Week of December 1
Saturday | December 1
MustDo
EMERGE Lakeland: Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl | 7 - 10 p.m. | starting at Federal Bar | $15 - $40 to register | Grab your tackiest sweater and hit the bars with Emerge Lakeland. They’ll be stopping at Federal Bar, Revival, Frescos + Mojo’s. 🍸
Holiday
Carols in the Park: Holiday Market | 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. | Main Street Winter Haven | free | Shop from artist and food vendors, while listening to local choral groups. 🎄
Arts
K-5 Elementary Student Exhibition Reception | 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Polk Museum of Art | free | Select artwork from local elementary school students will be featured in this exhibit.
WaterCooler
Florida Tropics vs. Louis Ambush | 7:05 p.m. | George Jenkins Arena at RP Funding | $8 - $35 | Support the Florida Tropics for their first game of the season. ⚽
Show
Mr. Handsome Band | 8 - 11 p.m. | The Poor Porker
Film
Home Alone | 2 - 4 p.m. | The Polk Theatre | $5 🎥
Cause
Polk County Out of the Darkness Walk | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Florida Southern College | register online | Walk with hundreds of others to bring awareness and fight suicide.
Sunday | December 2
Arts
An Afternoon Melody | 2 - 3 p.m. | Polk Museum of Art | free | A group of faculty-selected Southeastern University students will be performing this afternoon melody.
Kiss Me, Kate | 2:30 - 5 p.m.| Florida Southern College | $9 - $18 | Passions run high as leading lady Lilli Vanessi and her ex-husband, actor/director Fred Graham, battle onstage and off in a production of Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew. 🎭
Show
Toni Brown’s Lunar Mountaineers | 2 - 5 p.m. | Swan Brewing
Night of Hope with Tim Tebow & Kari Jobe | 6 - 9 p.m. | Tropicana Field | free
Monday | December 3
WaterCooler
Monday Night Football Redskins at Eagles | 8:15 - 11:15 p.m. | Swan Brewing 🏈
Arts
Flask Cover Class | 7 - 9 p.m. | Boondock Studios | $55 - $100 | Stamp, dye, and sew up your custom leather cover. Includes 8oz stainless steel flask and a free fill-up.
Network
28th Annual Chamber Golf Scramble | 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Grasslands Golf and Country Club | $200 to register | Spherion is presenting Golf Scramble, allowing you time to re-connect, network, and interact with local chamber members. 🏌️
Theatre
The King & I | 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $45 - $60 | One of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classics is coming to Lakeland this evening. 🎭
Tuesday | December 4
MustDo
Food Trucks at Brew Hub | 4 - 8 p.m. | Brew Hub | Stop by Brew Hub to grab a bite from JazzyBGrille while enjoying a beer. 🍻
Arts
Galaxy Unicorn Craft Party | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. | Bubble Bar cafe | $35 | Join Woodworkin’ Momma for a magical Craft Party to paint a galaxy unicorn head. Reserve your seat.
Show
The Harlem Globetrotters | 7 - 10 p.m. | George Jenkins Arena at RP Funding | $18 - $80 | Celebrate 92 years of comedic basketball entertainment with The Harlem Globetrotters. 🏀
Learn
RAW TV | 7 - 9 p.m. | Bolin Studio, Southeastern University | $2 | Listen to this student-led talk show that will be broadcasted across multiple networks in the nation.
Wednesday | December 5
Volunteer
Good Shepherd Hospice: Nod to Nonprofits | 8 - 9 a.m. | Lakeland Hospice House | free to register | Learn more about Good Shepherd Hospice with the Lakeland Chamber.
Learn
Windows 10 Basics | 10 - 11 a.m. | Lakeland Public Library | register | Discover all the ins and outs of the latest version of Windows. Learn how to customize the Start menu, manage multiple desktops, and use a web browser to surf the Internet.
Inner Peace Flow | 10 - 11 a.m. | Soul Tree Yoga Studio | $10 | Inner Peace Flow is perfect for beginners and is gentle in nature. We begin the class with centering/simple breathwork, then move into Asana, and end in Savasana. 🧘
Arts
Merry & Bright - Evening Painting Class | 7 - 9 p.m. | Art Centric Studio | $35 | Your instructor will walk you through step by step on a 16'’ x 20'’ canvas. Arrive 15 - 20 mins early to find a seat + prepare your paint colors. 🖌
Thursday | December 6
MustDo
The Lakeland Christmas Parade: A Storybook Christmas | 7 - 9:30 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | free | This is the 38th annual Christmas Parade. Get there early for a good seat.
