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2014 Holiday Events in Central Florida’s Polk County

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Looking for merry fun this season? Check out our list of ongoing The-Loggia-Tree-WEBand upcoming holiday events below.

RECURRING

Festival of Wreaths
When? 
November 21 – December 13
Where? Polk County History Center, Bartow
What? The Polk County History Center is proud to host the annual Festival of Wreaths. Decorated wreaths will be displayed from November 21 through December 13, and will be auctioned via silent auction. Proceeds from the auction will help support the History Center.

Ice Skating
When? 
November 21- November 30; December 16-January 5
Where? The Lakeland Center
What? ‘Tis the season to get in the holiday spirit as public ice skating returns to The Lakeland Center. Whether a professional or a first-timer, you are sure to have a blast at Lakeland’s indoor ice rink this season.

Lakeside Village Holiday Events
When? November 21-December 21
Where? Lakeside Village, Lakeland
What? Celebrate the holidays with Lakeside Village. They’re offering a number of events including tree lighting, magical light show, Snowy Wonderland, Santa’s Workshop, breakfast with Santa, pet photos with Santa and strolling carolers.

Holiday Home Tour at Pinewood Estate
When? 
November 28 – January 4
Where? Bok Tower Gardens’ Pinewood Estate, Lake Wales
What? This season, each room features a different design theme selected from the past 19 years in true “Best Of” fashion, which has never been done before. Built in the early 1930s with Olmsted-designed gardens, the former winter retreat is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Poinsettia Display & Holiday Carillon Music
When? November 28 – January 4
Where? Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales
What? The River of Stone at the Visitor Center courtyard features hand-made displays, while unique red and white poinsettias steal the show in hanging arrangements outside of Pinewood Estate.

Winter Walking Tours
When? 
November 28 – January 4
Where? Bok Tower Gardens’ Pinewood Estate, Lake Wales
What? Volunteer garden guides lead visitors on an hour-long walking tour sharing information about the winter flora and fauna, with tours leading from Pinewood Estate to the Singing Tower.

Elves Shelves Gift Shop
When? 
November 29 – December 7
Where? Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland
What? This special secret shop is for children only! Gifts will be reasonably priced for children to purchase holiday items for family and friends. Elves Shelves fun includes a wrapping station.

1930s HoliDAYS
When? December 2, 9, 16
Where? Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales
What? It’s automotive yesteryear with Model A’s on display at Pinewood Estate. Meet historical characters and immerse yourself in a bygone era of Christmas past. This is presented by the Florida Flywheelers and included with admission.

Formal Fridays
When? 
 December 5, 12, 19
Where? Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales
What? Take holiday photos in your formal attire! Enjoy roaming carolers as you enter the Holiday Home Tour, and greet our Pinewood Angels dressed in their holiday best.

Lights of Lakeland
When? 
 December 5-7, December 12-14
Where? Lakeland
What? Experience an evening of excitement and wonder filled with your favorite holiday sights, smells and sounds. There will be over 500,000 lights on display, as well as The Grinch, Santa’s Workshop, a reindeer barn, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a Bethlehem experience with live camels, sheep, and donkeys.

BeFly Bike Tours Christmas Lights Tour
When? 
 December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27
Where? Begins at Tony’s Studio B, Lakeland
What? Light lovers can enjoy a magical experience too ooh and ahh over gorgeous holiday displays on this Christmas bike tour. The tour begins at Polk Museum of Art and will make a stop at Got Candy for a cup of hot chocolate. Reservations are required.

A Country Christmas Hayride
When? 
Fridays & Saturdays: December 5-December 27
Where? The Smith Family Ranch, Lakeland
What? Get in the Christmas Spirit at A Country Christmas Hayride featuring hayrides, thousands of Christmas lights, movies, cowboy Santa Claus, a fire pit, S’mores and more.

Holiday Home Workshop
When? 
 December 6 and 13
Where? Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales
What? Create a beautiful wreath with a mix of florals and fun decorations for your front door at the December 6 Holiday Home Workshop, and then bring your favorite 8-10” container to learn how to transform it into a gorgeous centerpiece using natural materials at the December 13 Holiday Home Workshop.

Holly Jolly Saturdays
When? 
 December 6, 13, 20
Where? Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales
What? Break out those festive holiday sweaters, hats and accessories to wear to the Gardens on select Saturdays. Visitors are encouraged to take photos in our life-size Holiday Photo Frame outside Pinewood Estate.

