Events & Celebrations · Holidays · Family-Friendly
Polk County Christmas Parades 2026: Dates, Times and Where to Watch
Lakeland’s parade is listed for Thursday, Dec. 3, and the Havendale parade for Friday, Dec. 4. Here’s every holiday parade we know about in Polk County, plus tips for getting a good spot.
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The first week of December is parade week in Polk County. Downtown Lakeland goes first, Winter Haven and Auburndale follow the next night, and by Saturday there's something happening in almost every town.
Most parade organizers confirm their final details in late November, so we'll keep this page updated. Here's what's on the calendar right now.
Lakeland Christmas Parade: Thursday, Dec. 3
Lakeland's parade traditionally happens on the first Thursday of December, and Visit Central Florida lists the 2026 parade for Thursday, December 3, from 7 to 9 p.m. The city hasn't posted its official 2026 page yet, so double-check before you go.
The parade is hosted by the Junior League of Greater Lakeland and the City of Lakeland. It typically leaves the RP Funding Center, heads down Lemon Street and winds through downtown. Expect it to last about an hour and a half to two hours, and expect thousands of people.
Where to watch: Spots along Lemon Street and around Munn Park fill up first. Families who want a little more room often set up chairs farther from the start, where the crowd thins out.
Havendale Christmas Parade: Friday, Dec. 4
The Havendale parade rolls along Havendale Boulevard between Winter Haven and Auburndale, with festive floats, marching bands and community groups. It's listed for Friday, December 4, at 7 p.m. Last year's parade ran 7 to 9 p.m. on the first Friday of December.
Saturday, Dec. 5: Winter Haven and Haines City
- Holidays on Central in downtown Winter Haven's Central Park is billed as the city's biggest holiday celebration of the year. Time to be announced.
- Glitter, Glisten & Snow in Haines City is listed for Lake Eva Park. Confirm the schedule with the city.
The Chain of Lakes Christmas Boat Parade
Winter Haven's lighted boat parade is one of the most "only in Polk" things you can do in December. Last year it launched on Lake May at 6 p.m. on the first Saturday in December. The 2026 date hasn't been announced yet. We'll add it to the events calendar as soon as it is.
Tips for parade night
- Get there an hour early. Downtown lots and garages fill fast, and street closures start before the parade does.
- Park a few blocks out and walk in. Leaving is much easier when you're not in the middle of the jam.
- Bring chairs, a blanket and a jacket. December evenings in Polk can drop into the 50s.
- Pick a meeting spot with kids before you go, in case you get separated in the crowd.
Bottom line
Mark Thursday, Dec. 3 for Lakeland and Friday, Dec. 4 for Havendale, then pick a Saturday celebration on Dec. 5. Check the Polk County events calendar for updates as organizers confirm.
