Heads up: We’re taking next week off. LALweekend will be back in your inbox on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. Happy holidays, LAL.
Connor here. 👋 This weekend will be a bit quieter around Swan City. I’m looking forward to cold temperatures rolling in so I can grab a seasonal coffee before strolling the Downtown Farmer’s Curb Market for last-minute gifts.
EVENTS THIS WEEKEND
Friday, Dec. 23
Festive Friday | Friday, Dec. 23 | 5-8 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | View Christmas lights and characters in Munn Park — retail stores will be open later for shoppers.
Xmas Xperience | Friday, Dec. 23 | 5-9 p.m. | Munn Park, 201 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Families can enjoy activities, performances by FrediDance Project, and photos with Santa himself.
Florida Tropics SC vs. Baltimore Blast | Friday, Dec. 23 | 7:05 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $7-$23 | Cheer on Florida Tropics SC as they go head to head against the Baltimore Blast soccer team.
Saturday, Dec. 24
Downtown Farmers Curb Market | Saturday, Dec. 24 | 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.
“There Is A Light” Christmas Show | Saturday, Dec. 24 | 5-6:30 p.m. | Victory Church, 1401 Griffin Rd., Lakeland | Free | See this Christmas production featuring timeless classics and unique musical surprises.
Doug Sheen w/ La Comida Cafe | Saturday, Dec. 24 | 2-5 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Celebrate Christmas Eve with live music and fresh food truck grub.
Plans for a new mixed-use development on the former Oak Street Lot were announced, including ~200 apartments and townhomes, plus 1,600 sqft of retail space. Let us know what you’d name this new development in our survey. 🏗
Holiday
Already counting down the days until 2023? Lakeland may not put on a public fireworks show, but you can attend one of these New Year’s Eve parties to ring in the year in style. Pro tip:Tickets may sell out for these events soon, so buy yours now.
Seasonal
If you’re the type to take your tree down as soon as Christmas passes, make sure you dispose of it responsibly. Check out our list of ways to recycle that Christmas tree and give it new life long after the holidays have passed. 🎄
GREAT ESCAPES
Our guide to Cedar Key, Florida
Great Escapes: Our guide to Cedar Key, Florida
There’s not a lot of places to go for a swim in Cedar Key, but you can go for a dip at the City Park or enjoy a nighttime stroll. | Photo by 6AM City
North Florida’s Cedar Key is a tiny island the size of about two Ybor Citiesand has fewer than 900 permanent residents, but it pulls in thousands of visitors throughout the year for its amazing seafood, arts festivals, and fishing.
Why go? Nothing screams Old Florida quite like Cedar Key. Yes the island is home to incredible fishing and funky artists, but also reminds us of the beauty of slow, outdoorsy Florida living.
Outdoors: Book a ride with Tidewater Tours. The guides walk you through both the history of the area and the surrounding keys, and point out native wildlife along the way ($35).
Vrbo: A downtown cottage right in town (~$154/night)*
Bonus message from our partner: If you’re looking to book this trip, Scott’s Cheap Flights offers all the affordable flight hacks from your home airport. Sign up here.*
Need a gift that only takes a few mouse clicks? Gift three, six, or 12 months of an Audible Premium Plus membership. They’ll get one credit a month good for any title, plus instant access to thousands of books and podcasts inThe Plus Catalog. Hello, future book club. 📚*
Travel
How does Scott’s Cheap Flights work? Sign up for free, follow up to five airports, and Scott’s will notify you when flights are 40-90% off. Bonus: You can browse deals immediately after signing up (like a $300+ round trip to Bermuda). 🌴*
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