What’s there to do in Lakeland for holiday fun? Downtown Lakeland is brewing up some exciting things for the holiday season! In fact, there are four very merry and bright activities we think you need to know about if you’re searching for some wholesome, festive wintertime fun for the whole family. Ready to start the celebration? We’ll hold your coffee while you grab your scarf and boots!
Downtown Lakeland’s Holiday Walkabout
Downtown Lakeland is the place to be on Dec. 3. Our hometown is going to be transformed into a winter wonderland that features games, treats and a free visit with Santa! It’s all happening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Here’s a rundown of what’s blowing into town on a breeze from the North Pole:
- Santa’s workshop will be set up on S. Kentucky Avenue. Come check out craft activities like ornament making and cookie making!
- Mrs. Claus will have a market set up on N. Kentucky Avenue that will be full of lovely artisan crafts and gifts. This is your chance to stock up on soaps, candles, gift baskets and more!
- Some holiday elves will be setting up a special playground on S. Tennessee Avenue! Visitors can glide on a synthetic ice rink and have fun on inflatable toys. There will also be train rides for kids on nearby Pine Street!
- Free photos with Santa will be offered inside Munn Park!
- Free carriage rides will be offered around Munn Park!
You can also check out musical acts performing holiday favorites in spots throughout S. Kentucky Avenue, S. Tennessee Avenue, Lemon Street, and N. Kentucky Avenue. Downtown Lakeland’s Holiday Walkabout is the ultimate way to kick off the holiday season! This fun event will put some cheer in your heart and make it easy to check some gifts off your list.
The 39th Annual Lakeland Christmas Parade
This year’s Lakeland Christmas Parade will be taking place on Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. The parade will leave the RP Funding Center before heading down Lemon Street toward downtown. We have word that this year’s parade will feature a very special appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus! In addition, a fireworks display will kick off the parade from over Lake Mirror at 7 p.m. Be sure to grab dinner and hot chocolate from Black & Brew before the parade!
Get your lawn chairs out early, but not before the day of the parade. The city has decided to remove chairs that are placed on the public right of way prior to parade day. Here’s a link the parade route: Parade Route
Lakeland’s Hometown Holiday Event
Lakeland’s First Friday event on Dec. 6 will be dedicated to the holidays! Most of the activities will be taking place in and around Munn Park. Everyone who shows up will get to enjoy photos with Santa, letters to Santa, fun games and more! Of course, many people come strictly for the kettle corn! This kid-friendly event starts at 6 p.m. Most Downtown shops and restaurants will be open late as part of the celebration. Makers Market on North Kentucky Avenue will be a great place to pick up some one-of-a-kind Christmas treasures during the event!
Snowfest in Downtown Lakeland
Who says Lakeland won’t have a white Christmas this year? The 39th Annual Snowfest will sprinkle holiday cheer over Munn Park on Dec. 7th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come play in mountains of snow and bounce on inflatable toys. There will also be a craft fair!
Get in the Holiday Spirit in Lakeland This Year!
With so much to do, we hope you’ll stop in to see us this holiday season. A peppermint mocha or Mexican hot chocolate ought to be the perfect compliment to your evening out.