Christmas Bricktacular
When? 
December 6-7, December 13-14, December 20-21, December 27-28
Where? LEGOLAND Florida, Winter Haven
What? Christmas Bricktacular at LEGOLAND® Florida brings in the holiday season with a 30-foot tall LEGO Christmas tree made of 270,000 LEGO bricks, festive decorations, LEGO build activity stations, a LEGO Santa Scavenger Hunt and holiday entertainment. LEGO Santa and LEGO Toy Soldier make daily appearances in the park providing a perfect family photo opportunity.

Christmas in the Village
When? 
December 12-13 & 19-20
Where? Ft. Meade
What? 
The Florida Flywheelers Antique Engine Club’s Christmas in the village will take place in Fort Meade over two weekends in December. Thousands of Christmas lights shine in the dark as trams pulled by antique tractors take visitors around.

Breakfast with Santa
When? 
December 13, 14, 20, 21
Where? Banana Jack’s, Davenport
What? Enjoy breakfast with Santa and a delicious breakfast buffet complete with an omelet station this holiday season at Banana Jack’s.

Family Holiday Weekend
When? 
 December 20 and 21
Where? Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales
What? The spirit of the holidays comes to life at Bok Tower Gardens! Take your family holiday photo with Santa Claus, listen to Charles Dickens-style roaming carolers, see ice sculpture carving, and enjoy making holiday nature art with the whole family

Holiday Out-of-School Camps
When? 
December 22, 23, 29, 30 and January 2
Where? Explorations V Children’s Museum
What? The Holiday Out-of-School Camp will feature daily themes along with holiday activities, museum exploration, snack creation and more.  Full and half-day camps are available.

Countdown to Kids’ New Year’s Eve Party
When? 
December 26-30
Where? LEGOLAND Florida, Winter Haven
What? Countdown to Kids’ New Year’s Eve features nightly fireworks over Lake Eloise. Watch the spectacular fireworks explode into millions of tiny LEGO bricks with special 3D viewing glasses.

COMING UP

Holiday Parades

– 27th Annual Winter Haven Chain of Lakes Boat Parade (Lake May, Lake Shipp, Lake Howard and Lake Cannon)– December 6 at 6:30 p.m.

– 28th Annual Christmas Boat Parade on Lake Hatchineha in Haines City – December 13 at 5:00 p.m.

– Auburndale and Winter Haven’s “Havendale Christmas Parade” – December 5 at 7:00 p.m.

– Bartow’s “Downtown Bartow Christmas Parade” – December 12 at 6:00 p.m.

– Davenport’s “Winterfest” – December 13 at 3:00 p.m. (parade begins at 7:00 p.m.)

– Fort Meade’s “Old Fort Mead Christmas Festival and Parade” – December 6 at 5:30 p.m.

– Haines City’s “City of Haines City Christmas Parade” – Evening of December 6

– Lake Alfred’s “Magical Christmas Celebration” – December 6 at 6:30 p.m.

– Lakeland’s “Junior League of Greater Lakeland’s 34th Annual Lakeland Christmas Parade” – December 4 at 7:00 p.m.

– Lake Wales’ “An Animated Christmas” – December 13 at 6:00 p.m.

– Mulberry’s “Toyland Christmas” – December 13 at 6:30 p.m.

– Polk City’s “City of Polk City’s Christmas Parade” – December 6 at 2:00 p.m.

Holiday Events

Holiday Walkabout
When? 
 December 2
Where? Downtown Lakeland
What? Kicking off the holiday festivities in Lakeland, this annual event in Downtown Lakeland celebrates with shopping, dining, music, horse-drawn wagon rides, Santa and more.

Lights in the Park
When? 
 December 4
Where? Historic Depot, Auburndale
What? Enjoy a tree lighting, food, fun and Santa in Downtown Auburndale.

Holiday Party
When? 
 December 5
Where? Wilfred Smith Resource Center, Winter Haven
What? Polk County Parks & Recreation present this free community event featuring a Christmas movie, sweet treats, arts & crafts, coloring contests, and more.

Holiday Tree Lighting Party
When? 
 December 5
Where? Eloise Resource Center
What? Polk County Parks & Recreation present this free community event featuring a Christmas movie, sweet treats, arts & crafts, coloring contests, and more.

Jim Stafford – A Hometown Christmas
When? 
 December 5
Where? The Ritz Theatre, Winter Haven
What? Bring your family to a Christmas show featuring Winter Haven’s own Jim Stafford where you will be entertained by Jim’s wit, musical abilities, and showmanship. There will be guest appearances from several of Jim’s friends from the county to complete the Jim Stafford Hometown Christmas Show.

