Today’s Note

Hey Lakeland, Connor here. It’s a relatively quiet weekend as the city comes back from a busy holiday season. I wouldn’t miss the very first First Friday of the year, and there are also a few comedy shows that you could hit after you walk through downtown. Here’s more to try out during the first weekend of 2024.

Events

Friday, Dec. 8

Dixieland Night Market | Friday, Dec. 8 | 6-11 p.m. | Dixieland Night Market, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Shop from local makers at this monthly night market.
Festive Flix | Friday, Dec. 8 | 7-9 p.m. | Frances Langford Promenade, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | Free | Bring a chair or blanket to watch “The Polar Express” lakeside — snacks will be available for purchase.

Saturday, Dec. 9

2023 Polk Walk to End Alzheimer’s | Saturday, Dec. 9 | 8 a.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Join this community walk and ceremony to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease.
Snowfest | Saturday, Dec. 9 | 5-9 p.m. | Frances Langford Promenade, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | Free | Stroll through the snow and visit Santa’s workshop — bring a canned good donation.
Holiday Night Market | Saturday, Dec. 9 | 5-10 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland, 117 N. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Shop from 150+ creative makers curated by Downtown Lakeland, Buena Market, Lakeland Punk Flea, and Art Crawl.
LKLD SantaCon 2023 | Saturday, Dec. 9 | 5-11:59 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | $22.50 | Wear your most festive outfit for this annual pub crawl through downtown Lakeland.
Pictures with Santa | Saturday, Dec. 9 | 6-8 p.m. | The Joinery, 640 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Bring your Christmas wishlist to give to the big man himself.

Sunday, Dec. 10

Jingle Mingle Christmas Market | Sunday, Dec. 10 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | Free entry | Check off your shopping list at this pop-up with 80+ vendors.
The Sights and Sounds of Christmas | Sunday, Dec. 10 | Times vary | First United Methodist of Lakeland, 72 Lake Morton Dr., Lakeland | Free | Ring in the season with handbell, choir, and orchestra performances.
Chanukah Celebration | Sunday, Dec. 10 | 5 p.m. | Kryger Park, 108 S. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | Free | Attend Chabad of Lakeland’s event for a gelt drop, a giant menorah lighting, an interactive Chanukah story trail, and more.

100+ more events to try

Click here to have your event featured.

From the editor

Biz

Sweet Cup Café has changed its hours to stay open for dinner service. The café is now open Wednesday-Saturday, 8 a.m.- 8 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Stop by to try new dinner-only menu items. It will be closed Monday-Tuesday.

Drink

There’s a new cocktail inspired by Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at The Joinery this season. Visit the bar to try the “Like a Light Bulb,” made with raspberry + blood orange-infused vodka, orange liqueur, house-made cranberry sauce, and more.

Feel Good

We’re in search of heartwarming school stories, like this one from Rochelle School of the Arts where fifth-grader Ella J. was caught on camera reading a book to younger schoolmates. Send your feel-good student stories our way to be featured like Ella.

Development

🚧 The end is near

Looking into the future of Lakeland’s upcoming developments

Orange Street Apartments will be within walking distance of downtown. | Photo by LALtoday, rendering provided by CODA Development and Lunz Group

Tonight’s Christmas parade will take a different route due to road closures. Crews have been installing infrastructure for the Orange Street Apartments on the closed streets since Sept. 11.

This new Garden District apartment complex is shaping up right across from Barnett Family Park. CODA Development shared that it will offer 32 units with a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments. Progress is quickly moving along, and the end of road closures is just over a week away — the streets are scheduled to reopen after Friday, Dec. 15.

Click below for a glimpse into the future of a few more local developments.

The Buy

Weekend The Buy 12.7.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

Your statement jewelry for holiday party season has arrived. (Peep the snowman and penguin earrings.)

Let us know what you think about LALweekend, a product of LALtoday, by answering a few quick questions.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
LALtoday Team

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