We might call it “Swan City Snowfall”

A light-up Santa and his reindeer overlook downtown Lakeland

Santa and his reindeer keep watch over downtown atop the Lakeland Electric building | Still via @mannyfilmz

Dear Hallmark,

We know it’s a busy time of year for you, so we’ll keep this brief. We’re writing to you today to let you know that Lakeland, FL is the perfect backdrop for your next Hallmark Christmas Movie.

Okay, we know what you’re thinking — Central Florida probably isn’t exactly what comes to mind when you start scouting for filming locations. We’re going to try to convince you, anyway.

We may be biased, but we think our city would be perfect year-round for any made-for-tv romance film. However, we’ve narrowed down our list to what makes it so special this time of year:

Our quaint downtown decorated with twinkling lights dripping from the trees
Lake Morton and its light-up swans casting a glow on our real royal avians
A sparkling Christmas tree floating in the center of Lake Mirror
An indoor ice skating rink that almost feels like the real thing
Our annual Christmas Parade that draws tens of thousands for floats, music, prizes, and more
Santa and his reindeer overlooking downtown
Christmas markets filled with handmade goods from local makers
Plus, you really can’t beat the weather. Who doesn’t love a cool breeze and a sunny day?

For those reasons, many people already escape to Swan City to feel like they’re in one of your films. Did we mention our residents (like @grizbizzz) ask themselves questions like “What hallmark Christmas movie is this? 😍" when they see our picturesque downtown?

In conclusion, we think you should bring a Hallmark Christmas Movie production to Lakeland, FL. You won’t have to budget for any set production because the beauty, romance, and beautiful scenery are here 365 days a year. Well... you might need a snow machine.

Wishing you very happy holidays,

The LALtoday Team

P.s. To our dear readers, what would you call a Lakeland Christmas movie? Tell us your titles.

EVENTS

Click here to have your event featured.

Friday, Dec. 16

Family Movie Night | Friday, Dec. 16 | 6:30-9 p.m. | First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland, 175 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland | Free | Watch the holiday movie “Elf” outdoors with a view of Lake Hollingsworth — bring your own chairs or blankets.
Lakeland Magic vs Texas Legends | Friday, Dec. 16 | 7 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $12-$158 | The Magic take on the Legends at this Holiday Party-themed game — the first 1,000 fans receive a commemorative Swish snow globe.
“My Fair Lady” | Friday, Dec. 16 | 7:30-10 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $66-$86 | See this beloved musical where flower seller Eliza Doolittle is transformed by a linguistics professor.

Saturday, Dec. 17

Architectural Tour at Polk County History Center | Saturday, Dec. 17 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Polk County History Center, 100 E. Main St., Bartow | Free | Join this tour of the History Center to discover its neoclassical architectural elements, ongoing restoration, and historic preservation resources.
Florida Tropics SC vs. Utica City FC | Saturday, Dec. 17 | 5:05 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $7-$23 | The Florida Tropics MASL soccer team takes on Utica City FC in their home opening game.
Dinner with the Dicken’s Carolers | Friday, Dec. 16-Saturday, Dec. 17 | 6-9 p.m. | Terrace Grille Lakeland, 329 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Hear the musical stylings of The Dicken’s Carolers during dinner service at The Terrace Grille — reservations are recommended.

Sunday, Dec. 18

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr.” | Sunday, Dec. 18 | 2-4:30 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.
Goat Yoga on the Farm! | Sunday, Dec. 18 | 1-2 p.m. | The Cloven Hoof Farm, 6170 Robbins Rd., Lakeland | $20 | Get your flow on with a beginner-friendly yoga class surrounded by baby goats.
Florida Dance Theatre presents “The Nutcracker” | Sunday, Dec. 18 | 2:30 p.m. | Florida Southern College, 1100 Johnson Ave., Lakeland | $15-$25 | Venture to the Land of the Sweets with the Nutcracker Prince in this traditional holiday favorite ballet.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Payne Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. c/o McQueen Marketing

NEWS NOTES

Weather

69º | Sunny | 0% chance of rain

Biz

Florida Southern College student and Catapult Member Brooke Lierman is in the final stages of product development for a safety device she created — the OverTheShoulder. Brooke’s device uses a combination of audio alerts, flashing lights, and a camera to alert runners to cars or people approaching from behind. 👟 (LkldNow)

Feel Good

Christmas came early for eight-year-old Mackenzie Orth, a Lakeland resident living with Stage 4 Rhabdomyosarcoma. Community members like the LPD, Florida Southern College, The Juice Box, and Santa Claus himself came together to bring a festive experience — including snow, carolers, and a “magical” horse — to Mackenzie’s front yard. (LkldNow)
Students from Medulla Elementary School’s Head Start Program were surprised with $7,000 worth of gifts from Polk County Public Schools employees, business partners, and donors. Students in need were gifted toys, clothing, new bicycles, and more. 🎁

