The Lakeland area has 10 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Salvation Army Kettle Kickoff and Tree Lighting in Lakeland on November 20 to Light Up BSP in Lakeland, which runs through December 31. 6 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in Florida, part of our guide for every state.
The short version
- 10 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Lakeland for 2026, in Lakeland
- First: Salvation Army Kettle Kickoff and Tree Lighting, Lakeland, November 20. Runs latest: Light Up BSP, Lakeland, through December 31
- 6 are free, including Salvation Army Kettle Kickoff and Tree Lighting, Lakeland Christmas Parade and Camphor Heights Holiday Festival
- Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
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Christmas events for kids in Lakeland
10 confirmed events for kids in Lakeland, soonest first.
Tree lightingFree
Salvation Army Kettle Kickoff and Tree Lighting
- When: Friday, November 20, 2026, 5:30 to 7 pm
- Where: Lakeside Village, Lakeland
- Cost: Free
- Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host
This free evening at Lakeside Village marks the start of The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign. Families gather for festive music and live entertainment before the main moment of the night.
Santa arrives in what the event calls the world's largest kettle and helps light the Christmas tree. The listing invites the whole family and mentions holiday surprises for kids along the way.
Parent tip: Arrive a little early to find a spot near the tree. The event is outdoors, so dress for the weather.
- Host
- Lakeside Village (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center Dr, Lakeland, FL 33803
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Holiday paradeFree
Lakeland Christmas Parade
- When: Thursday, December 3, 2026, 7 pm
- Where: Downtown Lakeland (start at RP Funding Center), Lakeland
- Cost: Free
- Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host
The parade steps off at 7 pm on Thursday, December 3. It starts at the RP Funding Center, travels Lemon Street, Tennessee Avenue and Main Street, circles Munn Park and Lake Mirror, then returns by Orange Street.
The Junior League of Greater Lakeland coordinates the parade each year, and the city lists the official route page. The 2026 map was marked as coming soon.
Parent tip: The 2026 route map was not posted yet, so check the City of Lakeland parade page before you go.
- Host
- Junior League of Greater Lakeland (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Downtown Lakeland (start at RP Funding Center), 701 W Lemon St, Lakeland, FL 33815
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Santa visitFree
Camphor Heights Holiday Festival
- When: Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10 am to 4 pm
- Where: Dobbins Park, Lakeland
- Cost: Free
- Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host
The Camphor Heights Neighborhood Association hosts this holiday kickoff at Dobbins Park. From 10 am to 2 pm kids can ride the trolley train and play games, while vendors, food and raffles fill the park.
Santa is there from noon to 2 pm, and live musicians play from 2 to 4 pm. Admission is free.
Parent tip: Santa's window is noon to 2 pm, so plan the visit around the middle of the day.
- Host
- Camphor Heights Neighborhood Association (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Dobbins Park, 514 Ariana St, Lakeland, FL 33803
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Santa and Mrs. ClausFree
Lakeland Snowfest
- When: Saturday, December 5, 2026, 5 to 9 pm
- Where: Lake Mirror Amphitheater and Promenade, Lakeland
- Cost: Free with a canned food donation
- Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host
Snowfest turns the Lake Mirror promenade into a winter scene with man-made snow flurries. Kids can have photos taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus and visit Santa's Workshop for sweet treats and holiday crafts.
There is a free train ride, a book giveaway sponsored by the Junior League of Greater Lakeland, plus an artisan market and food trucks. Admission is free with a canned food donation, which goes to local senior services.
Parent tip: Bring a canned food item for entry. The list shows an evening event, so bundle up little ones for the breeze off the lake.
- Host
- City of Lakeland (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Lake Mirror Amphitheater and Promenade, 121 S Lake Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Holiday lights
The Flight Before Christmas
- When: Saturday, December 5, 2026, 4 to 8 pm
- Where: Florida Air Museum, Lakeland
- Cost: $10 adults, $5 kids under 12
- Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host
Families walk through a holiday light maze set among the museum's airplanes. There are warm drinks and cookies, and kids can take a photo with Santa to share their wish lists.
Tickets are paid at the door, $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Museum members get in free.
Parent tip: Pay at the door. Members enter free.
