By the numbers

• -31% | Percent change in walking trips in Florida
• -29% | Percent change in walking trips in Lakeland-Winter Haven
• 35 | Lakeland’s score out of 100 on Walk Score’s walkability meter

Where to walk the walk

• Lake Hollingsworth | You knew this spot would be on our list, didn’t you? This popular walking trail comes in at just under three miles.
• Three Parks Trail | Enjoy views of Cleveland Heights Golf Course, Woodlake Park, and Common Ground Playground from dawn until dusk on this roughly four-mile trail.
• Circle B Bar Reserve | Visit these five combined miles of walking trails to spot sunbathing gators or watch wildlife.
• Bonnet Springs Park | Take a shady stroll through the treetops on BSP’s 1,500-ft, ADA-accessible Crenshaw Canopy Walk.

• Discovering Bok Tower Gardens Guided Tour | Thursday, Dec. 7-Friday, Dec. 8 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales | $5-$27 | Take a walking tour of the gardens to learn about their history and design.
• Trivia Thursdays at The Back Nine! | Thursday, Dec. 7 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | The Back Nine, 124 S. Tennessee Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Test your knowledge with themed and general trivia.

• Harry Connick Jr.'s “The Happy Elf” | Friday, Dec. 8-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.
• 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.

• 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.
• 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.

• Christmas Town 2023 | Sunday, Dec. 10 | 5-6 p.m. | Victory Church, 1401 Griffin Rd., Lakeland | Free | Snow sled, take a hayride, play laser tag, and listen to live Christmas music.

• Light Up BSP | Friday, Dec. 15-Sunday, Dec. 31 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Celebrate the season with free nightly holiday-themed events, including live music concerts, visits with Santa, seasonal food + drinks, family-friendly activities, and so much more.*

1. Sport Hoodie: This top-seller is almost sold out.
2. The Anson performance polo: It’s rated five stars by 99% of customers.
3. The Sully quarter zip: Many of these colors match up with The Anson colors for a coordinated, layered look.

• Lakelanders elected Guy LaLonde Jr. to the District A Northwest City Commissioner seat. After the votes were tallied, LaLonde had 57.58% of the votes with a total of 4,173 ballots cast in his favor. LaLonde has cited city infrastructure and Fire Station 8 as some of his top priorities. (LkldNow)

• Canary Apartment Complex, a new development at 1030 Browning Rd. in west Lakeland, is opening this January. Residents can choose from two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and two-story, three-bedroom units. The “nature-forward” complex emphasizes wellness with weekly group yoga, sound healing, and more.

• Nobody puts baby in a corner, but Lakeland is putting “Dirty Dancing in Concert” on stage at the RP Funding Center on Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. Get tickets to hear live musicians and vocalists bring your favorite songs from the 1987 film to life while it plays behind them on the big screen. (The Ledger)

• Trace Adkins and Sara Evans are kicking off the 50th SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo with a show at the Warbird Ramp on April 9 at 6 p.m. Tickets are on sale now.

• This evening marks the beginning of Hanukkah — the Jewish Festival of Lights. Mark your calendar for Chabad of Lakeland’s Chanukah celebration on Sunday, Dec. 10 at Kryger Park. The 5 p.m. event will feature a gelt drop, a giant menorah lighting, and more.

• Lakeland Community Theatre and its performers are up for several accolades at the BroadwayWorld Orlando Awards. Vote online in categories like Best Local Theatre and Best Musical to see if our local theater takes home the prize.

• Fancy Farms Market is open for the season. Stop by Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. to shop new product launches like the strawberry vinaigrette dressing and strawberry jam.

• Headed to the airport this holiday season? Orlando International Airport (MCO) is making holiday travel merrier with live musical performances in the airport throughout the month of December. See the Holiday Community Concert schedule + performer lineup.*

• Step one of your dog’s wellness journey: Nom Nom. The vet nutritionist-developed meals are perfectly portioned for a vibrant, joyful life. Get 50% off your first order.*

Night Market, Union Taproom, 245 W. Central Ave., Ste. 102, Winter Haven

Dixieland Night Market, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland

Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market, Downtown Lakeland

Holiday Night Market, Downtown Lakeland

Jingle Mingle Christmas Market, RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland