Which drink from The Brass Tap is on your wish list? | Photo by @btlakeland
Turn those happy hours into merry hours with a stop at these holiday-themed bar pop-ups. Visit soon — like Lakeland’s cold season, these are just for a limited time.
Santa’s Tap Room The Brass Tap at Lakeside Village has transformed into a festive getaway for the first time. Sip cocktails like the Poinsettia Smash under the twinkling lights, and stop in during the 12 Days of Tappings to try a new brew every day until Tuesday, Dec. 24.
The Tipsy Grinch Say the password “stink, stank, stunk” to access this hidden bar at CJ Lounge, located off US Highway 98 North in the Lake Gibson area. The drink menu here is themed after “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” so come ready for who-tacular creations like the Mount Crumpit Margarita + Sour Cindy.
Searching for more seasonal sips? Find more themed cocktails, beers, and coffees in our winter treats guide.
Asked
Asked
What would a Lakeland Hallmark movie look like?
Fill in the blanks, Mad Libs-style, to create a one-of-a-kind holiday movie, then send it our way for a chance to be featured.
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.
Light Up BSP | Saturday, Dec. 14-Tuesday, Dec. 31 | 6-8:30 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free+ | It’s opening weekend of this park’s nightly winter wonderland, with light displays and fun for the whole family.
Dinner with Holiday Carolers | 6-9 p.m. | Terrace Grille | Price of purchase | A quartet of carolers will serenade you while you enjoy a specially themed dinner.
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.
Sunday, Dec. 15
Paradise Market | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Camp Margaritaville, Auburndale | Free+ | Gifts from local entrepreneurs will be extra special under your tree.
Sound Bath Sunday | 5-6 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | $35 | Start your week with a stress-free moment of stillness + meditation.
Christmas Lane | Sunday, Dec. 15-Tuesday, Dec. 24 | 6-10 p.m. | Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds, Plant City | $10+ | Explore this festive upgrade of the festival grounds complete with more than 1.5 million lights.
Wednesday, Dec. 18
Candlelight: Holiday Concerts| Times vary | Lake Mirror Auditorium | $35+ | A string quartet will perform classic holiday carols + tunes from “The Nutcracker” by the glow of candlelight.
Thursday, Dec. 19
Made @ the Library | 5:30-7 p.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library | Free | Tag, you’re it — register for this class to craft wooden gift tag ornaments.
388,122. That’s how many people rode on Amtrak’s Silver Star route in 2024, up 10.3% from last year. The Silver Star stops here in Lakeland and is temporarily merged with the Capitol Limited route to Chicago — learn more about how to take a ride.
Trending
Wondering what was on Lakelanders’ minds this year? According to Google Year in Search 2024, people in the Tampa Bay area were searching for things like “solar eclipse glasses near me.”Look back — carefully — on this spring’s solar eclipse, viewed from Bonnet Springs Park.
Pro tip for kids’ gifts:Consider gifting the family a membership to the Florida Children’s Museum. Why? Experiences keep toys out of the living room and kids out of the house. Browse kid-friendly activities for more gift ideas.
City Guide
City Guide
🚗 Holiday road (trip)
Visit St. Augustine this winter to experience Nights of Lights. | Photo via City of St. Augustine
Planning your winter break vacations? Skip those airport security lines and opt for a road trip instead with our guides to our favorite Florida cities.
St. Augustine | ~3.5 hours away Editor’s pick: Hop on an Old Town Trolley Tour to discover nearly 500 years of history. They’ll take you to sip from the Fountain of Youth, sightsee at Castillo de San Marcos, or even ghost hunt at the Old Jail — all while narrating your trip.
Ybor City | ~35 minutes away Editor’s pick: Book a stay at Hotel Haya to experience the heart of Ybor City. The Cuban-inspired Cafe Quiquiriquiis also just steps away from the main lobby.
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park | ~1.5 hours away Editor’s pick: Avoid the summer crowds and visit during December to find the Winter Waterland, complete with a Grinch Village, Candy Cane Forest, and elf-themed mermaid performances.
Touch screen compatible gloves. Beat winter dryness + rough skin by keeping hands protected when you’re out and about, thanks to gloves that still let you use your phone.
Don’t miss out on tonight’s Holiday Night Market, where 150+ vendors will fill the streets of downtown. This is one of my favorite events to hit for food, drinks, and locally made gifts I know my family will love. Pro tip: It’s sure to be packed, so save our downtown parking guide.
}})
