Holiday Events in Lakeland, FL Mean Affordable Family Fun

Moving to Lakeland for college over four years ago, I had no idea I would be raising my young family in the area after graduating. Had I known about the unique charms the city has to offer, I might have guessed it. Lakeland is located in the very center of the sunshine state, and is a pretty good size city if you ask me. But don't be fooled by its four Starbucks locations and new upscale strip malls- Lakeland is a delightful historic town at heart.

Just spend time at Lakeland's many community events, particularly in the downtown historic district. From festivals, street concerts, horse drawn carriages or May Fair hay rides, this little/big city has a little of everything that screams family fun. The best part? The turn out! Tons of people from all over the community mark their calendars for these events, and no event is more important than those celebrating the holidays.

Celebrating the holidays in Lakeland is more than worth it for two reasons: First, community events are fun for the entire family; Second, they are all under $5! It is positively the quickest way to a mother's heart.

One of the first signs of the holiday season is the opening of Polk Museum of Art's annual Festival of Trees. Starting in mid-November, the museum showcases a large variety of ornamented trees, garlands, wreathes and other holiday décor, all of which is also for sale. The museum completely decked out, a visual spectacle for young children and adults alike.

December barely has time to settle in before the Holiday Walkabout arrives, usually on the first Tuesday evening of the month. Downtown streets are all a bustle with sidewalk concerts and festive lighting, while area business' stay open late for holiday shopping. Families come out for the festivities, grab a cup of complimentary hot cocoa at Mitchell's Coffee House, and head over to the local shops and Munn Park. This event is an absolute prerequisite to the height of the holiday season for area residents. Come early, parking fills up quick!

Central to celebrating the holidays in Lakeland is coming out to view the Downtown Christmas Parade. Always scheduled on the Thursday following the Walkabout, this city parade is truly the thing to do. Area schools, businesses and organizations take their place with ornately decorated floats that weave their way through Lakeland's downtown streets. Cars fill up the parking garages and line up down streets for a mile away to get near the front lines of this festive community parade. Carry as little as possible, and bring a stroller for young ones to fall asleep - but don't count on that happening during the stimulating event! "Oh!" and "Ah!" over the elaborate floats or wave to those you know riding them. Children love to point out the favorite floats and dance to the beat of the local marching bands, but the part they are really waiting for is the very end: Santa's sleigh!

Looking for a white Christmas? Even in sunny Florida, Lakeland delivers! Check out the Snowfest at Lake Mirror Park for a snow mountain, along with a rock climbing wall, photos with Santa, and festive live concerts. After a week packed with the Walkabout and the Parade, this event is a great way to keep merry spirits high on the following weekend. For native Floridians like me, who may have never seen real snow before, it is a special treat to take part in.

The holiday events just keep on coming with the next week's Holiday Fest, where downtown Lakeland can once again showcase its holiday spirit. While local shops offer specials for shoppers, horse drawn carriages offer free rides and kids can enjoy the free Kiddie Train. Don't forget to jump on Santa's lap if you haven't been able to already - he is often spotted around this event as well, listening to the request of good little boys and girls, and passing out candy canes! Once again the sidewalks are lined with live entertainment to fill the air with holiday cheer.

In short, Lakeland has more than enough to offer in terms of traditional holiday festivities. It's got the trees, the shopping, the parade, the snow and of course, Santa. Celebrating the holidays in Lakeland is a family affair that won't break the budget - so you can focus on enjoying the holidays rather than worrying about your bank account!