You’ll catch Santa and Mrs. Claus at the end of every Christmas Parade. | Photo by LALtoday
The Lakeland Christmas Parade is back this Thursday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m., and this year’s theme is “Rocking Around Lakeland.” Parade participants will compete for awards like most original float while viewers jockey for seats.
We can’t save your spot, but we can share these tips to elevate your parade experience.
Here comes Santa Claus
...right down Lemon Street. The parade route will begin at the RP Funding Center, travel through downtown, pass Munn Park, wind around Lake Mirror, and head down Orange Street to end back where it started.
Expect heavy traffic throughout Lakeland, especially downtown. Road closures around the route begin as early as 3:30 p.m., and past parades drew ~50,000 visitors.
Save our downtown parking guide for help in snagging a good parking spot. You can also find accessible parade viewing + spaces for vehicles with a disabled parking permit in the Park & Ride lot on East Rose Street.
Wondering where to sit? Keep scrolling to learn our favorite spot.
Through CPS Cares, their team has helped support neighbors, nonprofits, and students for years, and 2025 has been one of their most impactful to date.
➡️ Showing up for local causes
Last month, CPS collected and donated hundreds of toiletries, towels, ponchos, deodorant, and pediatric coloring kits to local nonprofits Talbot House, Central Florida Healthcare, and Peace River Center’s Children’s Resiliency Center.
👕 Supporting schools + educators
CPS also expanded its school outreach with a district-wide winter uniform drive, and sent the Frozen Treats Truck to campuses to give teachers and staff a well-earned ice cream break.
Looking for your own ways to give back? Visit their website to find more examples of positive community change, or check out our roundup of 40+ volunteer opportunities around Lakeland.
You win some, you lose some. Lakeland made it through a relatively quiet hurricane season, but now Polk County has enacted a burn ban due to drought conditions. The Southwest Florida Water Management District has also issued a water shortage order, so follow the irrigation guidelines.
Opening
Aldi’s next Lakeland store opens this week at 2900 Lakeland Highlands Rd., in Winn-Dixie’s former spot. Visit on Wednesday, Dec. 3 for sneak peek shopping, and be one of the first 100 in line on Thursday, Dec. 4 to get goodie bags + golden tickets with possible discounts.
Development
Polk County Parks and Natural Resources will host a public meeting tonight to share plans for the future Daughtery Road Park. Head to Dr. N.E. Roberts Elementary School at 6 p.m. to see what’s coming in Phase I, including multipurpose fields and concession areas. (The Ledger)
Number
1,000. That’s how many bicycles Polk County Toys for Tots plans to give to kids this season. Want to help it reach that goal? Donate at these drop box sites by Monday, Dec. 15. (The Ledger)
If your house is now in holiday mode, give your fall decor new life through Pumpkins for Pigs. This organization lists farms accepting pumpkins + other items, including Hopewell Heritage Farm in Plant City. Its pigs would also love hay, acorns, scrap lumber, and more.
The holidays sometimes come with a few surprises — but accidents and sniffles don’t have to ruin the fun. The good news: Lakeland Regional Health’s urgent care is there for you when you need it. Learn more.*
Asked
Answered
When do you set up your chairs for the parade?
Anything left to save a seat before parade day may be removed by the city.
Photo by LALtoday
48% — I’m not a parade person 31% — As soon as I can on the morning of the parade 14% — Right before it starts 5% — A few hours early
One reader said, “I have someone else set up my chair for me,” (smart) and one said, “The night before” (we wouldn’t). Remember that the City of Lakeland asks residents to refrain from placing their chairs until the day of the parade + to keep sidewalks clear.
Anywhere along the route will give you a good experience, but we usually sit near Lake Mirror to see the fireworks that signal the start of the parade at 7 p.m. Just come prepared to get cozy — the parade can last up to two hours.
The perfect two-piece sweater set for winter. It features a long sleeve crew neck top paired with a split hem midi skirt. We love that it’s cute, comfy, and warm, and can be dressed up or down for any occasion. Bonus: It’s available in some great seasonal colorways like almond white + red white.
With my powers of triangulation, I may have found the best parade viewing spot. Set up near Catapult for easy access to restrooms, clear views of the fireworks, and a quick walk to restaurants — plus, the judges’ station is nearby, so performers will be at their best. As for where to park, I’m still figuring that part out.
}})