Snow at the Christmas Tree | 5 - 9 p.m. | Lakeside Village | free | This holiday season, enjoy the snow falling around the Lakeside Village Christmas Tree.
Show
Lakeside Village Live | 6 - 9 p.m. | Lakeside Village, by the fountain | free | The presenting artists are Phoenix Jazz Duo. 🎷
Ukulele Night | 7 - 9 p.m. | The Red Door 🎶
Friday | December 7
MustDo
First Friday: Hometown Holiday | 6 - 9 p.m. | Munn Park | free | Downtown restaurants and shops will be open late with Santa + Mrs. Claus ready for pictures. 🎄
TryThis
Lights of Lakeland | 6:30 - 9 p.m. | Highland Park Church | free | See the annual display of 500,000 lights. 💡
Volunteer
Friday Forum: Nod to Nonprofits with John Rivers | 7 - 9 a.m. | Hollis Cancer Center Campisi Family Auditorium | $15 - $30 to register | Get to know John Rivers, who has successfully grown one of the best BBQ chains recognized.
Arts
FRamily Ornament Paint Night | 4 - 10 p.m. | Art Centric Studio | $10 for first person, $5 for everyone else after | The studio will provide all the needed supplies to create your ornament, including galvanized metal ornaments (w/ jute cord), paint, markers, and even pom-poms. 🎄
Yappy Hour Paw Print Event | 4 - 7 p.m. | PicassoZ Art Cafe | $17.50 | Create a keepsake ornament with the print of your favorite 4-legged family member! Paw washing station and pup treats available! They will assist with lettering + dates for the back. 🐾
WaterCooler
Lakeland Magic vs. Grand Rapids Drive | 7 p.m. | George Jenkins Arena at RP Funding | $10 - $125 🏀
Saturday | December 8
MustDo
Snowfest 2018 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Munn Park | $1 - $10, or two canned goods | Climb atop the snow mountain, jump on the inflatables, or admire the crafts at this annual event. ❄
Lights of Lakeland | 6:30 - 9 p.m. | Highland Park Church | free | See the annual display of 500,000 lights. 💡
TryThis
Winterfest 2018 - Flight School | 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. | SUN ‘n FUN | $18 - $32 | Hosted by I l Love Driving Slow.
Lakeland SantaCon 2018 | 5 - 11:55 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | free | Come dressed in your best Santa costume and help support local businesses.
Theatre
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol | 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $34 - $44 | This Christmas classic will be playing for one night only. 🎶
Shop
Merry Mardi Gras Street Market | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | The Beatnik Exchange and Indie Blu | free | Find shopping, food, and entertainment for the holidays, including all things vintage and unique.
Arts
Tis the Season: The Christmas Gala | 2:30 + 7:30 p.m. | Branscomb Memorial Auditorium at FSC | $8 | Florida Southern’s Department of Music will be putting on a Christmas show, featuring some holiday favorites. 🎹
Show
Adam C Martin of Blackbird Anthem | 8 - 10 p.m. | The Poor Porker 🎶
Sunday | December 9
MustDo
Lights of Lakeland | 6:30 - 9 p.m. | Highland Park Church | free | See the annual display of 500,000 lights. 💡
Art
Tampa Holiday Market for Makers | 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. | The Cuban Club | $7 - $20 | You’ll find makers, a full bar, food trucks, free gift wrapping + flower crowns.
Cause
Light Up Lakeland for Literacy Display | 6 - 11 p.m. | The Junior League of Greater Lakeland and the Lunz Group have dedicated today to be the day to light your lantern, bought to benefit local literacy development, and place them on your curb. They hope to light up the whole city. 🏮
WaterCooler
Lakeland Magic vs. Long Island Nets | 6 - 8:30 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $10 - $125 🏀
Show
Lakeland Concert Band | 2:30 p.m. | Youkey Theatre | free | Join the Lakeland Concert Band in their 40th season of local free shows.
Week of December 10
Monday | December 10
WaterCooler
Monday Night Football: Vikings at Seahawks | 8:15 - 11:15 p.m. | Swan Brewing | free 🏈
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. New York Rangers | 7:30 p.m. | Amalie Arena | $33.25 - $136.25 🏒
Arts
Face Painting and Balloon Twisting | 6 - 8 p.m. | Duke’s Brewhouse | Kids eat free with adult meal. Wagner Events will be doing Face Painting and Balloon Twisting.
