Winter officially arrives this weekend and this is our time to shine! Our time to run around endlessly without breaking a sweat, our time to not fear wearing long pants or even a jacket. Get out this weekend and celebrate the season with jazz and brunch at Norton Museum of Art, a raging fire on Lake Worth Beach, the sweet sounds of ABBA in Jupiter and 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. Lake Osborne Holiday Boat Parade
In its 11th year, the parade starts and ends at The Hive Waterfront Restaurant & Tiki Bar and features 50 to 60 boats. Fireworks kick off the evening. Decorated and illuminated boats will travel north along the east side of the lake, under the bridge at Lantana Road, continue north under the bridge at Sixth Avenue and then follow the shore around before returning south along the west side of the lake back to The Hive. Find the A Little Smiles Toy Donation hub at the The Hive.
The parade begins at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19. 2412 Floral Road, Lantana. Free. Information: facebook.com/events/s/11th-annual-lake-osborne
2. Jazz Brunch, Norton Museum of Art
Enjoy classic brunch fare at The Restaurant along with a complimentary bloody mary or glass of champagne while grooving to some sweet jazz courtesy of the Jacob Batchelder Trio. Space limited. Reservations recommended.
The event is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21. 1450 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach. Adults $70, 12 and younger $35. Includes museum admission and mimosa or bloody mary. Information: norton.org
3. Lake Worth Beach Bonfire & Night Market
Fire up the night with primal beauty and warmth as massive logs are consumed by raging fire on Lake Worth Beach all while grooving to the soulful sounds of the Vibes Farm Band.
The event is 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19. 10 S. Ocean Blvd., Lake Worth Beach. Free. Information: lakeworthbeachfl.gov
4. Almost ABBA tribute to ABBA, Abacoa Amphitheater
Formed in 1996, Almost ABBA is the longest running North American Tribute to the Swedish super group and has performed in nearly a dozen countries for audiences as large as 50,000 people. With their intricate harmonies and top notch musicianship, they truly live up to their Almost ABBA name.
The concert is 7:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20. 1267 Main St., Jupiter. Free. Information: abacoa.com/events/free
5. Busch Wildlife Sanctuary Holiday Workshop
Sip hot cocoa, let your creativity shine at the holiday craft station, and even meet Santa! It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season with family and friends while supporting wildlife conservation. Sponsored by The Grove Group & Santa Claus.
The event is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20. 17855 Rocky Pines Road, Jupiter. Free, admission to Busch Wildlife Sanctuary is by donation. Information: buschwildlife.org
BONUS
Archery 101, Riverbend Park
Pretend you’re Katniss Everdeen getting ready for the games or Legolas standing on the wall at Helm’s Deep and learn this incredibly awesome sport. Put down your phone, stop playing Minecraft, Candy Crush or Fortnite and learn a real skill. Ages 8 and older.
The event is 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20. 9060 Indiantown Road, Jupiter. $10. Reservations required. Information: 561-741-1359; discover.pbc.gov/parks
Bonus:”Messiah” concert, Faith Lutheran Church
This production of the holiday classic will feature soloists Joanne Martinez, Dr. Charmyn Kirton, Anthuan Rubio and Kayus Dare supported by Dr. Dale Reith on piano, organist Jonathan Arce and conductors Dr. David McCalla, Dr. Douglas Jewett and Hazel Graham. A 40-voice choir will perform all of part 1 and selected sections of parts 2 and 3.
The performance is 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20. 555 US 1, North Palm Beach. Free, offering will be taken. Information: faithlutheran-npb.com
Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at eritz@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Best things to do (Dec. 19-21) near West Palm, includes last boat parade
Reporting by Eddie Ritz, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
