New Year's Eve Festivities and Fireworks

For those who cannot bear the chill of a traditional New Year's Eve celebration, such as the iconic ball drop in Times Square, the Florida Keys offer exuberant festivities and far more temperate temperatures. On the night of December 31, revelers in Key West can enjoy a variety of lighthearted events, from the 25th annual "Red Shoe Drop" starring drag queen Sushi at the Bourbon St. Pub Complex to the dropping of a giant conch shell at Sloppy Joe's Bar. Other festivities include a Key lime wedge dropping into a margarita glass at the Sunset Pier, a flight attendant descending in a replica plane at First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery, and the offbeat "tuna drop" at the Smokin' Tuna Saloon. Additional celebrations throughout the Keys include waterfront fireworks and gala dinners.