The Lakeland Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1965. | Photo via @lkldsymphony
Whether you’re looking for a concert, a performance of “The Nutcracker,” or a holiday play, we’ve got your guide to holiday performances around Swan City.
🎶 Musical merriment
Lakeland Symphony Orchestra will host “Toast to the Holidays” on Saturday, Dec. 3 and Sunday, Dec. 4. Kick off the holidays at the Polk Theatre with your favorite seasonal tunes.
Catch Southeastern University’s annual Christmas Concert at 1000 Longfellow Blvd. on Friday, Dec. 2 and Saturday, Dec. 3.
The Polk Theatre will feature Russian Ballet Orlando’s “Nutcracker” with a live performance of the score by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra on Saturday, Dec. 10.
Catch Florida Dance Arts’ performance at the RP Funding Center on Sat., Dec. 10 and Sun., Dec. 11.
Florida Dance Theatre will present the ballet at the Florida Southern College Branscomb Auditorium (1100 Johnson Ave.) on Saturday, Dec. 17 and Sunday, Dec. 18.
Looking for more Christmas ballet?Ballet Magnificat! will present the Broadway-style contemporary ballet, “Most Incredible Christmas” at the RP Funding Center on Tuesday, Dec. 6.
🎭 Seasonal theatrics
Is it Christmas without Charles Dickens’ famous story? Make merry with the Charles Jones adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” at the RP Funding Center on Sunday, Nov. 27.
Lakeland Community Theatre will present “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr.”— a musical adaptation of the beloved claymation movie — from December 9-18.
Head to Theatre Winter Haven for “ELF: The Musical”starting tonight, Nov. 23 through December 18,or “Every Christmas Story Ever Told and Then Some”from December 8-18.
If you’re looking for a laugh, go see the comedy show “Happy Ha-Lidayz” at The Well (114 E. Parker St.) on Saturday, Dec. 3.
Want even more performances and events? Check out our events page.
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.
Open Mic at The Pink Piano | Wednesday, Nov. 23 | 8-11:30 p.m. | The Pink Piano, 1015 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free | Support local comedians and singers or perform onstage yourself at this open mic night.
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
Lakeland Magic vs Mexico City Capitanes | Friday, Nov. 25 | 7 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W Lime St, Lakeland | $15-$40 | Catch the Magic as they face off against the Mexico City Capitanes at home — the first 1,000 fans receive a mystery foam finger.
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.”
Saturday, Nov. 26
Video Game Rumble - City of Lakeland eSports | Saturday, Nov. 26 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Simpson Park Community Center, 1725 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, Lakeland | Free | Gamers of all ages are welcome at this family-friendly video game competition, including Fortnite, NBA 2K, Rocket League, and more.
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
Museum Store Sunday | Sunday, Nov. 27 | 1-5 p.m. | The Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland | Free | Shop for gifts, enjoy merchandise discounts, and compete in a scavenger hunt to win a free museum membership.
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.