- Host
- Aerospace Center for Excellence (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Florida Air Museum, 3875 W Pipkin Rd, Lakeland, FL 33811
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Holiday show
Disney's Frozen at Lakeland Community Theatre
- When: Fri December 11 (7:30 pm), Sat December 12 (2 to 7:30 pm), Sun December 13 (2 pm), Thu December 17 (7:30 pm), Fri December 18 (7:30 pm), Sat December 19 (2 to 7:30 pm) and Sun December 20 (2 pm), 2026
- Where: Lakeland Community Theatre, Lakeland
- Cost: $20 child (12 and under), $24 student, $30 adult
- Ages: All ages (rated PG)
Details, tips and host
The community theatre presents the stage musical across two weekends and a few weeknights in December. Afternoon matinees run at 2 pm on Dec 12, 13, 19 and 20, with evening shows at 7:30 pm on the other dates.
Child tickets (12 and under) are $20, students 18 and under $24, seniors $28 and adults $30. The show is rated PG and the listing tags it for toddlers through teens.
Parent tip: Matinees are the easiest fit for preschoolers. Buy through the theatre's website.
- Host
- Lakeland Community Theatre (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S Lake Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Story time with Santa
North Pole Express: Air Mail Edition
- When: Fri December 11 and Sat December 12, 2026, 5 to 8 pm
- Where: Florida Air Museum, Lakeland
- Cost: $10 per person
- Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host
Each boarding lasts 45 to 60 minutes, with three per night at 5, 6 and 7 pm. Kids are encouraged to wear pajamas and bring a letter to Santa. They hear a Christmas story, take a pretend flight, and snap a cockpit selfie.
Back in the museum there is hot chocolate, cookies and music while Santa circles the globe in the Science on a Sphere lab. Everyone takes home a gift.
Parent tip: Tickets are required for everyone but children 2 and under. All slots were full at last check, so join the 2026 waitlist on the museum calendar.
- Host
- Aerospace Center for Excellence (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Florida Air Museum, 3875 W Pipkin Rd, Lakeland, FL 33811
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Holiday lightsFree
Light Up BSP
- When: Friday, December 18, 2026 to Thursday, December 31, 2026 (nightly except Dec 25; entry closes 8 pm; ticketed preview night Dec 17)
- Where: Bonnet Springs Park, Lakeland
- Cost: Free entry, parking $10
- Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host
Light Up BSP fills the park with twinkling displays and a canopy of lights. The event page lists crafts, holiday music and performers, with a schedule still to come.
Admission is free from Dec 18, with entry closing at 8 pm and the park closed Dec 25. Parking is $10 on site, free parking is available outside the gates, and card is the only payment accepted.
Parent tip: No coolers, canopies or umbrellas. Pets are not allowed on the Canopy of Lights. A ticketed preview night runs Dec 17.
- Host
- Bonnet Springs Park (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Bonnet Springs Park, 2000 Edgewood Dr S, Lakeland, FL 33803
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Story time with SantaFree
'Tis the Season Holiday Concert + Santa Storytime
- When: Saturday, December 19, 2026, noon to 9 pm
- Where: The Lawn at Lakeside Village, Lakeland
- Cost: Free
- Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host
The day starts with a holiday market from noon to 5 pm. The concert and celebration run from 5 to 7 pm, and the event includes a Santa storytime. Photos with Santa end promptly at 7 pm.
Snowfall runs from 6 to 9 pm. Admission and parking are both free at Lakeside Village.
Parent tip: Photos with Santa stop at 7 pm sharp, so come early for the line.
- Host
- Lakeside Village (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- The Lawn at Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center Dr, Lakeland, FL 33803
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Holiday show
The Nutcracker Ballet by International Ballet of Florida
- When: Sunday, December 20, 2026, 2 to 4 pm
- Where: Polk Theatre, Lakeland
- Cost: Tickets from the Polk Theatre
- Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host
This Sunday matinee at the Polk Theatre is a classic holiday outing for families, with a 2 to 4 pm performance by the International Ballet of Florida.
The listing welcomes audiences of all ages. Tickets are sold through the theatre, and the listing does not give an exact price.
Parent tip: Check polktheatre.org for ticket prices and seating.
- Host
- International Ballet of Florida (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Polk Theatre, 121 Florida Ave S, Lakeland, FL 33801
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Lakeland? Bring Rally home.
