The hottest ticket in town may now be redeemed. Hamilton has landed at the Broward Center, with performances through January 20. Will it live up to the hype of apparently being the best show ever created? We shall see. If nothing else, the brainchild of Lin-Manuel Miranda will surely be entertaining and educational, with its focus on one of our Founding Fathers and George Washington’s right-hand amigo. 8 p.m. on Thursday and select dates through January 20, 2019 at Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale; browardcenter.org. Tickets are $78 to $498.
No, there’s not a weed convention in town. It’s just Snoop Dogg performing. To prep for this show, you could watch Snoop in Scary Movie 5 or The Wrecking Crew, or his reality show, Snoop & Son: A Dad’s Dream. Or, you could listen to one of his 16 albums stemming back to the '90s, including the 2018 LP, Bible of Love. Special guests Tha Luniz and Afroman will open. Will you have a blast? Fo shizzle. 8 p.m. on Thursday at Hard Rock Live, 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood; ticketmaster.com. Tickets are $70 to $155.
The Heavy Pets are throwing a Holiday Ball on Friday at Revolution Live.
Slightly Skewed Photography
The Heavy Pets have played more than 1,200 shows since 2005. So, how about another one close to home during the holidays, eh? The Fort Lauderdale-bred indie-funky-reggaeing rock band is teaming up with West Palm Beach rockers Surfer Blood for a Holiday Ball. In addition to hearing all kinds of jams – including tracks from Heavy Pets’ 2018 LP Strawberry Mansion – this is a charitable affair, too. Guests are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy for a toy drive and there will be raffles for cool prizes, too, benefiting nonprofit 4Kids. 7 p.m. on Friday at Revolution Live, 100 SW Third Ave., Fort Lauderdale; jointherevolution.net. Tickets are $14.
Fun fact: The Sound of Music was Rodgers and Hammerstein’s final collaboration. And, based on how beloved the musical is, they didn’t lose their steam with this one. The story of Maria and the von Trapp family owns the Kravis Center stage for one night only. If you love a good thrill and a hearty dose of inspiration, The Sound of Music always delivers. 8 p.m. on Friday at Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; kravis.org. Tickets are $42 to $112.
Saturday
New brunch alert! New brunch alert! Bar Rita has a brand-new brunch menu that will leave your tummy beyond thrilled. Pro tips: The Avocado Breakfast Tacos (led eggs, Oaxaca cheese, guacamole, bacon and chipotle ranch), Maple Habanero Chicken & Waffles and truffle street corn guac are the bomb. And yes, there are bottomless beverages available, too, including a wonderfully strong breakfast margarita with Tequila Citron, OJ and champagne. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at Bar Rita, 1401 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale; barritaftl.com.
If you’re still not in the holiday spirit, Rockapella can save your Grinch-y ass. The five-man acapella group is hitting Parker Playhouse on Saturday and bringing some holiday cheer with ‘em. In addition to their own spin on classics (such as “Silver Bells” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”) enjoy “Little Drummer Boy” and “O Little Town of Bethlehem” on the big stage. 8 p.m. on Saturday at Parker Playhouse, 707 NE Eighth St., Fort Lauderdale; browardcenter.org. Tickets are $37 to $47.
Sunday
With beautiful botanical gardens and wildlife, a trip to Flamingo Gardens is always a good time. Well, now it’s even more fun, all lit up at night for the holidays. Its Garden of Lights event is happening Sunday evening as well as select nights through December 30. Features include a musical light show on the property’s Wray House, life-sized snow globes, craft stations, and holiday-inspired treats and beverages. 5 p.m. on Sunday and select dates through December 30 at Flamingo Gardens, 3750 S. Flamingo Rd., Davie; flamingogardens.org. Adult tickets are $9.95 with various discounts available.
Monday
Why wait around for Santa on Christmas Eve, when you can turn up at da club? The Loft in WPB is hosting an Ain’t Nothing But a Xmas Party from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. with jams from DJ Slim and Renaissance P. Depending on how late you want to rage, you can be home just in time to open presents! 10 p.m. on Monday at The Loft Nightclub, 221 N. Clematis St., West Palm Beach; eventbrite.com. Admission is free before 12:30 a.m.
Tuesday
In addition to having stellar farm-to-table selections, Avocado Grill in West Palm Beach has some lovely green booths, perfect for Christmas. If you’re not wanting to cook Christmas Dinner, the WPB hotspot has you covered. Its Xmas menu includes a lobster risotto, a special short rib offering, as well as vegan and vegetarian options. 1 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday at Avocado Grill, 125 Datura St., West Palm Beach; avocadogrillwpb.com. A-la-carte dinner menu available and reservations recommended.
Wednesday
Hot chocolate. Candy canes. Snowfalls. Sleigh rides. It’s all included with your Candy Cane Wonderland admission at the Panthers IceDen in Coral Springs. The ice is cold and it’s cold outside (sort of). So, it's a perfect time to hit the ice for some skating with the whole family. 12:15 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Panthers IceDen, 3299 Sportsplex Dr., Coral Springs; panthersiceden.com. $10.50 admission and $4 skate rental for adults, with children’s discounts available.