Holiday

Lakeland SantaCon is behind us, but you can still don a red suit. Winter Haven SantaCon is tonight, Dec. 16. Meet other pub-crawling Santas at Grove Roots Brewing Company (302 3rd St. SW, Winter Haven) from 6-7:30 p.m. to pick up your button for deals on food and drinks. 🎅
Lugo’s Craft Distillery is hosting a Merry Christmas Party tomorrow, Dec. 17 from 5-10 p.m., with the lounge staying open until midnight. Dress in an ugly Christmas sweater or your holiday best for dancing, food, cigars, coffee, and cocktails. One lucky party-goer will win a free bottle of craft rum.
Hanukkah sameach. This Sunday evening (Dec. 18) marks the beginning of Hanukkah — the Festival of Lights that lasts for eight days. Celebrate by attending Light up the Lake — Menorah Lighting and Chanuka Festival in Lakeland. Head to Kryger Park (108 S. Massachusetts Ave.) at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 18. 🕎

Cause

Registration is open for VISTE’s 18th Annual VISTEball, a golf-themed fundraising event that benefits older adults in the community. Attend the in-person event on Saturday, Feb. 4 from 6-9:30 p.m. at the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus (4075 James C. Ray Dr.) for dinner, drinks, games, and prizes. ⛳️

Community

If you’re thinking of heading into The Polk County Tax Collector’s office, make sure you do so before Friday, Dec. 22. The offices will be closed for the holidays from Friday, Dec. 23-Monday, Dec. 26, and again on Monday, Jan. 2 in observance of the new year.
Looking to get more involved in the community? Lakelanders (both individuals + groups) can volunteer at Bonnet Springs Park to participate in one-time opportunities or ongoing projects that make a big difference.*

Shop

It’s ok if you waited until the last minute to shop this season. There’s still time to shop items from our online shop Six & Main. We’re talking cocktail glasses, shirts, candles, mugs, and more. Our gift guides make shopping easy. 🛍️

Finance

This Princeton grad’s startup raised $161 million to help people plan for retirement — its free tool can match you with up to three vetted financial advisors serving your area who can help you work towards financial freedom. Try it out for yourself.*

Outdoors

Still shopping for the hunter or angler in your life? Sportsman’s Box, the leading gear discovery service for outdoorsmen, is adding a free $100 credit for all new members through Saturday, Dec. 31. Choose from nine leading brands with your first Sportsman’s Box and claim your free gift. 🎣 *

Travel

Calling all globetrotters. If exploring bucket list destinations while meeting like-minded travelers is one of your 2023 goals, consider booking a small group trip with Encounters Travel. See one of the seven wonders of the world on the Jordan & Egypt Explorer Trip or snorkel among diverse marine life on the Maldives Uncovered Tour.*

Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

DEVELOPMENT

City

What would you want to see here? | Rendering by The Lunz Group courtesy of The Onicx Group

New plans have been released for the Oak Street Apartments on the current Oak Street lot, located downtown off North Kentucky Avenue.

Plans include 1,600 sqft of retail space on Oak Street, so of course, we took to Instagram to ask you a very important question — what stores do you want?

“Any focus on local business will get support from me!” — @variant_berry
“Trader Joe’s, a salad place and I guess a coffeehouse” — @frankied1109
One user (@theinternetjordan) posed the question: “Should @judeforall go in there?” which got the most likes of any comment, with multiple users saying yes.
@marcosvida_ and @annie_leboeuf chimed in with “@lululemon”
Reader Barbara K. said “Would love a Trader Joe’s, sprouts and European wax center!!”

Which businesses or features would you most like to see at this spot? Let us know and we may share your ideas in a future newsletter.

Click below for more ideas, from acai to boutiques and more. ⬇️

12 MORE SUGGESTIONS

QUESTION

Representatives from Onicx and The Lunz Group reached out to us for your insight: What do you think the new development should be named?

SUBMIT YOUR IDEA TO DEVELOPERS

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Rilee.

Editor’s pick: If I had a nickel for every person who wants a Trader Joe’s in Lakeland, I could open one myself. I love hearing what readers want to see next in Swan City — ICYMI, we’ve rounded up a few developments (like Fresh Kitchen, 4 Rivers, and Aldi) that are coming soon, here.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We talked about the Oak Street Development, colder weather on the way, and how three kids donated 100 plushies, here.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Rilee Delgado, Connor Keith, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Kailey Burke | Advertise with us.

Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.

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