Experience Christmas In Lakeland
ILLUSTRATED BY ALLIE BRINTON
It's undoubtedly the time of year where people and families program time on the couch to take in their favorite Christmas and holiday classics, while also searching hopefully for a new favorite. But the best memories—the ones that end up on social media feeds or in frames on living room walls happen while you are out and about seeing all that the season has to offer. This calendar proves there really are experiences for people of all ages and backgrounds that can illuminate the calendar and be the beginning of new traditions that feel like home.
It’s Not Christmas without these City-Sponsored Events
TREE LIGHTING IN MUNN PARK
Join in as Downtown Lakeland flips the switch on the first-ever Christmas tree in Munn Park.
NOV. 27 at 7:30PM
LAKELAND CHRISTMAS PARADE
The annual classic that includes incredible handcrafted floats and fantastic fireworks is themed “Rockin’ Around Lakeland” for the 2025 rendition. Starts and ends at RP Funding Center.
DEC. 4 at 7PM
FIRST FRIDAY: HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR
Come by Downtown to enjoy food trucks, craft vendors and special holiday-themed activities including free family photos in front of the Munn Park
DEC 5 6-9PM
DOWNTOWN HOLIDAYNIGHT MARKET
Art, home goods, gifts and a mix of eclectic and traditional holiday wares from 200+ artists and makers, plus live music, food, drinks and more.
DEC 13 5-9PM
HOLLY JOLLY JINGLEBELL JOG 5K
Runners are encouraged to dress in holly jolly holiday fashion for the 5k and for the littlest runners who can compete in the Reindeer Dash Kids’ Fun Run. Race takes place at Cleveland Heights Golf Course.
DEC 13 at 7:30AM
Christmas Markets, Activities & Shows
CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE
A Broadway-style production theatrical event to usher in the holiday season. At RP Funding Center.
NOV 28 at 7PM
HOLIDAY CRAFT BAZAAR
45+ holiday craft vendors will fill Munn Park alongside the Farmers Curb Market for a spectacular holiday shopping opportunity.
NOV 29 9-3PM
NATALIE GRANT & DANNY GOKEY CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Kick off your Christmas season with an enjoyable evening full of uplifting music featuring Dove Award winners Natalie Grant and Danny Gokey. At Victory Church.
DEC 5 at 7PM
BETHLEHEM AT LAKES CHURCH
Walk bustling marketplaces, meet live animals and witness the greatest story ever told come alive at Lakes Church.
DEC 5 + 7 5-8PM
LKLD SANTACON
An annual Santa-themed pub crawl Downtown that benefits kidsPACK, Inc.
DEC 6 starting at 5PM
JINGLE MINGLE CHRISTMAS MARKET
Indoor holiday market with 80+ vendors. Free admission, at the RP Funding Center.
DEC 6 10AM-2PM
HOLIDAY FESTIVAL
Neighborhood festival with vendors, music, games located at Dobbins Park.
DEC 6 10AM-2PM
FLIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Airplanes are the star of the show as you walk through a maze of twinkling lights, enjoy cider, hot cocoa and cookies, and get a photo with Santa. At Aerospace Center for Excellence.
DEC 6 4-7PM
SNOWFEST
Come walk in the snow at the Annual Snowfest that includes vendors, food trucks and photos. At the Frances Langford Promenade at Lake Mirror.
DEC 6 5-9PM
MERRY LITTLE FARMER’S MARKET
Holiday market with local makers & festive goods. Located at Heritage Harvest Farmers Market at 8950 N. Campbell Rd.
DEC 7 10AM-2PM
FLORIDA TECHNICAL COLLEGE LAKELAND WINTER FESTIVAL
Photos with Santa, prize raffles, kids activities & more.
DEC 13 10AM-2PM
BRING YOUR LETTER TO SANTA
Santa’s elves are teaming up with Lakeside Village this year to make sure Santa receives your child’s wish list. Children are invited to drop their letters in Santa’s mailbox, which is located by the Christmas Tree in the middle of
the roundabout.
NOV- DEC 15
SANTA’S SUPER GIFT SHOW
New and vintage toys and games, unique handmade gifts, special appearances by Eddie Deezen (Polar Express, Grease, etc.) Scott Schwartz (A Christmas Story) & more. At RP Funding Center.
DEC 20 + 21 10AM-6PM
FLORIDA DANCE ARTS PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER
Enjoy the timeless classic where Clara journeys to the land of the sweets. See it at the RP Funding Center.
DEC 20 + 21
Christmas Lights & Displays
ARIANA VILLAGE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
This spectacular nine-evening event includes inflatables, light displays, music and magic to enjoy from the comfort of your vehicle.
DANCING LIGHTS + SNOWY NIGHTS
The holiday spirit comes alive every Thursday through Saturday from Nov. 28 through December 21 with “snow” flurries and a light show involving a 35-foot tree synchronized to classic holiday tunes.
LAGOON RD AND NEW JERSEY RD
Whimsical animal friends mingle with some well known favorite characters such as Snoopy and the Grinch, and the gang from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer greet passersby at the roadside.
LAKE MIRIAM DR & LANCELOT & LOCHNIVAR
Down these two side streets off the main drive in South Lakeland are often a spectacular and wide spread array of decorations that are worth a drive-by to appreciate.
Check out LakelandMom.com for additional light displays worth checking out
Tree Lots & Farms
RETAILERS THAT SELL CHRISTMAS TREES
Publix
Lowes
Home Depot
TBA CHURCH
This is privately run Christmas Tree in South Lakeland is not associated with TBA Church. There is no Facebook page or website, so you will have to drive by to check
for updates.
BOOGER MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS TREES
This local family-owned and operated Christmas tree retailer has been selling gorgeous greens since 1981, and is open beginning the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Located at Ardella Baptist Church at 709 W. Pipkin Rd.
CHRISTMAS AT STANLEY PARK
It’s not quite in Lakeland, but this family-owned operation located in Winter Haven is an idyllic place for families to go pick out a towering tree to reign in the season and get family photos as well.
Located at 70 Vaughn Rd. in Winter Haven.