Hi First name / there,

Are you feeling festive yet?? It is hard to believe we are just 2 weeks away from Christmas - I want the month of December to last as long as possible. I love getting a peek at Christmas lights anytime I'm out after dark, watching Christmas specials on TV, and if I could, I'd leave the Christmas tree and my Snow Village up year-round just so I can enjoy the lights every night. 

 

What are some of the things you love about the holiday season? Send me a note - I'd love to hear about your favorites.

 

This weekend is another jam packed calendar full of Christmas parades, outdoor movies, holiday markets, Christmas plays, festive concerts, Santa photos, and more. Get details in our Christmas Activities Guide and calendar of holiday events. If money is feeling tight this year, we can also help you find plenty of free Christmas fun.

 

Our huge Christmas light map keeps growing - it currently has 40+ amazing neighborhood Christmas light displays - be sure you plan at least one night this December to go out for a drive. Both Ariana Village Christmas Lights (Dec 15-23) and Light Up BSP at Bonnet Springs Park (Dec 14-31) are open nightly starting this weekend!

 

If you need childcare {or just some quiet time} during the upcoming holiday break, we've got a helpful list of winter break camps.

 

I know this time of the year can get overwhelming with shopping for gifts, deciding what to do for the holidays, spending money, teacher gifts, trying to fit in family fun... the list goes on and on during December. I hope you'll make a point to find time for YOU to decompress, relax, and enjoy the things you find magical in the holiday season. {Easier said than done - but I'm reminding you and reminding myself too!}

 

Have a festive weekend,

PS - This newsletter is a bit longer than normal because there is SO.MUCH.CHRISTMAS happening over the next week… if you can't see the whole thing {our logo + social media links are at the end}, be sure to click the “View Entire Message” link at the bottom.

Experience the Magic of Thormeier Family Christmas Trees & Lights! Featuring a Walk-Thru Christmas Light Display, opportunities to Meet Santa & The Grinch, Classic Christmas Movies, Festive Food & Drink, plus Christmas Trees for sale.

 

November 29 to December 22, 2024

Friday thru Sunday 5pm – 9pm

 

November 14 to December 22, 2024

Open 7 Days 10am – 7pm

Downtown Lakeland is especially magical during the holidays! Christmas lights, events, vendor markets, shops open late, delicious restaurants, and more. 

Upcoming events include: 

Festive Flix Outdoor Movie at Lake Mirror: The Muppets Christmas Carol - Fri, Dec 13 at 7pm

Holiday Night Market - Sat, Dec 14 from 5-9pm
{My family went last year and it was SO festive walking around Downtown - plus tons of vendors to finish up your Christmas shopping!}

Experience the magic of Christmas in Bartow. Upcoming events include:

Bartow Christmas Parade - Fri, Dec 13 at 6pm

Mistletoe Market - Sat, Dec 14 from 10am-3pm
✨ Kids Market ✨ Handmade Jewelry ✨ Beautiful Candles ✨ Music, Food, and Crafts ✨ A special visit from Santa

 

• Thormeier Family Christmas Trees + Lights - Fri, Sat, Sun

• *Tuck Everlasting at Lakeland Community Theatre - Fri, Sat, Sun

• *A Christmas Story: The Musical at Theatre Winter Haven - Fri, Sat, Sun

• *The Gift of the Magi Play presented by The Missing Piece Theatre Company - Fri, Sat, Sun

• *Music of the Season at Harrison School for the Arts - Thurs, Fri

• *Lakeland Symphony Orchestra: Toast to the Holidays - Sat, Sun
{*ticketed event - buy in advance for guaranteed seats}

 

• Downtown Lakeland Food Truck Rally - 6-9pm
 

• Make It Magical Lake Wales - 5-9pm

• Winter Wonderland in Winter Haven - 6-8:30pm

• Dixieland Night Market - 6pm

• Bartow Christmas Parade - 6pm

• Festive Flix Outdoor Movie at Lake Mirror: The Muppets Christmas Carol - 7pm

 

• Mistletoe Market in Bartow - 10am-3pm

• Polk Sheriff's Office Pet Fest - 10am-4pm

• Holiday Night Market in Downtown Lakeland - 5-9pm
• Come to the Stable- A Living Nativity Stroll at FPC Winter Haven - 6-7:30pm

• Opening night of Light Up BSP at Bonnet Springs Park - Nightly from 6-8:30pm | Dec 14-31

 

• Winterfest + Christmas Parade in Davenport - 4-9pm

• Alturas Redneck Christmas Parade - 5pm

• Fort Meade Christmas Parade - 6pm

• Lake Wales Christmas Parade - 6pm

• Lake Alfred Christmas Parade - 6pm

• Dundee Christmas Parade - 6pm

• Mulberry Christmas Parade + Winter Village - 6-9pm

 

• *The Nutcracker presented by International Ballet of Florida - 2pm {save 20% off with code IBF20}

• Do you Want to Build a Snowman? with the Frozen Sisters - Enchanted Fairytale Hollow - 11am

• Opening night of Ariana Village Christmas Lights - Nightly from 6-9pm | Dec 15-23

 

• *Breakfast with Santa at Family Fun Center - Sat 12/21

• *Mooey Christmas Party on the Farm - Sat 12/21

• *Cookies + Cocoa with Santa at Black Swan Venue - Sat 12/21

• *Brunch with Santa at Smith's American Tavern - Sat 12/21

• *Santa Tea Party at Enchanted Fairytale Hollow - Mon 12/23

{*ticketed event - buy in advance for guaranteed tickets}