ARTICLE
The holidays are brighter than ever at Lakeside Village. This year, the shopping and dining destination invites the community to Meet the Magic, a festive, season-long celebration featuring a brand-new Christmas tree, dancing lights, snowfall, live performances, and family-friendly events from November 21 through December 31. Guests are invited to be among the first to experience the all-new Christmas tree during the Salvation Army Kettle Kick-Off & Tree Lighting on Friday, November 21 from 5:30 to 7:00 PM. The celebration will include live performances, special guests, and Santa’s grand arrival to light the new tree for the first time. “The holidays are when Lakeside Village truly comes alive,” said Kimberley Glerum, General Manager of Lakeside Village. “We are proud to introduce a completely new Christmas tree and an expanded lineup of holiday events that bring our community together. From shopping and dining to live entertainment and family traditions, this season is all about creating memories that last.” Developed by Lakeside Village Marketing Manager Cristina Marchand, the Meet the Magic theme celebrates connection, community, and the joy of discovery during the holiday season. “Meet the Magic reflects the sense of wonder guests feel when they visit during the holidays,” said Marchand. “We wanted to invite the community to see the new tree, enjoy the dancing lights, and experience all the festive moments that make this season so special.” 2025 Holiday Season Highlights Official Lighting of the Christmas Tree Friday, November 21 | 5:30-7:00 p.m. We invite you to join us for the official Lighting of the Christmas Tree on Friday, November 21 from 5:30 to 7:00 PM at Lakeside Village. Come experience the magic in person and celebrate the start of the holiday season with our community.*** Salvation Army Kettle Kick-Off & Tree Lighting Friday, November 21 | 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM Kick off the holiday season under Lakeside Village’s all-new Christmas tree, bigger, brighter, and more magical than ever. The evening will feature live music from the Tenoroc High School Band, performances by Kimmy Gabriela and Jared Drake, remarks from Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, and appearances by stilt walkers. Santa will arrive in the world’s largest kettle to light the new tree and officially start the season. Meet the Magic: Dancing Lights Nights November 22 to December 31 | Nightly from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM Thousands of lights will dance in perfect harmony to favorite holiday songs during this nightly light show beneath the new Christmas tree. The experience is free and open to the public, offering a picture-perfect setting for families, couples, and friends to celebrate together. Snowy Nights November 22 to December 20 | Thursdays to Saturdays, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM Experience the wonder of the holidays with gentle “snow” flurries falling in The Village every hour on the hour (15 minutes). Guests can enjoy a winter wonderland atmosphere filled with lights, music, and festive photo opportunities. Makers Market Second and Fourth Sundays | 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM Shop local this season at the Makers Market, featuring more than 80 vendors offering handmade goods, jewelry, art, home décor, and holiday treats. This free event is family- and pet-friendly, with plenty of dining options at Lakeside Village restaurants. Mail Letters to Santa November 22 to December 15 | During Center Hours Children can send their wish lists directly to the North Pole by dropping letters in Santa’s Mailbox located near the Christmas Tree. Free printable letter templates are available at https://bit.ly/472TGiH Families are encouraged to include a return address so Santa can write back. ’Tis the Season Holiday Concert December 20 | 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Celebrate the sounds of the season with an outdoor concert featuring local performers and holiday favorites. Additional details will be shared on social media. Event Details Location: Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center Drive, Lakeland, Florida Dates: November 21 through December 31, 2025 Website: www.shoplakesidevillage.com Social Media: Facebook @lakesidevillage and Instagram @shoplakesidevillage
The holidays are brighter than ever at Lakeside Village. This year, the shopping and dining destination invites the community to Meet the Magic, a festive, season-long celebration featuring a brand-new Christmas tree, dancing lights, snowfall, live performances, and family-friendly events from November 21 through December 31.
Guests are invited to be among the first to experience the all-new Christmas tree during the Salvation Army Kettle Kick-Off & Tree Lighting on Friday, November 21 from 5:30 to 7:00 PM. The celebration will include live performances, special guests, and Santa’s grand arrival to light the new tree for the first time.
“The holidays are when Lakeside Village truly comes alive,” said Kimberley Glerum, General Manager of Lakeside Village. “We are proud to introduce a completely new Christmas tree and an expanded lineup of holiday events that bring our community together. From shopping and dining to live entertainment and family traditions, this season is all about creating memories that last.”
Developed by Lakeside Village Marketing Manager Cristina Marchand, the Meet the Magic theme celebrates connection, community, and the joy of discovery during the holiday season.
“Meet the Magic reflects the sense of wonder guests feel when they visit during the holidays,” said Marchand. “We wanted to invite the community to see the new tree, enjoy the dancing lights, and experience all the festive moments that make this season so special.”
2025 Holiday Season Highlights
Official Lighting of the Christmas Tree Friday, November 21 | 5:30-7:00 p.m.
We invite you to join us for the official Lighting of the Christmas Tree on Friday, November 21 from 5:30 to 7:00 PM at Lakeside Village. Come experience the magic in person and celebrate the start of the holiday season with our community.***
Salvation Army Kettle Kick-Off & Tree Lighting Friday, November 21 | 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
Kick off the holiday season under Lakeside Village’s all-new Christmas tree, bigger, brighter, and more magical than ever. The evening will feature live music from the Tenoroc High School Band, performances by Kimmy Gabriela and Jared Drake, remarks from Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, and appearances by stilt walkers. Santa will arrive in the world’s largest kettle to light the new tree and officially start the season.
Meet the Magic: Dancing Lights Nights November 22 to December 31 | Nightly from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Thousands of lights will dance in perfect harmony to favorite holiday songs during this nightly light show beneath the new Christmas tree. The experience is free and open to the public, offering a picture-perfect setting for families, couples, and friends to celebrate together.
Snowy Nights November 22 to December 20 | Thursdays to Saturdays, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Experience the wonder of the holidays with gentle “snow” flurries falling in The Village every hour on the hour (15 minutes). Guests can enjoy a winter wonderland atmosphere filled with lights, music, and festive photo opportunities.
Makers Market Second and Fourth Sundays | 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Shop local this season at the Makers Market, featuring more than 80 vendors offering handmade goods, jewelry, art, home décor, and holiday treats. This free event is family- and pet-friendly, with plenty of dining options at Lakeside Village restaurants.
Mail Letters to Santa November 22 to December 15 | During Center Hours
Children can send their wish lists directly to the North Pole by dropping letters in Santa’s Mailbox located near the Christmas Tree. Free printable letter templates are available at https://bit.ly/472TGiH Families are encouraged to include a return address so Santa can write back.
’Tis the Season Holiday Concert December 20 | 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Celebrate the sounds of the season with an outdoor concert featuring local performers and holiday favorites. Additional details will be shared on social media.
Event Details Location: Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center Drive, Lakeland, Florida Dates: November 21 through December 31, 2025 Website: www.shoplakesidevillage.com Social Media: Facebook @lakesidevillage and Instagram @shoplakesidevillage