LAKELAND TOP 10 LAKELAND CHRISTMAS PARADE Dec. 2, 7pm. Hosted by The Junior League of Greater Lakeland and the City of Lakeland, the Lakeland Christmas Parade is recognized as one of Lakeland’s largest annual events. The parade starts at the RP Funding Center and heads on a 1.25-mile course winding through the city’s streets, around Lake Mirror and back down Lemon Street ending with Santa & Mrs. Claus. lakelandgov.net
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY This beloved American holiday classic comes to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. 863-603-7529. Various days Dec. 3 - 12, purchase tickets in advance. lakelandcommunitytheatre.com
HOLIDAYS AT LEGOLAND
BANDIT MARKET
The holidays at LEGOLAND feature a giant LEGO Christmas tree, fun seasonal shows, holiday characters, special treats, tons of LEGO® activities, twinkling lights, and more! Be mesmerized by the twinkling lights from an all-new 360 degrees light show! Catch a spectacular New Year’s Eve Fireworks show that will be filling up the skies December 26th31st only. Holiday activities on December 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 24-31. Purchase tickets in advance at legoland.com/florida.
Dec. 4, 3-9pm at the Ritz Theatre in Winter Haven. This is an alternative holiday market where the cool kids shop local, handmade, and vintage artisans from all over Central Florida (some making their grand appearance in Winter Haven)! You’ll find fresh and unique products that you’ll actually want to gift your friends and family (and even you, too). There will be live music and entertainment, delicious holiday cocktails, and incredible food! More info on FB & IG @thebanditmarket
HOLIDAY FLY-IN FESTIVAL & CAR SHOW Dec. 3 & 4, this is a brand new experience at the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus! Join them for family fun at the Lakeland Linder International Airport. Come on out and enjoy the beautiful Central Florida fall weather in a place where you can spread out a picnic blanket, and enjoy some great aircraft, displays, and holiday activities! flysnf.org/ holidayfestival/information
HOLLY JOLLY JINGLE BELL JOG 5K Dec. 11, 7am at the Three Parks Trail. This is a fun, festive, chipped, 5k finishing on the Cleveland Heights Golf Course. Runners and walkers of all levels are welcome. Returning this year - the Reindeer Dash Kids’ Fun Run! Virtual option available. Holiday costumes are highly encouraged. The in-person option for this event will be conducted within guidelines established by CDC, state & local governments and subject to change. Register in advance. JBJog.com
ORANGE BLOSSOM REVUE Dec. 3 & 4 on the shores of Lake Wailes Park in Lake Wales. Friday lineup: The Wood Brothers, Hayes Carll, Devon Gilfillian, & Side Hustle. Saturday lineup: Blackberry Smoke, The Steeldrivers, Nicki Bluhm, Ryan Montbleau (solo), The Hummingbirds. Enjoy international touring musicians, food truck vendors, and craft beer at the Orange Blossom Revue. Purchase tickets in advance at orangeblossomrevue.com.
HOLIDAY NIGHT MARKET Dec. 11, 5-10pm in Downtown Lakeland. Join everyone for a holiday blowout featuring four market experiences curated by Downtown Lakeland, Buena Market, Lakeland Punk Flea, and Art Crawl! 100+ creatives, artists, and makers, Live music and DJ sets, pictures with Santa and more. This event will span five blocks of Kentucky Avenue. Downtownlkld.com
PLAID TIDINGS Dec. 3-12 at Balmoral Event Center. Plaid Tidings by TheatreWorks FL is a brandnew show that offers the best of Forever Plaid, tied up in a big Christmas bow! Filled with Christmas standards that have all been “Plaid-erized,” the boys are back to do their Christmas Special. This truly “heaven-sent” holiday treat will lift audiences’ spirits and fill them with nostalgia for a bygone era of classic music! Purchase tickets in advance at centralfloridatix.com.
A VERY SWANDERFUL CHRISTMAS Dec. 18, 7-10pm at Swan Brewing in Downtown Lakeland. Who doesn’t love dueling pianos? Join Swan for an exceptional Dueling Piano show by Felix & Fingers! You’re going to love this as a unique way to kick off the weekend before the BIG DAY! Along with your delicious, locally-brewed craft beer, The Arepazo Grill will bring all the best eats!
*Due to the uncertainty of COVID, please double check that the event you’re interested in has not been canceled or rescheduled prior to leaving your house. havenmagazines.com
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