photo credit: krisdecurtis

photo credit: zachschwoebel.com

I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving, I know did, and now it’s officially time to get into the holiday spirit since Christmas is only less than a month away. However, living in Florida where the sun is always shining and the temperatures are warm, I find it somewhat difficult to get myself in the mood for the holiday. Luckily, Downtown Lakeland has a couple events going on this week that should make it feel more like December and the holiday season.

The first event is the annual Holiday Walkabout sponsored by the Pansler Law Firm. The Holiday Walkabout is a big holiday festival that takes place Downtown each year. This event seems more for the younger kids, however there will be plenty of holiday cheer for adults to enjoy as well. For this event, Downtown will be transformed into three “villages”. The first village is “Santa’s Village” and is located on the Pine Street block. “Santa’s Village” will have a Santa (of course), lots of holiday decorations and treats, and holiday music performed by the Paul Schnieder Trio and the Rochelle School of the Arts. There will also be a raffle sponsored by Brightway Insurance for a FREE gas card.

The second village is “Who-ville” from my favorite holiday movie, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. “Who-ville” will be located on the Kentucky Avenue block. “Who-ville” will have a bunch of holiday activities going on. The Grinch will be walking around, “who-hash” will be served at the Purple Onion Restaurant, there will be a tea tasting with “Who-tea” at My Cottage Garden, free hot chocolate, showings of the classic cartoon version of “The Grinch”, and more! Home Essentials will have a raffle for a set of 2 Christmas themed serving plates by Vietri in “Who-ville” as well. There will also be an area in “Who-ville” designated for dropping off non-persishable food items for the food drive organized by Brooke Pottery.

The third village is “Nutcracker Village” and is on the block of Kentucky Avenue between Lemon Street and Main. Mice and sugarplum fairies will wander around this village spreading Christmas cheer. A performance of ” A Christmas Nutcracker Showcase” by Broadway Studios will feature an award winning show  team performing ballet, tap, and more. There will also be a Nutcracker performance by the Lakeland Community Theatre. This village will also have raffles and an area designated to bring your holiday cards and gifts for our service men and woman in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Lastly, Munn Park will be transformed into a holiday world of it’s own. Munn Park will be full of holiday lights and decorations. There will be Christmas music and Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille will be handing out free candy canes and cookies.

The Holiday Walkabout takes place tomorrow, Tuesday December 1st, from 6pm-9pm. If you’re like me and find it hard to get in the holiday spirit, the music, lights, and characters at the Holiday Walkabout should help!

If you can’t make it to the Holiday Walkabout and you’re looking for some Holiday fun, this Thursday is the Christmas Parade sponsored by the Junior League of Greater Lakeland. The parade starts at 7pm at the Lakeland Center and will wind it’s way through the streets of Downtown. The theme for this year’s parade is Festival of Lights. A fireworks display at Lake Mirror at 7pm marks the start of the parade. For some great Christmas lights, music and fireworks, don’t miss the Christmas Parade this Thursday!

Also, if you just want to drive or walk around and look at the Christmas lights, Lake Morton has a pretty display set up. There is a Christmas tree out in the middle of the lake and light displays around the lake. Downtown Lakeland is also decorated with Christmas decorations on the lamp posts and a Christmas tree in the center of Lake Mirror. Munn Park will be set up with the lights and decorations until the end of the holiday season as well.

So, be sure to take a break from your school-work to enjoy the holidays, the most wonderful time of the year will be over with before you know it!