Come join us for a day of Nature Filled Enjoyment.
Registration ends December 3rd at midnight.
Dec 5 2026
9:30 AM- 3:30 PM
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 9:30 AM until 3:30 PM.
✓ Round-trip ferry ride (courtesy of Sundance Watersports)
✓ State park entrance fees
✓ One-year FIASP membership (Friends of Islamorada State Parks)
Lignumvitae Key is accessible by boat or kayak only.
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.
Dockage & Arrival Dockage: Is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, as sections of the dock are reserved for the scheduled ferry service.
Park Fees & Donations: State park admission is $4.50 per person, collected by a Ranger upon arrival (payable via QR code or cash in the dock’s blue envelopes). All event donations directly support the Friends of the Islamorada State Parks.
Complimentary Activities: Tours, storytelling, festivities, and craft activities are included at no extra cost.
Island Rules:
Pets and alcohol are prohibited on the island. Service animals are welcome in all areas of Florida State Parks.
Will greet you with festive music as you arrive at Robbie’s ferry departure area.
Will welcome you to the island, bringing seasonal magic to life with music. They also make announcements throughout the day and announce ferry departures.
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.
Feel free to stop by and chat with Brad anytime. Scheduled Keys History talks throughout the day.
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.
Stewardship in action, historical artifacts and more. Stop by anytime and talk with Brenda Altmeier and Matt Lawrence.
Ask Dr. Nick Parr about WeatherSTEM, the aquatic preserve and sonde. Stop by anytime.
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.
Get crafty and make an ornament to take home! Stop by anytime.
Challenge your friends to a game of croquet, jacks or other fun old-fashioned game. Stop by any time.
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).
Suntan lotion, bug spray, refillable water bottle, beach towel to sit on.
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.
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.
Yes, feel free to bring your favorite backpack.
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.
For the most part yes. There are some areas of the park where cell service coverage is poor.
Yes, there are 2 primitive style bathrooms and hand sanitizer. There is no running water in the park.
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.
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.
Please email the Friends of the Islamorada Area State Parks Board at FriendsofIslamoradaStateParks@gmail.com or call (305) 664-4339.
Friends of the Islamorada Area State Parks Inc. is a 501c3 organization helping to support the State Parks in the middle Keys mainly through fundraising activities.
