Get your fuzzy socks and hot cocoa ready, Lakeland. From family fun to holiday performances and festive parties, winter is where Swan City thrives.
Gather the family and friends and celebrate what makes the holiday season special with this guide featuring 60+ winter events happening between December and February.
Festivals, celebrations + community events
43rd Annual Lakeland Christmas Parade
Make your way downtown on Thursday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. to see floats decorated with this year’s “Christmas at Swan Lake” theme pass through — we’ve made our list of pro tips and checked it twice.
First Friday: Holiday Spectacular
Santa Claus will make another trip downtown on Friday, Dec. 6 for pictures while local makers + food trucks set up shop in the streets.
Camphor Heights Holiday Festival
Find Santa, trolley train rides, a mobile Florida Children’s Museum, and a holiday movie at this neighborhood celebration in Dobbins Park from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7.
14th Annual Festival of Wreaths, Bartow
Browse + bid on festive wreaths decorated by Polk residents, bizzes, and organizations at the Polk County History Center through Thursday, Dec. 12.
Light Up BSP
Bonnet Springs Park will become a winter wonderland nightly Saturday, Dec. 14-Tuesday, Dec. 31 with free light displays and fun for the whole family.
It’s a Festivus Miracle
Come prepared to air your grievances while sipping on holiday-flavored pints at Swan Brewing. The celebration begins at 3 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 23.
Christmas Lane, Plant City
The Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds get a festive upgrade complete with 1.5 million lights on select days through Tuesday, Dec. 24. Tickets start at $10.
Kwanzaa Celebration
Join this free community event at St. Mark United Methodist Church on Thursday, Dec. 26 at 5 p.m. The celebration will feature dancing, poetry reading, a candlelit ceremony, and an address from keynote speaker Dr. Kristopher Childs.
Hanukkah Celebration
Join Temple Emanuel on Saturday, Dec. 28 at 6:15 p.m. for light bites, a candle lighting, and family-friendly activities to celebrate the Festival of Lights.
The Wonderland of Lights, Auburndale
Head over to International Market World through Sunday, Dec. 29 to drive through hundreds of holiday light displays for $25 per car.
New Year’s Eve Party
Party + dance at Union Hall on Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 8 p.m. until midnight with live music by the Sofa Kings. General admission tickets start at $15.
Lakeland’s New Year’s Eve Party
Just down the road at Black Swan Venue, Lakelanders will ring in the new year with bites, bevs, and beats starting at 9 p.m. on Dec. 31. General admission tickets start at $15.
Central Florida Comic Con
Release your inner fan at this celebration of all things nerdy, including cosplay, celebrity guests, and contests, from Friday, Jan. 17 to Sunday, Jan. 19 at the RP Funding Center. Get a single day pass for as low as $25, or go VIP for the weekend for $149.
Spirit of the Buffalo Pow Wow and Native American Festival, Auburndale
This event at International Market World will feature crafts, intertribal dance competitions, historic displays, and 60+ exhibitors. Join the celebration each weekend from Friday, Feb. 7 to Sunday, Feb. 16 — admission starts at $4 for kids.
Holiday markets
Christmas Market
Stop by Lugo’s Craft Distillery from 3 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7 to grab a cup of holiday spirits that can be enjoyed while shopping from local vendors.
Holiday Bandit Market, Winter Haven
Get into the festive mood with a stroll through this outdoor market in Central Park featuring creations from local makers + food trucks. The festivities will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7.
Holiday Night Market
More than 150 creatives, artists, and makers will take over downtown Lakeland on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 5 to 9:30 p.m.
401 Market
This first annual market hosted by Amonie Jo’s Coffee and The Curated Collective will feature organic coffee, vintage finds + unique maker creations — check it out from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15.
Valentine Night Market
“Come and get your love” at this market in downtown Lakeland, including 150+ food vendors + makers, on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 5 to 9 p.m.
Lakeland Record Fair, Volume V
Join the team from Jesse Carl Vinyl at the Lake Mirror Auditorium from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 23 to shop for vinyl records, CDs, and cassette tapes while a DJ plays. General admission is $5.
Merry music
Southeastern University School of Music’s Christmas Concerts
Catch these festive concerts featuring all of SEU’s major ensembles, including the full orchestra and choirs, from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6 and Saturday, Dec. 7. Tickets start at $20.
