Christmas parades 2026Lakeland · Swan City

Christmas parades and tree lightings in Lakeland, 2026.

We found three Christmas parades and tree lightings in and around Lakeland with 2026 dates: three parades, one free to watch. Each one has the date, start time, price and a link to the organizer’s page. Evening ones start after dark, so we mark them, and anything that sells out stays listed in grey.

The quick answersChecked
When’s the Christmas parade?Lakeland Christmas Parade: Dec 3 · 7pm. Plus 2 more.3 paradesWhen’s the tree lighting?No 2026 lighting posted yet.Not yetIs it free?1 of 3 are free to watch; the rest list a price.1 freeDaytime or after dark?1 daytime, 2 in the evening. Each card is marked.2 evening

Last checked · 3 events · Every listing links to its official page. How we choose

By date

Every parade and tree lighting, soonest first

Filter to what fits your evening, then tap one for its time, price and kid notes.

3DecThuLakeland Christmas ParadeParade · 7pm4DecFriHavendale Christmas ParadeParade · 7pm to 9pm5DecSatHaines City Christmas ParadeParade · Time not posted yet

Christmas parades

Christmas parades in and around Lakeland

Start time, price and what to know with little kids, from each organizer’s own page.

Dec4Fri

Havendale Christmas Parade

Havendale Blvd. · Winter Haven and Auburndale · about 12 miles from Lakeland

ParadeEvening
Time
7pm to 9pm
Price
No ticket listed

Good to know: A lighted Friday-night parade run by Winter Haven and Auburndale along about 3 miles of Havendale Boulevard.

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Dec5Sat

Haines City Christmas Parade

Lake Eva Park, 555 Ledwith Ave. · Haines City, FL · about 22 miles from Lakeland

ParadeDaytime
Time
Time not posted yet
Price
No ticket listed

Good to know: Haines City's first-Saturday-of-December parade, with Santa riding along.

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Know one we missed?Send us the organizer’s page and we’ll check the date and add it.Suggest a parade

Tree lightings

Tree lightings and lighting nights near Lakeland

Most lightings are short and happen at dusk, often with Santa, music or cocoa.

No 2026 tree lighting posted here yet. Lightings often post their dates in November, and we add each one once its page has the date.

Before you go

Three things that make parade night easier

SpotGet there earlyA curb spot near the start means little ones see everything and you can leave before the end.
WarmDress for standing stillWatching is colder than walking. Bring a blanket for the stroller and an extra layer.
TimingCheck the start timeLighted parades start after dark. Daytime parades are easier for nap schedules.

Keep planning

More for little kids in Lakeland

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Good questions

Christmas parades in Lakeland: the FAQ

Lakeland Christmas Parade: Thu, Dec 3, 2026, 7pm (Downtown Lakeland). Havendale Christmas Parade: Fri, Dec 4, 2026, 7pm to 9pm (Winter Haven and Auburndale · about 12 miles from Lakeland). Haines City Christmas Parade: Sat, Dec 5, 2026, Time not posted yet (Haines City, FL · about 22 miles from Lakeland).

One of the three we list are free to watch: Lakeland Christmas Parade. Some charge for extras like Santa photos or rides, and each card says so.

Daytime ones are easiest with toddlers: Haines City Christmas Parade. Evening ones start after dark and are colder, so bring layers and a blanket for the stroller. Get there early for a curb spot near the start so little ones can see.

Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 30, 2026, and we recheck them every week through early December. How we choose and check.

Holiday plans every Thursday.

One short email every Thursday evening with the best things to do with little ones in Lakeland that weekend, parades included.

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