Take a moment for gratitude among the treetops on the Crenshaw Canopy Walk. |Photo by LALtoday
Don’t be caught off guard — plan ahead with this list of what’s open and closed on Thanksgiving Day in Lakeland, Florida.
Thanksgiving Day activities
Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd. | 6 a.m.- dusk Enjoy a pre or post-meal stroll around the park’s two-mile circulator, take a moment for gratitude overlooking the Blanton Family Lagoon, or spend your Thanksgiving in the treetops on the Crenshaw Canopy Walk.
Yoga Pointe, 2539 S. Florida Ave. | 8-9 a.m. Stop by for an 8 a.m. “Planksgiving” class prior to your Thanksgiving day feast.
Pro tip: Looking for a Thanksgiving week activity for the whole family while the kids are out of school? Check out Lakeland Mom’s listhere.
Restaurants
La Imperial Bakery, 830 E. Main St. | 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Enjoy a Thanksgiving-themed menu featuring classic favorites, such as homemade gravy served over turkey, paired with Spanish-style arroz con gandules.
The Terrace Grille, 329 E. Main St. | 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. or 5 p.m. Head downtown to The Terrace Hotel for Thanksgiving this year, and enjoy a buffet-style dining experience for $120per adult or $49 per child (12 and under). Dinner here is reservation only, so be sure to give The Terrace a call at (863) 603-5420 to reserve your spot.
Cracker Barrel, 4343 Lakeland Park Dr. | 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Stay warm by the open fireplace and dive into a delicious turkey dinner featuring Southern-style favorites, like sweet potato casserole and mac ’n cheese.
Noteworthy closures
Grocery stores No pub subs on Turkey Day. Make sure you do your holiday shopping by Wednesday, Nov. 23, because Publix and Walmart will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.
City of Lakeland offices Lakeland Electric offices, Lakeland public libraries, and gated parks like Common Ground Playground and Hollis Garden will be closed. Additionally, solid waste collection will not take place on Thanksgiving Day. Customers who usually have a collection on Thursdays will be visited on Friday, and Friday customers will have their waste collected on Saturday.
A. Call me prepared — I shopped last week. B. I’m cutting it close — I’m shopping on Tuesday or Wednesday. C. Let’s hope they’re still open — I’m shopping on Thanksgiving. D. What shopping? I just arrive ready to eat.
Molly’s Musicians Showcase @ Molly McHugh’s | Tuesday, Nov. 22 | 9 p.m. | Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub, 111 S Kentucky Ave, Lakeland | Free | Support local musicians at this free open mic night.
New Yoga | Wednesday, Nov. 23 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Simpson Park Community Center, 1725 Martin Luther King Dr., Lakeland | $5 | Bring your mat and some water to this yoga class for all levels focusing on breath, alignment, balance, and strength — must be 16 or older.
Thursday, Nov. 24
Thanksgiving Music w/ Jim Thomas | Thursday, Nov. 24 | 6-9 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W Pine St, Lakeland | Free | Stop by for live music and a round of beers after your Thanksgiving dinner.
Friday, Nov. 25
Damon Fowler | Friday, Nov. 25 | 7 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 Florida Ave S, Lakeland | $15 | Hear this Central Florida singer, guitar player, and songwriter play tunes from his newest release, “Alafia Moon.”
Lakeland Magic vs Mexico City Capitanes | Friday, Nov. 25 | 7 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W Lime St, Lakeland | $12-$33 | Catch the Magic as they face off against the Mexico City Capitanes at home — the first 1,000 fans receive a mystery foam finger.
Saturday, Nov. 26
Artsgiving and the Small Business Saturday Night Market | Saturday, Nov. 26 | 6-11 p.m. | Historic Dixieland, 1023 S Florida Ave, Lakeland | Free | Support small businesses by shopping from local makers, bakers, and more — find live music at The Pink Piano and Union Hall.
Sunday, Nov. 27
A Christmas Carol | Sunday, Nov. 27 | 6 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $37-$50 | See this classic holiday tale brought to life onstage with a new twist.