Show
Damon Fowler Live | 7:30 - 11 p.m. | La La Land 🎶
Tuesday | December 11
MustDo
Food Trucks at Brew Hub | 4 - 8 p.m. | Brew Hub | Stop by Brew Hub to grab a bite from the visiting food truck while enjoying a beer. 🍻
Show
Imperial Symphony Orchestra Handel’s Messiah | 7 - 9 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $19 - $39 | Need some holiday spirit? Try the festive sounds of Lakeland Choral Society and the Imperial Symphony. 🎼
Drink
Tattoo Tuesday: Ink, Drink, Karaoke | 8 p.m. - 2 a.m. | La La Land | free | Show your tattoos to get Hospitality Happy Hour prices all night.
WaterCooler
Lakeland Magic vs. Knicks | 7 - 9:30 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $2 - $125 🏀
Wednesday | December 12
Drink
Publix Appreciation Night | 7 - 9 p.m. | The Brass Tap | Publix employees get 50% off pints with valid proof of employment. 🍻
Shop
ABWA Holiday Showcase | 11 a.m - 2 p.m. | Cleveland Heights Golf Club | $15 | Christmas shop and network with local business women. Lunch is included in ticket price.
Network
LBL Insider AM Edition: Business & Conversation | 7:30 - 9 a.m. | Catapult Lakeland | free to register | Sit down with local business leaders as they discuss challenges, ways to connect + how to grow a business.
Show
An Evening with Yours Truly | 8 p.m. | The Pink Piano | free 🎹
Thursday | December 13
MustDo
Downtown Lakeland Food Truck Rally | 6 - 9 p.m. | Munn Park | free
Drink
Lakeland Wine Tasting | 6 - 8 p.m. | ABC Fine Wine & Spirits | $10 | Taste the vast selection of fine wines at our local ABC. Pro Tip: you get to keep your wine glass. 🍷
Show
Lakeside Village Live | 6 - 9 p.m. | Lakeside Village, by the fountain | free | The featuring artists are Z Street Trio. 🎶
Arts
Open Studio | 7 - 10 p.m. | Art Centric Studio | free to register | Art Centric will be opening up their studio once a month for you to create and meet other artists. Bring your own supplies. 🎨
Friday | December 14
MustDo
Lights of Lakeland | 6:30 - 9 p.m. | Highland Park Church | free | See the annual display of 500,000 lights. 💡
Shop
Holiday Walkabouts in Downtown Lakeland | 6 - 9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | free | Downtown shops will be open late for last minute Christmas shopping, handing out cider and cookies, as well.
Arts
Notebook Wallet Class | 7 - 9 p.m. | Boondocks Studio | $95 - $180 | Choose your leather color, punch holes, and sew up your own notebook wallet.
Show
The Walker Smith Band | 8:30 p.m. | The Pink Piano 🎶
Saturday | December 15
MustDo
Santa at the Christmas Tree | 1 - 5 p.m. | Lakeside Village | Santa returns this season for Christmas wishes and keepsake photos. Bring your own camera for free pictures. 🎅🏼
Lights of Lakeland | 6:30 - 9 p.m. | Highland Park Church | free | See the annual display of 500,000 lights. 💡
Active
Holly Jolly Jingle Bell Jog 5k & Reindeer Dash | 7:30 - 10 a.m. | 2900 Buckingham Ave | $10 - $35 | Runners and walkers of all levels are welcome to this festive 5k. 🏃
Theatre
The Nutcracker | 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. | Branscomb Memorial Auditorium at FSC | $15 - $25 | Come see Tchaikovsky’s timeless piece, The Nutcracker, performed by the Florida Dance Theatre.
Film
The Polar Express | 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | The Polk Theatre | $5 🎥
Dinner and a Movie: A Christmas Story | 6:30 - 9 p.m. | The Polk Theatre | $22 or $5 for movie only | Menu coming soon!
Sunday | December 16
MustDo
Lights of Lakeland | 6:30 - 9 p.m. | Highland Park Church | free | See the annual display of 500,000 lights. 💡
Theatre
The Nutcracker | 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. | Branscomb Memorial Auditorium at FSC | $15 - $25 | Come see Tchaikovsky’s timeless piece, The Nutcracker, performed by the Florida Dance Theatre.
Shop
Omni Pop-Up Market | 6 - 10 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Featuring local vendors, artisans, craft beer, food truck deliciousness + live music.
Film
Love Actually | 5:30 - 7:45 p.m. | The Polk Theatre | $5 🎥
Learn
Let’s Get Booked Together | 2 - 3 p.m. | Revival | Revival is building a community of book lovers that welcomes and accepts people of varying sexual orientations and gender identities. 📖
Active
Holiday Healing Nidra | 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. | Yoga Pointe | $15 to register | Nidra is the practice that allows our body to turns off our ‘flight or fight’ response and turn on our ‘relaxation’ response, the body’s natural healing state which gives it the necessary time to heal, slow down + prevent illness. 🧘
Week of December 17
Monday | December 17
Civic
City Commission Meeting | 3:00 - 5:30 p.m. | City Hall | Open to the public.
