Dear Hallmark,

We know it’s a busy time of year for you, so we’ll keep this brief. We’re writing to you today to let you know that Lakeland, FL is the perfect backdrop for your next Hallmark Christmas Movie.

Okay, we know what you're thinking — Central Florida probably isn't exactly what comes to mind when you start scouting for filming locations. We're going to try to convince you, anyway.

We may be biased, but we think our city would be perfect year-round for any made-for-tv romance film. However, we’ve narrowed down our list to what makes it so special this time of year:

Our quaint downtown decorated with twinkling lights dripping from the trees
Lake Morton and its light-up swans casting a glow on our real royal avians
A sparkling Christmas tree floating in the center of Lake Mirror
An indoor ice skating rink that almost feels like the real thing
Ourannual Christmas Paradethat draws tens of thousands for floats, music, prizes, and more
Santa and his reindeer overlooking downtown
Christmas markets filled with handmade goods from local makers
Plus, you really can't beat the weather. Who doesn't love a cool breeze and a sunny day?

For those reasons, many people already escape to Swan City to feel like they’re in one of your films. Did we mention our residents (like @grizbizzz) ask themselves questions like "What hallmark Christmas movie is this? 😍" when they see our picturesque downtown?

In conclusion, we think you should bring a Hallmark Christmas Movie production to Lakeland, FL. You won’t have to budget for any set production because the beauty, romance, and beautiful scenery are here 365 days a year. Well... you might need a snow machine.

Wishing you very happy holidays,

The LALtoday Team

Reader feedback

Hey again, Hallmark.

We took care of your focus group for you and asked our citizens what your Lakeland-based Christmas flick should be named. Here are their suggestions:

"I’ll Have a Warm and Sunny Christmas"
"Hometown Christmas in the Sun"
"Palm Trees and Christmas Trees"
"Swan City Christmas"
"Holiday by the Lakes"
"Christmas Doesn’t Have to be White"
"Jingle the Christmas Bells in Lakeland"
"Lakeland’s White Christmas Miracle"
"Krampus comes to Lakeland for the Holiday Season"
"5K on Christmas Day"
"Lakeland Magic"
"Christmas with the swans"
"Christmas in Paradise"
"A warm and sunny Christmas"
"The Swan Who Stole Xmas"
"Swan City Love"

Looking for more? Our Instagram followers chimed in with some suggestions of their own.

"The Christmas Swan Miracle"
"A Christmas in Swan City"
"Hot mess Christmas"
"Noel on the lake"
"Swan City"