Santa and his reindeer will keep watch over Lakeland Electric this season. | Still via @mannyfilmz
While you’re keeping track of your busy holiday social agenda, we’re filling in the blanks with must-know dates.
City of Lakeland offices — including Lakeland Electric — and Polk County offices will be closed on Tuesday, Dec. 24-Wednesday, Dec. 25, and Wednesday, Jan. 1.
City libraries, recreation centers, and parks will follow different closure schedules, so check before you head to your favorite space. Most county recreation spots will be open on holidays, though offices will be closed.
Mark the final days to visit these attractions so you don’t get caught in the cold:
Which holiday movie should they remake in Lakeland?
A. “Die Hard” — let’s see them scale the Marble Arcade B. “Elf” — Buddy could get a job at Publix HQ C. “Home Alone” — let Kevin rig up a Lake Hollingsworth home D. “Miracle on 34th Street” — just trade Macy’s for Lakeside Village
Light Up BSP | Friday, Dec. 20-Tuesday, Dec. 31 | 6-8:30 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free+ | Visit this weekend for a holiday character parade, costume crafting, and performances by Mariachi Las Aztecas + We Three Strings.
Sounds of the Season: Holiday Concert | 7-9 p.m. | Lakeside Village | Free | The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud with the Lakeland Choral Society for all to hear.
Pink Piano Holiday Special | 8-10 p.m. | Pink Piano | $10 | Ugly sweaters are encouraged at this night of comedy, live music, and cocktails hosted by Fredi Xtravaganza.
Saturday, Dec. 21
Little Learners of Lakeland: Holly Jolly | 10-11 a.m. | Peterson Park | $20+ | Children up to age 5 can work on language development in this wintry, themed playgroup.
Santa’s Party in Paradise | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Camp Margaritaville, Auburndale | $27+ | Tiny tots will enjoy a brunch and story time with Santa, and adults can shop from the Christmas Vendor Village.
“The Nutcracker” | Saturday, Dec. 21-Sunday, Dec. 22 | Times vary | RP Funding Center | $40 | Performers from Florida Dance Arts will perform this classic ballet filled with magic, whimsy, and adventure.
A Candid Conversation With Gilbert King | 7 p.m. | Polk Theatre | $30+ | This Pulitzer Prize-winning author and podcast host will share stories and sign copies of his book, “Devil in the Grove.”
Sunday, Dec. 22
Karaoke Brunch | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Union Hall | Free+ | The bottomless mimosas and holiday cocktails will be flowing while you sing your heart out onstage.
Motown Variety Show | 5-8 p.m. | Coleman-Bush Building | $25 | Move and groove along with singers, dancers, and musicians playing your favorite oldies.
Saturday, Jan. 18
Southern Select | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Branscomb Memorial Auditorium | Free | Headed to Florida Southern College? Admitted students are invited to a free look at campus life, featuring team-building activities, in-depth academic showcases, and Q+A opportunities.*
FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Center at the W.H. Stuart Center in Bartow will close on Saturday, Jan. 4. Visit Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. for in-person Hurricane Milton assistance, or apply online by FEMA’s new deadline of Tuesday, Jan. 7.
Closing
Get those final laps in. Gandy Pool will close for three months on Thursday, Jan. 2. City crews will begin a $433,000 resurfacing project to replace the pool’s finish and tiles. Until the pool reopens in April, swimmers can use the unheated Simpson Park pool or the YMCA of West Central Florida’s.
Eat
We’re just a few weeks away from the opening of Sora, LAL’s new food hall led by the owners of Omusubee and Wafu Taiyaki, both of which began as Catapult members. For an early taste test, find Omusubee at tomorrow’s downtown farmers market + Wafu at Orlando’s East End Market.
Health
Is there a doctor in the house? With a boom in local healthcare developments, it’s more likely than ever. You’ll find more than 20 medical centers around town by 2027, including new hospitals from AdventHealth and Orlando Health + several freestanding ERs. (LkldNow)
Shop
Early bird fans of the Dixieland Night Market are in luck — the event is now expanding to include a Dixieland Mid-Day Market on the first and third Sunday of each month. The first one will take place on Sunday, Jan. 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. behind Union Hall.
Number
200. That’s how many jobs could be created by construction of a rail spur between commercial properties in south Winter Haven. City commissioners are considering applying for a grant to cover half of the $3 million project, which would create up to $85 million in ad valorem taxable value. (Winter Haven Daily)
Plan Ahead
It’s time to start registering + training for spring 5K season. Join the Lakeland Regional Health Hollis Cancer Center Promise Run on the Lake Mirror Promenade on March 1, or try the new SUN ‘n RUN 5K route around Lakeland International Airport on April 5.
Try This
For a winter break activity that’s just plane fun, head to Fantasy of Flight every Friday-Sunday. Located just outside of Lakeland in Polk City, this museum is home to the largest private collection of vintage aircraft in the world. Explore more local museums. (Family Destinations Guide)
Active
Embark on a journey to better health and empowermentwithone of Lakeland Regional Health’s 12-week fitness challenges. Whether you’re flying solo or teaming up, there’s something for everyone (think: free group workouts, complimentary health screenings, and prizes). Learn more + register.*
The holidays are here — and with them come extra expenses. Regain control of seasonal credit card debt with a 0% intro APR credit card. Experts scoped out this top option that offers a long interest-free period and earns up to 20,000 miles after spending $500 in the first three months.*
Fun Fact
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🎁 Don’t miss these last-minute gift picks
Including a cute necklace and a Kindle remote page turner. | Graphic by 6AM city
Need a last-minute holiday gift that will ship quickly? Shop five great gifts available with Prime two-day shipping.
Layering initial necklace | $15.99 | Ship it fast, but make it feel personal with this 14K gold necklace displaying their first name initial.
Magnetic portable power bank charger | $37.99 | Perfect for the friend whose phone is always dying, this portable charger offers on-the-go power.
Candle warmer lamp + Thymes Fraiser Fir Candle | $39.99 + $36.00 | Make a candle extra special by pairing it with a warmer lamp that will make it last longer with flame-free heat.
We still have can’t-miss stories coming for you next week before we take some time off for the holidays, but this is the final newsletter I’ll write in 2024. Looking back on this whirlwind year, I’m remembering all the fun we had, the times we stuck together when things got hard, and how we always kept things just a little weird. See you in 2025, Lakeland.
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