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Lignumvitae Christmas is a yearly tradition hosted by The Friends of Islamorada State Parks, and the Islamorada Area State Parks Rangers. The Island will be decorated for the holiday season, visit with Santa, and listen to holiday music from the Mangrove Swamp Band

Lignumvitae Christmas will take place on December 5^th rain or shine. The event runs from 10:00am until 3:30pm. 

To purchase tickets please we need instructions or a link to the purchasing system.

How to get to the event.

Lignumvitae Key is accessible by boat or kayak only.

Please park in the back parking lot of Robbie’s. If possible, carpool as parking is limited.

        Your ticket included roundtrip ferry service from Robbie’s,

and park entrance fees.

         For visitors that are arriving by personal vessel:
         Dockage is limited and will be first come first serve. Tours, stories, festivities and  crafts are complementary. Park Fees $4.50 per person will be collected by a     Ranger at the dock. Pay by QR code or bring cash to put in a blue envelope available at the dock. All donations benefit the Friends of the Islamorada State Parks. 

Pets and alcohol are prohibited on the island. Service animals are welcome in all areas of Florida State Parks.

Ticket Prices

$25.00 per person.  

$20.00 per person for FIASP Members.

Did someone mention a free or reduced tickets for children.

A bulk ticket price? 10 tickets for $$$

Things do to at Lignumvitae Christmas

When you arrive on the island, stop by our welcome tent located in front of the Matheson House. Pick up a brochure and ask for a complimentary ticket for our gift basket game of chance. Enjoy complimentary cookies and limeade while learning about our current and past projects – your donations at work. If you are not already a member, join us and make a difference or give a membership as a Holiday Gift to friends and family—your support helps support our parks for everyone to enjoy.

Visit the Historic Matheson House

 Purchase a copy of Charlotte’s Story or Millard Well’s postcards. (add short description of what Charlotte’s story is.)

 Guided Nature Hikes: (see below for details)

 Picnic lunch on the lawn surrounding the Matheson House.

Food and Beverages. 

Enjoy complimentary cookies and limeade

Lunch tickets for hamburgers and hot dogs will also be available

Water refilling stations will be available throughout the park

Have a picnic lunch on the island

You may also bring your own food and snacks. Please make sure it is in a raccoon proof container.

Tours

Guided Nature Hikes:

Nature Hikes through the hammock will be offered throughout the day. Two hike options will be offered this year. The extended hammock hike is 1.2 miles long and approximately 1 hour. The short hammock hike is .42 miles long and 30-45 minutes long. Please wear appropriate footwear for walking on uneven trail surfaces if you plan to attend one of the hikes.

House Tours:

Discover what island life was really like in the early 1900’s by visiting the caretaker’s home.  House tours will be available all day long.

Lignumvitae Memories Station:

Share your memories of Lignumvitae Key for our oral history project. This station is located inside the house.

Additional exhibits

Learn how to paint with tutorials from local artist Pasta. Stop by anytime.

Local History with Historian Brad Bertelli

Join local author and historian Brad Bertelli at his booth for one of the scheduled story times throughout the day or stop by Brad's booth anytime to chat about Keys history and legends. 

NOAA/FL Keys National Marine Sanctuary

Brenda Altmeier and Matt Lawrence will offer hands on navigation without electronics and talk about local area shipwrecks.  Stop by anytime.

DEP Coastal Resiliency and Oversees Aquatic Preserves

Nick Parr, Sanctuary Liaison and Regional Aquatic Preserve Manager, will share information about the Lignumvitae Aquatic Preserve and provide information about water quality datasondes and what is going in at the Fills.  Kayaking guides will be available. Stop by anytime.

Arts and Craft Station:

Get crafty and make an ornament to take home!  Crafts are free for visitors. Donations for crafts are appreciated and will benefit the Friends of the Islamorada Area State Parks. Stop by anytime.

Old Fashioned Games:

Challenge your friends to a game of croquet, jacks or other fun old-fashioned game. Stop by anytime.

FAQs

1.   What should I bring. Suntan lotion, bug spray, refillable water bottle, beach towel to sit on.

2.   What food is available. Hotdogs and hamburgers are available for purchase during the event. Complimentary cookies and limeade are available at the Friends of Islamorada State parks booth. Feel free to bring your own food, snacks, and beverages, there is nowhere to keep your foods cold so ai for non-perishable items.

3.   Can I bring a backpack? Yes, feel free to bring your favorite backpack. 

4.   Am I able to leave at any time? The ferry service between the park and Robbie’s runs every hour, on the ½ hour. You may have a short wait, while the ferry is completing their roundtrip.

5.   Do cell phones work on the island? For the most part yes. There are some areas of the park where cell service coverage is poor. 

6.   Are there bathrooms on the island. Yes, there are 2 primitive style bathrooms and hand sanitizer. There is no running water in the park.