You’ve probably heard a lot of “happy holidays” around Swan City — with good reason. Lakeland has plenty of cultures that celebrate the start of astronomical winter, the end of the year, or just the coming of cold weather by gathering with loved ones and giving thanks.

Look forward to:

Yule | Saturday, Dec. 21-Wednesday, Jan. 1 | Ring in the winter solstice and the longest night of the year with a moonlight recital on Bok Tower Gardens' Oval Lawn on Saturday, Dec. 21. Admission for non-members is $20.
Hanukkah | Evening of Wednesday, Dec. 25-Evening of Thursday, Jan. 2 | Join Temple Emanuel on Saturday, Dec. 28 for light bites, a candle lighting, and family-friendly activities to celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights.
Christmas | Wednesday, Dec. 25 | Celebrate this cultural and religious festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christearly with an evening of classical music performed by world-renowned soprano Tatiana Kallman at the Polk Theatre on Thursday, Dec. 19.
Kwanzaa | Thursday, Dec. 26-Wednesday, Jan. 1 | St. Mark United Methodist Church will kick off this week of African American and pan-African celebration with traditional dances, poetry, a candle lighting, and a keynote address by Kristopher Childs on Thursday, Dec. 26.
New Year's Eve + New Year's Day | Tuesday, Dec. 31-Wednesday, Jan. 1 | Hey, look Ma, we made it. Close the door on 2024 and welcome 2025 with events like New Year's Jammin' Eve at the Florida Children's Museum or Union Hall's New Year's Eve Party.

You don’t need to celebrate them all — but let’s all celebrate together.