Wow ! So much holiday fun, perfect for children, is planned for this week, I thought I’d share what’s going on in town. Plus, I’ve found some excellent online resources for keeping up with local events.
Snow? In Lakeland? Believe !
Events planned for the 1st week of December:
• TUES. – Dec. 1 @ 6pm – 20th Annual Holiday Walkabout
This annual event in Downtown Lakeland celebrates the holidays with shopping, dining, music, horse-drawn wagon rides and more! Holiday music from many area schools and churches create a festive atmosphere. Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a kiddie train ride, pony rides and lots of holiday shopping complete the picture!
Explorations V Children’s Museum, 109 N Kentucky Ave., is open late with hands-on activities for the kids! Hot cocoa/apple cider for $1 donation.
• THUR. – Dec. 3 @ 7pm – 28th Annual Lakeland Christmas Parade Theme: “Festival of Lights” See the Parade Route. My family will be on the route near Barnett Park.
• FRI. – Dec. 4 @ 6pm – First Friday “Holiday Happenings”
Downtown Lakeland stays open late for holiday shopping and cheer. Enjoy photos with Santa, holiday music and entertainment. School groups performing! Explorations V open late with hands-on fun!
• SAT. – Dec. 5 @ 10 am – 2 pm Snowfest at Lake Mirror
This year’s event will feature the traditional Snow Mountain and also a Snow Slide! A visit from Santa Claus, children’s entertainment, inflatables and food vendors will complete the day.
Price for admission to the Snow Mountain and Snow Slide will be a donated canned food item or a $1.00 donation. Admission to the inflatables will be $1.00.
• SAT. – Dec. 5 @ 7:30pm – Florida Southern Christmas Gala
Each year, FSC’s talented musicians present a wonderful gift to our community: the best of the season’s sacred and secular music. Branscomb Memorial Auditorium Single admission ticket: $15
And that is just THIS week ! Check out the following online resources for even more holiday fun !
Downtown Lakeland Partnership Website provides a list and description of activities happening in the downtown Lakeland area.
Lakeside Village Website shares the options for music around the Village as well as Saturday Breakfasts with Santa.
I hope to see you around during some of these fun events ! If you have any more to share – PLEASE ADD your comments !
The Magnolia tea room has Mrs claus reading Christmas stories while the kids have a tea party and then make gingerbread houses. It’s on the weekends of Dec 4-5th and 12th-13th. Children are about $14 and adults order lunch. Reservations are required.
Also, the Nazarene church on Lakeland Highland Rd has a REALLY cool live manger scene with camels and others live animals. Plus train rides and it’s all free. I will find out the dates and let you know.
Thanks for the info, Meagan! I called (bc website didn’t have info) and it is TRUE, this tea party is scheduled for each of the first three weekends in December. Reservations are required because they limit it to 25 participants. Isn’t that a nice change from all the crowd scenes ? It sounds absolutely LOVELY for me and my 5 year old daughter !
Dec. 4 = 11 am & 1 pm
Dec. 12 = 10 am, 12 pm & 2 pm
Dec. 19 = 10 am, 12 pm & 2 pm
Magnolia Tea Room & Gift Shop
212 Howard Street Auburndale, FL 33823
(863) 965-1684 – CALL for reservations
http://www.magnoliatearoomandgiftshop.com/
Looks like Snow Fest has been cancelled due to inclement weather on Dec 4, 2009
sorry, dec 5 (saturday)
First Friday was reschedule for next Friday as well. Not very much fun in the rain.