🎄✨ Your Ultimate Guide to Holiday Events in and Around Lakeland, Florida – 2025 ✨🎄
The holiday season is one of the most magical times of year in Central Florida, and Lakeland and its surrounding communities truly know how to celebrate! Whether you’re looking for festive parades, twinkling lights, family-friendly markets, or special concerts and performances, this year’s lineup is packed with joy-filled events for every age.
Mark your calendars, gather your family and friends, and get ready to soak up the spirit of the season. Here’s your 2025 holiday event guide!
🎶 Kick Off the Season with Music & Magic
Glory of Christmas Concert
📅 December 1, 2025 | 7pm–8:30pm
📍 First Presbyterian Church
Enjoy a beautiful evening of live music that captures the heart of Christmas. This uplifting concert is the perfect way to begin the festivities.
🎅 Lakeland’s Most Iconic Christmas Traditions
Lakeland Christmas Parade
📅 December 4, 2025 | 7pm
📍 Begins at RP Funding Center
A local favorite! Floats, marching bands, sparkling lights, and plenty of holiday cheer make this one of the city’s biggest seasonal celebrations.
First Friday – Holiday Spectacular
📅 December 5, 2025 | 6pm–9pm
📍 Munn Park
The December edition of First Friday transforms downtown into a festive holiday block party filled with vendors, music, and seasonal surprises.
Bethlehem at Lakes Church
📅 December 5 & 7, 2025 | 5pm–8pm
📍 Lakes Church Downtown Campus
Step back in time and experience a live, interactive Bethlehem village—a beautiful family experience that brings the story of Christmas to life.
❄️ Festive Fun for the Whole Family
The Flight Before Christmas – Sun ’n Fun
📅 December 6, 2025 | 4pm–7pm
📍 Sun N’ Fun (tickets required)
A unique aviation-themed holiday celebration featuring aircraft displays, seasonal activities, and Santa’s grand arrival.
Lakeland Snowfest
📅 December 6, 2025 | 5pm–9pm
📍 Lake Mirror Amphitheater
Snow in Florida? Yes! This family-friendly event features snowy play areas, activities, and entertainment to bring winter magic to Lakeland.
🤶 Performances, Parades & Special Experiences
The Nutcracker Ballet
📅 December 7, 2025 | 2pm–4pm
📍 Polk Theatre (tickets required)
Experience a timeless holiday ballet in one of Lakeland’s most historic venues.
Santa Cares: Sensory-Friendly Santa Visit
📅 December 7, 2025 | 9:30am–10:30am
📍 Lakeland Square Mall (registration required)
A quiet, sensory-friendly environment allows children with sensory sensitivities to meet Santa in a comforting and inclusive setting.
🎄 Holiday Markets & Christmas Shopping
Mistletoe Market – Bartow
📅 December 13, 2025 | 10am–4pm
📍 Downtown Bartow
Browse artisan gifts, festive home décor, local treats, and more at this charming holiday market.
Holiday Night Market – Lakeland
📅 December 13, 2025 | 5pm–9:30pm
📍 Downtown Lakeland
An evening market filled with holiday lights, handmade goods, food vendors, and live entertainment—a perfect night out for holiday shopping.
🎉 Community Parades & Seasonal Shows
Bartow Christmas Parade
📅 December 12, 2025 | 6pm
📍 Downtown Bartow
Bartow comes alive with Christmas spirit during this lively community parade.
Sounds of Christmas on Ice
📅 December 13, 2025 | 5:30pm–7:30pm
📍 Lakeland Ice Arena (tickets required)
A festive holiday show performed on ice—perfect for a unique seasonal outing.
Mulberry Christmas Parade & Village
📅 December 13, 2025 | 6pm
📍 Begins at Main St & 3rd
A festive parade followed by a holiday village full of family activities and photo ops.
🌨️ Ongoing Holiday Magic at Lakeside Village
Snowy Nights at Lakeside Village
📅 Thurs–Sat, November 22–December 20, 2025 | 6pm–9pm
📍 Lakeside Village
Enjoy nightly “snowfall,” music, and holiday ambiance as you shop and stroll through the village for some holiday shopping.
Tis the Season Holiday Concert
📅 December 20, 2025 | 5pm–7pm
📍 Lakeside Village
A festive outdoor concert that brings seasonal music to one of Lakeland’s most beloved shopping and dining destinations.
🎁 Just for Fun
Ugly Christmas Sweater Skate
📅 December 18, 2025 | 5:30pm–8pm
📍 Skate World Lakeland (admission & skate rental fees apply)
Grab your tackiest holiday sweater and hit the rink for a night of laughs, lights, and skating fun.
✨ Wrap Up the 2025 Season with Joy!
Whether you’re looking for a lively parade, a magical snowfall, a peaceful concert, or a charming holiday market, the Lakeland area offers something for everyone this December. Gather your loved ones, create new traditions, and make the most of the season.
From all of us at S&D Real Estate Services, we wish you a joyful holiday season filled with warmth, community, and the magic of home.