🎶 Musical merriment

Photo by @floridadancetheater

🩰 Nuts for the Nutcracker

Photo provided by the RP Funding Center

🎭 Seasonal theatrics

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.”

• 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.

• 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.

• 75º | Scattered showers | 50% chance of rain

• 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)

• $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 improved pedestrian and bicycle connections has been sent to the Florida Department of Transportation for input. (LkldNow)

• 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 about traffic alleviation plans before the vote. 🏗(LkldNow)

• Julie Townsend of the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority recommended several 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)

• 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)

• 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. 🎅

• 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.

• 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. 📸

• 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.

• 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. 🩺

• 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.

• 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 items or mail in your contributions. 📦 *