Grab a cup of cheer| Sleigh your way over to these spots in and around Lakeland to get a taste of the holidays with seasonal winter flavors like peppermint + gingerbread.
An I-4 an eye | Construction at I-4 and SR 33 in northeast Lakeland is set to begin on Jan. 6. Here’s what you need to know about the project, plus additional interstate enhancements coming soon.
Deck out these halls | Whether you’re just driving through or hoping to live near others who share your affinity for holiday culture, here’s where to find some of the best holiday light displays in Lakeland.
Asked
Asked
What’s your No. 1 goal as a Lakelander for 2025?
A. Try new or different restaurants B. Attend more local events C. Visit more local attractions (think: museums, parks, etc.) D. Volunteer with a new organization E. Something else
Grinchmas Bingo Party | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | You’re a mean one if you miss this bingo + crafting event for Whos of all ages.
Bonsai Workshop | 2 p.m. | Austin’s Backyard Garden | $80 | Learn to create your own bonsai dish in this hands-on workshop.
Sunday, Dec. 8
Second Sunday Holiday Market | 12-5 p.m. | Lakeside Village | Free+ | Go shoppin’ around the Christmas tree to find unique gifts from 100+ vendors.
Cookies and Cocoa with Santa | 2-5 p.m. | Black Swan Venue | Free+ | Meet Santa, decorate cookies, and make your own hot chocolate at this family-friendly holiday party.
Monday, Dec. 9
STEM Sprouts | 9-10:15 a.m. | Aerospace Center for Excellence | $10 | Kids ages 3-5 will learn a letter of the alphabet + an aviation concept through play — this week’s topic is weather.
Thursday, Dec. 12
Lakeland Food Truck Rally | 6-9 p.m. | Munn Park | Free+ | Try food from 15 different food trucks while enjoying live music from a DJ.
In case your Instagram feed isn’t filled with people sharing that they’re in the top 1% of Taylor Swift listeners, allow us to inform you: Spotify Wrapped is out. If you’re looking for a new listen, check out these Lakeland-inspired playlists.
Trending
Mocha mousse. That’s Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year, which was selected through global research and analysis to reflect “our desire for comfort” and “the indulgence of simple pleasures.” See if you can spy any mocha mousse shades in these murals around Lakeland.
The Word
Oxford University Press announced its pick for Word of the Year — “brain rot.” Other finalists included “lore,” “dynamic pricing,” and “slop.” Counter the brain rot by touching grass at a local park or heading to one of these museums around Swan City. (Time Magazine)
Real Estate
More people moved to the South than any other region in 2024, according to a report from the National Association of Realtors. It also shares the top reasons why movers chose a specific area, including proximity to loved ones, home price, and taxes. Newcomer? Read our guide to becoming a Lakelander.
City Guide
City Guide
We told you there were more events
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. | Photo by @megsfundays
From family fun to holiday performances and festive parties, it’s clear as ice that winter is where Swan City thrives — even if we never actually experience said ice.
Don’t miss out on these 60+ events happening between December and February in and around Lakeland.
Hanukkah Celebration
Join Temple Emanuel on Saturday, Dec. 28 at 6:15 p.m. for light bites, a candle lighting, and family-friendly activities to celebrate the Festival of Lights.
“Anastasia,” Winter Haven
Take a “journey to the past” by attending this musical based on the beloved film from Thursday, Jan. 16 to Sunday, Feb. 16 at Theatre Winter Haven. Tickets are $36.
Lakeland Record Fair, Volume V
Join Jesse Carl Vinyl at the Lake Mirror Auditorium from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 23 to shop for vinyl records, CDs, and cassette tapes while a DJ plays. General admission is $5.
This top-rated safety razor with five premium stainless-steel blades. Its double-sided design provides a closer, cleaner shave compared to disposable razors, resulting in less skin irritation.
When it comes to holiday gifting, I’m all about giving (and receiving) experiences whenever possible. If you’re in the same camp, check out this Florida Adventure Bucket List deck that comes with 50 scratch-off cards with things to do all around the state — including Lakeland + surrounding areas like Davenport. Any guesses as to what you think the Lakeland card(s) might lead people to?
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