Why Hallmark should make a Christmas movie in Lakeland, FL

And no, it’s not for our glistening snowfall.

A light-up Santa and his reindeer overlook downtown Lakeland

Santa and his reindeer keep watch over downtown atop the Lakeland Electric building

Still via @mannyfilmz

Table of Contents

Dear Hallmark,

We know it’s a busy time of year for you, so we’ll keep this brief. We’re writing to you today to let you know that Lakeland, FL is the perfect backdrop for your next Hallmark Christmas Movie.

Okay, we know what you’re thinking — Central Florida probably isn’t exactly what comes to mind when you start scouting for filming locations. We’re going to try to convince you, anyway.

We may be biased, but we think our city would be perfect year-round for any made-for-tv romance film. However, we’ve narrowed down our list to what makes it so special this time of year:

  • Our quaint downtown decorated with twinkling lights dripping from the trees
  • Lake Morton and its light-up swans casting a glow on our real royal avians
  • A sparkling Christmas tree floating in the center of Lake Mirror
  • An indoor ice skating rink that almost feels like the real thing
  • Our annual Christmas Parade that draws tens of thousands for floats, music, prizes, and more
  • Santa and his reindeer overlooking downtown
  • Christmas markets filled with handmade goods from local makers
  • Plus, you really can’t beat the weather. Who doesn’t love a cool breeze and a sunny day?

For those reasons, many people already escape to Swan City to feel like they’re in one of your films. Did we mention our residents (like @grizbizzz) ask themselves questions like “What hallmark Christmas movie is this? 😍" when they see our picturesque downtown?

In conclusion, we think you should bring a Hallmark Christmas Movie production to Lakeland, FL. You won’t have to budget for any set production because the beauty, romance, and beautiful scenery are here 365 days a year. Well... you might need a snow machine.

Wishing you very happy holidays,

The LALtoday Team

Reader feedback

Hey again, Hallmark.

We took care of your focus group for you and asked our citizens what your Lakeland-based Christmas flick should be named. Here are their suggestions:

  • “I’ll Have a Warm and Sunny Christmas”
  • “Hometown Christmas in the Sun”
  • “Palm Trees and Christmas Trees”
  • “Swan City Christmas”
  • “Holiday by the Lakes”
  • “Christmas Doesn’t Have to be White”
  • “Jingle the Christmas Bells in Lakeland”
  • “Lakeland’s White Christmas Miracle”
  • “Krampus comes to Lakeland for the Holiday Season”
  • “5K on Christmas Day”
  • “Lakeland Magic”
  • “Christmas with the swans”
  • “Christmas in Paradise”
  • “A warm and sunny Christmas”
  • “The Swan Who Stole Xmas”
  • “Swan City Love”

Looking for more? Our Instagram followers chimed in with some suggestions of their own.

  • “The Christmas Swan Miracle”
  • “A Christmas in Swan City”
  • “Hot mess Christmas”
  • “Noel on the lake”
  • “Swan City”
More from LALtoday
Keep reading for our favorite local love story.
We may not have snow, but there are plenty of gold medal-worthy ways to pretend you’re at the Milan-Cortina Games.
Whether you’re seeking a whirlwind romance or a fresh friendship, our readers share where they would go to meet someone new in Swan City.
This state organization invites you to visit 100+ historic Florida places in celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary.
Do you remember your first Lakeland concert? Did your favorite musician make a major impact? Share your concert memories with us for a chance to be featured.
This listing on New Jersey Road shows that your bathroom truly can be an oasis at home.
Get to know the all-star NFL athletes who once called Lakeland home.
Put your money where your community is and help us create a guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local spots and sharing this page with a friend.
Whether you’re hosting at home or bringing your team to a sports bar, we’ve got a game plan that will have your guests naming you the MVP.
Grab your boo or your bestie to celebrate love, friendship, and everything in between at these Valentine’s Day events around Swan City.