Funny flip-over desk signs | $13.99 | Perfect for the office gift exchange, these flip-over signs display messages like “Drinks after work?” and “Shh...I’m thinking.”
Gifts for pet owners
Local pick:Pet portraits | $60+ | Send in a photo of your pets by Tuesday, Dec. 3 to get a handmade paw-trait of them by Christmas.
Thoughts of Dog 2025 calendar | $17.99 | Gift a daily pup-spective of a sweet dog with this adorable and funny daily calendar.
Cat tunnel bed | $48.99 | A plush and ultra-soft cat pet bed with a fun feature — there’s a tunnel inside for cats to explore.
Furbo Mini Pet Camera | $79.00 | The ultimate home security camera for watching pets while you’re away.
Pawprint keepsake kit | $16.95 | A DIY kit for pet owners to make their very own personalized clay pet keepsake.
Gifts for adventurers
Local pick:National Parks bucket list | $26.95 | Keep track of your trips with this scratch-off poster of all the US National Parks from Scout & Tag.
Carhartt men’s knit cuffed beanie | $19.99 | This classic Carhartt knit beanie has 100,000+ five-star reviews for good reason — it’s durable, warm, and available in 35+ colors.
Waterfly crossbody sling backpack | $34.99 | A light backpack designed with hiking in mind — adventurous friends can sling it on their back or chest and walk in comfort.
Jukebox Bingo | 6:30-9 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | Free+ | See if the next song is on your bingo card in this musical game of chance — dining reservations recommended.
Tuesday, Dec. 3
LEGO Club | Tuesday, Dec. 3 | 5-6:30 p.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library | Free | Build your own creation brick-by-brick, or take on a themed challenge.
Wednesday, Dec. 4
Salsa Fundamentals | Wednesday, Dec. 4 | 6:30-10 p.m. | Coleman-Bush Building | $10 | Gain a better understanding of salsa dancing with classes + socials in Munn Park.
Thursday, Dec. 5
43rd Annual Lakeland Christmas Parade | 7-10 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | See floats decorated with this year’s “Christmas at Swan Lake” theme pass through downtown.
Saturday, Dec. 14
LSO Symphony Series — Toast to the Holidays | Saturday, Dec. 14-Sunday, Dec. 15 | Times vary | Branscomb Auditorium at Florida Southern College | $29+ | Feel the ho-ho-ho-holiday spirit at this festive concert featuring cherished classics and joyful seasonal tunes.*
County commissioners approved the $5.19 million purchase of the 649-acre Friedlander property in Lake Wales for its Environmental Lands Program. Located near Tiger Creek Preserve, the land recharges the Floridan Aquifer + may include hiking trails in the future. (The Ledger)
Community
Doing your shopping on an online marketplace? The Lakeland Police Department offers its station lobby on North Massachusetts Avenue as a safe place to meet for exchanges. The station is open, staffed, and video monitored 24/7.
Cause
Time is running out to make donations to the Parker Street Christmas Store, which offers families in need a chance to shop new items at discounted prices. Deliver items for kids + teens to Parker Street Ministries by Monday, Dec. 9 — see what’s on their wishlist.
Family
The SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo will introduce a new kids’ area at the 2025 fly-in. The Young Aviators Camp (aka the YAC) will be available April 4-6, located in the general admission camping area. Stay tuned for more details on this new addition and grab your expo tickets.
Seasonal
The Joinery is in a festive mood, adding several seasonal events to this month’s calendar. Don’t miss Pictures with Santa on Friday, Dec. 13 and a Toys for Tots drive with Gravity Rally on Sunday, Dec. 15. Plus, monthly events like bingo, trivia, and Cars + Coffee are still on.
Looking to get $5 off your next purchase of $20 or more? Just join Club Publix. Terms, conditions & restrictions apply. Offer valid in-store only. Must sign up by Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024.*
Health
Watson Clinic understands how balancing life’s responsibilities can hinder your ability to prioritize personal health. That’s why they make it easy to get the women’s healthcare you need with a diverse team of physicians, a wide array of specialized services, and expanded appointment availability to fit your schedule. Learn more.*
Shop
Practical, comfortable, and life-changing — period. Knix Leakproof Underwear offers reliable leakproof protection in ultra-soft, seamless designs. Save up to 60% for Black Friday through tomorrow, Dec. 3.*
Category
Seasonal
❄️ It’s a winter-ful life
Winter is on the way, weather you like it or not. | Photo by @nicolefeller_
We know the question on your mind, Lakelanders — when’s it going to get cold? Thanks to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center, we know what temperatures and precipitation trends to expect in our city for December, January, and February.
While exact weather conditions typically can’t be predicted more than a week in advance, here’s a seasonal outlook to help you prepare for what winter will bring.
Reminder: The first day of winter is on Saturday, Dec. 21.
Temperature Think warm. This winter, Lakeland has a 50-60% chance of temperatures being higher than normal.
Precipitation Expect below average precipitation. Lakeland has a 50-60% chance of seeing below-normal rainfall amounts this winter — after a busy hurricane season, some Lakelanders may be happy to see this in the forecast.
Drought
Drought conditions are likely to develop this season.
It’s Cyber Monday. Don’t miss these rare deals that are only available until the end of the day:
⚡The Conair Steam Stylist that’s on deal for less than $50. It’s a 3-in-1 gadget that can steam, press, and iron your garments.
⚡A set of high-quality Rubbermaid food storage containers that are 33% off — perfect for storing holiday leftovers.
⚡An Oral-B electric toothbrush. If you’ve been contemplating upgrading your classic toothbrush, consider this 40% off deal your sign.
Here’s a wild stat: Last year’s Lakeland Christmas Parade brought around 50,000 people to downtown. Despite the local jokes about setting your chairs up weeks in advance, don’t forget that they can only be set up on Thursday, the day of the parade.
