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. 22

Complimentary Gift Wrapping | Friday, Dec. 22-Sunday, Dec. 24 | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center Dr., Lakeland | Price of donation | Have your gifts wrapped in the breezeway near BD’s Mongolian Grill — optional donations will support clubs at George Jenkins High School.
Festive Fridays | Friday, Dec. 22 | 5-8 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Stroll through Munn Park’s holiday lights and shop from local businesses during special late-night hours — live music and characters will also be present.

Saturday, Dec. 23

Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market | Saturday, Dec. 23, Saturday, Dec. 30 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland, 210 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free entry | Find fresh produce, plants, and locally handcrafted items at this outdoor farmers market.
Brunch with Santa at The Back Nine | Saturday, Dec. 23 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Back Nine, 124 S. Tennessee Ave., Lakeland | Price of purchase | Enjoy brunch and snag photos with Santa — $10 table reservations are required.
Festivus at Swan Brewing | Saturday, Dec. 23 | 12-10 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free entry | Air your grievances, complete feats of strength, and enjoy beer + bites around the Festivus pole.

Sunday, Dec. 24

Christmas Eve Brunch | Sunday, Dec. 24 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Terrace Grille, 329 E. Main St., Lakeland | Price of purchase | Kick off the holiday weekend with a Christmas Eve brunch — oysters, flat iron steak, and country ham are on the menu.
Light Up BSP | Friday, Dec. 22-Sunday, Dec. 31 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Enjoy nightly holiday-themed events, including live music concerts, visits with Santa, seasonal food + drinks, family-friendly activities, and more.

Saturday, Dec. 30

Goat Yoga on the Farm! | Saturday, Dec. 30 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | The Cloven Hoof Farm, 6170 Robins Rd., Lakeland | $10-$25 | We’re not kidding around — try this beginner-friendly, 45-minute goat yoga class.
Salsa y Bachata Rhythm Birthday Bash | Saturday, Dec. 30 | 2-5:30 p.m. | The Club at Eaglebrooke, 1300 Eaglebrooke Blvd., Lakeland | $15 | Celebrate local dance teacher Berni Bachatera with a bachata class and surprise performances.

Sunday, Dec. 31

Family Class — Happy New Year Party Llama | Sunday, Dec. 31 | 1-2:30 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $27-$29 | Families can spend New Year’s Eve painting this festive llama together.

100+ more seasonal events

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From the editor

Holiday

Don’t know what to get the person who has everything? Give them a giftable experience instead. From local classes to museum memberships to spa days, there’s something for every Lakelander in your life.

Eat

If you’re hoping for Christmas morning cruffins, the clock is ticking — Born & Bread Bakehouse’s Christmas Eve bake is coming up. Place your order online soon to pick it up between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 24.

Try This

Calling all Jacobs, Phillips, and Marias. Watch our video from Bonnet Springs Park to see if your friend’s name is mentioned. If so, send the video their way and tell them you’ve got weekend plans.

Holiday

🥂 Where to ring in 2024

You’ll have to find your own fireworks for NYE in Lakeland. | Photo via @blaisedillman

Here’s a New Year’s newsflash: The City of Lakeland doesn’t host a fireworks show on Dec. 31. It’s up to you to find your own celebration, but you’re in luck — here are a few happening in and around Lakeland on New Year’s Eve.

New Year’s Eve Grand Buffet and Afterparty

Make reservations at The Terrace Grille for a buffet dinner. Seatings start at 5 p.m., but book the 9 p.m. seating to enjoy a countdown to midnight party.

Lakeland New Year’s Eve Party

Ring in 2024 with a DJ, food, cocktails, and a champagne toast at The Yard on Mass starting at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10, and VIP options are also available.

NYE White Party: Bubbles & Pearls!

Wear all white to Obscure Wine Company (276 W. Central Ave., Winter Haven) and enjoy a sophisticated spread of oysters, caviar, and champagne from 8 p.m. until 12 a.m.

Even more ways to celebrate

Games

🎄 Tree your best on this puzzle

A screenshot of a digital jigsaw puzzle featuring a photo of the Christmas tree on Lake Mirror

How fast can you complete this digital jigsaw puzzle? | Photo by @peopleinswancity, Puzzle via Jigsaw Planet

Here’s our Christmas gift to you: Another one of our jigsaw puzzle challenges. This time, the photo features City of Lakeland staff setting up the tree that overlooks Lake Mirror.

Think you’re a puzzle pro? This one might have you sweating. Our final time was 9:53 — see if you can beat that.

Complete the puzzle

The Buy

Weekend The Buy 12.21.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

A heated vest, jacket, or socks from Ororo so you’re actually comfortable this winter. Bonus: They make great holiday gifts, too.

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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