• Plant Sale presented by Polk Master Gardener volunteers | Friday, Nov. 18 | 8-11 a.m. | City of Lakeland Nursery, 4532 U.S. 98 South, Lakeland | Free | Shop native and Florida-friendly plants — cash or check only.
• Zen Awakening Festival 2022 | Friday, Nov. 18-Sunday, Nov. 20 | 1-11:45 p.m. | Zen Meditation Fields, 2505 W. Bella Vista St, Lakeland | $88-$333 | Visit this four-day music and arts festival to connect with performances, meditation, yoga, and 100+ workshops — on-site camping is available.
• Sixx L Sixx w/ Smokin’ Chanchos | Friday, Nov. 18 | 7-10 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W Pine St, Lakeland | Free | All ages are welcome to listen to live music from Sixx L Sixx and order from the Smokin’ Chanchos food truck.
• Winter Haven Happy Hour Pub Crawl | Friday, Nov. 18 | 4:30 p.m. | Downtown Winter Haven | $45-$95 | Join this pub crawl to visit Winter Haven establishments like Union Taproom, Grove Roots Brewery, and more.

• Cirque Dreams Holidaze | Saturday, Nov. 19 | 7:30 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W Lime St, Lakeland | Visions of sugarplums will dance in your head at this performance combining circus arts and Broadway-style production.
• 35th Annual Margarita Ball | Saturday, Nov. 19 | 8-11 p.m. | Frances Langford Promenade, Lakeland | $45 | Bring a toy donation and enjoy an evening of live music, hors d’oeuvres, margaritas, and more from local restaurants and bars.
• Dixieland AlleyFest | Saturday, Nov. 19 | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. | Dixieland Village, 1035 South Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free | Stroll through Dixieland to shop from local businesses, artists’ booths, and antique shops, and grab a bite from food trucks.
• Complimentary Facial & Makeover Session | Saturday, Nov. 19 | 1-3 p.m. | Your CBD Store Lakeland, 3145 S Florida Ave, Lakeland | Free | Get a free facial, charcoal mask detox, hand and lip treatment, plus a makeover and refreshments — seating is limited, so RSVP early.

• Goat Yoga on the Farm! | Sunday, Nov. 20 | 9:30-10:30 a.m. | The Cloven Hoof Farm, 6170 Robbins Rd, Lakeland | $20 | Get your flow on with a beginner-friendly yoga class surrounded by baby goats.

• Is it dressing or stuffing? Either way, you can get some at Ax-Caliber now through Friday, Nov. 25 when you order the Thanksgiving meal deal. Did we mention you get to choose between pumpkin + sweet potato pie for dessert? 🥧

• Lace up those sneakers and head to one of these nature trails in and around Swan City. Pro tip: If you’re looking to see some gators, head to Alligator Alley at Circle B Bar Reserve ASAP — gators will become dormant and much less visible when temps dip below 55° in a few weeks. (Orlando Sentinel)

• Whether you’re looking to give back to your local community or enjoy some holiday-specific food + bev, check out our guide to holiday events and activities in Lakeland, Florida. And, if you’re wondering about the Lakeland Christmas parade, don’t worry — more information on that will be coming down the chimney soon. 🎄

Why go?

• Choo, choo — the sound of the Tweetsie Railroad echoes through the hills as it takes you around the Wild West Theme Park.
• Get your Southern food fix at Dan’l Boone Inn, which has been serving homecooked meals for over 50 years. The Boone staple regularly makes Southern Living’s lists of “best country cooking restaurants.”
• Bright Boone Home, stay just a short walk to downtown and the Daniel Boone Native Gardens. ($363/night)*

• Psst — Thanksgiving is next Thursday, Nov. 24. If you’re planning to serve turkey, don’t forget that a meat thermometer is essential to avoiding a potential case of food poisoning. Try this waterproof digital meat thermometer with 53,000+ five star reviews or splurge on this smart meat thermometer that connects to your phone via Bluetooth.*

• Here’s the best suitcase money can buy, in our opinion — Away’s The Bigger Carry On has a durable hard shell exterior, a combination lock, and an internal compression system so you can pack more outfits. Our favorite part: The lifetime warranty against suitcase damage. Choose your color.*

• As temperatures drop, so does the moisture in the air. To help combat dry air in your home (that can cause inflamed sinuses and thirsty skin), a humidifier is a must. Our pick? This Anthropologie exclusive Canopy humidifier that has mold inhibiting technology and can run for up to 36 hours.*