(This article has been revised to include more events. It will continue to be updated through the season.)
There’s twinkling lights here, and candy canes there as the Christmas season gets into full swing in Polk County.
Starting as early as Nov. 26, it’s time to get merry and bright. No need to wait for Thanksgiving Day to be over.
The Ledger has compiled a comprehensive list of largely free holiday festivals, parades and events happening across Polk, sure to get even a cranky Ebenezer Scrooge in the holiday spirit.
Nov. 26
Bartow: Get in the holiday spirit with Polk County History’s Merry and Bright in Bartow on Nov. 26, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It features a specially curated Festival of Wreaths tour to learn about the design of the wreaths and the organizations or individuals who made them. Tour begins at 11 a.m. at the Polk County History Center, 100 E. Main St., Bartow.
Nov. 27
Lakeland: The Lakeland Downtown Development Authority will host its inaugural Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on Nov. 27, 6 p.m. in Munn Park, 100 Main St. The tree lighting aims to coordinate with the City of Lakeland’s unofficial start of Christmas, where holiday decorations across the city’s parks are turned on for the first time.
Nov. 29
Bartow: Get in the holiday spirit with Polk County History’s Merry and Bright in Bartow on Nov. 29, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It features a specially curated Festival of Wreaths tour to learn about the design of the wreaths and the organizations or individuals who made them. Tours begin at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Polk County History Center, 100 E. Main St., Bartow.
Frostproof: Frostproof Chamber of Commerce will mark the start of the holiday season with its Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration on Nov. 29 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Wall Street Park, 100 W. Wall St. The event will feature a live nativity scene, Santa and Mrs. Claus, vendors, food trucks and a kids zone.
Lakeland: Shop at the LDDA’s Holiday Craft Bazaar in Lakeland on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in Munn Park. There will be more than 45 holiday craft vendors in the park alongside the Downtown Farmers’ Curb Market. There will be an opportunity to take selfies with Santa in Munn Park from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Lake Wales: Lake Wales Main Street will show off dozens of designer Christmas trees decked with heartfelt decorations at Lake Wales’ Festival of Trees starting Nov. 29, open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Dec. 19, at 250 E. Park Ave. On select nights, the display will stay open later. Visitors are asked to bring a canned or dry good to donate to a local food bank.
Dec. 2
Eagle Lake: TheEagle Lake Christmas parade will be held Dec. 2, starting at 6 p.m. from the Eagle Lake Ball Park, 350 Cooley Road, and end at Eagle Lake Elementary school, 400 Crystal Beach Road.
Dec. 3
Davenport: The City of Davenport will hold its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 3, start at 6:30 p.m. at Tom Fellows Community Center, 207 North Blvd. W.
Dec. 4
Auburndale: The City of Auburndale will host Lights in the Park on Dec. 4 from 5 to 9 p.m. The event features a the city’s tree lighting at 7 p.m. with music, festivities, food trucks and more at 120 W. Park St.
Lakeland: The Junior League of Greater Lakeland’s 44th annual Christmas Parade with the theme, “Rocking Around Lakeland” will step off at 7 p.m. Dec. 4. The start will be signaled by fireworks over Lake Mirror. The parade starts at the RP Funding Center, travels east along Lemon Street, turns north on Tennessee Avenue, turns east on Main Street, north on Kentucky Avenue, east on Lake Mirror Drive, south on Lake Avenue, then west on Orange Street back to the RP Funding Center.
Winter Haven: The City of Winter Haven’s annual tree lighting ceremony will be in Central Park, 41 5th St. NW, on Dec. 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. The event includes live holiday music, free cookies and hot chocolate for the first 100 children, and a community countdown to light the official city tree.
Dec. 5
Plant City: Plant City will hold its annual Christmas Parade on Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. There’s a new route this year that starts at Collins and Ball streets, heads north to Reynolds Street, then west on Reynolds to Wheeler Street, south on Drane Street to the end of the route.
Lakeland: The LDDA’s First Friday features a “Holiday Spectacular” on Dec. 5 from 6 to 9 p.m., in downtown Lakeland along Munn Park. The event includes a car show on Tennessee Avenue, a makers’ market on North Kentucky Avenue, live music, food and drink with local restaurants and shops staying open late. There will be the opportunity to take pictures with Santa Claus at Crews Bank on Main Street, or free professional family photos in front of the Munn Park Christmas Tree.
Lake Wales: Warner University will host a Merry Market 2025 on Dec. 5 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Warner’s courtyard featuring shopping, live music and food trucks.
Mulberry: Celebrate the holiday season with Mulberry’s Christmas Tree Lighting and Cookie Stroll on Dec. 5 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.. The event begins inside the Gem Theater, 118 NW 1st Ave., with a musical performance from the Mulberry High School Choir. Head outside for the official lighting of the city’s Christmas tree with a presentation by the Purcell Elementary Choir. Stroll the downtown streets to enjoy pop-up cookie stops and live musical performances.
