Happy Tuesday, West Palm Beach. In today’s edition: Author talk with Charles Todd, Sandi the sand tree, drive thru holiday light show, and more.

Let’s get to it — Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Micronuclear power meets AI demand: Advanced nuclear company AMPERA has chosen Palm Beach Gardens for global headquarters, taking nearly 100,000 square feet at Gardens Innovation Center. It expects 100 employees in South Florida by 2026 — read the full story.

Students ready for global stage: After raising about $340,000, Palm Beach Lakes High School’s band finalizes preparations to perform in London’s New Year’s Day Parade, with travel planned from Dec. 28 to Jan. 4 — read the full story.

Podium work drives momentum: Savanna has begun vertical construction on Olara, a luxury waterfront tower in West Palm Beach with 275 residences, expansive amenities, and a private marina, scheduled for 2028 completion — read the full story.

Protect your nest egg: Savvy investors are turning to gold amidst today’s inflation, national debt, and market uncertainty for a reason. It holds its value when everything else feels shaky. Case in point: it’s up ~62% since January. If you’re curious about adding it and other precious metals to your portfolio, American Hartford has a super helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free, and definitely worth a read — check it out here.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week

• Marvel at ILUMINA’s 195-foot dragon
• Experience a tropical Polynesian holiday spectacular
• Drive through dazzling holiday lights supporting families
• Solve a murder over dinner
• Raise a glass with Choir of Man
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%
• A home warranty that actually pays is 30% off

🫶 We got your back

Fresh spots and flavors: New eats and sips from Boca to West Palm: Boca’s classic Tall Boy returns with a facelift and live nights. Delray adds True Vegan and Chubby Cat’s izakaya plates. A beloved ice cream shop lands in Boynton with Peppermint Stick. Kyma opens its first outside New York in West Palm, and Diplo’s barbecue and music venue opens early next year. Check out the full lineup.

Temporary library services update: Riviera Beach Public Library is closing Dec. 23 for a $700,000 renovation and will operate from the Richard and Annie Brooks Community Center starting Dec. 29 (weekdays and Saturday hours). The Youth Empowerment Program will shift to Wells Recreation Center. Temporary services run through Jan. 30, 2026, with the renovated library reopening Feb. 2, 2026. See temporary hours and services.

Skip the megaplex madness: Whether you’re dodging blockbuster crowds or craving something off the beaten trailer, Movies of Lake Worth is a family-owned spot delivering indie gems, throwback favorites, and select new releases, plus comfy, no-fuss vibes and a crowd that sticks through the credits.

Hear me out: My mom’s been asking people to repeat themselves 5,281 times too many for years. She always avoided hearing aids like the plague — they’re clunky, obvious, expensive, not really worth it. I always thought “she’s not wrong” until I saw these new invisible hearing aids going viral. In the same boat? Now’s a great time to check them out before unused health benefits expire on the 31st.

Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I discovered Keranique’s hair regrowth system. Everything with them is surprisingly easy: no quizzes, no pills, no choosing between dozens of products. Just grab the kit and follow the instructions. The best part? It’s $75 off right now + you’ll get your money back if you don’t love the results.

📆 Around town this week

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

This week

🎭 Richard Thomas @ Kravis Center for the Performing Arts | Wednesday (12/17) at 7:30pm – Emmy-winning Richard Thomas is carrying on Hal Holbrook’s Mark Twain Tonight, the only authorized heir to that razor-sharp, one-man romp. Expect wry belly laughs, pungent wisdom, and the pleasant sting of truths you already knew, delivered with riverboat charm, suspenders, and zero fluff.

🍷 Paint and Sip @ The Ben | Thursday (12/18) at 5:30pm – Carol Calicchio is guiding a cozy paint-and-sip at The Ben Studio, where your inner Monet gets adult supervision, and your glass stays busy. Only 20 seats, discounted valet at $8, and a cash bar for wine and cocktails. Real art, zero pressure, excellent company.