‘Tis the Season: Holiday Concert
Bring your own chairs and blankets to celebrate with live music, storytime, snowfall + more at Lakeside Village. The free festivities kick off on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 5 p.m.
The Christmas Gala: Home for the Holidays
Student + faculty members of FSC’s orchestra, symphony, jazz bands, and choirs will play your favorite songs. Attend one of the performances at Branscomb Memorial Auditorium on Saturday, Dec. 7 — tickets are $10.
“Winter Praises”
The Lakeland Choral Society will sing through centuries of diverse holiday music in this 3 p.m. concert at City Central Church on Sunday, Dec. 8. Admission is $10 and children’s tickets are free.
Harrison School for the Arts Music of the Season Concerts
Choral and orchestra students will perform a program of holiday classics Thursday, Dec. 12 + Friday, Dec. 13, 7-9 p.m. Tickets are $16 for students and older adults and $18 for adults.
Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Tour 2024
Musicians and vocalists from seven different countries will perform classic carols in this evening of music at the RP Funding Center on Friday, Dec. 13 — tickets start at $45.
Jingle + Mingle, Bartow
Celebrate the holiday season at the Polk County History Center by taking in a musical performance from the Berkley Charter School Chorus on Saturday, Dec. 14. The free concert (complete with cookies) begins at 11 a.m.
Toast to the Holidays
Feel the ho-ho-ho-holiday spirit at this festive concert featuring cherished classics and joyful seasonal tunes performed by the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra. Performances will be held Saturday, Dec. 14 + Sunday, Dec. 15 at Florida Southern’s Branscomb Auditorium — tickets start at $29.
Candlelight Holiday Concerts
A string quartet will perform classical carols by the glow of candlelight in the Lake Mirror Auditorium on Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 6:30 p.m and 9 p.m. Tickets start at $46.50.
Opera Christmas Gala
World-renowned soprano Tatiana Kallmann will immerse you in the magic of the holiday season with a night of seasonal music at the Polk Theatre on Thursday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $25.
Seasonal stage shows
”It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play,” Winter Haven
Local actors will perform this holiday classic in the style of a live 1940s radio broadcast from Thursday, Dec. 5 through Sunday, Dec. 22 at Theatre Winter Haven. Tickets are $36.
Harrison School for the Arts Winter Dance Concerts
Students will take the stage on Friday, Dec. 6 and Saturday, Dec. 7 for dance performances inspired by the season — tickets are $12.
”The Crystal Nutcracker”
Performers from Crystal’s World of Dance will put on this show about Clarice + her Nutcracker Prince at the Polk Theatre on Sunday, Dec. 8. Tickets are $25.
”Tuck Everlasting: Youth Edition”
Lakeland Community Theatre will perform an abridged version of this musical based on the classic novel for one weekend only from Friday, Dec. 13 to Sunday, Dec. 15. Tickets are $15.
“The Nutcracker”
Performers from Florida Dance Arts will perform this classic ballet filled with magic, whimsy, and adventure on Saturday, Dec. 21 and Sunday, Dec. 22. Tickets are $40.
“Forever Plaid,” Winter Haven
Kick off the new year with local actors as they perform a musical revenue featuring songs from the 1930s to 1950s. The show runs at Theatre Winter Haven from Thursday, Jan. 2 through Sunday, Jan. 19 — tickets are $36.
“Anastasia,” Winter Haven
Take a “journey to the past” by attending a performance of this musical based on the beloved film from Thursday, Jan. 16 to Sunday, Feb. 16 at Theatre Winter Haven. Tickets are $36.
”The Light in the Piazza”
You’ll be transported to the Tuscan countryside as local actors perform this Tony Award-winning musical from Friday, Jan. 17 through Sunday, Jan. 26 at Lakeland Community Theatre. Tickets are $30.
”Tootsie”
Laughing out loud is highly encouraged during performances of this musical comedy. Catch a performance at Lakeland Community Theatre Friday, Feb. 14-Sunday, March 2 — tickets are $30.
Fa-la-la-la-family
Selfies with Santa, Bartow
Reserve a spot to get a picture with Father Christmas himself on Saturday, Dec. 7 and Saturday, Dec. 21 at the Polk County History Center.
Grinchmas Bingo Party
You’re a mean one if you miss this bingo + crafting event for Whos of all ages at the Lakeland Public Library’s Main Branch. Stop by from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7.