Network
FlipSavage | 7 - 9 p.m. | Catapult Lakeland | Network at Catapult with Farah Gaston. 🏡
Arts
Jingle Bell Class | 7 - 9 p.m. | Boondock Studio | $55 - $100 | Create your own jingle bells. Choose your leather shape, dye it, decorate it, and add bells. 🎨
Show
Damon Fowler Live | 7:30 - 11 p.m. | La La Land 🎶
Tuesday | December 18
Network
Lakeland Business Networking Lunch | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Village Inn | Two meetings are free, then membership fees apply.
MustDo
Food Trucks at Brew Hub | 4 - 8 p.m. | Brew Hub | Stop by Brew Hub to grab a bite from Manolitos Cuban Shop while enjoying a beer. 😋
Show
Jam Night Tuesdays | 9 p.m. - 12 a.m. | Ybor Lounge Live | All musicians welcome to jam out.
Open Mic Night | 6 - 9 p.m. | Swan Brewing 🎙
Drink
Tattoo Tuesday: Ink, Drink, Karaoke | 8 p.m. - 2 a.m. | La La Land | free | Show your tattoos to get Hospitality Happy Hour prices all night.
Wednesday | December 19
MustDo
Red Tent Wellness Wednesdays | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. | Catapult Lakeland | Join Patty Kenoly for a wellness meet-up. The theme is Holiday Party Sing-a-long.
Show
Cabaret at the Polk: Lindsey Alley | 7:30 - 10:30 p.m. | Polk Theatre | $25 | A wonderful evening of music, comedy, love, and celebration. It’s Christmas and Lindsey is home! She’ll be at the Polk to entertain and regale. 🎄
Active
Inner Peace Flow | 10 - 11 a.m. | Soul Tree Yoga Studio | $10 | Inner Peace Flow is perfect for beginners and is gentle in nature. We begin the class with centering/simple breathwork, then move into Asana and end in Savasana. 🧘
Drink
Publix Appreciation Night | 7 - 9 p.m. | The Brass Tap | Publix employees get 50% off pints with valid proof of employment. 🍻
Thursday | December 20
MustDo
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker | 7 - 9 p.m. | RP Funding Center | $28 - $175 | Presenting world class Russian artists, hand-painted sets, Russian Snow Maidens, and jubilant Nesting Dolls – Great Russian Nutcracker brings the Christmas spirit to life for all ages.
Show
Christmas with Rockapella | 7:30 p.m. | The Polk Theatre | $15 - $25 | Come listen to unique renditions on holiday classics. 🎶
Lakeside Village Live | 6 - 9 p.m. | Lakeside Village, by the fountain | free | The featuring artist is John Harmon. 🎸
Luke Wilmoth // Abbi Ellis | 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. | Hillcrest Coffee
Arts
Front Pocket Wallet Class | 7 - 9 p.m. | Boondock Studios | $45 - $80 | Choose your leather + thread, and learn how to punch holes, sew + assemble.
Friday | December 21
MustDo
Holiday Gala 2018 | 8 p.m. - 1 a.m. | Haus 820 | $25 - $500 | Alpha Promotions present the Holiday Gala 2018 featuring DJ Secret, Barak Amen, and Telicia Da Poet. 🎊
Shop
Holiday Walkabouts in Downtown Lakeland | 6 - 9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | free | Downtown shops will be open late for last minute Christmas shopping. They will be handing out cider and cookies as well. 🛍
Film
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation | 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. | The Polk Theatre | $5 🎥
Show
The Detectives live | 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. | Federal Bar
David Brimer live | 7 - 10 p.m. | Swan Brewing
Saturday | December 22
Show
A&V Project live | 8 p.m. - 12 a.m. | Federal Bar 🎶
Drink
Bad Moms Club Party | 5 - 9 p.m. | Mason’s Live | $10 - $15 | Enjoy a mom’s night out with drink specials. 👯
Arts
Degas: The Private Impressionist | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Polk Museum of Art | free | Today is the first day for the new exhibit Degas. It’s on view until the end of March.
You & Me - Evening Painting Class | 7 - 9 p.m. | Art Centric Studio | $35 🎨
Sunday | December 23
Watch
Elf | 11:30 a.m. | Polk Theatre | $5 📽
It’s a Wonderful Life | 2:00 p.m. | Polk Theatre | $5
Die Hard | 5:00 p.m. | Polk Theatre | $5
Bad Santa | 8:00 p.m. | Polk Theatre | $5
Show
The Raleigh Ringers | 2:30 4:30 p.m. | Youkey Theater at RP Funding Center | $23 - $30 | Hear this unique, internationally-acclaimed handbell choir perform.
