Thinking glistening lights, opulent tall Christmas trees, and palm trees. This is Palm Beach at Christmas time. It is a world of opulence, beauty and grandeur with a small town feel. Christmas is a wonderful time to experience Palm Beach because the prices don’t go up as much as other holiday destinations. Admittedly, the prices are always on the high side in Palm Beach, but you are paying for the ultimate in luxury.
Palm Beach at Christmas Time
Getting there
Palm Beach International Airport has flights from all over the US and the world. You can also fly into Miami, or Vero Beach, but keep in mind you will then have a 2-3 hour drive to reach your destination. But you can get great deals on rental cars in Miami, so if your budget is tight this may be a good option. But be sure to compare flight prices as sometimes the smaller Palm Beach airport has better deals!
Accommodation
Palm Beach is replete with luxurious options, from the famous Breakers resort down to local Airbnbs that are springing up everywhere.
If you have a car, you can also score more economical accommodations in West Palm Beach, which is, depending on the location, about 15-20 minutes drive away.
For the ultimate in Oceanside luxury, stay at the Breakers. You will be mingling with celebrities and often world leaders in various industries. Their three restaurants offer a variety of food to cater to every taste and they stand out as the best about making sure they accommodate any special dietary preferences, often sending the chef out to talk to you and confirm your needs.
If you don’t want to splurge on The Breakers, I recommend checking out Airbnb and selecting one of their incredible offerings.
Restaurants
There are so many incredible restaurants in Palm Beach! Below are just a few of my favorites to keep you well fed. Eating out seems to be one of the primary activities in Palm Beach, along with meeting up with friends at restaurants. These ones are sure to please.
Buccan
Buccan is known for being “the place” to hang out and get incredible food. Be sure to make reservations well in advance, or be ready to wait for a space at their community table. They have incredible variety and creative chefs.
Island Bee
Is the first completely organic and vegan restaurant in Palm Beach. Their sandwiches and smoothies are freshly made and delicious. I loved a sandwich that reminded me of eggplant ptarmigan, but was full of whole foods ingredients. Their raw cookies will convert even the most staunchly opposed to health food.
Sprinkles
Sprinkles is famous on Palm Beach as the ice cream shop. The walls are lined with photos of celebrities eating ice cream here. There have creative flavors, a small seating area and friendly service. They are located just down the street from Island Bee and near to the bridge on Royal Poinciana Way.
Christopher’s Kitchen
While this is farther away, in Palm Beach Gardens, Christopher’s Kitchen is worth the pilgrimage for amazing organic food with the perfect balance of flavors. While you are there you can check out the fantastic shopping of Palm Beach Gardens as well!
Bice
For those craving authentic Italian food, your best choice is Bice. You can sit in the beautiful courtyard and enjoy the ambiance, while choosing from a variety of pizza, pasta, soups, and salads. Their grilled vegetables are also incredible to add as a side to any order.
Grocery Stores
As I always say, it is nice to be able to stock up at a grocery store to save money on the basics and give you more time to enjoy the destination. Palm Beach has a variety of grocery stores to choose from:
Publix
Publix is a chain grocery store housed near downtown Palm Beach. Go here to stock up on the basics. They also have delicious pre-cut pineapple, a sandwich station, and freshly made sushi available.
Amici
Amici is an upscale Italian grocery store and deli. Stop here for hard to find natural items and to try some of their delicious pizza, salads, and soups
Whole Foods in West Palm Beach
For those loyal to Whole Foods and looking for a greater variety of organic products, there is a Whole Foods market in a mall shopping area about 20 minutes drive from Palm Beach Island. They have a hot and cold bar and a great variety of natural and organic products.
What to do
Now that you’ve arrived, settled in, and know you will be well fed, here is what I like to do in Palm Beach. Worth Avenue is also beautifully decked out with trees and lights during the holiday time.
Worth Avenue
Wander down Worth Avenue. Whether you plan to buy or just enjoy window shopping, I love looking at the beautiful clothing, jewelry and house wares for inspiration.
Pro tip: Even is Worth Avenue is out of your current budget, wander around pretending you will buy anything and everything you love. Yes, this sounds crazy, but did you know that scientist have found that our brains release the feel-good hormone dopamine even when we think we’re going to buy something? Trick your brain and have a fantastic time in the process.
Walk, rollerblade or bike along the inter coastal waterway
From Royal Poinciana Way, head west towards the waterway to join a path that runs from there to the north end of the island. You can enjoy the peaceful views; see a historic church, large old trees covered in Spanish moss and incredible mansions. This is a fun way to spend a couple hours.
Visit West Palm Beach
One day, head across the bridge to West Palm Beach, where you will find a whole new variety of shopping, restaurants, a movie theater, escape room, and even a manatee experience.
Palm Beach Zoo
This is a great activity to do with kids and is not too large to be overwhelming. Fun for an afternoon.
Hippocrates Clinic
For those interested in really restoring their health, visit Hippocrates clinic in West Palm Beach to get the best options in fresh sprouts and to schedule in-residence treatment options. Usually this is best scheduled ahead of time.
Visit the Flagler Museum
This historic mansion, maintained by descendants of Henry Morrison Flagler, showcases artwork and furniture from the 1890s onward. This is a nice activity for an hour or so after lunch one day
Visit the Ann Norton Sculpture Garden
For a peaceful afternoon, wander around the Ann Norton sculpture garden and take in the peaceful ambiance
All the water activities
In addition to swimming, you can rent paddleboards, kayaks, or even boats and spend your days on the water in Palm Beach. Whether you prefer to water or the beach, December is an ideal time to visit, when the cooler water temperatures encourage water sports that don’t involve getting wet, but the sun is still strong enough to enjoy lying in the sun.
The Breakers
Even if you are not staying at the Breakers, it is worth a second mention as even walking through the spacious lobby is an experience of opulence and beauty. During the holidays, it is decorated with trees and flowers that shine with beauty.
Palm Beach Dreaming
They say that those who are around you influence your reality, and that by thinking of yourself as wealthy, you increase abundance in your life. Palm Beach is the ultimate of elegance and opulence. Enjoy the restaurants, shops, and community for a couple days this holiday season and begin to feel and be wealthier, and more filled with inner abundance.
Cheers!
Kimberly
P.S. If you want a downloadable map with all the destinations mentioned in this article, you can download it here. I will receive a small commission for your purchase, at no additional cost to you (a subscription is the best deal!)
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