11 Best Things to Do in West Palm Beach in December

Begin with a sunrise walk along the marina and a quick dip at the Strände, followed by a hot chocolate to enjoy the longer exploration. josie, my daughter, found it wonderful.

Then head to the arts district for spaces and galleries; watch a live performance, or discover a hands-on workshop. There is an activity for every age. Prices are modest, and some gear can be used nearby. Also sample dishes at a riverside cafe.

For nature lovers, a natural excursion to a park offers huge oaks and long trails where you might spot animals in their habitats. If you like sport, you can join a waterfront jog or a casual court game.

In the evening, also check out a family-friendly market, where you can miss the crowds and savor a few dishes. Plan your spending with a simple budget as you stroll along the waterfront.

Remember that this city is used to hosting visitors, and each corner invites you to discover new spaces, natural scents, and memories that last long after sunset. josie and I compare notes on what surprised us, from artful spaces to friendly animals and the easy pace that makes a winter escape in Florida possible. Visitors subjected to a gentle sea breeze will linger.

West Palm Beach December: Practical Guide to 11 Best Experiences

Begin with a tranquil morning stroll along the waterfront, then a welcoming coffee and a very accessible Dramaworks comedy showcase to kick off the day.

Explore the science center with its aquarium and the reptiles wing; plan for a 90-minute visit on weekdays to dodge crowds, and bring a cooler for drinks and a chair for outdoor seating.

Visit a select collection of galleries where stories, showcasing narrative depth, are presented; the exhibits are well-organized, making it easy for adult visitors to navigate.

At the nearby zoological park, expect lively displays of reptiles; follow signage to avoid a bite risk and keep a respectful distance from enclosures.

Stroll the tranquil botanical garden in the morning or late afternoon; easy parking and shaded paths create a calm escape.

During the holiday season, explore a select lineup of markets and tasting rooms; use shortcuts to cover more ground and savor hot drinks.

Take a harbor cruise or a self-guided water tour; weekdays offer calmer seas, so you can sit on deck with a chair and a cooler while watching skyline reflections.

Evening performance at a small venue features live comedy or dramatic readings; adult audiences will appreciate the intimate feel and welcoming staff.

Try a morning manatee-watching session at a lagoon nearby; the morning light brings tranquil scenery and a slow pace.

Add a quick science or nature talk at a local center to round out the day; again, plan ahead to avoid gaps and maximize seating.

Planning tips: book ahead on weekdays to avoid a problem; compare à la carte options rather than overpriced bundles, and craft a well-organized itinerary with time buffers, a portable chair, a cooler, and comfortable shoes.

Holiday lights, parades, and festival dates on Clematis Street

Begin with the Friday Night Lights stroll along Clematis Street to catch the opening lights and the first parade. If you are interested in a streamlined plan, the visitor assistance desk offers assistance and a schedule that connects retail blocks with eateries and residential lanes for a looped route. This guide focuses on concrete times, spots, and practical tips for visitors and locals alike.

1. Evening light displays and live acts – 17:30–21:30 nightly, spanning from Norton Ave to Amelia Ave. Eateries stay open late; families and adults can enjoy free viewing along the main corridor, with optional guided tours by local studios at 19:00 and 20:00. These spots host rotating art and live music, delivering a world-class buzz.
2. Parade evenings – First Saturday of each month, 18:00–19:30. Floats, marching bands, and a united, upbeat lineup perform along Clematis Street with viewing zones near retail nodes. Arrive 45 minutes early for seating; some spots offer chairs or blankets; over the course of the evening, crowds grow. There is no general admission charge for the parade route; adults and visitors are welcome.
3. Holiday market and festival dates – Sundays, 12:00–18:00, featuring 40+ vendors, live cooking demos at select eateries, and kid-friendly activity areas. amelia pop-up studio and Norton-area shops present demonstrations; guests can bring home gifts and souvenirs. Most stalls accept card payments; some require cash for artisan crafts; price range varies widely.
4. Vendor and sponsor highlights – amelia pop-up studio showcases seasonal crafts; Norton Gallery hosts rotating exhibitions; these blocks connect retail and residential spaces, creating life along the street. Look for family-friendly workshops in the afternoons and adult-oriented tastings in the evenings; spots vary in weight of crowds and price.
5. Tips for planning – Check the official Clematis Street Events schedule before you go; dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes; bring a light jacket for the evening; bring cash for some stalls and a reusable bag for purchases; parking options include nearby garages within a short walk; if you need directions, the visitor desk offers assistance.

Art and culture: Norton Museum of Art December highlights and hours

Plan a thursday visit to enjoy Norton Museum of Art’s current highlights, with extended hours that day making it easy to start late and linger through the galleries.