🎡 Sandi the Sand Tree @ Clematis by Night | Thursday (12/18) at 6:00pm – If your holiday spirit needs a tan, hit Clematis by Night for Sandi, the 35-foot, 700-ton sand tree, and ReaXtion Band’s dance-ready hits. Ride the Ferris for five, dig for treasures on Paradise Island, and rack up selfies in Sandi Land, the concert stays free.

📚 Author Talk with Charles Todd @ North Palm Beach Library | Friday (12/19) at 11:00am – Snag a seat with bestselling mystery maestro Charles Todd as he chats about his latest Inspector Ian Rutledge holiday whodunit, A Christmas Witness. Cozy up for storytelling, behind-the-scenes insights, and a chance to get inside the mind of a master sleuth.

🖼️ Art After Dark @ Norton Museum of Art | Friday (12/19) at 5:00pm – Finally, a Friday plan that feels cultured, not chaotic. The Norton turns Friday nights into Art After Dark with live performances, film screenings, and hands-on workshops. It’s $10 for adults and seniors, $5 for students, free for members, and the couch will survive without you.

This weekend

❄️ Royal Snow Ball Family Brunch @ The Ben | Saturday (12/20) at 9:00am – Whether you’re wrangling grandkids or your inner child, this winter wonderland brunch delivers the royal treatment. All-inclusive buffet, unlimited Bellinis, Mimosas, and Bloody Marys, plus $8 valet, so you can focus on waffles, whimsy, and pretending snow is a personality.

💪 Flex Appeal @ The Sweat Shoppe by Randi | Saturday (12/20) at 9:30am – Take a break from pretending your posture is fine and hit Flex Appeal at The Sweat Shoppe. Resistance and bodyweight work, functional moves, motivating music, and expert coaching target biceps, triceps, shoulders, chest, back, and abs. Stronger arms, better posture, fewer struggles with Costco boxes.

🎤 Lucianna Coelho @ Salute Market | Saturday (12/20) at 6:30pm – In the mood for a voice you’ll actually remember? Lucianna “Lulu” Coelho brings soul, pop, and timeless classics to Salute Market, gliding from sultry to joyfully upbeat. Worldly roots, local pour, and the kind of set that pairs with good conversation, not shouting.

😂 Ali Siddiq @ Kravis Center for the Performing Arts | Saturday (12/20) at 7:00pm – Whether you remember him from Def Comedy Jam or caught his prison-story bits online, Ali Siddiq brings the kind of stand-up that actually says something, and still makes you snort-laugh. Smart, candid, a little dangerous, and very funny. Treat yourself, bring friends.

🚗 Drive Thru Holiday Light Show @ Okeeheelee Park | Sunday (12/21) at 6:00pm – Load the car, cue the holiday playlist, and cruise a drive-thru tour of over two miles of synchronized lights, dancing displays, and talking props, all from the comfort of your A/C. It’s easy, festive, and your ticket helps local families facing a child’s serious illness.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/16 Misha Dichter @ Kravis Center – 7:30 pm
• 12/17 Marc Bamuthi Joseph and more @ Kravis Center – 7 pm
• 12/17 Richard Thomas @ Kravis Center – 7:30 pm
• 12/18 Matisyahu @ Temple Beth El – 6 pm
• 12/19 JP Soars and the Red Hots @ Das Beer Garden – 7 pm
• 12/20 Tribute to ABBA @ Abacoa Amphitheatre – 7:30 pm
• 12/26 Drew Cole @ Salute Market – 6:30 pm

🏠️ This house is wild

Listed by: Maryann Chopp (Sotheby's International Realty, Inc.)

Newly built and casually luxe, this open-concept 3-bed, 3-bath lines up a dramatic great room with a showpiece kitchen, GE Profile suite, and an island built for parties. Ten-foot ceilings, eight-foot doors, a formal dining room, and two ensuites include a spa-like primary, plus a 2-car garage. The lot wins, an elevated west-facing backyard over a pond with a 180-degree view.

Inside private, gated Banyan Cay, east of I-95, with the New Belgrove Hotel Autograph Collection on campus. By invitation, access to Dutchman’s Pipe club for golf and tennis. Minutes to Palm Beach, downtown, beaches, airport, dining, and shopping.

Take a peek inside →