Forget going on a shopping frenzy. Thanksgiving weekend is the perfect time to slow down, unwind, and cherish time with your loved ones. While Thursday is all about connection and bonding over great food, the long weekend is another opportunity to explore and connect. Here's a list of relaxing suggestions for maximizing your quality time together this Thanksgiving weekend in Orlando.
More ideas for Thanksgiving weekend fun:
- Local Turkey Trot Run and Races in Orlando
- Date-Worthy Corn Mazes in Orlando
- Where to Find Orlando’s Best Holiday Lights
Thanksgiving dinner in Orlando:
- Skip the Cooking! Restaurants Serving Thanksgiving Dinner
- Relax at Home – Thanksgiving Dinner To Go
- Local Bakeries in Orlando to Grab Your Thanksgiving Desserts
Featured
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel – Holiday Harbor Nights
Friday, November 29, from 6:30pm – 9pm
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando’s signature food and wine event will kick off the holiday season with enhanced experiences and more! Come experience an unforgettable and festive evening filled with Italian charm as you stroll beneath the twinkling lights of the stunning Harbor Piazza.
Featuring an array of wines, delectable Italian-inspired cuisine, live music performed by The Buzzcatz, opera singers and the grand illumination of Portofino’s glittering Christmas tree, Holiday Harbor Nights is the perfect date night or fun night out with friends to celebrate the season.
Ages | Adults (age 21+) only. Tickets start at $85.
Buy tickets here!
Unwind
Yoga in the Garden
Every Saturday and Sunday in November
Saturdays 9-10am, Sundays 4-5pm
Mead Botanical Garden
Press reset on body and mind with an outdoor yoga session at Mead Botanical Garden. Classes are held on Saturdays and Sundays on the Grove Stage. Bring your own water bottle and yoga mat.
$15
Tai Chi in the Garden
Every Saturday in November, 10:30 – 11:30am
Mead Botanical Garden
Enjoy a unique experience to practice Tai Chi in the garden with certified Tai Chi Health Master Trainer, Tony Garcia. Classes are held on Saturdays on the Grove Stage.
$15
Other ways to relax:
- Book a rejuvenating spa day at one of these Orlando spas
- Purchase ResortPass day passes to an Orlando resort
- Check out the Orlando Beer Spa
Get Outdoors
Bok Tower Gardens
Thanksgiving weekend in Orlando usually marks the beginning of the Holidays in the Highlands at Bok Tower Gardens. Listen to concerts, see holiday foliage, and partake in special holiday events. Bok Tower Gardens is open daily from 8am-6pm with the last admission at 5pm. Tickets are $20 per adult.
Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board Making
Saturday, November 23, 2024, 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Alexander Discovery Center, Bok Tower Gardens
Create a charcuterie board for your Thanksgiving holiday festivities! Get ready to indulge in a hands-on experience where you’ll learn the art of creating beautiful and delicious charcuterie boards. Learn about pairing different flavors, textures, and colors to create an unforgettable culinary masterpiece. Your ticket includes all materials and food to build your charcuterie board and 2 different cheese tastings.
$65-80
Create Your Own Living Wreath for the Holidays
Friday, November 30, 2024, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Alexander Discovery Center, Bok Tower Gardens
Grow a new tradition this year with a gorgeous Living Succulent Wreath! This workshop includes everything you need to create a stunning piece of door decor, including instruction, basic framework materials and plants. Make it your own by selecting 15 succulents from an array of choices that will last year round.
$60-75
Horseback Trail Rides
At Hidden Palms Ranch in Sanford, enjoy a leisurely guided trail ride through the Lake Jesup Conservation Area. You'll be guided through tree-canopied trails and scenic floodplains dotted with palm trees.
The cost is $250/couple for a private tour, and $85/person for a group tour (max 5 guests). Private tours must be booked over the phone at 407-620-7880.
Take a Hike
Fall is the perfect time to get out and try a new hiking spot together! A few of our favorite spots include Lake Lotus Park, Lake Louisa State Park (try glamping!), Washington Oaks Garden State Park, Flat Island Preserve (Lake County), Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve, and these secluded hiking spots in Central Florida.
Hours and admission prices vary.
Escape to the Beach
Soak up those Florida holiday vibes with a mini beach getaway. Spend the afternoon unwinding, hiking, and exploring the coast with your love. A few of our favorite beach destinations are Anna Maria Island, New Smyrna Beach, Cocoa Beach, and Indian Shores.
READ MORE: Best Beaches Near Orlando
Bikes & Brews
Spend an afternoon coasting along the West Orange Trail in search of your next favorite brew. Bring your own bicycle or rent one from West Orange Trail Bikes and Blades. Rentals are available starting at $7 per hour or $30 for the day. Check out our West Orange Trail itinerary for all the best stops along the 4.5-mile trek to Crooked Can Brewery in Winter Garden.
