2022 Holiday and Christmas Guide
Lakeland, Polk County + Central Florida
🎄 Do you want to make Christmas 2022 a holiday season your kids will remember?
🎄 Are you tired of trying to figure out what events are still happening this year?
🎄 Ready to get out there and start celebrating the Christmas season with your family?
You found the ultimate guide to family-friendly holiday fun in Lakeland, Polk County, and Central Florida. Our communities are bursting with holiday cheer this time of year, and we want to help you and your family make memories as you experience the sights and sounds of the Christmas and holiday season.
Thank you to Southern Homes for sponsoring our 2022 Holiday Guide
Since 1991, Southern Homes has been devoted to building quality new homes of superior design. With a stellar customer service rating and business longevity, Southern Homes has proven itself as “A Neighbor You Can Trust.” At Southern Homes, the entire team lives, works, and plays in Polk County.
Where you Live Makes a Big Difference. With more than 20 communities dotted throughout Polk County, and new home prices starting in the mid-200’s, you’re sure to find the right neighborhood for you, your family, and your lifestyle. PLUS if you mention this Lakeland Mom article to your sales person before you sign your contract, you will receive $500 in new home options when you close!
Visit mysouthernhome.com to learn more and find a neighborhood model center near you.
Below you’ll find all the family-friendly holiday happenings and kids activities in Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Mulberry, Auburndale, Haines City, & across Polk County. Information will be updated for 2022 in mid-October.
Whether you’re looking for a Christmas parade, photos with Santa, live performances, Christmas concerts, places to donate or volunteer, day trips in Central Florida, special events, or the best neighborhood Christmas light displays, your search is over – you’ll find it all here.
See something we missed? Contact Us or Submit your Event. We’ll be adding events and activities daily, so be sure to check back on a regular basis. Sign up for our email “fun-letter” to get new ideas for Christmas activities in Lakeland each week.
HOLIDAY + CHRISTMAS FAVORITES
THINGS TO DO IN LAKELAND + POLK COUNTY FOR CHRISTMAS
Please check directly with event organizers for specific dates, current ticket prices, advance registration, and any last-minute changes. While we do our best to provide accurate information, we include an outside link so you can verify the details for all events and activities.
Go on a drive and see the best Christmas light displays in Lakeland, Bartow, Winter Haven, and Polk County.
Enjoy floats, bands, and the festive atmosphere of the Lakeland Christmas Parade or one of the 11 other Christmas Parades in Polk County.
Find an outdoor Christmas event, walk through event, or drive through light display.
Enjoy FREE Christmas Events and activities you can do at home without spending any money.
Print out our 25 Random Acts of Christmas Kindness Calendar and find ideas to spread joy to others this holiday season.
Find a place to take photos with Santa or sign up for a Santa Breakfast.
Sign up for a free phone call from Santa.
Pick out your Christmas Tree at a local Christmas Tree Lot or get adventurous and find a Christmas Tree Farm in Florida.
Browse a Holiday Market or Christmas Craft Fair and find handmade, unique Christmas gifts.
Watch the Nutcracker Ballet performed live or enjoy a Holiday Concert.
Print out our 25 Days of Christmas Fun Calendar for a month’s worth of holiday fun.
Watch your favorite Christmas Movie or a Holiday TV Special.
Go Ice Skating in Lakeland, Tampa, or Orlando.
Donate Christmas Toys or Food or find places to Volunteer and other free things you can do to spread kindness this holiday season.
Head to Tampa or Orlando for a Holiday Day Trip.
Purchase an Experience Gift this year – they don’t take up space!
Find things to do during the holiday break in Lakeland while the kids are out of school.
Sign your kids up for a Christmas Break Camp.
Track Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.
Ring in 2023 at a Kid-Friendly New Year’s Eve Celebration
RECENT CHRISTMAS + HOLIDAY ARTICLES
Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve Events in Lakeland, Tampa + Orlando
Wondering where you can ring in 2023 with the kids? We’ve rounded up a list of family-friendly New Year’s Eve (and NOON Year’s Eve) events in Lakeland and across Central Florida. Whether you celebrate at 12pm or 12am, send 2022 out with a bang!
Things To Do During Christmas Break in Lakeland + Polk County
The Ultimate Holiday Break Activity Guide for Lakeland & Polk County. Events, activities, & things to do with kids out and about around town while school is out.
How to Track Santa on Christmas Eve – NORAD Santa Tracker + Google Santa Tracker Maps {plus free online activities throughout December}
Track Santa Claus as he travels around the world on Christmas Eve. Thanks to modern technology, you can find out Santa’s current location on a phone, tablet, or computer using the NORAD Santa Tracker and Google Santa Tracker. {Plus FREE GAMES throughout December!}
Live Nativities and Drive-Thru Nativity Events in Lakeland + Polk County
Looking for a live nativity scene to visit this holiday season? A live reenactment can make Jesus’ birth and the true meaning of Christmas come alive for children {and adults}. Find drive-thru and outdoor live nativities near you.
The Best Neighborhood Christmas Lights and Holiday Displays in Lakeland + Polk County
Find the best neighborhood Christmas Light displays and community lights around Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Mulberry, Plant City, and more. Includes a map you can use for your own Christmas lights driving tour!
Our 25 Favorite Things to Do During The Christmas Season in Lakeland + Polk County
Are you looking for the best things to do this Christmas season? We created a list of 25 things to do for Christmas Fun in Lakeland and Polk County to help you and your family find a few special things to enjoy this holiday season. Printable list included!
Winter Break Camps for Kids in Lakeland + Polk County
If you’re looking for camps for Winter Break, activities to keep your kids busy, or you need childcare while you’re working, we’ve got a list of Holiday Break camps in Lakeland.
25 FREE Christmas Events and Activities in Lakeland + Polk County
Get into the holiday spirit with these free Christmas activities in Lakeland, Polk County and Central Florida, plus plenty of ideas for free holiday fun at home.
Outdoor Holiday Activities + Walk Through Christmas Lights in Lakeland and Central Florida
Find outdoor Christmas activities where you can enjoy the holiday season and our beautiful Central Florida December weather. Outdoor Christmas events, walk-through light displays, and more.
20 Places to Donate Toys this Christmas in Lakeland and Polk County + Opportunities to Volunteer
Find local opportunities in Lakeland and Polk County to donate toys for children, food for families, volunteer your time, or make a financial donation to give back to our community this holiday and Christmas season.
Holiday Activities + Christmas Events in Bartow + Mulberry
Find Christmas events and activities near Bartow, FL and Mulberry, FL. Christmas parades, photos with Santa, performances, holiday markets, and more.
Holiday Activities + Christmas Events in Winter Haven
Find Christmas events and activities near Winter Haven, FL. Christmas parades, photos with Santa, live performances, holiday markets, and more.
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100+ Things to Do with Kids
Check out our Ultimate List of Things to Do with Kids in Lakeland + Polk County to find indoor fun, outdoor fun, free things to do, seasonal activities, and more.