CITY Furniture’s new showroom — now open at 3205 S. Frontage Rd. in Plant City — will host a grand opening on Thursday, Dec. 1 at 5 p.m. Visit to shop home furnishings and accessories, order from the café and wine bar, and take part in giveaways. 🛋 (The Ledger)
Number
$2 million. That’s how much the City of Lakeland has applied for in federal grant funding to investigate connections to Bonnet Springs Park from nearby areas. A draft study with five recommended options for improvedpedestrian and bicycle connections has been sent to the Florida Department of Transportation for input. (LkldNow)
Development
City commissioners are set to vote on a proposed development of nearly 1,000 apartment units and homes on the former Wedgewood Golf Course. Another public hearing will take place in the Monday, Dec. 5 commission meeting to learn more abouttraffic alleviation plans before the vote. 🏗(LkldNow)
Community
Julie Townsend of the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority recommendedseveral ways to improve downtown Lakeland in Monday’s City Commission meeting. These include opening the Main Street Garage to the public during the day, coordinating outreach to those experiencing homelessness, and expanding sidewalks to make the area more pedestrian-friendly. (The Ledger)
Stat
99%. That’s how much of Polk County’s hurricane debris the Polk County Deputy Manager says will be picked up by Christmas. In Lakeland, all city claw trucks have completed their pick-ups. If you still have debris pick-up questions, click here for more information. 🪵 (Fox 13 News)
Holiday
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. City workers are racing to get Christmas decorations on display around Lakeland after hurricane delays. The lights and decorations — many of which have been replaced this year — will be turned on the night of Thanksgiving. (The Ledger)
Want even more lights? Visit the opening night of The Wonderland of Lights and America’s Christmas Village on Friday, Nov. 25 at 6:30 p.m. at International Market World (1052 US-92, Auburndale). Drive through thousands of lights, meet Santa, and join activities for the family. 🎅
Active
Start off your Thanksgiving Day with a moment of mindfulness.Head to Yoga Pointe (2539 S. Florida Ave.) on Thursday, Nov. 24 for a morning “Planksgiving” class at 8 a.m. Heated and non-heated options are available — register online.
Family
Bring your camera for Selfies with Santa, a free event in Hollis Garden on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 9:45 a.m.-1 p.m. The first 100 families in line to meet Santa will receive a Hollis Garden holiday ornament. Guests are asked to bring a toy to donate to One More Child. 📸
Seasonal
Have a very scary Christmas at Sir Henry’s Haunted Christmas. The haunted trails have been re-themed to creepy holiday stories like “Slay Bells.” Get tickets now for this limited-time event, starting Friday, Dec. 9.
Health
Watson Clinic will host a free “Managing Low Back Pain” community lecture on Thursday, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. at the Watson Clinic Center for Specialized Rehabilitation (2190 E. County Road 540A). Register now to learn about the causes of and treatments for lower back pain. 🩺
Job
If you have extra time or skills you want to use while earning money, local business Help(her) is now recruiting. Help out other businesses or community members by running errands, completing projects, and more. Apply here to learn more.
Cause
This month, PEFCU is partnering with Boots for Troops to host a donation drive for our brave military service members who are currently overseas. Want to pitch in? Visit your local PEFCU branch (3005 New Tampa Hwy.) to donate itemsor mail in your contributions. 📦 *
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There’s nothing like a sunset run around Lake Hollingsworth to get the blood pumping. | Photo by @bigmanadventures72
If you can’t wait for your daily run, there’s no need to skip out on Thanksgiving. Register now for these three Turkey Trots happening this weekend to break a festive sweat.
👟 2022 Run for the Pies 5K & 3K Fun Run | Thursday, Nov. 24 | 7-10 a.m. | Holloway Park, 2402 Holloway Park Dr. | $20+ Runners of all ages can join the Lakeland Runners Club for two runs — all registrants will receive a voucher for a free pie from Frescos Southern Kitchen & Bar.
👟 2022 Top Bird Virtual Turkey Trot | Dates and times vary | Virtual | $28+ Choose your own time and location for this virtual 5K run featuring digital progress tracking.
👟 Turkey Tri | Saturday, Nov. 26 | 6 a.m. | Lake Eva Community Park, S. 3rd St., Haines City | $55+ Compete in this triathlon by running, biking, or paddling around Lake Eva in a canoe or kayak.
THE WRAP
Today’s issue was written by Connor.
Editor’s pick: You may hear a fun surprise when watching the first episode of the new Disney+ show “The Santa Clauses.” Around the 18-minute mark, an elf reads a child from Lakeland’s nameon Santa’s list to receive a football for Christmas. Shout out to reader Tracy M. who caught the mention — and if you know a Jaden Grimes, let them know they made the Nice List.
Missed yesterday’s newsletter? See what’s open and closed on Thanksgiving Day, here.
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