• A Magical Snowy Wonderland | Friday, Dec. 8-Saturday, Dec. 23 | 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.
• 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 outdoor market.

• Nuts About Nature | Saturday, Dec. 9 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Visit the park for a nature-themed craft and learning opportunities for all ages — this month’s special guest is Mrs. Claus.
• Peace, Joy and Yoga | Saturday, Dec. 9 | 1-4 p.m. | Satya Life Yoga, 4684 Cleveland Heights Blvd., Lakeland | $50-$55 | Escape the hustle and bustle at this holiday relaxation yoga workshop.
• The Christmas Gala: Holiday Celebration | Saturday, Dec. 9 | Times vary | Branscomb Auditorium at Florida Southern College, 1100 Johnson Ave., Lakeland | $5-$10 | FSC music students + faculty in the orchestra, symphony, jazz bands, and choirs will perform holiday music.

• Lakeside Second Sunday Market | Sunday, Dec. 10 | 12-5 p.m. | Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center Dr., Lakeland | Free entry | Soak up the holiday vibes at Lakeside’s Second Sunday Market, featuring 100 local vendors offering handpicked treasures and live music.*
• 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.

• Ready-to-cook Seasoned Meatballs
• Publix Deli Jeweled Brie
• Publix Bakery Chocolate Ganache Supreme Cake
• Publix Candy Cane Almonds
• Publix Peppermint Stick Ice Cream

• A proposed industrial park near Florida Poly is up for approval at Auburndale’s next City Commission meeting on Dec. 18. At Monday’s Lakeland City Commission meeting, Commissioner Stephanie Madden voiced concerns that the proposal was not in line with plans for the Central Florida Innovation District. (LkldNow)

• Residents are calling for a traffic light at the intersection of West Pipkin Road and Medulla Road after 15-year-old Jaxon Crabtree died there this week while biking to school. Riverstone neighborhood developers have ordered a signal, but supply chain issues have reportedly delayed its delivery until spring. (LkldNow)

• $1.1 million. That’s how much grant funding Southeastern University received for its Avance Initiative leadership program. The funding will be used to develop the program in partnership with SEU’s Carrión Hispanic Leadership Center and the National Latino Evangelical Coalition.

• Meet Abigail Mena, Polk State College’s youngest graduate. At just 14 years old, Mena will receive her Associate in Arts degree in tonight’s commencement ceremony. Mena plans to attend the University of Central Florida next, where she’ll enroll as a junior.

• Talbot House Ministries is planning its Christmas party for residents, and you can help cross off their wishlist. Donate party supplies like sparkling apple cider, baking ingredients, and fresh produce. The donation ramp is open Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at 814 N. Kentucky Ave.

• Celebrate Ax-Caliber’s third anniversary with a day full of deals. Visit after 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 15 for discounts on ax throwing, virtual range reservations, select beers, and chips + dip. Did we mention there’s also free champagne and cake?

• Is your New Year’s resolution to start running? Join the Lakeland Runners Club’s 5K training program for runners of all levels. The $60 program begins Jan. 13 and leads up to the Bonnet Springs Park 5K on March 23.

• Bring a pet home for the holidays at two events tomorrow. Meet adoptable puppies from Polk County Bully Project at Petsense (5291 US Hwy. 98 S., Lakeland), or visit Pet Fest at Polk County Animal Control (7115 De Castro Rd., Winter Haven) for free adoptions. (The Ledger)

• Hey, basketball fans: Here’s a first-ever match up you don’t want to miss. Watch the Florida Gators square off against the East Carolina Pirates for the Visit Central Florida Tip-Off, happening next Thursday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. at the RP Funding Center. See why this will be a great game + snag tickets.*

• Big box stores continue to lobby for the Credit Card Competition Act — a bill that could dismantle credit card rewards. If signed into law, corporations would benefit from lower fees by potentially sacrificing the security and benefits of cardholders. Learn more about the bill and ways to voice your stance.**

• As we age, our hormone levels decline, affecting bone density, sleep, libido, and more. Test + optimize your hormones with Wellcore’s At-Home Assessment Kit — only $79 with code NEWYOU.*

New Year’s Eve Grand Buffet and Afterparty, Terrace Grille Lakeland, 329 E. Main St.

Lakeland New Year’s Eve Party, The Yard on Mass, 802 N. Massachusetts Ave.

Light Up BSP, Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd.

New Year Champagne Party, Lakeland Loft, 108 S. Tennessee Ave.