Registration open opens November 1, 2026, ends December 3rd at midnight.
When: 5 Dec 2026
9:30 AM- 3:30 PM
Location: Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park
Lignumvitae Christmas is a yearly tradition hosted by Friends of the Islamorada State Parks and the Islamorada Area State Parks Rangers. Volunteers will decorate the Matheson House for the holiday season and are a big part of making the event possible.
Lignumvitae Christmas will take place on December 5th rain or shine. Inclement weather may lead to cancellations. The event runs from 10:00am 9:30 AM until 3:30 PM.
How to get to the event
Lignumvitae Key is accessible by boat or kayak only.
Your ticket purchase includes one-year FIASP membership, all state park fees and ferry ride to the island, courtesy of our sponsor Sundance Watersports. Departure is from Robbie’s of Islamorada, 77522 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada FL 33036. Please park in the back parking lot. Be sure to arrive early to help with boarding. If possible, carpool as parking is limited.
For visitors that are arriving by personal vessel
Dockage is limited and will be first come first serve with portions of the dock reserved for the scheduled ferry service. 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. Donations at the event 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.
Tickets
Space is limited as are allocations for each ferry ride. Be sure to book early to get your preferred departure time.
$25.00 per person. Children Under 6 free. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Things to See and Do at Lignumvitae Christmas
Some activities have scheduled times; most are at your leisure.
Marathon Steel – Will greet you with festive music as you arrive at Robbie’s ferry departure area.
Mangrove Swamp Band – Will welcome you to the island, bringing seasonal magic to life with music. They also make announcements throughout the day and announce ferry departures.
Friends Welcome station - With complimentary Limeade and Cookies. Learn about our projects as the official Citizen Support Organization for seven local area state parks. Purchase your hot dog or hamburger lunch. Gift items including Charlotte’s Story and more. Your donations help support our parks for everyone to enjoy.
Historian Brad Bertelli - Feel free to stop by and chat with Brad anytime. Scheduled Keys History talks throughout the day.
Ranger Station & Trail Hike Registration - Visit the ranger station and sign up for either the ‘long’ or ‘short’ hike. Visit the station anytime to learn more about what they do for our state parks to keep them safe and enjoyable for public use. Ask about the young ranger programs.
Matheson House
House Tours - Discover what island life was really like in the early 1900’s by visiting the caretaker’s home. Stop by anytime.
Lignumvitae Memories Station - Oral history project. Share your memories of Lignumvitae Key and become part of the Island's history.
Ted Arpin — Nephew of Charlotte, author of Charlotte’s Story. Joining us again this year to share his memories of growing up and visiting Charlotte and Russell Niedhauk during their years as the last caretakers of Lignumvitae Key before it became a Florida State Park.
NOAA/Marine Sanctuary - Stewardship in action, historical artifacts and more. Stop by anytime and talk with Brenda Altmeier and Matt Lawrence.
DEP Coastal Resiliency and Lignumvitae Key Aquatic Preserve - Ask Dr. Nick Parr about WeatherSTEM, the aquatic preserve and sonde. Stop by anytime.
Florida Keys Wild Bird Center - Meet Mickey, a Mississippi Kite (at your leisure from 11:00 until 3:00).
Explore our Magnetic Sun's Mysteries - Through safe telescope viewing with Libby and Jay Elliott of the Florida Keys Astronomy Club.
Arts and Craft Station - Get crafty and make an ornament to take home! Stop by anytime.
Old Fashioned Games - Challenge your friends to a game of croquet, jacks or other fun old-fashioned game. Stop by any time.
Take time to walk the great lawn - See the Houseman Grave site marker (relocated from Indian Key). Cannons salvaged from the H.M.S. Winchester (sunk off Carysfort Reef in 1695). 1937 Dodge dump truck - (weathered with time). Single room coral house remains - (thought to be built by the Spaniards as early as 1540).
FAQs
1. What should I bring? Suntan lotion, bug spray, refillable water bottle, beach towel to sit on.
2. What should I wear? Dress in lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking clothing like cotton, athletic wear, or quick-drying shorts and t-shirts to stay comfortable in Florida's hot and humid weather. Visitors are encouraged to wear sturdy walking shoes, the area of the great lawn and walking trails can be uneven.
3. What about food and water? Bring a refillable water bottle; stations will be available throughout the park. Enjoy complimentary cookies and limeade at the Friends station. Lunch tickets for hamburgers and hot dogs will also be available there. You’re welcome to bring a picnic lunch but pack it in a raccoon-proof container. Note: there is no public means to keep food cool.
4. Can I bring a backpack? Yes, feel free to bring your favorite backpack.
5. 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. We ask for patience as the safety and comfort of our visitors is our primary concern.
6. 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.
7. Are there bathrooms on the island? Yes, there are 2 primitive style bathrooms and hand sanitizer. There is no running water in the park.
8. How long are the hikes? The ‘long’ hike is approximately 1.2 miles long and takes about 1 ½ hours, and the ‘short’ hike is approximately .42 miles, allow 45 minutes. Please wear appropriate footwear for walking on uneven trail surfaces.
9. What is special about the Matheson House Tours? It provides an opportunity to discover what island life was really like for the caretakers from the early 1900’s through 1970, when the island became a state park. While there, share your memories of Lignumvitae Key at the Lignumvitae Memories Station and become part of our oral history project.
Questions? Please email the Friends of the Islamorada Area State Parks Board at FriendsofIslamoradaStateParks@gmail.com or call (305) 664-4339.
