From seasonal sounds to family-friendly festivities, Lakeland has you covered when it comes to winter holiday celebrations. | Photo provided by Lakeside Village
Come on. You’ve probably heard a lot of “happy holidays” around Swan City — with good reason. Lakeland has plenty of cultures that celebrate this time of year, and we’re giving you the how, when + where to join in on the festivities.
Yule | Saturday, Dec. 21-Wednesday, Jan. 1 | Ring in the winter solstice and the longest night of the year with a moonlight recital on Bok Tower Gardens’ Oval Lawn on Saturday, Dec. 21. Admission for non-members is $20.
Hanukkah | Evening of Wednesday, Dec. 25-Evening of Thursday, Jan. 2 | Join Temple Emanuel on Saturday, Dec. 28 for light bites, a candle lighting, and family-friendly activities to celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights.
Christmas | Wednesday, Dec. 25 | Celebrate this cultural and religious festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ with an evening of classical music performed by world-renowned soprano Tatiana Kallman, tonight at the Polk Theatre.
Backyard Night Market | 4-7 p.m. | The Green House Garden Store | Free+ | Get those last-minute Christmas gifts while supporting local small bizzes.
Decoupage Christmas Tree Workshop | 5:30-7 p.m. | Picassoz Art Cafe | $45 | Decorate a tree shape with florals and ferns, then come back in a few days to pick up the finished piece.
Nature Lecture Series | 6-8 p.m. | Circle B Bar Reserve | Free | Wildlife ecologist Dr. Monica Folk will share about working with the endangered red cockaded woodpeckers in the Nature Discovery Center.
Friday, Dec. 20
Sundaes with Santa | 6-8 p.m. | Lakeland Ice Cream Company South | Free+ | Donate a nonperishable food item to take a photo with Santa Claus and order seasonal ice cream + cookies.
Saturday, Dec. 21
Swan City Improv | 8 p.m. | Union Hall | $10 | This 18+, holiday-themed comedy show is sure to bring the laughs — stay after for karaoke.
Sunday, Dec. 22
Goat Yoga on the Farm | 4-5 p.m. | The Cloven Hoof Farm | $20+ | We’re not kidding around — connect with nature and meet friendly goats during golden hour as you work your way through a guided yoga practice.
Fly back into aviation (her)story with “Greater Lakeland”
Presented by WEDU PBS
Central Florida Aerospace Academy student Abigail Dowdy preps for her eighth flight during the filming of “Greater Lakeland: Women in Aviation.” | Photo courtesy of Triforce Pictures
LAL, you are cleared for takeoff.
In the next episode of WEDU PBS’ “Greater Lakeland” series, Central Florida Aerospace Academy student Abigail Dowdy, NOAA flight director Kerri Englert, and Florida Air Museum director Nick Mathes take you on a flight through Lakeland’s aviation history + the role women play in it.
Stream anytime or catch the episode live tonight at 8:30 p.m.
The state of Florida will spend ~$14.5 million on two conservation easements for nearly 1,200 acres in Polk County. Under the easements, an area near the Green Swamp + a Dundee-area property will be able to be used for agricultural purposes, but protected from development. (The Ledger)
Number
$40,000. That’s how much the Lakeland Kiwanis Club received from Lakelanders Jeff and Darla Lang to fully fund the new, two-story slide for the Kiwanis Cares for Kids Treehouse at Bonnet Springs Park. An official timeline for the installation is TBA, but expect it to slide into place soon.
Community
Lakeland PigFest is coming up at the SUN n’ FUN campus on Friday, Jan. 24 + Saturday, Jan. 25 and needs 236 volunteers to assist with parking. Sign up for a three-hour shift to help raise funds for local charities like Camp Fire Sunshine, Girls Inc., and the Learning Resource Center.
Shop
In need of a gift for the avid reader in your life? Inklings Book Shoppe is now selling customizable book gift boxes that are sure to be page-turners. Stop by the store through Tuesday + select any book, then add two additional items to receive 10% off.
Award
The judges’ votes may be in for Mulberry’s Annual Christmas Lights Contest, but you can still help select the popular vote winner. Review each entry + give a like to your favorite house on Facebook before Thursday, Dec. 26.
Feel Good
The holidays came a little early this year for the students of John Snively Elementary. PCPS’ Information Systems and Technology Division selected the school for its annual Kiddie Christmas initiative, where employees fundraise throughout the year to buy gifts for students + their families. (WFTS)
Try This
Looking for some (free) lighthearted holiday fun? Light Up BSP has returned to Bonnet Springs Park for the holiday season. See the lights Dec. 14-31, 6-8:30 p.m., and enjoy live music, holiday scavenger hunts, visits with Santa, festive treats + more.*
Arts
All is calm, all is bright at the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art. Escape the flurry of the holiday season to the peaceful halls of an art museum to explore new worlds of Dutch Impressionism, contemporary art movements, and more.*
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.*
Tech
Transform your potential into prosperity with 100 innovative side hustle opportunities. HubSpot’s expertly curated database matches your unique skills with high-potential ventures, from creative enterprises to digital solutions. Get your free access to discover your next big win.*
Job
Hiring? Our new community job board could help you find that perfect candidate. Bonus: Your first job posting is free. Give it a try.
Shop
Psst — need a quick gift? Cloud socks are luxe, buttery-soft socks that cradle feet in plush comfort. You’re getting these for yourself, right?*
The Buy
The Buy
Pet insurance. No longer worry about surprise vet bills when you get a plan that reimburses up to 90%. See Money’s list of top providers and get covered for as little as $15 per month.
We have lots to look forward to in the new year in Lakeland — and my eyes are on Polk County Taco Week. Check out the list of restaurants (including a few coming soon spots) participating in the first-ever event, Jan. 10-19. If you see me drooling over Good Thyme’s buffalo chicken taco special, no you didn’t.