Winter Haven and Auburndale: The City of Auburndale in partnership with the City of Winter Haven presents the annual Havendale Christmas Parade on Dec. 5, stepping off at 7 p.m. The parade starts at Spring Haven Senior Living, 1225 Havendale Blvd. SW, and ends at Publix in Auburndale, 606 Havendale Blvd.
Dec. 6
Frostproof: The City of Frostproof will host its 33rd annual Christmas in the Country parade on Dec. 6, starting at 6 p.m. The parade runs along Scenic Highway, from 3rd St. W north to F St. W.
Frostproof: The City of Frostproof’s Holly Jolly Christmas Party at Henderson Field, 71 N. Lake Reedy Blvd., will be held Dec. 6, starting at approximately 6:30 p.m. following the Christmas parade. The event features food, music, a snow slide, trains and a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus.
Haines City: The City of Haines City will host is annual Christmas Parade on Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. The parade route will start at Hinson Avenue and Lake Elsie Drive, then follow the westbound lanes of Hinson Avenue to 6th Street, where it makes a right turn and goes back to Lake Eva Park.Haines City: The city’s annual holiday festival “Glitter, Glisten and Snow” to immediately follow the Christmas Parade is Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. at Lake Eva Park, 555 Ledwith Ave. Take pictures with Santa Claus while enjoying a rare snowfall in Central Florida.
Homeland: Homeland Heritage Park presents Christmas Notes, a free family event on Dec. 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. at 249 Church Ave., Homeland. The event features photos with Santa Claus, cookie decorating, festive photo opportunities, crafts, games and activities.
Lakeland: The Florida Air Museum hosts a Flight Before Christmas on Dec. 6, from 4 to 8 p.m. Visitors can walk through a maze of twinkling lights and enjoy warm apple cider, hot cocoa and cookies. Snag a a selfie with Santa and give him your holiday wish list. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 kids younger than 12 at the door. Museum members get in free, the museum is located at 4075 James C. Ray Drive, Lakeland.
Lakeland: The city’s 45th annual Snowfest off Lake Mirror Park will be Dec. 6 from 5 to 9 p.m. The event features arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, entertainment and more.
Lakeland: Get into the holiday spirit at the Holly Jolly Cocoa Party, a festive Polk County event designed for families with young children on Dec. 6 from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Medulla Resource Center, 1048 Parker Road. Enjoy holiday-themed activities with cocoa, music and more. The event is free but pre-registration is required. To RSVP contact Jenna Carver, by emailing jennacarver@polk-county.net or call 863-647-4035.
Lakeland: Join Lakeland’s Santa-themed downtown pub crawl and party at the LKLD Santacon on Dec. 6, starting at 5 p.m. at Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub, 111 S. Kentucky Ave. Tickets are $20 per person, age 21-plus, with all proceeds benefiting the nonprofit KidsPack Inc., providing food to children in need.
Lake Alfred: Make the season merry and bright at Lake Alfred’s Christmas Tree Trail Decorating Day on Dec. 6, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Join in a brand new tradition as businesses, families, community groups and individuals are invited to sponsor and decorate a tree along the Christmas Tree Trail. Spots are limited, Register by emailing parks@mylakealfred.com.
Lake Wales: There’s a Light and Local Market Dec. 6 from 4 to 7:30 p.m. for a market designed to bring people together, celebrate faith and uplift local businesses in the Downtown Market Place, 20 N. Market Place. Worship will start at 5:30 p.m.
Winter Haven: Shop for holiday gifts at Winter Haven’s Holidays on Central with Bandit Market on Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Central Avenue. There will be more than 100 vendors, live musical performances, free photos with Santa Claus and lots of festive giveaways.
Winter Haven: A sparkling holiday tradition on the water, the annual Winter Haven Boat Parade featuring festively decorated boats takes to the Chain of Lakes at 6:30 p.m. off Lake May. The parade route brings boats through Lake Howard and Lake Shipp, ending about 8 p.m.
Dec. 11.
Lakeland: The Coke Florida Holiday Caravan is coming to Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd. in Lakeland, on Dec. 11, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the AgAmerica Heritage Gardens. Take pictures with Santa while enjoying beverage sampling, while supplies last.
Dec. 12
Bartow: Join Main Street Bartow for its annual Magical Illumination Christmas Parade on Dec. 12, stepping off at 6 p.m., with a route that travels along Broadway and Main Street.
Lakeland: Take free pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Roundhouse Coffee Shop at Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd. in Lakeland, from 4 to 6 p.m. on Dec. 12. This event repeats Dec. 13 and 14, Dec. 19 to 21.
Lake Hamilton: Lake Hamilton invites all to join them for the first Lake Hamilton Golf Cart Christmas Parade followed by a tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. The event will feature fun activities, including hot cocoa, cookies, movies and a visit from Santa Claus.
Lake Wales: Celebrate the holidays with Lake Wales Main Street’s Make It Magical on Dec. 12 from 5 to 9 p.m., featuring holiday musical entertainment in the Downtown Market Plaza, 20 N. Market Place, with shopping and food from local shops, restaurants, food trucks and craft vendors.