The lineup offers an exceptional mix of American modernism and contemporary photography. Hang by hang, works span intimate studies to bold canvases, with the sculpture courtyard offering greenery and a calm transition between indoors and outdoors. Learning programs, including family-focused sessions, are planned nearby on select weekends.

Hours: open tue–sun 11:00–17:00; thursday evenings extended to 21:00; closed mondays. In march, look for public talks and pop-up exhibitions. Secure tickets online in advance; most visits stay 2–3 hours to see the core galleries and catch a talks schedule.

Visitor notes: josie and amelia, longtime locals, enjoyed the quiet spaces and the cleanliness of the walls; they think the staff is highly responsive when questions arise. They probably will return in the spring for another session and enjoyed the museum’s approach to learning. After a visit, hang out near the avenue for coffee or a light bite.

Practical tips: wear a light layer for the cooler indoor climate; temperatures inside hover around the comfortable side, with lows in the 50s in the evenings. Booking ahead secures a spot, especially on weekends. If you drive, parking is available in the port area and at the museum garage; it’s easy to stay in the leafy greenery of the campus before or after your visit.

For first-time visitors who wanted a compact, accessible cultural outing, this site delivers a focused experience with clear hours and learning opportunities, making it a solid choice for nearby day plans during the cooler season.

Seasonal markets and shopping: West Palm Beach GreenMarket December schedule

Arrive by 8:15 am to claim top picks from east-facing stalls featuring Florida-grown foods such as citrus, honey, seafood, and breads; bring a reusable bag and a small cooler for perishables.

Located along a historic avenue by the water, the market attracts an outflow of visitors each morning; rain can nudge activity indoors, with many vendors relocating to sheltered spots.

Select Florida growers offer citrus, tomatoes, greens, honey, jams, cheeses, and seafood; grab-and-go foods as well as prepared bites to enjoy on the go, with waves of people drifting along the harbor.

Events include live music and cooking demos; dramaworks performances appear on select Saturdays, with underwater life displays at the marina on special weekends.

Guided tours are available to help you cover the east block and avenue stalls; use the click link on the official page to view this month’s schedule and any changes.

Practical tips: park in nearby garages, stroll the trails along the waterfront, and pause at trees to rest; try a boat tour after your visit.

Yourself can design a compact circuit focused on Florida foods, artisanal crafts, and seaside snacks; a salt-scented breeze, the sand on the shore, and the click of waves create a mindful pause.

If you plan to visit during a holiday stretch, expect additional resorts and family friendly activities nearby; the market sits within reach of a stadium district and popular avenues.

Beachfront leisure: best December beach hours, spots, and sunset points

Plan a dawn visit at 6:30–8:00 am to catch low tides and a calm shoreline; bring a light bite for a mid-morning break, and enjoy paradise as manatees drift near inlets.

Top spots include John D. MacArthur Beach Park, Singer Island’s Ocean Reef Park, and Lake Worth Inlet Pier, each offering wide picnicking spaces, shaded lawns, and clear water for winter swims.

For sunset, head to the Lake Worth Pier, Riviera Beach’s Oceanfront promenade, or Peanut Island overlook–these sunset points deliver incredibly beautifully vivid skies with a long reach of the horizon, perfect for a couple’s ritual.

Evenings along washington avenue anchor an arts-forward scene with seasonal lights, comedy on small stages, and a square market; it hosts a weekend fest featuring antique stalls and a lively auction. If you miss the weekend rush, switch to weekday visits.

Keep a respectful distance from wildlife; manatees drift along protected bays, so admire from shore and never feed. Litter-free picnicking spaces and mindful footprints boost the environment and lift the spirit of this coastal paradise.

For shell-seekers, sanibel remains the gold standard, but here you can sample nearby finds and still feel the same charm; spread a blanket, making memories, and let the itinerary include antique shops and arts venues to finish the day.

Music, nightlife, and outdoor performances: where to catch live shows in December

Begin with a waterfront evening: select a top-tier show in the downtown arts district, with well-organized seating and dynamic lighting as players take the wooden floors. Located steps from the riverfront, the venue offers a drink option and a nearby cart for quick bites before or after the performance.

To tailor the night to your interests, check clips on YouTube before you go; choose shows that align with your tastes–jazz, rock, world, or orchestral–and then lock in a select set. The energy seems larger when you have a plan, yet moments can be fascinating and spontaneous as the room fills with momentum spent by the crowd.

Outdoor options include oceanfront stages and fest-style nights in parks; in rain, many venues pivot to covered spaces or offer rain checks. The okeeheelee complex hosts family-friendly nights with local bands and larger ensembles, located in a beautifully laid-out area with clear signage and easy parking under string lighting. Food carts and a chef-curated lineup provide quick bites, so you stay in the groove without missing a beat–the activities often extend into the night under starlight.