Winter Workshop
Drop into the Lakeland Public Library’s Larry R. Jackson Branch from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7 to try a variety of wintry crafts + snacks geared toward elementary and middle schoolers.
Wonder House Christmas Tours, Bartow
Book a guided daytime or nighttime tour of this historic, mysterious home from Saturday, Dec. 7 to Sunday, Jan. 12. Tickets start at $25.
Flight Before Christmas
Make like one of Santa’s reindeer and fly over to the Florida Air Museum on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 4 to 8 p.m. to take a tour through an aviation-themed light maze while sipping on cider or cocoa — and don’t forget to snag a selfie with Santa. Tickets are $10 at the door.
44th Annual Snowfest
Lake Mirror will become a winter wonderland with snow, lights, and family activities from 5 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7.
Cookies and Cocoa with Santa
Kids of all ages can meet Santa for free or pay $5 to decorate cookies + cocoa. This family-friendly holiday party will take over the Black Swan Venue on Sunday, Dec. 8 and Saturday, Dec. 21.
Santa’s Calling
Sign up to receive a call from Santa to your kids on Tuesday, Dec. 10 — time slots are limited.
Pictures with Santa
Bring your Christmas wishlist to The Joinery on Friday, Dec. 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. for the chance to give it to the big man himself.
Festive Flix
Bring a lawn chair or blanket down to the Lake Mirror Amphitheater on Friday, Dec. 13 to watch “The Muppet Christmas Carol” on the big screen with complimentary popcorn. The movie will begin at 7 p.m.
Gravity Rally + Toys for Tots
Bring an unwrapped + unopened toy for Toys for Tots to The Joinery on Sunday, Dec. 15 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to get up close and personal with sports, luxury, and exotic cars.
Breakfast with Santa & Friends
A $24.99 ticket will get kids breakfast, unlimited attractions, and a meet + greet with Santa and his friend the Snow Queen at Family Fun Center on Saturday, Dec. 21.
PlatformKIDS Art Festival
Polk County students will showcase their art spanning visual media, film, fashion, music, and performance art at the Florida Children’s Museum on Saturday, Feb. 15.
Festive food + drink
LKLD SantaCon 2024
Dress in your festive finest and join this bar crawl throughout downtown Lakeland. The party kicks off at Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7.
Santa Claus is Coming
Join the Swan Brewing crew for holiday trivia, seasonal sips, bites from Smokin’ Chanchos, and a visit from Santa — the festivities begin at 6:30 p.m on Wednesday, Dec. 11.
Foodie Fun: Holiday Style
Register to learn clever culinary tips from the pros at UF/IFAS Extension Polk County that are sure to level up your holiday spread — the free event will take place Thursday, Dec. 12 at Lakeland Public Library’s Main Branch.
Dinner with Holiday Carolers
A quartet of carolers will serenade you with holiday tunes while you enjoy a specially themed dinner at the Terrace Grille on Friday, Dec. 13 or Saturday, Dec. 14.
Brunch with Santa
If you’re still hungry after that dinner, families can enjoy a holiday brunch at Terrace Grille on Saturday, Dec. 14 or Sunday, Dec. 15 before meeting with Santa to share their wishlists.
11th Annual Top Chef of Polk County
Watch local chefs compete for top honors while raising funds for Achievement Academy. The competition kicks off at 6 p.m. at Bonnet Springs Park’s Event Center on Monday, Feb 24.
An avalanche of active events
Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Join this 2-mile walk solo or with a team on Saturday, Dec. 7 to help raise $250,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association. Be at the starting line at 8 a.m. at Bonnet Springs Park.
2024 Holly Jolly Jingle Bell Jog 5K & Reindeer Dash Kids’ Fun Run
Wear your most festive fitness gear for a run to benefit the city’s Three Parks Trail Perpetual Fund. Racers will take their mark at Cleveland Heights Golf Club on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 7:30 a.m.
21st Annual Rotary Twilight 5K 2025
Take a scenic evening run around Lake Hollingsworth on Friday, Feb. 7 to benefit Common Ground Playground — the race kicks off at 7 p.m.
2025 Polk Senior Games
Cheer on adults aged 50+ as they compete in sports and activities across Polk County from Saturday, Feb. 22 through Saturday, March 8. Spectator tickets begin at $12.