Jingle Bell Rock Party
When? 
 December 5
Where? Wabash Community Center
What? Polk County Parks & Recreation present this free community Christmas party with arts & crafts, a visit with Santa and other activities for the whole family.

Make It Magical
When? 
 December 5
Where? Lake Wales
What? Make It Magical will return to downtown Lake Wales with carriage rides, Santa Claus, shopping and fun for the whole family. The shops will be open with treats to share. There will be performers singing and playing holiday music. Santa will make a guest appearance, and there will be vendors throughout the marketplace.

Christmas Around the World
When? 
 December 5-6
Where? Southeastern University, Lakeland
What? This holiday concert will feature music from Southeastern University’s orchestra, choir, drums and jazz ensemble.

Breakfast with Santa
When? 
 December 6
Where? Auburndale Civic Center
What? Little ones can enjoy a breakfast with Santa at the Auburndale Civic Center presented by Auburndale Parks and Recreation.

Christmas at the Ramon
When? 
 December 6
Where? Ramon Theater, Frostproof
What? Enjoy the spirit of Christmas with excerpts from the “The Nutcracker”, as well as a variety of classical and contemporary dance works reflecting the joy of the season. The performance will feature the professional company of the Florida Dance Theatre and its trainees, along with members of its Youth Ensemble.

“Elf” Family Classic
When? 
 December 6
Where? Polk Theatre, Lakeland
What? The Polk Theatre presents the family holiday classic, “Elf”.
Buddy (Will Ferrell) was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father. As it happens, this is Walter Hobbs (James Caan), a cynical businessman. After a DNA test proves this, Walter reluctantly attempts to start a relationship with the childlike Buddy with increasingly chaotic results.

Glitter, Glisten & Snow
When? 
 December 6
Where? Lake Eva Park, Haines City
What? This holiday event held at Lake Eva Park in Haines City will feature a lighted parade, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, snow area and holiday entertainment from local schools and groups. Guests will also find free roasted chestnuts and hot cider as well as food and merchandise vendors.

Holiday Reflections: The Christmas Gala
When?  December 6
Where? Florida Southern College, Lakeland
What? Each year, FSC’s Department of Music shares the best of the season’s sacred and secular music with the community in this festive performance by students, faculty, and guests. We invite you to join us in beautifully decorated Branscomb Auditorium to enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays as we reflect on the meaning of the season through the presentation of old favorites and new surprises.

Mulberry’s Christmas Celebration
When? 
 December 6
Where? Badcock Commons, Mulberry
What? There will be the traditional lighting of the tree, Santa & Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, Christmas carolers, cookies, a snow mountain, horse & wagon ride, live carousel and much more for all ages to enjoy.

Snowfest
When? 
 December 6
Where? Munn Park, Lakeland
What? Each year, the City’s “Santa elves” transform 76,000 pounds of block ice into the popular attraction in addition, to arts & crafts booths, children’s activities, entertainment, Santa Claus and much more.

Sunset & Symphony Holiday Concert
When? 
December 6
Where? Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales
What? Enjoy the sounds of the season with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and the Singing Tower carillon as they perform together during one of Central Florida’s favorite outdoor concerts. Families and friends are encouraged to prepare themed picnics and experience a magical evening as the sun sets atop Iron Mountain.

Carols in the Park
When? 
 December 6-7
Where? Winter Haven
What? Get a start on your holiday shopping by attending Carols in the Park, which features crafters from around the nation selling items such as stained glass, photographs, jewelry, quilts, soaps, plants and much more.

“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” Classic Film
When? 
 December 7
Where? Polk Theatre, Lakeland
What? The Polk Theatre presents the 1989 Christmas Classic, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”.
Chevy Chase, star of National Lampoon’s Vacation and its sequel, is back as the paterfamilias of the Griswold family to skewer the Yuletide season.

Lakeland Concert Band Christmas Concert
When? 
 December 7
Where? The Lakeland Center
What? This holiday concert will include a surprised for the kids and will featur local educator and singer Rebecca Renfroe. The pre-show will feature Willie Cintron.

