Polk County, Florida, comes alive with festive cheer during the Christmas season, offering a wide variety of holiday activities perfect for older adults. Seniors and their grandchildren can enjoy days filled with joy, community spirit, and seasonal magic. Below are nine holiday events throughout the county that welcome and encourage senior participation.
Why is Polk County a Great Place for Seniors During the Holidays?
With winter temperatures comfortably resting in the 70s, Polk County may not deliver snowfall, but it provides ideal conditions for outdoor celebrations. The mild weather makes it easy for seniors to safely enjoy everything from lively parades to enchanting Christmas tours without the chill of a northern winter.
The county’s many attractions, along with its close proximity to Orlando’s world-famous theme parks, add even more options for holiday fun. One standout is LEGOLAND® Florida Resort, which transforms into a vibrant holiday wonderland, offering guests of all ages a chance to celebrate with its signature LEGO-themed festivities. Polk County’s historic landmarks also join in the celebration. Bok Tower Gardens and Westgate River Ranch Resort are beautifully decorated for the season, offering charming holiday displays and special events. Even the Polk County History Center gets into the spirit, hosting festive programs that attract visitors from near and far.
1. Legoland
Legoland Florida Resort is located in Winter Haven, just 45 minutes from Orlando’s theme parks. Seniors will want to bring the grandkids to the holiday celebrations to see beloved Legos around every corner, from a Lego Santa to an official Lego Christmas tree built to an impressive 30-foot height.
Seniors who can hold a tune sing along in Legoland’s Festival of Flurries, featuring winter’s classic songs. Help the grandkids write a letter to Lego Santa and watch it fly to the North Pole via Legoland’s North Pole Postal Service.
2. Wonder House
Older adults fascinated by innovative architecture jump at the chance to take the daytime and nighttime tours of the Wonder House in Bartow this holiday season. Also known as the “House of a Thousand Gadgets” the four-story major tourist attraction is lavishly decorated for Christmas.
3. Polk County History Center
The 15th Annual Festival of Wreaths is held at the Polk County History Center through mid-December. Seniors shopping for Christmas wreaths are in luck since the center is holding a Silent Auction where the elderly can join the boisterous bidding and winning of unique holiday wreaths.
The holiday fun doesn’t stop with the History Center’s Silent Auction. Seniors and their grandkids can pose for a photo in the center’s Selfies with Santa opportunity. The Jolly Old Elf will pay a special visit to the center on select days and times. Schedule photos with Santa this season!
4. Bok Tower Gardens
Floral-loving seniors are in for a treat at the Bok Tower Gardens this Christmas. Stroll through the gardens where bright red poinsettias adorn every nook. Inhale the aromas of fragrant evergreen trees and catch sights of festive annuals. At the center of it all stands a breathtaking Christmas tree.
Don’t forget to visit El Retiro, a 20-room estate decorated especially for the holidays. Music from The Singing Tower fills the air during the visit. Relish seasonal meals at the Blue Palmetto Café, then hunt for one-of-a-kind gifts at The Shop at Bok to end the memorable day.
5. Haven Holiday Market
Seniors might do all of their holiday shopping at the 11th Annual Haven Holiday Market in Winter Haven. This free event is handicap-friendly and pets are welcome. Browse crafts, vintage goods, and fresh gourmet from over 250 vendors. Plus, meet local authors and buy their books!
6. Holidays on Central
Opportunities for Christmas shopping abound at Holidays on Central, downtown Winter Haven’s largest holiday celebration. Listen to lively entertainment from local favorites Dwight Icenhower and The Chain of Lakes Big Band while browsing the goods from over 100 local vendors.
7. Chain of Lakes Christmas Boat Parade
Older boating enthusiasts catch sights of boats lit up for the holidays at this annual event. The splendid water parade starts on Lake May and travels to Lake Howard before heading onto Lake Shipp. Recommended viewing areas are Harborside Restaurant and Tanner’s Lakeside Bar and Grill.
8. Havendale Christmas Parade
The Havendale Christmas Parade promises an evening of holiday cheer and excitement. Watch brightly lit floats featuring Santa and his team of nine reindeer roll through the streets filled with an enthusiastic community of holiday parade-goers. This two-hour event is a relaxing way to wind down for the day.
9. Lakeland Christmas Parade
With a theme like “Rockin’ Around Lakeland,” older residents won’t want to miss watching the Lakeland Christmas Parade as it travels through 1.25 miles of city streets. Guess which floats will win awards for Most Original Float, Best Community Float, and Best Theme Float.
Senior Home Care from Assisting Hands
As the Christmas season draws close, Polk County seniors have numerous opportunities to kick off the festivities. If mobility or transportation is a barrier, choose Assisting Hands Home Care for compassionate senior home care. We help make holiday participation possible for seniors of all abilities.
Professional caregivers support seniors with essential hygiene tasks, such as bathing, grooming, and dressing, so they can feel clean, confident, and comfortable while enjoying holiday events. We also provide reliable transportation and accompany services to doctor’s appointments, community outings, and festive activities, helping older adults stay connected and engaged.
Our non-medical home care services include nutritious meal preparation, light housekeeping, and thorough home safety assessments. Maintaining each senior’s health, comfort, and security is our top priority. For added peace of mind, all caregivers are licensed, bonded, and insured.
Beyond practical support, caregivers offer meaningful companionship. They chat, play games, and participate in recreational activities to keep seniors socially active and emotionally uplifted. This friendly presence helps prevent the boredom, loneliness, and isolation that many older adults experience, especially during the holiday season.
This holiday season, give the senior in your life the gift of compassionate, reliable in-home care from Assisting Hands Home Care. We proudly support older adults throughout Lakeland, Davenport, Lake Wales, Haines City, Auburndale, Sebring, Avon Park, Bartow, Winter Haven, FL helping them stay safe, comfortable, and engaged. Call at (863) 250-2359 to schedule a free in-home consultation today to discover how our trusted elder care agency enhances seniors’ well-being during the holidays and all year long.
