6AM City In-house

The holiday season starts now 🎄

Our Lakeland Christmas Parade pro tips
A Christmas parade float is decorated with red and white glitter, realistic looking reindeer, and a sleigh. Santa and Mrs. Claus sit in the sleigh, waving to guests above and below the float.
You’ll catch Santa and Mrs. Claus at the end of every Christmas Parade. | Photo by LALtoday
Happy Thanksgiving, Lakeland. If you’re putting up your tree tonight after your post-turkey nap, keep the holiday spirit going with our guide to the most anticipated event of the season: The Lakeland Christmas Parade.

The holiday gem of Lakeland will kick off its 41st run on Thursday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. with a fireworks display over Lake Mirror. From the RP Funding Center, the parade will travel down Lemon Street toward downtown, wind around Lake Mirror, head up Orange Street, and eventually end back at the RP Funding Center after a 1.25-mile course. View the parade route here.

The parade takes anywhere from one and a half to two hours. We know everyone has their favorite spot to cozy up along the route, but please remember that the City of Lakeland asks residents to refrain from placing their chairs until the day of the parade. Pro tip: When you’re ready to grab your spot, use the city’s interactive map or our guide to find parking.

Made possible every year in part by the Junior League of Greater Lakeland, this year’s theme is “Christmas Past, Present, and Future,” so while the float lineup is (as always) kept top secret until parade day, you can expect floats reflective of the theme.

Parade participants will compete to win:
  • Most outstanding band
  • Most original float
  • Best professional float
  • Best youth or educational float
  • Best community float
  • Best business float
  • Best theme float
  • Judge’s choice
Of course, to kick off the holiday season, sleigh-drawn Santa and Mrs. Claus will wrap up the event.

If you can’t make it in person, tune in on the City of Lakeland’s Facebook Page, Lakeland Gov TV, Spectrum Channel 643, FiOS Channel 43, or Comcast Channel 5.

Looking for parking, food, or street closure information? The City of Lakeland’s full parade guide can be found here.
What’s the best spot to sit along the parade route?

A. By The Joinery — I like quick access to food and drinks.
B. By the RP Funding Center — I want to see the floats first.
C. On Main Street — Munn Park is the best background.
D. On Orange Street — Let the anticipation build.
GO-HO-HO HERE TO ANSWER
Bonnet Springs Park

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Thursday, Nov. 24
  • Thanksgiving Day | Thursday, Nov. 24 | All day | Various locations | Free | City offices and many businesses will be closed today in observance of this national holiday centered around gratitude.
  • 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.
Friday, Nov. 25
  • 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.”
Saturday, Nov. 26
Sunday, Nov. 27
  • A Christmas Carol | Sunday, Nov. 27 | 6 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $37-$50 | See this classic holiday tale brought to life onstage with a new twist.
  • Museum Store Sunday | Sunday, Nov. 27 | 1-5 p.m. | Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland | Free | Shop for gifts, enjoy merchandise discounts, and compete in a scavenger hunt to win a free museum membership.
We have a monthly guide filled with events + 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
6AM City In-house

Weather
  • 84º | Mostly cloudy | 20% chance of rain
Civic
  • The Polk County Commission declared a state of emergency in response to continued issues with Waste Management’s garbage collection, particularly in eastern Polk. The declaration allows commissioners to explore relationships with other trash-collecting companies to resolve the issues as soon as possible. 🗑 (The Ledger)
  • When Assistant Police Chief Sam Taylor succeeds Chief Ruben Garcia this December, a slew of promotions will take place to fill existing positions. Click here to learn more about the new assistant chief and captain roles at the Lakeland Police Department. (The Ledger)
Number
  • 596.7. That’s how many pounds of unused or expired human and pet medications were collected by StandUP Polk and Polk County law enforcement agencies during this year’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Oct. 29, bringing the total collection since 2010 to 26,564.5 pounds. 💊
Lakelander
  • Justin Laferriere is looking to thank Tufts Medical Center when he runs in the 127th Boston Marathon. Justin was born with craniosynostosis — a condition where the bones in his skull fused too early as a baby. He is aiming to raise $10,000 to thank the center that helped him. (WFTS)
Sports
  • Go-al the way to Nineteen61 on Friday, Nov. 25 at 2 p.m. for a special World Cup watch party with The Florida Tropics. Enjoy happy hour pricing and a limited menu while cheering on your team of choice — did we mention tickets to the Florida Tropics season opener will be given away? ⚽️
Stat
  • 77%. Color us impressed — our readers are a prepared bunch. That’s how many of you responded to our recent poll saying you did your grocery shopping last week. It’s a good thing, too, because Publix and Walmart are closed on Thanksgiving Day. Happy eating, Lakeland. 🦃
Biz
  • Looking to launch your business? Catapult has everything you need to start. Check out these success stories from business owners who got their start at Catapult before opening their own brick and mortar.*
Shop
  • Black Friday shopping just got a lot easier, thanks to our online store Six & Main. Show your local pride by shopping for hats, shirts, mugs, candles, and more, with up to 40% in savings. This offer ends Mon., Nov. 28. Shop now. 🛍️
  • Amazon’s best deals of the year begin today and last just 48 hours. Snag gifts now for everyone on your list — like this portable waterproof speaker and this Bluetooth movie projector. Plus, select Amazon Fire TV devices are up to 50% off for a limited time.*
Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.
6AM City In-house

Ready, set, save
Cyber-Weekend-POD-V2 (1) (1).gif
Are you ready for these deals? | Graphic provided by 6AM City
Black Friday shopping just got a lot easier, thanks to the perfect gifts featured on our online store Six & Main.

Show your local pride by shopping for everything from hats, shirts, mugs, candles, and more… much, much more.

Take advantage of these deals starting today:
  • $10 off when you spend $50
  • $30 off when you spend $100
  • $60 off when you spend $150
That’s up to 40% in savings, and there’s no time to waste — offer ends Mon., Nov. 28.
SAVE + SHOP NOW
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Rilee.

Editor’s pick: Today I’m thankful for the opportunity I get each day to learn and write about the best city in the world. I’m grateful to be part of such a vibrant community — and it wouldn’t be the same without you. Whether you’re a regular reader, a frequent flier in our inbox, or joining us for the first time today, thank you.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We directed your attention to the stage, 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.

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