First Presbyterian Church Performing Arts Series
When?
 December 8
Where? First Presbyterian Church, Lakeland
What? The sanctuary will swell with the magnificent music of the Christmas season when the choirs of First Presbyterian Church join with guest artists to present The Glory of Christmas. Guest artists will include the incomparable Brian Blume (marimba), Dolly Roberts (harp), and the Clarion Brass. Come early to find a great seat for this favorite presentation of glorious holiday music.

ISO Masterworks Series- Sounds of the Season
When? 
 December 9
Where? The Lakeland Center
What? Celebrate the season with the ISO and your favorite holiday classics. The Imperial Symphony Orchestra, a community orchestra is comprised of 80 volunteer musicians, who have made it their mission to entertain, educate and inspire audiences through enlightening performances of symphonic music.

A Little Christmas Starring Rich Little
When? 
 December 10
Where? The Lakeland Center
What? A master mimic of more than 200 voices, kick off your holiday with hilarity as RICH LITTLE brings a “little” Christmas comedy to Lakeland. Get ready for a night of yuletide fun with Little’s impressions of Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Perry Como, Dean Martin and so many others that will have you laughing your stockings off!

Symphony Guild of Winter Haven Holiday Concert
When? 
 December 10
Where? Polk State College, Winter Haven
What? A special treat is coming for the holidays this year. The entire holiday concert will be Handel’s Messiah, performed and conducted by Virginia S. Davidson, Soloist, chorus and orchestra.

Holiday Happy Hour
When? 
 December 11
Where? Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales
What? Join your friends for an early evening tour of Pinewood Estate, and toast the season with a complimentary drink, light fare and holiday tunes.

Music of the Season
When? December 11-12
Where? Harrison School for the Arts, Lakeland
What? These concerts feature the Harrison Chorus and Symphony with preconcert music beginning each evening featuring World Choir, Satin Dolls, piano, string quartet, jazz combo and guitar.

Jingle ARRGH the Way
When? 
 December 12-14
Where? Lakeland Community Theatre
What? The “How I became a Pirate” crew is back! Captain Braid Beard seeks out young Jeremy Jacob to help solve a riddle and find the Christmas Treasure.

Christmas Notes
When?
 December 13
Where? Heritage Park, Kathleen
What? Polk County Parks and Recreation present Christmas Notes at Homeland Heritage Park featuring live holiday music, refreshments, children’s gift shop and more.

Mistletoe Marketplace
When? 
 December 13
Where? Eagle Lake
What? Mistletoe Marketplace is an annual holiday festival with food, Santa, hayrides, entertainment, crafts, model train displays, kids’ activities, performances, decorations and holiday lights.

Spirit of the Season Vintage Christmas Market
When? 
 December 13
Where? Fourt Blount Park, Bartow
What? Celebrate the holidays by creating an ornament out of fusible beads patterned after the tile flooring of the Old Polk County Courthouse and learn about the architecture of this iconic building. Join Santa in the Rotunda as he reads, “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” There will also be entertainment, a red velvet cake walk, food and horse-drawn carriage rides.

“The Polar Express” Family Classic
When? 
 December 13
Where? Polk Theatre, Lakeland
What? The Polk Theatre presents the family holiday classic, “The Polar Express”.
The Polar Express revolves around Billy (Hayden McFarland), who longs to believe in Santa Claus but finds it quite difficult to do so, what with his family’s dogged insistence that all of it, from the North Pole, to the elves, to the man himself, is all just a myth. This all changes, however, on Christmas Eve, when a mysterious train visits Billy in the middle of the night, promising to take him and a group of other lucky children to the North Pole for a visit with Santa. The train’s conductor (Tom Hanks) along with the other passengers help turn Billy’s crisis in faith into a journey of self-discovery

Winterfest
When? 
 December 13
Where? Davenport
What? Celebrate the season with the City of Davenport and festivities that will include a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, electric night-time parade, cookie decorating, Festival of Trees, Cruise In with classic cars and vendors.

Over 55 Show Band: “Jazzy Christmas”
When? 
 December 14
Where? Polk State College, Winter Haven
What? Join the Over 55 Show Band at the Winter Haven Fine Arts Theatre for their Jazzy Christmas concert. The Over 55 Show Band is composed of musicians ranging in age from 40 to 80, and it has been performing in the area for more than 20 years.

Twas the Night Before Murder
When? 
 December 14
Where? The Ritz Theatre, Winter Haven
What? Don’t miss this holiday murder-mystery dinner at The Ritz Theatre.