Winter Haven: The City of Winter Haven host its Winter Haven Winter Wonderland on Dec. 12 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Central Park Downtown, 41 5th St. NW. This family-friendly event will feature pictures with Santa Claus starting at 6:30 p.m., a festive holiday film starting at 7 p.m., craft stations, holiday-themed inflatables and food trucks.
Dec. 13
Bartow: Main Street Bartow will host a Mistletoe Market on Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring unique crafts, kids activities, foods and an opportunity to meet Santa Claus. Event occurs on Bartow’s Main Street.
Bartow: The Polk County History Center will celebrate the holiday season with its Jingle and MIngle event on Dec. 13. Snag a cookie and enjoy special carol performances at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. from Frostproof High School Chorus and Berkley Charter Elementary School Chorus. The history center is located at 100 E. Main St., Bartow.
Davenport: The City of Davenport will hold is annual Christmas Parade and Winterfest on Dec. 13 from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Tom Fellows Community Center, 207 North Blvd. W. The parade steps off at 6 p.m. with the overall event featuring vendors, fireworks, a snow slide and a visit from Santa Claus.
Fort Meade: The Fort Meade Chamber of Commerce presents the annual Christmas Parade on Dec. 13 at 6 p.m. with this year’s theme being “Here we go a caroling…”. The parade lines up at Monument Park, Southeast 2nd Street with family-friendly activities to follow.
Haines City: Eat Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 13 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Lake Eva Event Center, 799 Johns Ave. Tickets are $15 per person, with children age 2 and younger free. Space is limited.
Lakeland: The City of Lakeland’s annual Holly Jolly Jingle Jog 5K will be held Dec. 13, with race start at 7:30 a.m., at Cleveland Heights Golf Course, 2900 Buckingham Ave. Registration is open through Dec. 10, at $35 per person for the 5K and $10 for the Reindeer Dash Kids Fun Run at 8:15 a.m. Holiday attire and cheer is welcome. The race is a fundraising event for the city’s Three Parks Trail Perpetual Fund.
Lakeland: Florida Technical College’s Lakeland Campus will hold a 2025 Christmas Winter Festival on Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring children’s activities, program demonstrations, crafts and a free photo with Santa Claus. The campus is located at 4715 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland.
Lakeland: The Lakeland Downtown Development Authority invites all to a Holiday Night Market in Downtown Lakeland on Dec. 13 from 5 to 9:30 p.m. featuring more than 200 artists and makers, live music and DJ sets, extended offers from downtown retailers with specialty food and drinks.
Lake Alfred: Celebrate with Light Up Lake Alfred 2025 when the city’s Christmas parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. in Central Park, 455 E. Cummings St., and will end around 7:30 p.m. at Frank C. Gardner Park, off the intersection of US 17/92 Highway and Main Street. Festive activities scheduled to follow at the park including photos with Santa, hot cocoa and cookies.
Lake Wales: Watch the annual Lake Wales Christmas Parade, presented by Rotary on the Ridge, on Dec. 13 starting at 6 p.m. The parade route starts at Polk Avenue Elementary School, traveling up First Avenue to Central Avenue, it will move toward Lakeshore Boulevard before ending at Orange Avenue.
Mulberry: Mulberry’s annual 2025 Christmas Parade, with the theme “All Creatures Great and Small” will take place Dec. 13 starting at 6 p.m. Celebrate the holiday season with floats, costumes and lights. The route starts on NE 9th Street, turns on NE 17th Avenue, to NE 1st Street, north on Dr. MLK Jr. Avenue, then west on NE 5th Street ending at State Road 37.
Mulberry: The City of Mulberry invites all to step into its Christmas Village on Dec. 13 from approximately 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Spence Park, 1100 NE 1st St. The event includes carriage rides under the lights, a visit from Santa and roast free s’mores and snap photos with princesses.
Winter Haven: It’s time to Deck The Yard at Winter Haven’s Bowen Yard on Dec. 13 starting at 2 p.m. This free event will feature light displays, activities, music, food and drinks with visit from Santa Claus. Bowen Yard is located at 308 4th St. SW, Winter Haven.
Dec. 19
Lakeland: Take free pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Roundhouse Coffee Shop at Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd. in Lakeland, from 4 to 6 p.m. on Dec. 12. This event occur every night from Dec. 19 to 21.
Lakeland: Bonnet Springs Park will host a free Movie on the Lawn, showing “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” on Dec. 19 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Allen & Company Family Lawn. There’s the chance to meet a real-life Grinch and take photos. Bonnet Springs Park is located at 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland.
Dec. 20
Lakeland: Lakeside Village will hold a “Tis the Season: Holiday Concert” on Dec. 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. on The Lawn at 1479 Town Center Drive, Lakeland.
Know of a free community holiday event happening that’s not on our list? Email swalsh@theledger.com with the details to be added.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: A guide to more than 50 Christmas parades and events in Polk County
Reporting by Sara-Megan Walsh, Lakeland Ledger / The Ledger
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