On the 12th day of Christmas, Swan City sent to me... 🎶

• First Friday: Hometown Holiday | Friday, Dec. 2 | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy free activities in Munn Park, and shop from local stores and vendors.
• Night of Lights | Friday, Dec. 2-Saturday, Dec. 3 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | One More Child, 1015 Sikes Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Drive through this experience featuring decorated cottage homes, Santa Claus, a live Nativity scene, and Christmas lights.
• All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 | Friday, Dec. 2 | 7:30 p.m. | Polk Theatre, 139 S Florida Ave, Lakeland | $29-$69 | Out of the Great War emerges a song, as a soldier crosses into No Man’s Land to sing “Silent Night.”

• Downtown Farmers Curb Market | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Shop produce, plants, and handmade goods from local makers at this weekly downtown farmer’s market.
• FCA5K | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 8 a.m. | Holloway Park, 2402 Holloway Park Dr., Lakeland | $10-$35 | Take part in this 5K fundraiser and traverse changes in elevation on a partially covered, well-maintained trail — kids ages 10 and under can do the FCA Flurry Scurry 1K starting at 9 a.m.
• Snowfest | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 5-9 p.m. | Frances Langford Promenade, Lakeland | Free | Take a walk through the snow at the 42nd Annual Snowfest, presented by The City of Lakeland.

• Dan Pepin w/ Tervone’s Kitchen | Sunday, Dec. 4 | 2-5 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W Pine St, Lakeland | Free | Dan Pepin is bringing the tunes starting at 2 p.m. — Tervone’s Kitchen will be serving up fresh bites starting at 12 p.m.
• AFSP- Polk County Out of the Darkness Walk | Sunday, Dec. 4 | 2:30 p.m. | Lake Parker Park, 820 E Robson St., Lakeland | Free | Join community members at this Out of the Darkness Community Walk, a walk of remembrance and support for those affected by mental health afflictions.
• Silver Moon Drive-In & Swap Shop | Sunday, Dec. 4 | 4100 New Tampa Hwy, Lakeland | Shop a wide variety of goods from local vendors at this open-air market.

• A science-backed workout
• Elite coaches + welcoming atmosphere
• Tech-based progress tracking that lives in the OTF app

• 81º | Mostly sunny | 10% chance of rain 🌤

• $4 million. That’s how much the Polk County Board of County Commissioners approved for a new healthcare initiative for those without insurance or in a lower tax bracket. Learn more about the funding for primary care, dental services, and behavioral health care here. 🩺 (Bay News 9)
• $3,265. That’s how much money local nonprofit Talbot House Ministries raised on Giving Tuesday. Funds raised will go towards its emergency shelter program, which provides clothing, shelter, and food for guests in need of assistance. Missed Giving Tuesday? You can make a donation online.

• Cypress Lakes Villages, a 55+ community located at 10000 US Hwy. 98 N., was purchased by Arizona-based Cove Communities. In addition to the Lakeland property, Cove Communities also purchased five other Florida properties for a combined $448 million. 💸 (Business Observer FL)
• Viva Vitality Medical Spa is moving to 2015 S. Florida Ave. While exact details are TBA, the biz teased new features, potential memberships, and a projected move-in date of Sunday, Jan. 1. Until then, you can book a service (City Editor Rilee recommends The Hydrafacial) at the 1035 S. Florida Ave., Ste. 208 location.

• Florida Tropics’ FanFest takes place at the RP Funding Center on Sunday, Dec. 4. Kick off the team’s seventh season at the 4 p.m. exhibition game against Atletico Orlando FC, purchase season tickets, and nab Tropics merchandise. Parking and admission are free, doors open at 3 p.m. ⚽️

• Polk County Public Schools’ choice application window is open from Monday, Jan. 9-Wednesday, Feb. 15. Polk parents and guardians can use this window to apply for their student to attend education programs including magnet and choice schools, middle and high school career academies, and International Baccalaureate and Cambridge AICE programs.

• The Carol Jenkins Barnett United Way Children’s Resource Center has been certified as an autism-friendly space by The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) at the University of South Florida. The center is located in the Florida Children’s Museum, and you can learn more about it and its programs here.
• If you were planning to spend your Saturday at Bonnet Springs Park or the Florida Children’s Museum, make other plans. Both establishments will be closed on Saturday, Dec. 3 for a private event. Luckily for you, Lakeland has 70+ other public parks, trails, and dog parks. 🌳

• Jordan Allen, a Lakeland Christian School athletic trainer, is making waves on TikTok. Originally, Jordan joined the platform in a friendly competition with students. After winning that, Jordan decided to stay on the platform to make people — roughly 90,000 followers — laugh about common sports scenarios. 📱 (Fox 13 News)

• Head to Polk Museum of Art tomorrow, Dec. 3 from 3-5 p.m. to meet the artist behind the new “Lauren Austin: Life in Quilts” exhibit. The civil rights attorney turned full-time artist incorporates family photos, beading, and more into her storytelling quilts. Learn more about Lauren here. (LkldNow)

• Looking for a new family member? Pet Fest 2022 is just around the corner on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Polk County Animal Control (7115 De Castro Rd., Winter Haven). Stop by for free adoptions, low-cost dog vaccinations, a crafter’s market, and more. 🐶

• Your holiday music just got better. 1byoneaudio sells high quality and easy-to-use turntables equipped with incredible sound quality and hi-fi speakers, plus some that connect to Bluetooth headphones. Think: a great gift for the record lover in your life (or even an early present for yourself). 🎶*

• Holiday Sip and Shop | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | Free | Sip locally-made wine and cider while shopping at this craft fair.
• The Bandit Market | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 12-5 p.m. | Ritz Theatre, 263 W. Central Ave., Winter Haven | Free | Shop from 40+ alternative vendors while sipping cocktails and coffee.
• Holiday Night Market | Saturday, Dec. 10 | 5- 10 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Visit downtown retailers, 100+ vendors, and specialty food and drink pop-ups.
• Second Sunday Artisan Market | Sunday, Dec. 11 | 12-5 p.m. | Lakeside Village | Free | Find festive gifts from local makers while DJ Cubis spins the tunes on The Lawn.
• Ugly Christmas Sweater Party & Market | Saturday, Dec. 17 | 6-11 p.m. | Union Hall | Free | Wear your ugliest sweater while shopping from makers, bakers, and artists and enjoying live music.