TryThis
Winter Village Express | 3:25 - 7:25 p.m. | Downtown Tampa | The TECO Line Streetcar System has partnered with the Tampa Downtown Partnership to bring a themed ride aboard the Winter Village Express. 🚂
Week of December 24
Monday | December 24
WaterCooler
Monday Night Football Broncos at Raiders | 8:15 - 11:15 p.m. | Swan Brewing 🏈
Learn
Special Creative Experience Dance Class | 7 - 8 p.m. | Ultimate Dance Center | tickets | This class caters to individuals with special + developmental needs and fosters a positive environment where everyone is free to be unique. 💃
Drink
Hospitality Night | 9 p.m. - 12 a.m. | The Brass Trap | Enjoy 1/2 off Select liquor, beer, wine.
Trivia Time Monday | 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. | Ybor Lounge Live
Tuesday | December 25
TryThis
Christmas Bricktacular | 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. | LEGOLAND | $54.99 | Features a combination of seasonal shows, special treats, twinkling lights, and more, during Christmas Bricktacular + Kids’ New Year’s Party.
Lights of Winter | 6 - 9 p.m. | 3212 Bella Garden Lane, Plant City | Featuring over 45,000 lights and pixels dancing to music on houses.
Snow Blast | 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Snow Blast Florida | $25 ❄
Wednesday | December 26
Active
Inner Peace Flow | 10 - 11 a.m. | Soul Tree Yoga Studio | $10 | Inner Peace Flow is perfect for beginners and is gentle in nature. We begin the class with centering/simple breathwork, then move into Asana, and end in Savasana. 🧘
MustDo
Food Trucks at Brew Hub | 4 - 8 p.m. | Brew Hub | Stop by Brew Hub to grab a bite from The Arepazo Grill while enjoying a beer. 🍻
TryThis
Lights of Winter | 6 - 9 p.m. | 3212 Bella Garden Lane, Plant City | Featuring over 45,000 lights and pixels dancing to music on houses.
Snow Blast | 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Snow Blast Florida | $25 ❄
Thursday | December 27
MustDo
Food Trucks at Brew Hub | 4 - 8 p.m. | Brew Hub | Stop by Brew Hub to grab a bite from Southern Munchies Food Truck while enjoying a beer. 🍻
Show
OpenMic | 8 p.m. | The Pink Piano 🎙
Karaoke Night | 8 p.m. - 2 a.m. | La La Land
WaterCooler
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Philadelphia Flyers | 7:30 p.m. | Amalie Arena | $33.25 - $136.25 🏒
Friday | December 28
Show
Jon Corneal, and his Geezerbillies | 12 - 2 p.m. | Hillcrest Coffee 🎶
Micah Shane Live | 8 p.m. | Federal Bar
Laurie & Rusty Wright Duo | 7 - 10 p.m. | Swan Brewing
Saturday | December 29
MustDo
Hometeam New Year’s Rally 2018 | 9 a.m. - 1 a.m. | Maddox Ranch | Attend this annual celebration to ring in the New Year, accompanied with music, dancing, yoga + more.
Downtown Lakeland Curb Market | 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland
Show
Dan Signor live | 8 p.m. | Federal Bar 🎶
TryThis
#TheFacebookParty hosted by Trina | 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. | RP Funding Center | $21.50 - $275 | Designed for a 25+ state of mind (21+ admitted, ID required).
Sunday | December 30
Drink
Bottomless Brunch | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Federal Bar | $15 | Bottomless mimosas + a full breakfast menu for family and friends. 🥂
TryThis
Lights of Winter | 6 - 9 p.m. | 3212 Bella Garden Lane, Plant City | Featuring over 45,000 lights and pixels dancing to music on houses.
Snow Blast | 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Snow Blast Florida | $25 | The southeast lot of the Tyrone Square Mall will be filled with snow to make it a Winter Wonderland the whole family can enjoy. ❄️
Monday | December 31
Art
New Years Eve Craft | 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. | The Juice Box | Join the Juice Box for crafts before 2018 comes to a close. ✂
Show
Gypsy & Me | 8 p.m. - 12 a.m. | Swan Brewing 🎶
OakLee live | 9 p.m. | Ybor Lounge Live
Drink
NYE’19 Pink Champagne on Ice Celebration | 9 p.m. | The Pink Piano | Live Entertainment with The Broke. 🥂
