History buffs will feel right at home here in the “Ancient City.” | Photo by @victoriabardega
Itching to get out of town this winter break, Lakelanders? Jump in your car for a road trip to St. Augustine, just ~3.5 hours away. We’re spilling all the details on how to have an unforgettable time in “The Nation’s Oldest City.”
Nights of Lights St. Augustine transforms into a winter wonderland from November to January. Head to the historic district to see 20 blocks illuminated with millions of holiday lights.
Don’t worry, be capy — this cafe is one of just a few of its kind in the world.
The Capybara Cafe Book a time slot at this newly opened cafe to get up close and personal with capybaras Mocha + Latte, friendly rodents that are native to South America.
Columbia Restaurant Love this eatery’s Ybor City location? Visit the one in St. Augustine’s historic district. We always start our meals with the “1905" Salad, made tableside, along with a pitcher of sangria.
If you’re looking for a poolside stay, think pink and go for The Local.
Foodie Fun: Holiday Style | 3-4 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library | Free | Learn clever culinary tips from the pros at UF/IFAS Extension Polk County.
“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” | Thursday, Dec. 12-Sunday, Dec. 22 | Times vary | Theatre Winter Haven, Winter Haven | $33 | Local actors will perform this holiday classic in the style of a live 1940s radio broadcast.
Friday, Dec. 13
Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Tour 2024 | 7-9 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $54+ | Musicians and vocalists from seven different countries will perform classic holiday carols in this evening of music.
Turn Up and Tone | Friday, Dec. 13 | 7-8 p.m. | Uno Dos Tres Studio | $15 | Don your best elf-themed outfit and sleigh your workout in this class that blends dance with HIIT, strength training, toning, and active recovery techniques.
Wonder House Christmas Tours | Friday, Dec. 13-Sunday, Jan. 12 | Times vary | The Wonder House, Bartow | $25+ | Book a guided daytime or nighttime tour of this historic, mysterious home.
Saturday, Dec. 14
Bartow Antiques & Collectibles Market | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Downtown Bartow | Free+ | Shop vintage + retro collectibles, and snap a selfie with the newly finished mural by Gillian Fazio at Main Street and Wilson Avenue.
Pet Fest | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control, Winter Haven | Free+ | PCSO will offer free pet adoptions, plus a crafters market with items just for your new furry family member.
Expecting in 2025? Lakeland Regional Health made US News & World Report’s “2025 Best Hospitals for Maternity Care.” Hospitals were evaluated based on their performance in areas like newborn complication rates and transparency regarding racial disparities.
Environment
Polk County’s residential waste haulers will now run on locally sourced compressed natural gas produced at the North Central Landfill. This week, officials cut the ribbon on the $60 million Renewable Natural Gas Facility, which will be operated by Opal Fuels.
Real Estate
What does next year’s housing market look like? Based on market + economy data, Realtor.com estimates sales of existing homes will grow by 10.6% from this year. It ranked the Lakeland-Winter Haven metro No. 21 on its list of national cities with the highest forecasted home sales in 2025.
Talk
Gilbert King, host of the podcast “Bone Valley,” will be the guest speaker at LkldNow’s next Candid Conversation event. Reserve a seat at this night of storytelling on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Polk Theatre — King will also sign copies of his book, “Devil in the Grove.”
The Word
Jolabokaflod. That’s the Icelandic tradition of trading + reading books at Christmas time. Join in on the “Christmas book flood” by bringing one you’ve read to exchange at Pressed this Saturday, Dec. 14, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sports
With Legoland ending its water skiing shows soon, pros are reminiscing on nearly a century of performances in Winter Haven. The Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team is keeping the sport alive there — catch their next event on Saturday, Dec. 21 at Lake Silver. (WFTS)
Active
Run, run Rudolph. Fleet Feet’s next social run will have a festive twist. Head to Lakeside Village on Wednesday, Dec. 18 for a 6 p.m. run in Santa suits. No need to bring your own — Fleet Feet will offer 60 suits on a first come, first served basis.
ICYMI, we recently got a Glow Facial and Immunity IV Therapy at My Doctors Live MediSpa for some pre-holiday chaos rejuvenation. (Learn more tonight at their Holiday Glow event, featuring product demos, limited-time pricing, and giveaways.)*
Featured Deal
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.*
Shop
Looking for a gift the kiddos will actually use? Enter: Dribbleup’s Smart Basketball. It features guided coaching sessions so they can train anytime, anywhere. Psst — it’s 60% for the holidays.*
Finance
6AM City COO Ryan Heafy here — we’re referring friends to American Express’s The Business Platinum Card®. Join the AMEX family + receive up to 150,000 member points.*
Category
Arts
🎶 ‘Tis the season of tunes and toasts
Presented by Lakeland Symphony Orchestra
As the saying goes, “The best way to spread holiday cheer is by singing loud for all to hear.” | Photo provided by the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra
The Lakeland Symphony Orchestra invites you to the magic of “Toast to the Holidays” — a festive concert series bringing lots of good cheer to Florida Southern College’s Branscomb Auditorium on Saturday, Dec. 14 and Sunday, Dec. 15 (matinee).
This 90-minute seasonal celebration promises to delight with holiday favorites like “Sleigh Ride,” spirited overtures, and a joyful sing-along featuring special musical guests Elizabeth Burton Lyons, Holly Parrish, John Partain, and Tyler Campbell.
}})
