Dachshunds and Drag Queens: New Year’s Eve in Key West is Like No Other

With New Year's Eve fast approaching, swap Britain’s frozen shores for a trip to sunnier climes to welcome in 2018 in the subtropical Florida Keys where two quirky ‘only in the Keys’ celebrations are planned.

Key West Dachshund Walk

Quite a sight to behold, the annual Key West Dachshund Walk sees up to 200 dachshunds, many of them costumed, and their owners participate in a noontime ‘wiener wonderland’ stroll through Key West’s picturesque downtown. Spectators can watch the fun and meet the canines on Fleming Street between Whitehead and Duval streets.

 

‘Red Shoe Drop’

The revelry continues as the clock ticks closer to midnight with renowned drag queen Sushi recreating New York City’s iconic Times Square ball drop, but with a twist. Perched in a gigantic red high-heel shoe suspended above the crowds, Sushi is to be lowered from a balcony at the Bourbon St. Pub/New Orleans House complex seconds before 2018 arrives, in an annual event that has become a Florida Keys tradition – the ‘Red Shoe Drop.’

Elsewhere in Key West, there is a ‘conch shell drop’ at Sloppy Joe’s Bar on Duval Street; the lowering of a pirate wench from atop a tall ship’s mast at the Schooner Wharf Bar and the drop of a huge replica Key lime wedge into a larger-than-life margarita glass at the Ocean Key Resort & Spa.

 

Jet Off to Key West for New Year’s Eve

Bon Voyage (0800 316 0194, www.bon-voyage.co.uk) has five nights in the Florida Keys from £2,995 per person. Departing on 29 December 2017, the price includes two nights in the Upper Keys followed by three nights in Key West, British Airways flights from London Heathrow to Miami and car hire for the duration. Based on two adults travelling and sharing room-only accommodation.

For more information on the respective events, visit: www.sloppyjoes.com, www.bourbonstpub.com, www.schoonerwharf.com or www.facebook.com/SunsetPierKeyWest.

Kahlua, left, and Hershey, right, peer from their stroller Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016, during the Key West Dachshund Walk in Key West. Credit: Florida Keys News Bureau and Rob O'Neal

Kahlua, left, and Hershey, right, peer from their stroller Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016, during the Key West Dachshund Walk in Key West. Credit: Florida Keys News Bureau and Rob O'Neal

Key West Dachshund Walk 2016. Credit: Florida Keys News Bureau

Key West Dachshund Walk 2016. Credit: Florida Keys News Bureau

 Sushi descends in her iconic red shoe. Credit: Florida Keys News Bureau

Sushi descends in her iconic red shoe. Credit: Florida Keys News Bureau

The Red Shoe Drop - celebrate New Year's Eve in style in Key West. Credit: Rob O'Neal and Florida Keys News Bureau

The Red Shoe Drop - celebrate New Year's Eve in style in Key West. Credit: Rob O'Neal and Florida Keys News Bureau

Close
Close