Continue the Feast
Blown Away Leftovers and Holiday Cooking Classes
Friday, November 29, 2024, 6:30 pm
Truffles & Trifles
Have fun and pick up a few new culinary tricks at a holiday-themed cooking class from Trifles & Truffles.
$85 per person
Related: Skip the Cooking! Restaurants Serving Thanksgiving Dinner
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Through December 30, 2024
EPCOT
Epcot's annual holiday festival kicks off on Thanksgiving weekend. Sample dishes and take part in holiday traditions from around the world on this cultural tour of World Showcase. Get the full scoop in our Complete Guide to the Holidays at Walt Disney World.
1-Day, 1-Park Ticket from $149
DIY Thanksgiving Leftovers Picnic
Head to a local park, garden, or even your own backyard with your leftovers for an intimate lunch with your love. A few favorite picnic spots:
- Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Garden – $12/adult admission
- Kraft Azalea Garden
- Mead Botanical Garden
- Bok Tower Gardens – $20/adult admission
Scope out some of our favorite picnic destinations and ideas.
Go to a Farmer’s Market
Windermere – Fridays 9am-1:30pm
Winter Park – Saturdays 8am-1pm
Winter Garden – Saturdays 8am-1pm
Clermont – Sundays 9am-2pm
Orlando Farmer’s Market – Sundays 10am-3pm
Related: A Guide to Orlando Farmers Markets
You can also prepare by taking a Cooking Class before the big Turkey Day
Gingerbread School
Gingerbread Decorating Corner
Daily starting November 15, 2024
Gaylord Palms Resort
Don't wait — make a date to decorate! Let your Christmas creativity run wild when you adorn tasty gingerbread houses or cookies. After you've reached confection perfection with your edible art, head over for a sweet meet-and-greet with Nutmeg, the gingerbread man.
Starting at $36.99
Gingerbread School
Select dates starting December 1, 2024
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
Join the pastry team at the Ritz-Carlton to build your very own gingerbread house! Customize your creation with dozens of candies and edible details, using the life-size gingerbread house in the lobby for inspiration. reservations can be made online.
Listen to Live Music
Elf in Concert
November 29th, 2024 at 3 & 7pm
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
445 South Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801
Everyone’s favorite elf is back—and this time, with a live symphony orchestra! Relive a beloved holiday classic on the big screen as every note of John Debney’s whimsical, original score comes to life.
Tickets start at $35.50
Home for the Holidays
Saturday, November 30, 2024, 2:30pm and 7:30pm
Steinmetz Hall – Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts
A perfect way to ring in your holiday season with friends and family featuring the musical quartet Act of Congress, the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, and more!
$30 and up per adult, special pricing for teachers and first responders. Group packages are available.
Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker
Saturday, November 30, 2024, 7:00 p.m.
Walt Disney Theater – Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts
Celebrate diversity in Central Florida with this urban adaptation of the classic Nutcracker story. This exciting production mingles ballet, jazz, gospel, and hip-hop dance styles for a fresh take on a holiday classic.
$41.50 per person
Weekends at the Winery
November 30 – December 1, 12-4pm
Lakeridge Winery
Head to this Central Florida winery's expansive vineyard green each weekend for delicious food, live entertainment, complimentary wine tastings/tours, and Lakeridge wines by the glass at the outdoor bar.
FREE admission
Dr. Phillips Center Presents The Bad Plus
Saturday and Sunday, November 30 & December 1, 2024
Judson's Live, Dr. Phillips Center
Judson’s Live is where atmosphere, acoustics and culinary excellence collide, bringing unheard-of listening experiences (with unrivaled cocktails and sharable plates to match.)
Tickets start at $35
Watch Classic Holiday Movies
Thanksgiving weekend is the perfect time to get into the holiday spirit. Now's the time to watch all your favorite holiday flicks on the big screen! Check out our holiday movie section further down or check out the holiday movie lineup this year.
Attend a Thanksgiving Weekend Event
Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild
November 15 – January 19, 2025
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Celebrate the culture, art, and beauty of traditional lantern festivals at the Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo. This dazzling after-hours holiday spectacular features over 30 handmade illuminated sculptures along a 3/4 mile trail.
In addition to stunning LED lanterns depicting plants, animals, and traditional Chinese figures, enjoy live music, artisan crafts, and local food and beverage available for purchase.
$22 per person
Winter Wonderland
Fridays & Saturdays, November 22 – January 4
Westgate River Ranch
Celebrate the Holiday Season with the Annual Winter Wonderland Experience at Westgate River Ranch! Enjoy a festive Hayride with classic Christmas Carols and explore their Enchanted Forest adventure. Get lost in a delightful holiday maze, discover sweet surprises at the Candy Land playground, and jingle all the way through the Florida outdoors. Wrap up your journey at the festive tree farm, where unforgettable memories and delectable treats await, promising to delight your taste buds! Join them for a magical holiday celebration!
Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens
November 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Leu Gardens
1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando
- Beautiful, Moroccan Lanterns hanging from the trees overhead
- Fun, interactive lights that light up when you jump on them
- A beautiful, bright, 70’ long light tunnel
- A play area of giant, 8’ tall, rollable ornaments
- A walk of thousands of laser lights
- And snow all night long
$25 per person, plus $12 for parking
Holiday Harbor Nights
Friday, November 29, 6:30-9pm
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
5601 Universal Boulevard Orlando, FL 32819
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando's signature food and wine event will kick off the holiday season with enhanced experiences and more! Experience an unforgettable and festive evening filled with Italian charm as you stroll beneath the twinkling lights of the stunning Harbor Piazza. Featuring an array of wines, delectable Italian-inspired cuisine, live music performed by The Buzzcatz, opera singers and the grand illumination of Portofino's glittering Christmas tree, Holiday Harbor Nights is the perfect date night or fun night out with friends to celebrate the season.
Tickets start at $85
READ MORE: Where to Find Orlando’s Best Holiday Lights
Sugar Plum Fairy's Winter Tale
Friday, November 29, 7:30pm
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
445 South Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801
Glide into the magic of the season in this two-act ballet set in the enchanting world of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker.” The story begins with Clara’s gift of a nutcracker doll. As the clock strikes midnight, Clara embarks on a fantastical journey in a snow-covered kingdom, where her Nutcracker turns into a prince. The elegant Sugar Plum Fairy welcomes them to her realm, and the ballet unfolds as the Land of Sweets comes alive with colorful performances representing various confections.
Tickets start at $45
FUSIONFEST
Saturday and Sunday, November 30 – December 1, 2024
Seneff Arts Plaza (in front of Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts)
Cultures from all across the world will fill the Seneff Arts Plaza in front of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and Orlando City Hall Commons Plaza for the free, two-day festival, which draws people from more than 110 different cultures to experience music, dance, food, visual arts, spoken word, games and interactive activities and features over 1,000 local artists, who will perform and showcase their work on the stages, gallery and interactive installations at FusionFest.
FREE Admission
Leading up to the festival, join monthly Divertastic Dining experiences at restaurants around Orlando, including dinners highlighting cuisine from Peru and Yemen.
Related: 50+ Festive and Free Holiday Events in Orlando
Small Business Saturday Sidewalk Sale
Saturday, November 30, ALL DAY
Downtown Winter Garden
The annual Downtown Winter Garden Small Business Saturday Sidewalk Sale is great for finding one-of-a-kind gifts, while enjoying special savings. Stroll and shop the outdoor sale racks in the festive-decorated historic district this Thanksgiving weekend in Orlando. Stick around for lunch or dinner with expanded outdoor patios for dining – many restaurants will also offer specials on this day — and for enjoying the fall weather.
FREE Admission
Small Business Saturday
Saturday, November 30, 12-6pm
Thornton Park
Shop 70+ vendors, retail businesses, and restaurants lining 420 E. Church Street AND 431 E. Central Blvd!
FREE
Thanksgiving Silent Disco
Saturday, November 30, 7:30-11pm
Orlando Science Center
Silent Discos In Amazing Spaces brings its surreal dance party to Orlando Science Center for a special Thanksgiving Throwback Party. Dance, sing, and capture the perfect selfie with your besties under the illuminated skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus Rex! The main exhibition space of this popular attraction will be converted into a giant dancefloor with a bar, nightclub-quality lights, visual effects, and, of course, three amazing DJs simultaneously playing three uniquely themed DJ sets. Already an international phenomenon, this will be the craziest party of the year you don’t want to miss!
Let's Sing Taylor: Live Band Experience Celebrating Taylor Swift
Saturday, November 30, 8pm
The Plaza Live
425 North Bumby Ave., Orlando, FL 32803
Let’s Sing Taylor – A Live Band Experience – is the ultimate tribute to the music of Taylor Swift. They can show you incredible things, including the most faithful and lively covers of Queen Taylor’s expansive and sacred catalog. This is open to all ages and is the ultimate tribute to Taylor Swift and her music. Guests are invited to show off their style by wearing their favorite Taylor-inspired outfit.
Tickets start at $29.50
Reggae Fest Orlando
Saturday, November 30, 9pm
The Vanguard
578 N. Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
Get ready to dance and vibe to our DJ's spinning the best tunes in Dancehall, Reggae, Afrobeats, Amapiano, Soca, Reggaeton & more.
Tickets start at $20
Bonus idea – Thanksgiving weekend in Orlando is a great time to give back and do some good. Check out our Volunteering Ideas.