Support Us Button Widget
Sponsored Content

6 holiday events to attend (safely) at Lakeside Village 🎄

Sponsored by
Child with Santa

Celebrate the holidays (safely) at Lakeside Village | Photo via Unsplash

Table of Contents

The holiday season is here. And while it might look a little different this year, Lakeside Village is celebrating all season long with a series of (socially-distanced) outdoor events and programs. 🎄 Here’s how to get into the holiday spirit safely.

🔔 Kettle Kick off with the Salvation Army | Nov. 20 | 6-7 p.m.

The lighting of the Lakeside Village Christmas tree marks the unofficial start to the holiday season. Join the lighting ceremony and ring in the season with the start of the Red Kettle Campaign, a 130-year-old tradition which assists 4 million+ people during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season.

🎅 Photos with Santa | Nov. 21- Dec. 19

Photos will take place indoors with 2 different sets to ensure children can share their wishes with Santa safely. Instead of being at the tree, he’ll be near the roundabout at 1473 Town Center Dr. (near Sunglass Hut).

Each family can reserve an appointment for their spot in line (using the widget on the Santa event page). Lakeside Village also will require masks to be worn while in line. Reserve your spot here.

Children can also write and drop off letters to Santa in Lakeside Village’s special mailboxes or when they visit Santa. Include a return address and Santa will even send a letter back from the North Pole. 📬

🛍️ Holiday Artisan Market | Dec. 13 | 12-5 p.m.

Shop for artisanal gifts from local makers.

❄️ Catch snowflakes around the fountain | Nov. 21-Dec. 19 | 5-9 p.m. every Thursday, Friday + Saturday

Snow flurries will appear for 5 minutes at the fountain every hour on the hour.

🎄Strolling Carolers | Nov. 21-Dec. 1

Enjoy the sounds of the holidays as you shop each Friday night.

🎶 Free concerts at the fountain | Now-Dec. 17 | 6-9 p.m.

Every Thursday now until Dec. 17, shoppers can enjoy a free concert from 6-9 p.m. Upcoming acts include Harrison Light Duo Jazz, Z Street Trio and John Harmon. See the full lineup here.

Bonus: From Black Friday to Christmas Eve (on select dates), students from George Jenkins High School will be offering their gift-wrapping services for free. Find them between bd’s Mongolian grill and Famous Footwear if you need a present wrapped – even gifts that weren’t purchased at Lakeside Village.

More from LALtoday
Polk Vision published the assessment in June 2025 after 18 months of data collection.
Take a bite of Lakeland’s past at these restaurants that have stood the test of time.
It’s your party and you’ll enjoy these deals if you want to.
Dive into how nearly a century and a half of history is kept alive with historical markers around town.
This list of volunteer opportunities in Lakeland includes everything from packing food for children in need to fostering pets.
Millions of years ago, marine animals, mammals, and reptiles called Florida home. Learn about five whose fossils have been found in the Bone Valley area of Polk County.
Prepare for fall weather in Lakeland, Florida with these seasonal temperature and precipitation outlooks.
This city boasts top-ranked medical providers and specialty services. Our comprehensive guide will help you find the care you need — whether you’re new to town or just looking around.
We’re here to make your flying process plane and simple.
The store finds vacant retail spaces and signs temporary leases to set up shop leading up to Halloween — but locations can change each year.