Last updated: November 11, 2024
Prepare for a holiday adventure in Lakeland! Our guide features all the top festive happenings. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, this guide is your pathway to the holiday enchantment of Lakeland.
This season, the Light Up BSP event showcases a dazzling display of festive lights that transforms the park into a winter wonderland. You can also stroll through the captivating sights at Ariana Village Christmas Lights, where twinkling decorations create a cheerful atmosphere for families. And the Lakeland Christmas Parade is something you definitely don't want to miss, as it fills the streets with joyful floats and holiday cheer. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Family-friendly holiday celebration with diverse nightly themes and activities.
Bonnet Springs Park presents Light Up BSP, a two-week event featuring unique holiday themes, live music, strolling performers, face painting, and pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Enjoy seasonal food and beverage offerings, sensory-friendly activities, and more.
Where: Lakeland | More Info: Light Up BSP
Vibrant holiday decorations in a charming 55+ community.
Ariana Village Christmas Lights feature beautifully decorated homes and gardens, creating a warm and inviting holiday atmosphere.
Where: Lakeland | More Info: Ariana Village Christmas Lights
Over 1.5 million lights and interactive holiday activities.
Christmas Lane is a holiday event featuring over 1.5 million lights, live entertainment, and activities like face painting and LEGO stations. It includes a Great Light Maze, rides, and a KidZone with festive decorations and holiday characters.
Where: Plant City | More Info: Christmas Lane
Four unique market experiences with live music and specialty food.
Downtown Lakeland presents the Holiday Night Market, featuring four unique market experiences curated by Downtown Lakeland, Buena Market, Lakeland Punk Flea, and Art Crawl. The event includes 150 creatives, artists, and makers, live music, DJ sets, performances, extended hours for downtown retailers, specialty food and drinks from Lakeland’s best pop-ups, and a bonus appearance by Santa.
Where: Lakeland | More Info: Holiday Night Market
Seasonal shopping and local vendor market.
Lugo’s Christmas Market offers a delightful atmosphere where guests can explore local vendors, enjoy seasonal treats, and find unique gifts.
Where: Lakeland | More Info: Christmas Market at Lugo’s
Holiday celebration with live performances, Santa meet-and-greets, and local artisan markets.
Downtown Lakeland transforms into a vibrant holiday scene with local fine arts students performing near Munn Park. Take pictures with Santa at Crews Bank on Main Street. Explore the Makers Market featuring local artists and creators on North Kentucky Avenue, enjoy Food Trucks on Pine Street, and witness the Classy Car Show on Tennessee Avenue.
Where: Lakeland | More Info: First Friday: Holiday Spectacular
Holiday concert with special guests and classic tunes.
Join the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra for a holiday concert featuring cherished classics and joyful tunes, including favorites like 'Sleigh Ride' and lively overtures. Special guests Elizabeth Lyons, Holly Parrish, John Partain, and Tyler Campbell will perform in a merry celebration.
Where: Lakeland | More Info: Toast to the Holidays
Holiday concert with traditional and innovative music arrangements.
The Christmas Gala: Holiday Celebration features the Music Department of Florida Southern College performing holiday classics, both traditional and innovative arrangements, with the FSC Orchestra, Symphony, Jazz Bands, and Choirs. Select students and smaller ensembles greet attendees with their music as they arrive, entertaining throughout the concert.
Where: Lakeland | More Info: The Christmas Gala: Holiday Celebration
Grammy-winning composer Harry Connick Jr.'s jazz-infused musical about a lovable elf's mission to spread Christmas joy.
Harry Connick Jr.'s "The Happy Elf" is a musical comedy about Eubie, the happiest elf at the North Pole, who longs to join Santa's sleigh team. Instead, he's stuck checking the naughty-or-nice lists. One Christmas Eve, Eubie discovers that the whole town of Bluesville has been naughty. With a pinch of elfish magic, he sets off to turn the town nice in just one day.
Where: Lakeland | More Info: Harry Connick Jr.'s “The Happy Elf”
Free outdoor screening of "Polar Express" with complimentary popcorn.
Join us at the Lake Mirror Amphitheater for a free outdoor screening of the Christmas classic "Polar Express." Bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the movie under the stars. Complimentary popcorn is provided, and hot dogs, drinks, and cotton candy are available for purchase. This event is sponsored by Crews Bank, a family-owned community bank serving the Florida Heartland since 1929.
Where: Lakeland | More Info: Festive Flix
Community celebration with festive floats and special guests.
The Lakeland Christmas Parade is a community event featuring floats, marching bands, and special guests like Santa and Mrs. Claus, winding through Downtown Lakeland.
Where: Lakeland | More Info: The Lakeland Christmas Parade
Age-appropriate activities for physical, academic, and social development.
The YMCA of West Central Florida offers Holiday Break Camps on non-school days and some holidays, providing age-appropriate activities that support physical development, academic enrichment, and social enrichment for each child.
Where: Lakeland | More Info: Holiday Break Camps
Free admission to a festive New Year's Eve party.
Celebrate New Year's Eve in Lakeland with various events, including parties at Krush Brau Park, Union Hall, and the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street. Enjoy free admission at Krush Brau's party, or join the Tampa New Year's Eve Party Countdown for a memorable night.
Where: Lakeland | More Info: New Year’s Eve Events
