Here’s how readers will make the most of Lakeland life next year. | Photo via Catapult
With less than a month left in 2024, we recently asked you to share what you’re hoping to accomplish as a Lakelander in 2025.
According to our poll, our readers are equally as interested in trying more restaurants in the new year as they are in visiting more local attractions — both choices captured around 29% of respondents’ votes.
Here are a few goals that stood out for us.
Reader Maja O. hopes to grab a bite from Good Thyme and Peach House in the new year, but is also wanting “recommendations for more hidden places.” Say less, Maja — we’ve got you covered.
Reader Mike C. shared that he hopes to “find a restaurant or other place that has piano music,” so we hope he gets to try out The Pink Piano next year. Check out these live music venues to find your favorite music style — there’s a little something for everyone.
The Wonderland of Lights | Wednesday, Dec. 11-Sunday, Dec. 29 | Times vary | International Market World, Auburndale | $25+ | Pack up to eight people in your car to drive through hundreds of holiday light displays.
Santa Claus Is Coming | 6:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free+ | Join the Brew crew for holiday trivia, seasonal sips, bites from Smokin’ Chanchos, and a visit from Santa.
Thursday, Dec. 12
Board Game Night | 5:30-9 p.m. | HP Guild Games | Free | Borrow a game to play with others, or BYOB — bring your own board (game.)
Music of the Season Concerts | Thursday, Dec. 12-Friday, Dec. 13 | 7-9 p.m. | Harrison School for the Arts | $16+ | Choral and orchestra students will perform a program of holiday classics.
Friday, Dec. 13
Dinner with Holiday Carolers | Friday, Dec. 13-Saturday, Dec. 14 | 6-9 p.m. | Terrace Grille | Price of purchase | A quartet of carolers will serenade you with holiday tunes while you enjoy a specially themed dinner.
Pictures with Santa | 6-8 p.m. | The Joinery | Free+ | If you missed him at Swan Brewing, the big man himself will make another appearance at this food hall to hear your holiday wishes.
Festive Flix | 7 p.m. | Lake Mirror Amphitheater | Free+ | Bring a lawn chair or blanket to watch “The Muppet Christmas Carol” on the big screen with complimentary popcorn.
Goat Yoga on the Farm | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | The Cloven Hoof Farm | $20+ | We’re not kidding around — connect with nature and meet friendly goats as you work your way through a guided yoga practice.
Holiday Night Market | 5-9:30 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free+ | Jingle bell rock your way downtown to browse the goods of creatives, artists, and makers.
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Fruition can help you achieve your financial goals. | Photo by Fruition Financial
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$100,000. That’s how much Polk County Public Schools will be awarded for Hurricane Milton relief from the Florida Disaster Fund. Funds will be used to support school operations, teachers, and staff + managed by the Polk Education Foundation. (The Ledger)
Outdoors
Circle B Bar Reserve’s Alligator Alley and Marsh Rabbit Run trails are expected to remain closed for several months after sustaining significant damage during this year’s highly active hurricane season. Officials are asking reserve-goers to respect closure signs and stay on marked paths as crews clean up. (The Ledger)
Eat
Feasts of Persia will open its food truck to the public one last time this Friday, Dec. 13. Stop by during the Dixieland Night Market to get your fill of favorites like the kabob burger and falafel sandwich before the biz transitions into full-time meal prep + catering services.
Closing
It’s the end of an era in Winter Haven — and we’re not talking about Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. After 70+ years in production, Legoland’s water ski show will give its final wave on Monday, Dec. 30. If you’re still hoping for aquatic fun, the park’s Sea Life Aquarium will open next spring. (WFTS)
Development
Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection Recreational Trails Program has granted Lake Wales $282,380 to connect the Lake Wales Park Trail to Bok Tower Gardens. The new 12-ft-wide path will also include several benches + bike racks. A construction timeline is TBA. (The Ledger)
Sports
Move over, Kelce brothers — there’s a new football dynasty in town. Meet the Dobies, a family who has had three generations play for Lakeland High School. The family members have helped the Dreadnaughts capture one national and four state championship titles. (The Ledger)
Drink
Mitchell’s Coffee House is bringing all the cozy vibes this season with its new winter drink menu. Head to the cafe Monday-Saturday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m., to get a taste of flavors like frosted mint, apple crisp, and gingerbread while they last. Find more local winter sips.
Pets
Here comes Santa Paws.PCSO’s annual Pet Fest is this Saturday, Dec. 14. Stop by the Animal Control facility in Winter Haven from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for free pet adoptions and to shop from more than 30 vendors selling food, pet services + items.
Seasonal
Speaking of this weekend’s events — Light Up BSP at Bonnet Springs Park twinkles onto the scene this Saturday, Dec. 14 through Tuesday, Dec. 31. Opening weekend activities include live music by Steamin’ Jazz on Saturday, and the Merry Maker Market featuring local small bizzes on Sunday.
Come with us to get a facial and IV drip at My Doctors Live MediSpa for some pre-holiday chaos rejuvenation. (Then try it for yourself at their Holiday Glow event on Thursday, Dec. 12, 5-7 p.m., featuring product demos, limited-time pricing, and giveaways.)*
Thinning hair doesn’t stand a chance with KilgourMD’s dermatologist-developed serums. Increase follicle growth by 200% when you get the bundle for $150, featuring 15% + free shipping.*
Announced
Meet Jobs, our virtual job board for all industries that can connect you with top local talent. Post your first listing for free and watch those applications roll in.
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Shop
🎁 7 holiday presents $20 or less
Including a chic bedside carafe and a winter-friendly lip balm. | Graphic by 6AM City
Shop some of our favorite finds that will brighten up anyone’s holiday, all available for $20 or less.
Local pick:Pampeana swan ornament | $10 | They’ll think of you every time they see this handcrafted piece from Take Heart hanging on their tree this season.
Bedside carafe + tumbler | $18.99 | Gift a pretty amber tumbler and glass perfect for adorning any bedside table.
Eucalyptus shower steamers | $19.99 | They’ll love aromatherapy shower steamers that smell like peppermint and eucalyptus.
Local pick:Sweater Weather tea | $9 | Keep warm this winter with this loose leaf blend by Color Theory Tea — order it online or pick up a bag at Pressed or Black & Brew.
A great gift for a significant other or someone you love — a personalized song plaque you can customize with their favorite song + a photo of you together.
Today’s rainy weather seems like the perfect excuse to do some holiday baking. I’m currently on the hunt for a great cookie recipe for my annual cookie swap this weekend — if you have one you’d care to share, send it my way.
Answered
Answered
Which Lakeland business was not founded out of Catapult?
The answer is Palace Pizza, guessed by 82% of respondents. As if we could make you get lost in the sauce.
While this Lakeland staple made its way onto the scene 17 years before Catapult opened its doors, other Lakeland foodie spots — like Born & Bread Bakehouse and the upcoming By the Chef Pizza — got started in the incubator’s commercial kitchen.
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