Bottomless mimosas

Pastry paradise

Holiday brunch events

• Noel International | Tuesday, Dec. 19 | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | St. Paul Lutheran Church, 4450 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Enjoy holiday classics performed by The Florida Philharmonia Orchestra — admission and parking are free.
• Tacos, Margaritas + BINGO! At The Back Nine | Tuesday, Dec. 19 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | The Back Nine, 124 S. Tennessee Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Snag deals on tacos and margarita flights while you compete for five in a row.

• Santa Tea Party | Wednesday, Dec. 20 | 6-8 p.m. | Branscomb Auditorium, Florida Southern College, 1100 Johnson Ave., Lakeland | $35-$40 | Join Santa and other royal guests for treats, tea, storytime, and a holiday sing-along — tickets are limited.

• A Magical Snowy Wonderland | Thursday, Dec. 21-Friday, Dec. 22 | 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.
• Biz & Brew hosted by Ybor Cigars & Spirits | Thursday, Dec. 21 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Ybor Cigars & Spirits, 5263 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free | Put on your best-worst ugly Christmas sweater and join in on the fun at the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce’s holiday-themed networking event (registration required).*

• Free Breastfeeding Support Group | Friday, Dec. 22 | 9-10 a.m. | Carol Jenkins Barnett United Way Children’s Resource Center, 650 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Learn breastfeeding tips from a lactation facilitator and connect with others at this weekly support group.
• 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.

• Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market | Saturday, Dec. 23 | 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.
• 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.
• Women’s Self-Defense Classes | Saturday, Dec. 23 | 1:30-2:30 p.m. | Kelly Recreation Complex, 404 Imperial Blvd., Lakeland | $15-$40 | Enhance personal safety, elevate confidence, and learn self-defense techniques in this class for women ages 15 and up.

• 5 common holiday injuries (and how to treat them locally)
• Upcoming walks and runs
• Navigating mental health during the holidays
• And more

• Lakeland city commissioners approved Lakeland Linder International Airport’s proposal to provide passenger flights via Avelo Airlines this summer during yesterday morning’s city commission meeting. Avelo’s 15-year, non-exclusive contract with LAL begins May 1. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

• No. 16. That’s what Lakeland ranked on Consumer Affairs’ list of best areas for first-time homebuyers. The study compared cities across nine factors, including mortgage rates, home value changes, property taxes, and more. (Consumer Affairs)

• Ethos Coffee Roasters is building its first retail location on South Florida Avenue. Once complete, the 1.32-acre lot will be home to a full-service coffee shop with a drive-thru.

• 1,000. That’s how many families hoping to send students to Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) programs in Polk have been waitlisted. Due to limited access to VPK, roughly 40% of Polk district children are enrolled, compared to 61% at the state level. (WFTS)

• Low and Slow Smokehouse is now open at 1853 E. Memorial Blvd. The North Carolina-based eatery offers barbecue classics like the Texas Brisket Platter, fried pickles, and shrimp + grits. (The Ledger)

• Dorothy Scott Wilson, a Lake Wales historian, is hoping to save a 103-year-old home from demolition. The home, known as the Colvin House, was featured on the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation’s 2022 list: “11 to Save, Most Endangered Historic Places in Florida.” (The Ledger)

• #TerraceTabletop: Go all-out for your final meal of 2023 at the Terrace Grille this New Year’s Eve. After dinner, stick around for an exclusive, separately-ticketed event featuring champagne, passed hors d’oeuvres, live music, and more. Reserve your spot (and don’t forget to make dinner reservations, too).*

Type 1: The Reformer | Main Street

Type 2: The Helper | Bartow Road

Type 4: The Individualist | Frank Lloyd Wright Way

Type 6: The Loyalist | Lake Hollingsworth Drive