huge replica of a Key lime wedge to splash down into a larger-than-life margarita glass on the propertys Sunset Pier at midnight. The event features live entertainment by The Beatle Band as well as dancing, a super-premium open bar and butler-passed appetizers. Only 125 tickets are available for the gala. For a ticketing link, visit http://www.facebook.com/OceanKeyResort/events/?ref=page_ internal.

New Years Eve festivities also are planned at the original home of Pan American World Airways featuring the midnight flight of a stewardess in a replica Pan Am aircraft. Today called First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery, the structure now at 301 Whitehead St. was the place where Pan Ams first tickets were sold in 1927. Other attractions include a full open bar, champagne, chef-manned food stations and live music. Attendees are encouraged to wear 1920s Gatsby-era costumes. For information and ticketing, visit http://www.firstflightkw.com/nye.

In Marathon, the Lighthouse Grill at the Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club, 1996 Overseas Highway, is planning a midnight Anchor Drop from the iconic Faro Blanco lighthouse, a beacon that has guided guests to the popular resort and marina since the 1950s. Revelers can first enjoy dinner at the grill, as well as dancing and snapping shots in a photo booth, and toast the New Year with complimentary champagne. For reservations, call 305-434-9039. For information, visit ,www.facebook.com/ events/436927494701313?ref=newsfeed.

Islamoradas Cheeca Lodge & Spa, mile marker 82 oceanside, also is staging a New Years Eve celebration and midnight fireworks display. Revelers can savor a multi-course gourmet dinner at the flagship Atlantics Edge restaurant while enjoying panoramic ocean views. Live music is scheduled from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. For more information, costs and reservations (required), call 305-517-4447.

While the festivities outlined here are New Years Eve highlights in the Florida Keys, a roster of Keys holiday activities and other special events can be viewed at http://www.fla-keys.com/calendar/.

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Places across the Keys to ring in 2022 - Key West Florida Weekly