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. 15

Harry Connick Jr.'s “The Happy Elf” | Friday, Dec. 15-Sunday, Dec. 17 | Times vary | Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | $12-$15 | Young actors will perform this musical comedy about an elf’s quest to put a town on the nice list.
A Magical Snowy Wonderland | Friday, Dec. 15-Saturday, Dec. 16 | 6-9 p.m. | Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center Dr., Lakeland | Free | Watch the snowflakes swirl around Lakeside Village’s iconic tree at the top of each hour on select nights through December.
Classic Albums Live: Lithium Experience | Friday, Dec. 15 | 7:30-10 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $34 | Hear the music of Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and others performed exactly how they sound on their best-selling albums.

Saturday, Dec. 16

2023 LKLD Color Run 5K | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 8-10 a.m. | Holloway Park, 2402 Holloway Park Dr., Lakeland | $40 | SOMOS Church is hosting this powder paint race to benefit Oscar J. Pope Elementary School.
Terrace Grille’s Christmas Brunch with Santa | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Terrace Grille Lakeland, 329 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Make a reservation to enjoy brunch and meet with Santa Claus.
Cypress Gardens Water Ski Show | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 5 p.m. | Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 199 Lake Silver Dr., Winter Haven | Free | Bring a lawn chair or blanket to watch astounding stunts by this team that’s been water skiing for over 100 years.
Florida Hmong New Year Night Party | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 6-11 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $20-$25 | Enjoy an evening of live entertainment to ring in the Hmong New Year — tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door; parking is $10.

Sunday, Dec. 17

Key West Christmas | Sunday, Dec. 17 | 2-5 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free entry | John Frinzi, Roger Bartlett, and surprise guests will perform tropical holiday music — bring a lawn chair as seats fill up quickly.
Harlem Globetrotters Tipoff Series World Tour 2024 | Sunday, Dec. 17 | 3-5 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $45-$140 | Watch these expert entertainers take to the court and receive a free basketball souvenir.
Swan City Jazz Jamz | Sunday, Dec. 17 | 5 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Price of donation | Enjoy live jazz at this donation-based musical event — a recommended donation is $10.

More holiday events

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Great Escapes

Our guide to Atlanta, GA

Great Escapes: Our guide to Atlanta, GA

That magnificent Atlanta skyline. | Photo by @ericsunphotography

If you enjoy live entertainment, historic sites, and food from across the globe, Atlanta might just be your perfect getaway. Keep reading for our recommendations on how to play + stay like a local.

Why go? The Georgia Aquarium — the largest aquarium in the country and among the largest in the world — is an awe-inspiring spot that’s perfect for the entire family.
Act like a local: The Star Community Bar is an Atlanta institution that’s been in operation since 1991. It’s hosted countless beloved artists, like Drive-By Truckers, and up-and-coming acts through the years, as well as bingo and the city’s longest-running comedy night.
Where to stay: Dazzling downtown Penthouse with killer city views and a private balcony in the heart of downtown Atlanta (~$150/night)*

Bonus message from our partner: If you’re looking to book this trip, Going offers all the affordable flight hacks from your home airport. Sign up here.*

The Buy

Weekend The Buy 12.14.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

A Six & Main online gift card, so they can pick their favorite item sold from local, small businesses near us. Bonus: You won’t have to sweat it shipping in time.

History

Speaking of snow in the Sunshine State...

The history of snow in the Sunshine State

”Willy Wofson, left, is surprised and delighted with the light dusting of snow that fell in Lakeland, Florida in January 1982. Snow was a rare occurrence in Lakeland, having previously snowed in 1977.” | Photo via the Lakeland Public Library

Raise your hand if you remember FL’s “great snowfall” of 1977. ✋

This was no manufactured flurry in Lakeside Village. In case you missed it, or don’t remember, here’s what happened: On Jan. 19, 1977, Floridians (Lakelanders included) awoke to snowfall, bringing in two inches in some spots.

While the snow day did cause a few mishaps for Florida residents (like car accidents and a few frozen crops), it seemed as though most celebrated the once-in-a-lifetime snowfall with activities like catching flakes on their tongues and making hot chocolate.

More snoteworthy facts

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
LALtoday Team

What history articles do you want us to write in 2024? Let us know.

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