Culture

A Christmas mug with a lit Christmas tree in the background

Culture

Fill in the blanks to create a Lakeland-inspired holiday film

If your holiday season isn’t complete without a cheesy Hallmark movie, then this activity is for you.

December 06, 2024 01:07 PM

Amelia Grooms

A Christmas ornament with two swans forming a pink heart shape

Culture

Trim the tree with these Lakeland-themed ornaments

Decking the halls has never been easier — or more swan-filled.

December 5, 2024

Connor Jacobson

A string of Christmas lights with a large lit display in the background

New to Lakeland

Winter events happening in and around Lakeland

Check out winter and holiday events happening in and around Lakeland in this seasonal guide.

December 4, 2024

Staff

A Christmas parade float is decorated with red and white glitter, realistic looking reindeer, and a sleigh. Santa and Mrs. Claus sit in the sleigh, waving to guests above and below the float.

Events

Our Lakeland Christmas Parade pro tips

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Check out what you can expect for the annual parade taking place Thursday, Dec. 5.

December 3, 2024

Staff

Entrance to Munn Park with trees, benches, and signage

Culture

Which locations around Lakeland deserve a historical marker?

Historical markers are physical signs, plaques, and statues that commemorate a significant place or event. Where would you like to see a historical marker around Lakeland?

December 3, 2024

Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto

Culture

Lakelanders’ goals for 2025

We’re calling on you to tell us your Lakeland-themed goals for the new year.

December 2, 2024

Amelia Grooms

Renders of the newly renovated AGB Museum entrance.

More from LALtoday

A line of cars in traffic where an I-4 widening project will soon begin. A grassy median sits between the east and westbound lanes.

City

What Lakelanders should know about the I-4 widening project

Learn the details of Polk County’s I-4 widening and interchange projects starting in 2024.

November 25, 2024

Connor Jacobson

Light-up swans on the shore of Lake Morton at night.

Real Estate

Lakeland’s best neighborhoods for holiday decorations

Where can we find the best lights this season?

November 21, 2024

Connor Jacobson

City

How walkable are Lakeland’s neighborhoods?

This interactive map can help you determine how walkable certain blocks are to destinations like supermarkets, parks, restaurants, and schools.

November 21, 2024

Brianna Williams

A vacant car lot with three buildings and a billboard is shown.

Business

New eats on Main Street: Food truck court potentially coming to downtown Lakeland area

Learn what Lakelanders could expect in terms of the cuisine, experience, and opening timeline should the plan get approved.

November 20, 2024

Amelia Grooms

Pumpkins and plants on sidewalk outside of Scout & Tag storefront

Food

Build a Thanksgiving Day meal from your favorite Lakeland eateries

Add some Lakeland flair to your Thanksgiving spread with classic dishes from these Swan City restaurants.

November 19, 2024

David Stringer

City

See Lakeland’s top rankings on nationwide lists

It’s not such a small town anymore — check out how Lakeland’s growth is reflected in rankings from the past year.

November 19, 2024

Connor Jacobson

Shoppers walk through vendor tents at the downtown Lakeland Holiday Night Market

Business

Start seasonal shopping at these Lakeland holiday markets

Find a unique gift by local vendors, artists, and makers at these holiday-themed markets in and around Lakeland.

November 15, 2024

Connor Jacobson

Restaurant patrons speak with a waiter at their table in side The Peach House.

Business

Lakeland restaurateurs show support for ‘The Pepper Project’

Here’s how you can help the family of restaurant owner Jeannie Weaver-Lopez.

November 15, 2024

Connor Jacobson

An exterior view of Lakeland Regional Medical Center with a glass building, brick building, and a grassy median with a fountain.

Wellness

How germ-prone is Lakeland?

According to Soliant Health, Lakeland ranks low on its list of cities most likely to get sick, and there are precautions you can take this flu season.

November 14, 2024

Michael Beausoleil

Lakeland Economic Development Council members sit and listen to a panel of members at Catapult

Business

Lakeland Economic Development Council celebrates 40 years

The LEDC has been a major driver in Lakeland’s economy since 1984 — but what is it, and how does it affect daily life?

November 13, 2024

Connor Jacobson