November always feels like an awkward month where we still have one foot in fall and the other in the Christmas holidays. Some of you already have your holiday decorations up, and others want to continue enjoying pumpkin spice all month long. Whatever you love about November, we’re here to help with your Thanksgiving and Christmas planning so you can make the most of this month.
Popular fall activities that continue into November include corn mazes and sunflower fields. Christmas activities that start in November include Christmas markets, Christmas tree lots, and community events to kick off the holiday season.
We’ve got plenty of info for you to make it a November to remember, and we’ve created this page to be sure it doesn’t get lost between Halloween and December! Be sure to check the publish date on the articles listed here – some may not be updated for this year until early to mid-November.
November Articles
20+ Places to snap Santa Pictures or have Breakfast with Santa in Lakeland + Polk County
Whether you’re looking for Santa pictures in Lakeland, or your kids prefer to admire Santa from afar, we’ve got photo locations, Breakfast with Santa, and other events where he can be found!
Christmas Tree Lots in Lakeland + Polk County (plus Christmas Tree Farms in Central Florida)
Find a Christmas Tree Lot near you in Lakeland and Polk County, plus a list of Christmas Tree Farms where you can cut your own live Christmas Tree in Central Florida.
Christmas Markets and Holiday Craft Fairs in Lakeland + Polk County
Looking for that one-of-a-kind holiday gift? Visit a holiday market or craft fair to find those unique Christmas gifts your friends and family will love. Get your Christmas shopping done while you shop local and support makers from Lakeland and Central Florida.
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.
Things To Do During Thanksgiving Break in Lakeland + Polk County
If you’re staying in Lakeland for Thanksgiving Break, we’ve got a list of events and activities for your family to enjoy including kid-friendly volunteer opportunities.
Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in Lakeland + Polk County
Find local restaurants open on Thanksgiving. Keep it simple and let someone else cook the turkey dinner this year while you enjoy Thanksgiving Day.
Thanksgiving Dinner To Go and Thanksgiving Catering in Lakeland + Polk County
Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving Dinner, need some help with the side dishes or pies, or don’t want to show up at a holiday dinner empty-handed, we’re here to help with a list of Lakeland and Winter Haven area restaurants that offer Thanksgiving Catering, Dinners To Go, and Holiday Pies.
10 Thanksgiving Break Camps for Kids in Lakeland + Polk County
If you’re looking for camps for Thanksgiving Break, activities to keep your kids busy, or you need childcare while you’re working that week, we’ve got a list of Thanksgiving Break camps in Lakeland and across Polk County.
Top 10 Things to Do in Lakeland + Polk County in November
The holiday season is in full swing in November! We’ve got a list of the best things to do this month so you can be sure the “can’t miss” events are on your calendar. Check out our November Things to Do for Lakeland and Polk County.
Veterans Day Events in Lakeland + Across Polk County
Whether you have a Veteran in the family to celebrate, or would simply like to show your support for our local Veterans, check out the Veterans Day Events in Lakeland and across Polk County.
Sign Up for Christmas Assistance in Lakeland + Polk County
If you need a little bit of help with some Christmas magic this holiday season, there are local holiday assistance programs that provide toys, gifts, and food to families in need. Applications are due in October and November so be sure to apply early.
Corn Mazes and Fall Festivals in Polk County + Central Florida
Looking to explore a corn maze, working farm, or just get outside for a fall afternoon? We’ve got a list of corn mazes and fall festivals happening in Polk County and across Central Florida from September through November.
Fall Family Fun – Harvest Holler Corn Maze, Hayride and Farm in Polk County
Read our review of Harvest Holler Corn Maze in Polk City, just outside of Lakeland. Farm animals, corn maze, hayride, Frank-N-Slide, cow train & more. Fall family fun from September through mid-November!
Things to Do in November in Lakeland + Polk County
◈ Play outdoors! Try a new outdoor activity or a family favorite from our Outdoor Fun Guide.
◈ Find a bike trail, hiking trail, or walking path to enjoy the cooler November weather.
◈ Play on the playgrounds and have a picnic at Bonnet Springs Park.
◈ Pre-order a Thanksgiving dinner, your favorite turkey day sides, or a Thanksgiving pie to simplify your Thanksgiving this year.
◈ Find a local restaurant open on Thanksgiving day.
◈ Sign your kids up for something fun to do during the first few days of break with a Thanksgiving Break Camp.
◈ Check out a fall festival held at local farms across Central Florida {many are open through November}.
◈ Take your family to one of these a-MAZE-ing corn mazes in Central Florida and put your navigational skills to the test {open through November}.
◈ Go on a hayride at Harvest Holler Corn Maze {open through mid-November}.
◈ Visit a Sunflower Field in Central Florida for U-Pick Sunflowers.
◈ Lace up your running shoes and take the entire family out for a Fall 5K Race or Kids Fun Run.
◈ Pick out a tree at a Christmas Tree Lot {most open on Thanksgiving or the day after}
◈ Go on an early Christmas Day Trip – many special holiday activities begin in mid/late November. Check out our Tampa Christmas Guide and Orlando Christmas Guide for special events at theme parks, zoos, and other attractions.
◈ Set your chairs out for the Lakeland Christmas parade. Rumor has it some people do this in mid-November. {KIDDING! Don’t do this until the day of the parade}
◈ Start planning your December calendar with our Holiday + Christmas Activities Guide!
Christmas Events + Holiday Activities
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Christmas Events + Holiday Activities to find more things to do including Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays, FREE Christmas Events, Santa Photos, Christmas Parades, and more.