Though fall is here, ‘winter is coming.’ Unlike the “Game of Thrones” books and series, however, this is not something to be feared, but something to celebrate. White walkers? Who cares as long as it stays coolish out and the humidity is under 70%! Now get out and enjoy the Bridgerton Concert by Candlelight in downtown West Palm Beach, a Elton John tribute show at Carlin Park in Jupiter, the Holiday Sip & Shop with Moonlight Concert at MacArthur Beach State Park and much more.
In addition to the top five events listed there’s always something great happening at places like The Norton Museum of Art or the Maltz Jupiter Theatre. On top of that you could always just enjoy a great meal with an equally great view at one of Palm Beach County’s waterfront restaurants from Jupiter to Boca Raton. Plus, we’ve curated a list of the best things to do all year in the county, and here it is: your bucket list of 60 fun must-try things to do in Palm Beach County.
1. Holiday boat parades – two of them
Boats line up for the start of the 2015 Boynton Beach Boat Parade Friday December 11, 2015 in Lantana. Close to 40 boats took part in the event that travel from Lantana to Delray Beach.
Boynton Beach Holiday Boat Parade
This annual boat parade is a viewing spectacle and an opportunity to donate to Toys for Tots. The parade of decked out boats cruises the Intracoastal Waterway from the Ocean Avenue Bridge in Lantana south to the C-15 Canal in Delray Beach. It is sponsored by the Boynton Beach CRA in partnership with the towns of Hypoluxo, Lantana, and Delray Beach. The official watch location is the Boynton Harbor Marina, but there are plenty of other great locations to watch the show, including several waterfront restaurants and parks.
The event takes place at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12. The parade route runs from the Ocean Avenue Bridge in Lantana south to the C-15 Canal in Delray Beach. Free. For more information about where to watch and how to donate: boyntonbeachcra.com
Boat Parade of the Greater Palm Beaches
Making its debut this year, the Boat Parade of the Palm Beaches will feature approximately 50 decorated vessels, along with costumed captains and crews. The parade begins just north of the Blue Heron Bridge with a six-minute fireworks display and travel south along the east side of the Intracoastal Waterway before cutting across to the west side near Rybovich Safe Harbor and then heading back north all the way to North Palm Beach. The parade is presented by the Sailfish Marina, which will also offer a public viewing spot as well as a VIP viewing party.
The parade begins at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. Information: sailfishmarina.com/boat-parade-of-the-greater-palm-beaches
2. Bridgerton Concert by Candlelight, First Presbyterian Church of WPB
The Bridgerton Concert by Candlelight will be held Saturday, Dec. 13 at First Presbyterian Church of WPB.
This live multi-sensory musical experience will feature thousands of candles and a spectacular display of blossoms to transport guests to the Regency era in England. The setlist includes songs by Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, Pitbull, Afrojack, Ne-Yo and Nayer, Cheap Thrills by Sia, and more performed by a local talented string quartet.
The event is 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. 301 S. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach. Tickets start at $54.45. Information: feverup.com
3. Carlin Park After Dark featuring Still Standing
Carlin Park After Dark featuring the Elton John tribute band Still Standing will be held Saturday, Dec. 13 at the Seabreeze Amphitheater in Jupiter.
Let the combination of the beautiful setting and this amazing Elton John tribute band have you crocodile rocking the night away. Food and drink available on site. Blankets and lawn chairs welcome.
The event is 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. Seabreeze Amphitheater, 750 S. A1A, Jupiter. Free. Information: facebook.com/SeabreezeAmphitheater
Don’t miss: Mark your calendars now for these 4 Palm Beach County holiday boat parades
4. Holiday Sip & Shop with Moonlight Concert, MacArthur Beach State Park
The Holiday Sip & Shop with Moonlight Concert event will be held Saturday, December 13 at MacArthur Beach State Park in North Palm Beach.
This after-hours event is the perfect way to get your holiday shopping done, while supporting your favorite State Park! Listen to music by Giant Pander in the park’s beautiful outdoor amphitheater — all while shopping a wide selection of carefully curated local and sustainable gifts.
The event is 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. 10900 Jack Nicklaus Drive, North Palm Beach. Park members free, nonmembers $5. Information: macarthurbeach.org/events
5. Masterworks Chorus of the Palm Beaches “Messiah”
Masterworks Chorus of the Palm Beaches will perform Handel’s “Messiah” on Saturday, Dec. 13 in Palm Beach Gardens and on Sunday, Dec. 14 in Palm Beach.
The acclaimed group’s 47th annual performance of George Frideric Handel’s masterpiece will actually be two performances. Written in 1741 and first performed in Dublin in 1742, “Messiah” reflects the spirt of the season. The performance will feature a dynamic 60-voice chorus.
The concerts are 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 at Benjamin Hall, 4875 Grandiflora Road, Palm Beach Gardens and 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14 at Royal Poinciana Chapel, 60 Cocoanut Road, Palm Beach. Tickets start at $35. Information: masterworkspb.org
BONUS
Sunshine Park 100th Anniversary Party
Sunshine Park was designated West Palm Beach’s 18th historic neighborhood in 2022.
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of West Palm Beach’s 18th historic neighborhood with games, a gourmet food truck, a 1920s themed costume contest, live music, beer, wine, dessert and more. Nestled in between the Flamingo Park and El Cid neighborhoods, Sunshine Park was given historic status in June 2022.
The event is 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. Parking lot between Westwood and Sunset Roads along Florida Avenue, West Palm Beach. Food for sale; beer, wine and dessert while supplies last. RSVP. Information: [email protected]
Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at [email protected]. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Things to do in West Palm Beach, North Palm Beach and Jupiter