Thursday, Dec. 1
Catapult Member Market at the Lakeland Christmas Parade | Thu., Dec. 1 | 5-9 p.m. | Catapult Lakeland Parking Lot, 502 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Stop by the Catapult Member Market during the annual Lakeland Christmas Parade where Catapult entrepreneurs will be selling food + goods for all to enjoy.*
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Travelers beware — a rainy week leading up to Thanksgivingmay affect holiday travel plans for Floridians. If you’re planning a road trip or flight, keep your eye on forecasts and itineraries for updates. As for Turkey Day itself, you can expect a mostly-dry day, with a few stray showers possible. 🌦 (The Ledger)
Edu
After a one-year hiatus, the Silver Garlands awardis back up and running for Polk County high school seniors. Administered by Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing, the award has encompassed 13 categories — including aerospace, citizenship, foreign language, and more — since it began celebrating community service in 1977. 🏆 (The Ledger)
Arts
The Lakeland Public Library, Larry R. Jackson branch (1700 N. Florida Ave.)is holding a watercolor bookmark workshop today, Nov. 22 from 3-4:30 p.m. The library will supply all required materials, and no registration is necessary.
Listen
Ever wonder what we sound like after reading our newsletters every morning? Tune into Downtown Dish on Talk Radio 96.7 tonight at 5 p.m. to hear fromLALtoday City Editors, Connor and Rilee, with host Julie Townsend. Let us know if you listen so we can thank you. 🎧
Holiday
LKLD SantaCon is taking over downtown Lakelandon Saturday, Dec. 10. Pick up your $15 passport at the kickoff party from 5-7 p.m. at Swan Brewing before embarking on a self-guided pub crawl. For more on the festivities, prizes, and benefitting KidsPack, click here. 🎅
Feel Good
First Presbyterian Church volunteers are lending a handto individuals doing laundry at the Laundry Spot. The “Laundry Love” church group aims to support families in need in light of rising laundry costs through the monthly program. Next month, the group will also hand out Christmas groceries. (Fox 13 News)
Plan Ahead
Lavender ‘n Lace Tearoom is hosting a Winter Afternoon Tea event on Friday, Dec. 16 from 4-6 p.m. Register online to attend the private event, featuring pastries, petits fours, and gourmet sandwiches. 🫖
Shop
Why wait to start shopping this holiday season? Check out our gift guidesfeatured on our online shop Six & Main. Shop for the pet lover, party host, and foodie in your life. There’s something special for everyone. Let the shopping begin. 🛍️
Number
4.5 million. The number of Americans who will need a blood transfusion this year. Blood is critically needed for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses + traumatic injuries. Ensureyour loved one has blood when they need itbydonating blood at Lakeland Regional Health’s OneBlood Drive on Tuesday, Nov. 29. Schedule your time slot.*
Community
Looking to get more involved in the community? Lakelanders (both individuals + groups) can volunteer at Bonnet Springs Park to participate in one-time opportunities or ongoing projects that make a big difference.*
The Buy
Unbox the best holiday gift of all: a smile you’re proud of.SmileDirectClub is the easiest way to straighten your teeth in as little as 60 days — for 60% less than Invisalign or braces. 👀 *
Sports
If you’re into (or even sort of into) sports: The GIST is a must-subscribe newsletter that provides a refreshing female voice and perspective on sports four times a week. Read: If ‘do the thing and score the points’ is your baseline understanding, you might enjoy this to uplevel your knowledge. *
Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.
TJ Moreno made this diaper drive his mission. | Photo by Tina Moreno
If the story we shared last week about five-year-old TJ Moreno’s donation of 14,000 diapers toOne More Child got you in the philanthropic mood, check out where else you can make donations during the holiday season:
Clothing
The Top Buttons Wearing Confidence Program distributes clothing to those who are searching for careers.
Editor’s pick: With the holiday season fast approaching, I know there’s a certain gift on lots of folks’ minds: Puppies. That being said, it’s important to remember that a pet is a lifetime commitment. Consider taking a shelter dog on a one to four-hour doggie date — as I did recently at the SPCA — to get a feel for if having a pet is for you and your family. You may just meet your furry new family member. 🐶
Missed yesterday’s newsletter?Bundle up, we took a sneak peek at this year’s winter weather forecast, here.
Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.
* This content is paid advertising, or contains links to our Six & Main marketplace, or affiliate partners which we may receive a commission from. ^ This content is created by our content studio.