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Rally Takes the Train
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See who’s waiting at the station
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Every event above was confirmed on the host’s own page, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Florida Christmas train rides page.
Lakeland Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 10 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Lakeland
- Season
- November 20 to December 31, 2026
- Free events
- 6
- Kinds of events
- holiday lights, holiday show, story time with Santa and tree lighting
- Last checked
See every event on a December calendar
Plan your December
When each Lakeland Christmas event for kids happens
The first is Salvation Army Kettle Kickoff and Tree Lighting in Lakeland on November 20; the last runs to December 31. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- Salvation Army Kettle Kickoff and Tree LightingLakeland · Nov 20
- Lakeland Christmas ParadeLakeland · Dec 3
- Camphor Heights Holiday FestivalLakeland · Dec 5
- Lakeland SnowfestLakeland · Dec 5
- The Flight Before ChristmasLakeland · Dec 5
- North Pole Express: Air Mail EditionLakeland · Dec 11 to Dec 12
- Disney's Frozen at Lakeland Community TheatreLakeland · Dec 11 to Dec 20
- Light Up BSPLakeland · Dec 18 to Dec 31
- 'Tis the Season Holiday Concert + Santa StorytimeLakeland · Dec 19
- The Nutcracker Ballet by International Ballet of FloridaLakeland · Dec 20
Looking further afield? Our Florida Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, Tallahassee, Pensacola, Gainesville, Sarasota, Fort Lauderdale, St. Petersburg, West Palm Beach, Cape Coral, Melbourne, Daytona Beach, Palm Coast, North Port, Ocala, Port Saint Lucie, Palm Bay, Spring Hill, Deltona, Port Orange, Port Charlotte, Bonita Springs and The Villages. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.
A story for the drive home
A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first ride on a California train, hand-painted in watercolor. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon2026 Christmas events are coming in late November
More Christmas events arrive in late November: unlock the list and we'll email you as soon as we confirm them.
The story of Christmas in Lakeland
In Lakeland, Christmas glows around the lakes. Downtown Munn Park, Lake Mirror and Lake Morton fill with thousands of lights each December, and a parade that is more than 40 years old rolls through the middle of it all.
How Lakeland celebrates
Lakeland's biggest tradition is the downtown Christmas parade, which the Junior League of Greater Lakeland coordinates and which has run for more than 40 years. Thousands of people gather in early December, and more than 100 floats and marching bands take part. Around it, Munn Park, Lake Mirror and Lake Morton glow with thousands of lights. The city also hosts Snowfest at Lake Mirror, with man-made snow, Santa and Mrs. Claus, crafts and free train rides. The Ariana Village drive-through display is in its 36th year in 2026.
Christmas last year in Lakeland
In 2025 more than 3,000 vehicles rolled through Ariana Village during the nine nights its gates were open, on a free drive-through route lined with lights and inflatables. At Lakeside Village, a free season-long display put thousands of dancing lights and a new Christmas tree on show, with snow flurries for 15 minutes every hour on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Bonnet Springs Park took a break from its Light Up BSP in 2025 to fix traffic and parking problems, after the event grew to about 80,000 guests in 2024.
Fun facts about Christmas in Lakeland
Light Up BSP began in 2023 with more than a million lights over two weeks and 63,000 visitors, and in 2024 it ran for 18 days. Its Canopy Walk strings lights through dozens of oak trees, and a giant Christmas tree stands on the Family Lawn. Lakeside Village even has a Santa's mailbox where kids can drop letters. The Lakeland parade circles Munn Park and Lake Mirror, and in 2026 it starts at the RP Funding Center on Thursday, December 3 at 7 pm.
Traditions today
- Lakeland Christmas Parade: A downtown tradition for more than 40 years, coordinated by the Junior League of Greater Lakeland, with over 100 floats and bands.
- Lakeland Snowfest: Man-made snow, Santa and Mrs. Claus, crafts and free train rides at Lake Mirror, hosted by the City of Lakeland.
- Light Up BSP: A lit canopy walk, giant tree and holiday programs at Bonnet Springs Park, started in 2023 and planned to return in 2026.
- Ariana Village Christmas Lights: A free drive-through display in a 55+ community, open nine nights each December and in its 36th year in 2026.