Snow Central
When?  December 19
Where?
 Winter Haven
What? Bring the family downtown to frolic in Winter Haven’s very own winter wonderland with 70 tons of snow making up the snow slide and snow pile for children and adults to enjoy as well as Santa and Mrs. Claus, a kiddie train, bounce house and more.

Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team Holiday Show
When? 
 December 20
Where? Lake Silver, Winter Haven
What? Join the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team which was reestablished in 2012 by former theme park employees for a festive holiday ski show on Lake Silver.

Story Time with Mrs. Claus
When? 
 December 20
Where? Mulberry Phosphate Museum
What? Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies while Mrs. Claus shares her favorite holiday stories.

Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” Ballet
When? 
 December 20
Where? Florida Southern College, Lakeland
What? Lakeland’s own professional dance company, the Florida Dance Theatre, brings its celebrated annual production of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” to the stage of Branscomb Auditorium. Come see this timeless holiday classic, danced with charm and perfection by the dynamic dancers of this impressive ensemble in a breathtaking production featuring colorful scenery, dazzling costumes, and entrancing choreography.

Carillon & Chorale
When? 
 December 21
Where? Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales
What? Enjoy an hour-long carillon concert with a live choir under the stars. Visit Pinewood Estate for a special nighttime tour complete with hot chocolate and cookies. A light dinner will be available at the café before the concert for an additional fee.

“It’s a Wonderful Life” Classic Film
When? 
 December 21
Where? Polk Theatre, Lakeland
What? The Polk Theatre presents the 1946 classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life”.
After George Bailey wishes he had never been born, an angel is sent to earth to make George’s wish come true. George starts to realize how many lives he has changed and impacted, and how they would be different if he was never there.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
When? 
 December 24
Where? The Lakeland Center
What? The beloved stop-motion classic RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL™ soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season.  From fleeing the Abominable Snow Monster™ to saving Christmas, join RUDOLPH™ and his friends Clarice™, Hermey the Elf™, and Yukon Cornelius™ as their adventures teach us that what makes you different can be what makes you special.  Don’t miss this wonderful holiday tradition that speaks to the little misfit in all of us.

Christmas Day at Bok Tower Gardens
When? 
 December 25
Where? Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales
What? Celebrate Christmas Day at the Gardens with free Holiday Home Tours, and enjoy the sounds of the season with live concerts at the Singing Tower.

Flicks in the Garden
When? 
 December 27
Where? Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales
What? Spend an evening under the stars with your family and enjoy Elf on the big screen.

Moscow Ballet Presents the Nutcracker
When? 
 December 30
Where? The Lakeland Center
What? Celebrate the beloved Christmas tradition with the whole family as forty world-class Russian artists bring this charming classic to life. Experience Tchaikovsky’s master score this Christmas with the magic of larger than-life-puppets, growing Christmas tree and life-sized Matrushka Dolls.

Kids’ New Year’s Eve at LEGOLAND Florida Resort
When? 
 December 31
Where? LEGOLAND Florida Resort, Winter Haven
What? Kids’ New Year’s Eve is the perfect way to ring in the new year with the family where the giant LEGO brick drops at a very kid-friendly midnight KST (Kid Standard Time) – otherwise known as 6:00 p.m. EST. Other event elements include a spectacular fireworks show and a DJ dance party in Miniland USA.

Murder Plays a Sour Note
When? 
 December 31
Where? The Ramon Theater, Frostproof
What? Join the Ramon Theater on New Year’s Eve for an evening that includes mystery sleuthing, party favors, a complimentary sparkling beverage, dinner and our own “Cast of Characters”.

New Year’s Day Carillon Concerts
When? 
 January 1
Where? Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales
What? “For auld lang syne!” Ring in the New Year with special musical selections at the Singing Tower.

Over 55 Show Band: “Songs for a Happy New Year”
When? 
 January 11
Where? Polk State College, Winter Haven
What? Join the Over 55 Show Band at the Winter Haven Fine Arts Theatre for their “Song for a Happy New Year” concert. The Over 55 Show Band is composed of musicians ranging in age from 40 to 80, and it has been performing in the area for more than 20 years.

 

Related Articles:

THE HOLIDAY HOME TOUR RETURNS TO BOK TOWER GARDENS’ PINEWOOD ESTATE

CHRISTMAS AT BOK TOWER GARDENS

CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS AT LEGOLAND® FLORIDA RESORT

SISAUNDRA LEWIS & RUDOLPH WILL BE AT GLITTER, GLISTEN & SNOW

MAKE IT MAGICAL RETURNS TO LAKE WALES

 

 


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