For the fan of family time

• Polk Museum of Art | This membership comes with perks like free admission to Bok Tower Gardens, savings on studio art classes, and more.
• DEFY Lakeland | Take your gifting to new heights with tickets or a membership to this Lakeland trampoline park.

For the one who’s always learning

• Publix Aprons Cooking School | You know what they say about teaching someone to fish. Give someone the gift of knowledge with one of these cooking classes, where chefs of all skill levels can expand their culinary expertise.
• Painting with a Twist | Sponsor someone’s next paint and pour evening with one of these classes — a new class is offered every day, so you can try painting in different styles.

For the active Lakelander

• Balance Culture | Gift a single class, class pack, unlimited month, or year-long membership to this women’s studio, offering group fitness classes like strength training, barre, pilates, yoga, and more.
• Cycledelic | Pay for your loved one’s next ride (or 10) with a fit trip pass. Pro tip: You can even get them a smoothie card to give them something extra to look forward to.

For the lover of self-care

• Salt Room Lakeland | This salt therapy establishment offers gift certificates for half-hour and hour-long sessions for children and adults.
• Establish 37 | Treat them to a new ’do with a gift card to this local hair salon with two Dixieland locations.

• Public Skate 2022/23 | Thursday, Dec. 8 | 10 a.m. | Lakeland Ice Arena, 3395 W. Memorial Blvd., Lakeland | $15 | Start your day on the ice at Lakeland’s only real ice arena — bundle up and bring or rent your skates.
• Handmade Holiday | Thursday, Dec. 8 | 6 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 Florida Ave. S., Lakeland | $45 | Craft yourself a merry little Christmas by completing holiday projects while sipping themed cocktails.

• “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr.” | Friday, Dec. 9 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | $12-$15 | See a musical adaptation of this beloved television special, filled with holiday hits and favorite characters.
• Festive Flix, Christmas Edition | Friday, Dec. 9 | 7-9 p.m. | Frances Langford Promenade, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | Free | Bring your lawn chair or blanket to watch “The Grinch” lakeside — refreshments will be available for purchase.

• Downtown Farmers Curb Market | Saturday, Dec. 10 | 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.
• Holiday Night Market | Saturday, Dec. 10 | 5-10 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Downtown Lakeland, Buena Market, Lakeland Punk Flea, and Art Crawl are coming together for this holiday night market, featuring live music, food, and extended hours at downtown retailers.

• Paul Cataldo Duo w/ We Roll Fatties | Sunday, Dec. 11 | 2 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free | The Paul Cataldo Duo is bringing the tunes and We Roll Fatties — a food truck specializing in burritos, quesadillas, and wraps — is serving up fresh bites.
• Kids Holiday Ornament Cupcake Class | Sunday, Dec. 11 | 2-4 p.m. | What’s Cooking Lakeland, 6935 South Carter Rd., Ste. 6, Lakeland | $55 | Kids and teens of all ages and cooking abilities can learn to make cupcakes that look like real holiday ornaments — each baker will take five ornament cupcakes home.

• New Yoga | Monday, Dec. 12 | 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.

• 82º | Partly cloudy | 10% chance of rain

• Polk County Commissioners unanimously denied the private racetrack previously greenlit for approval by the Polk County Planning Commission. The vote followed an appeal from nearby residents of the initial motion for approval by the Planning Commission. Landowner Gary Young can reapply, if desired, next year. (The Ledger)

• Lakeland Regional Health was recognized as a high-performing hospital on US News & World Report’s 2022 list of Best Hospitals for Maternity Care. In addition to maternity care, LRH is high-performing in colon cancer surgery, diabetes care, knee replacement surgery, COPD care, heart failure care, heart attack care, and other specialties.

• An off-duty Polk County Fire Rescue paramedic — Dustin Bovill — saved a child’s life at the Havendale Christmas Parade. When one-year-old Elena stopped breathing on a float with her parents, Dustin jumped aboard, struck Elena in the back, and helped her breathe again. 🚒 (WFLA)

• 1,500. That’s how many students volunteers are wrapping gifts for this season as the Polk Schools T.A.S.S.E.L. Project works to support students in need, especially those experiencing homelessness. This school year, the district has identified 3,500 students experiencing homelessness. (WFTS)

• The Terrace Hotel is hosting a few holiday favorites: Old Saint Nick and Dickens Carolers. Stop by the hotel on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 12-2 p.m. for brunch with Santa. The Dickens Carolers will perform during dinner service from Friday, Dec.16-Saturday, Dec. 17 — reservations are recommended. 🎅

• Tickets for the Florida Strawberry Festival’s headline entertainers go on sale this morning at 8 a.m. You can buy your tickets for acts like For King and Country, Sara Evans, and Willie Nelson online or over the phone by calling 813-754-1996.

• Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac is training with the Lakeland Magic as part of an ongoing rehabilitation process following surgery. Since his left knee injury, Isaac has missed two-plus NBA seasons. His fanbase is excited to see him back on the court. 🏀 (Spectrum News)

• Head to Munn Park tonight from 6-9 p.m. for the Lakeland Food Truck Rally. Trucks like Got Desserts, Legacy Craft BBQ, Two Grandma’s Soul Food, and more will be serving up fresh bites.

• Calling all hobbyist writers: Orange Blossom Poems is hosting a Write & Feel session on Sunday, Dec. 11 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The two-hour workshop will focus on holiday music, nostalgia, and more. DM Orange Blossom Poems to register — registration costs vary. 🍊
• Give the gift of a quality shave month after month with a Harry’s trial set and blade subscription. Choose your handle color, refill frequency, and let the good shave days roll in for as little as $5 on sign-up (yes, you heard that right). 🪒*

• Head to Ax-Caliber (204 E. Orange St., Ste. 102) from Tuesday, Dec. 20-Friday, Dec. 23 for Ho Ho Ho Glow & Throw — a seasonal event where you can choose a themed glowing target from options like The Grinch, Rudolph, and more.

• Mildred Bennett Foster, Winter Haven’s first Black music teacher at an elementary school in 1961, has died at the age of 83. Mildred’s legacy includes instilling a love for music into countless students and receiving the key to the city from Winter Haven Mayor Nathaniel Birdsong in 2014. (The Ledger)

• ‘Tis the season to shop items from our online shop Six & Main. Our gift guides feature shirts, jewelry, gourmet popcorn, coffee, and more. There’s no time to waste, let the shopping begin. 🛍️

• A weight room, baby room, cardio room, and baby-and-me exercise room.
• Video monitors throughout the gym, so you can keep your eyes on your little one while you’re putting in work.
• Key fob entry from 5 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday-Thursday
• A custom app for workouts in-hand