- Lakeside Village lights and snow: Dancing lights, a Christmas tree, snow flurries each hour on Thursday to Saturday nights and a Santa's mailbox.
- Downtown lake lights: Thousands of lights glow over Munn Park, Lake Mirror and Lake Morton all season.
A fact for kids
In Lakeland, Santa has a mailbox at Lakeside Village, and snow flurries fall for 15 minutes every hour on Thursday to Saturday nights, even though it is Florida.
Questions about Christmas in Lakeland
How long has the Lakeland Christmas Parade been going?
The downtown Lakeland Christmas Parade has been a local custom for more than 40 years. The exact founding year is not stated. Thousands of people gather downtown in early December, and over 100 floats and marching bands take part in the parade each year.
Who organizes the Lakeland Christmas Parade?
The Junior League of Greater Lakeland coordinates the parade each year, and the City of Lakeland lists the official route and parade page. For 2026 the parade is set for Thursday, December 3 at 7 pm. It starts and ends at the RP Funding Center and circles downtown Munn Park and Lake Mirror.
What is the Lakeland Christmas Parade route?
The route starts at the RP Funding Center, then follows Lemon Street, Tennessee Avenue and Main Street, circles Munn Park and Lake Mirror, and returns along Orange Street. That is the route listed for 2026, with the parade on Thursday, December 3 at 7 pm, though the official map was still marked as coming soon.
How many floats and bands are in the Lakeland parade?
More than 100 floats and marching bands take part in the Lakeland Christmas Parade, according to a Polk County parade guide. Thousands of people gather downtown to watch. The guide does not give exact crowd figures, so think of it as a big community parade that fills the streets around Munn Park.
What is Lakeland Snowfest?
Lakeland Snowfest is a City of Lakeland holiday evening at Lake Mirror, with man-made snow flurries, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a Santa's Workshop with sweets and crafts, free train rides and a book giveaway. The 2026 listing says admission is free with a canned food donation for local senior services.
When did Light Up BSP start?
Light Up BSP began in 2023 as Bonnet Springs Park's first annual holiday light experience. That first year it ran for two weeks with more than a million lights and 63,000 visitors. By 2024 it ran 18 days and drew about 80,000 guests, which made it one of Lakeland's biggest holiday traditions.
Why was there no Light Up BSP last year?
Bonnet Springs Park skipped Light Up BSP in 2025 because its popularity had caused parking and traffic problems around the park. The CEO said crowds were growing busier every evening. The park planned to add paved parking and bring the lights back in 2026, and its 2026 page lists December 18 to 31.
What can kids see on the Canopy Walk at Bonnet Springs Park?
The Canopy Walk is lined with lights strung around dozens of oak trees, with palm trees at the end, and a giant Christmas tree stands on the Family Lawn. Past seasons also offered snow machines, music, crafts, Santa photos and trackless train rides. The event started in 2023 as a first annual holiday experience.
What are the Ariana Village Christmas Lights?
Ariana Village Christmas Lights is a free drive-through display of lights and inflatables, open about nine nights each December, and 2026 is its 36th year. It runs through a 55+ community, and donations are welcome. In 2025 it was open December 15 to 23 from 6 to 9 pm.
How many people visited Ariana Village last year?
More than 3,000 vehicles drove through Ariana Village during the nine nights its gates were open in 2025. Admission is free, though donations are welcome, and the route runs through a 55+ community, so please be considerate of residents. Counting families in each car, thousands of people saw the display.
Does it really snow in Lakeland?
No, but Lakeland makes its own. At Lakeside Village, snow flurries fall for 15 minutes every hour on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings during the season. Snowfest at Lake Mirror also uses man-made snow, and past Light Up BSP nights had a snow machine, so kids still get a snowy moment in Florida.
What is the Santa's mailbox at Lakeside Village?
It is a mailbox set up at Lakeside Village as part of its free, season-long Christmas display. In the 2025 season it was available from November 22 to December 15. Kids can drop in a letter to Santa while they watch the dancing lights and enjoy the new Christmas tree.
Where can kids see Christmas lights in Lakeland?
Kids can see thousands of lights over Munn Park, Lake Mirror and Lake Morton downtown, dancing lights at Lakeside Village, and the drive-through display at Ariana Village. Bonnet Springs Park plans Light Up BSP for December 18 to 31, 2026. Our Lakeland Christmas events guide on this page lists this year's confirmed dates.
