Connor here. đ Iâll be shopping for Christmas gifts and grabbing a bite at the Holiday Night Market on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 5-10 p.m. in Downtown Lakeland before heading to Swan City Improvâs holiday special show at Just Dance Academy at 7:30 p.m. If youâre downtown too, donât miss the holiday decor in Munn Park.
EVENTS THIS WEEKEND
Friday, Dec. 9
Festive Friday | Friday, Dec. 9 | 5-8 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Stroll downtown with Christmas lights and characters in Munn Park â retail stores will be open later for shoppers.
Harrison School for the Arts Music of the Season Concerts | Friday, Dec. 9 | 7-9:30 p.m. | Harrison School For the Arts, 750 Hollingsworth Rd., Lakeland | $16-$18 | This concert features the Harrison School for the Arts choral and orchestra departments performing classic holiday songs.
Jingle Bell Rock | Friday, Dec. 9 | 7 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 Florida Ave. S., Lakeland | $10 | Rock out with local acts, compete in a costume contest, and try your luck in raffle giveaways.
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 âThe Grinchâ lakeside â refreshments will be available for purchase.
Saturday, Dec. 10
Selfies with Santa | Saturday, Dec. 10 | 9:45 a.m.-1 p.m. | Hollis Garden, 702 E. Orange St., Lakeland | Free | Pick up Santaâs checklist to play games and take advantage of photo ops throughout Hollis Garden, including a photo with the jolly man himself.
Christmas Gala: Spirit of the Season | Saturday, Dec. 10 | 2:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. | Branscomb Auditorium, Florida Southern College, 1100 Johnson Ave., Lakeland | $5-$10 | The Florida Southern College symphony band, jazz band, orchestra, and choirs are performing holiday classics and seasonal songs with a twist.
Lakeland SantaCon 2022 | Saturday, Dec. 10 | 5 p.m.-2 a.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | $15-$20 | Don your red suit and participate in this self-guided pub crawl throughout downtown Lakeland â proceeds will benefit kidsPACK.
Sunday, Dec. 11
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 â a food truck specializing in burritos, quesadillas, and wraps â is serving up fresh bites.
Kids Holiday Ornament Cupcake Class | Sunday, Dec. 11 | 2-4 p.m. | Whatâs Cooking Lakeland, 6935 S. 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 â each baker will take five ornament cupcakes home.
Get ready for more retail options available downtown. Signage is now up at the upcoming bodega Market at 106 N. Tennessee Ave. Read up on all the goods youâll be able to buy when this convenience store opens soon, here.
Plan Ahead
If your calendar is looking a little empty, add these 30 winter events and never miss a local happening. Thereâs holiday fun for everyone in the family, whether youâre looking for themed performances or colorful light displays.
Home
Lakeland is packed with great neighborhoods, and finding the perfect one for you just got easier. Try our two-minute neighborhood quiz to see which one fits your lifestyle, budget, and preferences â and check out our recommendations for each one, too.
GREAT ESCAPES
Our guide to Key West, FL
Great Escapes: Our guide to Key West, FL
Be surrounded by the crystal clear oceans of the Florida Keys. | Photo by 6AM City
City Editor Connor here. When my family moved to Key West a few years ago, it became my favorite place to vacation. No matter how you like to spend a day, itâs the perfect place to get away from it all. Just watch out for iguanas.
Key West is the southernmost point of the US (read: It gets pretty hot).Visit in the fall or winter to avoid summer crowds and temperatures.
Eat: You canât go to the Keys and not try a slice of Key lime pie. Every restaurant has its own twist on this classic, but Iâm partial to the one at Blue Heaven topped with sky-high layers of meringue.
Bonus message from our partner: If youâre looking to book this trip, Scottâs Cheap Flights offers all the affordable flight hacks from your home airport. Sign up here.*
SHOP
Wellness
If you work from home like us, youâve likely become accustomed to having stiff muscles at the end of a workday due to prolonged sitting. Combat this with a little office upgrade â an electric standing desk paired with a sleek under desk treadmill. Oh, and donât forget to stay hydrated.*
Sports
Nowâs the time to buy the sports lover in your life a holiday present,because Fanatics is offering sitewide sales. Easily find licensed sportswear and collectibles like jerseys, hoodies, and outerwear for the worldâs most popular sports teams and win the holidays.*
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. âď¸ *
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