Things to do in Polk: Winter Haven SantaCon, Gator basketball or classic grunge
As the holidays rev into full gear, finding time to slow down and smell the roses becomes more and more difficult.
But thankfully, across Polk County, there are plenty of artists, musicians, chefs, athletes and others ready to provide some seasonal diversions from to-do and wish lists.
Here are a few ways to turn the heat down and do a bit of seasonal simmering during the holiday rush. Get out and enjoy!
University of Florida basketball
If you’re a Gator fan (or even if you’re not but want to see some Division I college basketball) and don’t want to travel 120 miles north to see the team play, the Gators will take on the East Carolina University Pirates on Thursday at Lakeland’s RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St.. The 7 p.m. tip-off will mark the first time these two schools have faced each other in basketball. The Gators feature the return of their second- and third-leading scorers – Will Richard and Riley Kugel – and a roster full of transfers and incoming freshmen. Tickets range in price from $25 to $107, cash. Credit card prices are higher. For tickets and information, see http://tinyurl.com/ydenh7c6 or call 863-834-8100.
Classic Albums Live presents The Lithium Experience
The grunge-era of the 1990s comes alive onstage Friday when Classic Albums Live presents, note for note, hit songs from some of the decade’s noted rock bands. The 7:30 p.m. show will include hits from acts such as Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots, Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and others. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $41 and $52. For information, see http://tinyurl.com/yn667xmx or call 863-824-8100.
Winter Haven SantaCon 2023
There will be a host of jolly St. Nicks roaming downtown Winter Haven when Grove Roots Brewery hosts the annual SantaCon on Friday starting at 6 p.m. The brewery, 302 3rd St. S.W., is encouraging festive participants to don their Santa or Claus outfits, elf costumes, Santa hats, reindeer antlers or even ugly Christmas sweaters gifted by some unknown great aunt from Iron City, Georgia. There will be food and drink specials from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. at participating downtown establishments with special SantaCon buttons that can be purchased at www.centralfloridatix.com, with button pick-up from 6 to 8 p.m. at Grove Roots Brewing Co. Guests don’t qualify for SantaCon exclusive drinks, discounts and experiences unless a button is purchased and worn. However, those without buttons can still participate, as locations will be open to the general public. Must be 21 or over to participate. General admission is $7; groups of six or more $5 each, with prices going up the day of the event. For information, see http://tinyurl.com/bdeefjvk or email hello@freshwatersocialclub.com.
Remember 'Dirty Dancing'? Hit 1980s movie comes to life on the Lakeland stage
Key West Christmas with John Frinzi, Roger Bartlett & Friends
From 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Swan Brewing will be the site of a tropical holiday celebration. Guests can enjoy a free holiday concert featuring John Frinzi, Roger Bartlett and friends, playing carefree, laid-back melodies of Key West in Lakeland. Lawn chairs are recommended. For information, see www.swanbrewing.com/events.html or call 863 703-0472.
Tom Ingui: A Christmas Concert
A free Christmas concert by First Presbyterian Church organist Tom Ingui will take place in the church sanctuary at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Ingui will perform Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite” and the concert will also feature Advent and Christmas works by Handel, Bach and others. For information, see http://tinyurl.com/bp857yku or call 863-686-7187
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Things to do: SantaCon in Winter Haven, Gator basketball in Lakeland
