Looking for festive fun events this holiday season? Polk County has you covered! Whether you’re a long-time resident or visiting Polk for the first time, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Bring your family to seasonal events hosted by Polk County Parks and Recreation. Experience the magic of the 14th Annual Festival of Wreaths at the Polk County History Center. Don’t miss the dazzling Christmas parades and special events hosted by Polk’s municipalities. Be sure to check their websites for full schedules and details to make the most of your holiday season in Polk County.
Events hosted by Polk County Parks and Recreation
Jolly Jamboree
Dec. 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. | Mary Norma Campbell Resource Center located at 2226 Karen St., Lake Wales.
Deck the halls at Jolly Jamboree! Join us for a hot chocolate bar, games, prizes and other giveaways! There will also be a Gingerbread House-making contest at 6:30 p.m. with prizes for the winners. Admission is free, but space is limited. Please RSVP by Nov. 25, by emailing to porchiamorris@polk-county.net. For more information, call (863) 679-4335.
Christmas Notes
Dec. 14 from 5 to 8 p.m. | Homeland Heritage Park located at 249 Church Ave., Homeland.
Enjoy free family fun featuring photos with Santa, light refreshments, a visit to Santa’s Workshop, cookie decorating, games and prizes! Don’t miss the gift-wrapping competition at 6 p.m.! For more details call (863) 534-6911.
Holiday Celebrations at Polk County History Center
Celebrate the holiday season at the Polk County History Center during the 14th Annual Festival of Wreaths, which features an assortment of events, guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit.
Festival of Wreaths on display and Silent Auction
Nov. 8 to Dec. 12 | Polk County History Center located at 100 E. Main St., Bartow.
Visit the History Center and view the festive wreaths decorated by Polk individual residents, organizations and businesses. You can even take part in an online Silent Auction to bring one home. Auction ends on Dec. 12 at 5 p.m.
Merry and Bright
Nov. 23 | Polk County History Center located at 100 E. Main St., Bartow.
Celebrate the spirit of the season with a specially curated tour of the Festival of Wreaths at the History Center at no cost. The Merry and Bright guided tour explores the wreath designs, their unique meanings and the organizations or individuals they represent. Tours offered at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Selfies with Santa
Dec. 7 and Dec. 21 | Polk County History Center located at 100 E. Main St., Bartow.
Santa Claus and his elves will be in his study at the History Center for “Selfies with Santa” on Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Dec. 21, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Contact the museum to reserve your space. Call (863) 534-4386 or email jaymejamison@polk-county.net. Reservations are required.
Architectural Tour (Holiday Edition)
Dec. 21 | Polk County History Center located at 100 E. Main St., Bartow.
Enjoy a special holiday edition of the Architectural Tour at the Polk County History Center. Take in the seasonal additions generously provided through the Annual Festival of Wreaths. The free tour will begin at 11 a.m.
Jingle and Mingle
Nov. 30 and Dec. 14 | Polk County History Center located at 100 E. Main St., Bartow.
Celebrate the season with caroling performances by the Frostproof High School Chorus on Nov. 30 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and the Berkley Charter School Chorus at 11 a.m. on Dec. 14. There is no cost to attend.
Polk County Christmas Parades
Auburndale / Winter Haven
Friday, Dec. 6 | 7 p.m.
The cities of Auburndale and Winter Haven will join together for the annual Havendale Christmas Parade. The route begins at the Spring Haven Retirement Center, 1225 Havendale Blvd. NW, and travels west along Havendale Boulevard to the Publix Super Market located at 606 Havendale Blvd.
Bartow
Magical Illumination Christmas Parade
Friday, Dec. 13 | 6 p.m.
Get into the holiday spirit by attending the City of Bartow’s Magical Illumination Christmas Parade. The route begins at Mosaic Park, 2250 S. Floral Ave., and travels down Main Street, ending at First Avenue.
Davenport
Christmas Parade and Winterfest
Saturday, Dec. 14 | 4 p.m.
The City of Davenport will host its annual Christmas Parade and Winterfest. The parade begins at the Lewis W. Mathews Memorial Sports Complex, 400 E. Palm St., and ends at the Toms Fellows Community Center, 207 North Blvd.
Dundee
Charlie Brown Centennial Christmas Parade
Saturday, Dec. 14 | 6 p.m.
Celebrate the holiday at the Town of Dundee’s Charlie Brown Centennial Christmas Parade. The parade runs along Main Street ending at the Dundee Community Center, 603 Lake Marie Blvd.
Fort Meade
Saturday, Dec. 14 | 6 p.m.
The City of Fort Meade and the Fort Meade Chamber of Commerce will host a Christmas Parade with the theme “A Hometown Christmas.” The route will begin on the corner of S. Washington Ave. and E. Broadway Street. and end at Tecumseh Avenue and Fourth Street NW.
Lake Alfred
Light Up Lake Alfred – Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
Saturday, Dec. 14 | 6:30 p.m.
The City of Lake Alfred’s Christmas Parade will begin at Central Park, 444 E. Cummings St., and end at Frank C. Gardner Park, U.S. 17-92 and Main Street.
Lakeland
Thursday, Dec. 5 | 7 p.m.
The City of Lakeland will host its 43rd annual Christmas Parade. The theme will be “Christmas at Swan Lake.” The start of the parade will be signaled by fireworks over Lake Mirror. The parade starts at the RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., and travels east along Lemon Street into downtown Lakeland. The parade then turns at Main Street to Cedar Street and winds around Lake Mirror, travels Orange Street and ends at the RP Funding Center.
Lake Wales
Saturday, Dec. 14 | 6 p.m.
Attend Lake Wales Christmas Parade, presented by Rotary on the Ridge. The parade will begin at Polk Avenue Elementary and ends at Crystal Lake Park.
Mulberry
Saturday, Dec. 14 | 6 p.m.
Celebrate the holiday season by attending the City of Mulberry’s Christmas Parade. The theme for the parade is “Home for the Holidays.” The Mulberry Christmas Village is an annual event that takes place at Spence Park, 1100 NE 1st St., immediately following the annual Christmas Parade.
Polk City
Saturday, Dec. 7 | 2 p.m.
Join in the festive celebration as Polk City hosts their Christmas Parade. The parade route with begin at the corner of Bridges Road and Broadway Boulevard and end at Freedom Park, located at the intersection of SR-33 and Berkley Road.