Is there a Christmas parade in Lakeland this year?
Yes, the Lakeland Christmas Parade is set for Thursday, December 3, 2026 at 7 pm in downtown Lakeland. It starts at the RP Funding Center. For more local holiday dates and details, see our Lakeland Christmas events guide on this page, since times and route maps can be updated.
Where can kids see a big Christmas tree in Lakeland?
Two places stand out. Lakeside Village put up a new Christmas tree with dancing lights in its 2025 display, and Bonnet Springs Park has a giant tree on its Family Lawn during Light Up BSP. See our Lakeland Christmas events guide on this page for this season's dates before you plan a visit.
How can I explain the lake lights to young kids?
Tell them Lakeland is a city of lakes, and at Christmas the lakes wear lights. Munn Park, Lake Mirror and Lake Morton glow with thousands of lights, and the parade even loops around Lake Mirror. Children can count lights, spot the tree and watch for floats, bands and Santa as they walk the park.
What happens at the Lakeside Village Christmas display?
Lakeside Village runs a free, season-long display called Meet the Magic, with a new Christmas tree and thousands of lights dancing to holiday music. In the 2025 season, dancing lights ran nightly from November 22 to December 31, and snowy nights ran Thursday to Saturday through December 20.
Do Lakeland holiday displays cost money?
Many are free. The Lakeside Village lights and the Ariana Village drive-through are free, Snowfest admission is free with a canned food donation, and the 2026 Light Up BSP entry is free from December 18, though parking at the park costs money. Check our Lakeland Christmas events guide on this page for current prices.
What makes Christmas in Lakeland special?
Lakeland builds its Christmas around its lakes and neighborhoods. A parade circles Lake Mirror, downtown parks glow around the water, and community-run displays like Ariana Village have drawn drivers for 36 years. It adds man-made snow, a canopy of lights at Bonnet Springs Park and a mailbox for Santa.
Is Light Up BSP free and when does it run in 2026?
Admission to Light Up BSP is free for all ages from December 18 to 31, 2026, except December 25, according to the park. A ticketed preview night is planned for December 17. Parking on site costs $10, free parking is available outside the gates, and entry closes at 8 pm, with no cash accepted.
Sources
- Polk County Christmas parades, Lakeland Mom
- 2026 Lakeland Christmas Parade, Lakeland Mom
- Bonnet Springs Park cancels Light Up BSP in 2025 to address traffic impact, LkldNow
- Bonnet Springs Park transforms into sparkly wonderland, LkldNow
- Best Christmas light displays in Lakeland, Lakeland Mom
- Ariana Village Christmas Lights, Lakeland Mom
- Lakeland Snowfest, Lakeland Mom
- Light Up BSP, December 18, 2026, Bonnet Springs Park
Lakeland Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What are the best Christmas events for kids in Lakeland this year?
We confirmed 10 for the 2026 season, and 6 of them are free. Good places to start: Lakeland Snowfest (Dec 5), Salvation Army Kettle Kickoff and Tree Lighting (Nov 20) and Disney's Frozen at Lakeland Community Theatre (Dec 11 to Dec 20). Every event on this page has the times, the cost and a link to the host.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Lakeland?
Yes, 6 of the 10. Two worth planning around: Lakeland Christmas Parade (Dec 3) and Light Up BSP (Dec 18 to Dec 31). Some free events still need a reservation, so check the listing before you go.
Where can kids meet Santa in Lakeland?
6 events here include a visit with Santa. Popular picks are North Pole Express: Air Mail Edition (Dec 11 to Dec 12) and Camphor Heights Holiday Festival (Dec 5). Bring your own camera; most visits allow photos.
Are there Christmas story times for kids in Lakeland?
Yes. Try 'Tis the Season Holiday Concert + Santa Storytime (Dec 19). Library story times are usually free and walk-in; ones with a meal or a show are ticketed.
Is anything on for kids in Lakeland on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?
Yes. Light Up BSP runs through Dec 31.
Do we need tickets or reservations?
For 4 of the 10 events, yes: they sell tickets or ask you to sign up ahead. Meals with Santa and ticketed shows fill up first. Most library and park events are walk-in, and each listing says which is which.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Lakeland?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Lakeland Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 4, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.