It is hard to believe, but we are officially entering the holiday season from now into the new year. A few dazzling Christmas light displays are up, with more on the way. Let's take a look at the best events and things to do this week.

Updated multiple times each week by Nancy DeVault, Dani Meyering, and Kelly Lamano Diaz

Featured Events

Giving an extra shoutout to the following events, which help us to bring this guide to you for FREE!

Lingua Franca Wine Pairing Dinner

Wednesday, November 12, from 6-9 p.m.
NORMAN’S Orlando on Via Dellagio Way

Join NORMAN’S for an extraordinary five-course wine dinner hosted by Chef Norman Van Aken, and featuring exquisite pairings from Lingua Franca Wines. This special evening will include a personal appearance and guided tasting, by Larry Stone, Master Sommelier and founder of Lingua Franca. Guests will enjoy a thoughtfully crafted menu with each course paired perfectly, with wines that express the elegance and depth of Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

Seating is limited for this exclusive event, so reserve your place early for an unforgettable culinary experience blending artistry, storytelling, and the spirit of hospitality. Get all the details and Book Your Seat HERE!

Wine Riffs – Wine and Dine for a Cause

November 14, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach

Enjoy an evening where your attendance supports six local charities. Sip and stroll nine unique food and wine stations while you enjoy the sounds of Are Friends Electric under the stars on Wave Terrace. In appreciation of your support, each ticket purchased will include five raffle tickets for amazing prize baskets presented that evening. Charities supported: American Cancer Society, Halifax Humane Society, Provision Packs for Children, MOAS, Save the Turtles, Samantha & Kyle Busch Bundle of Joy Foundation. Tickets: $155/person (includes valet parking).

Wine Riffs at Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach

Honky Tonk Angels Holiday Hoedown

November 14 through December 20
Wed – Sun, Matinees at 2pm | Friday / Sat evenings at 7:30 pm
Winter Park Playhouse at Orlando Shakes! 812 E. Rollins St., 32803
Catch the holiday spirit in this hit musical comedy set in Nashville! Four good ‘ole country gals reunite for loads of hilarious hijinks and a barn full of popular holiday classics and country Christmas fun! Tickets $20- $47.

Holiday Hoedown at Winter Park Playhouse

Holiday Wine Pairing Dinner

November 18th, from 6-9 p.m.
Francesco’s, 400 S. Orlando Ave. #104, Maitland 32751
Francesco’s boutique Italian scratch kitchen is hosting a decadent five-course wine pairing dinner, featuring Oyster Oreganata, Bruschetta di Ricotta with roasted cherry tomato and balsamic reduction, Pumpkin Risotto topped with Beef Tenderloin, Lamb Chops served on a bed of pasta with truffle, and finishing with the perfect Pumpkin Pie. Each course is expertly paired with fine wines, available for bottle purchase at cost during the event; $125++ per person.

Adam Biner in Cabaret

Wednesday Nov. 19, at 7:30 pm & Thursday Nov. 20, at 7:30 pm
Winter Park Playhouse at Orlando Shakes! 812 E. Rollins St., 32803
Acclaimed triple-threat performer Adam Biner taps his way back onto The Winter Park Playhouse stage with his new solo cabaret, Back to the Basics. Adam will delight audiences as he sings and taps his way through classic Broadway hits including “Singin' in the Rain,” “42nd Street,” “I Got Rhythm,” “Put on a Happy Face”and more. From Gene Kelly to Dick Van Dyke, Top Hat to Bye Bye Birdie, and leading men to second fiddles – Adam will cover it all! Tickets $23.

Events This Week Things to Do November 10 – 16, 2025

EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival

Dates: August 28 to November 22, 2025
Location: EPCOT, Walt Disney World Resort
Cost: Theme park admission required; food and beverage additional cost

Eat and drink your way around the world during EPCOT’s largest culinary celebration. Enjoy global marketplaces, live music, chef demonstrations, and limited-time menu items inspired by flavors from every corner of the globe.

Watercolors for Beginners: Pumpkins

Date: Tuesday, November 11, 1–3 p.m.
Location: Leu Gardens, Orlando, FL
Cost: $39.19 for members, $44.52 for non-members

Celebrate the beauty of fall by learning to paint a charming autumn pumpkin in watercolor. This hands-on class is perfect for beginners—no prior experience required. By the end of the session, you’ll have your own frame-worthy piece of seasonal art to take home and display.

Pitch-a-Friend

Date: Tuesday, November 11, 7 p.m.
Location: Half Barrel Beer Project, 9650 Universal Blvd #143, Orlando, FL 32819
Cost: FREE

This fun and social event puts a creative twist on meeting new people—by pitching your amazing single friend instead of yourself! Prepare a lighthearted 3–5 minute presentation to introduce them to the crowd, then relax and enjoy drinks, laughs, and new connections. Hosted at local breweries and bars across Orlando, Pitch-A-Friend celebrates friendship, humor, and genuine connections in a one-of-a-kind way.

16th Annual Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Food and Wine Classic

Dates: Friday-Saturday, November 14-15, from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Location: 1200 Epcot Resorts Blvd., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Get ready to sip, savor, and stroll under the stars at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic! Indulge in a world-class celebration of global flavors, fine wines, and craft beers—all just steps from EPCOT. With unlimited tastings, live entertainment, and breathtaking ambiance, it’s the ultimate evening escape for foodies and fun-seekers alike. Don’t miss your chance to experience this unforgettable culinary event. Tickets are limited—get yours now at FoodAndWineClassic.com!

ICE! Featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™

Dates: November 14, 2025 – January 7, 2026
Location: Gaylord Palms Resort, Kissimmee, FL
Cost: Tickets start at $26

Step into a magical winter wonderland as Gaylord Palms presents ICE! featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ for the first time ever. Marvel at over 2 million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures, including a 32-foot-long scene straight from the beloved classic. Guests can meet Santa and Rudolph, explore whimsical photo ops, and even step inside the world of the misfit toys. This dazzling holiday tradition is perfect for families and anyone ready to embrace the season’s frosty cheer.

Orlando Beer Festival

Date: Saturday, November 15, 1–5 pm
Location: Festival Park, 2911 East Robinson Street, Orlando, FL 32803
Cost: Tickets starting at $55

Raise a glass at the 10th Annual Orlando Beer Festival—the city’s largest celebration of craft brews and beyond. Sample hundreds of beers, ciders, seltzers, spirits, and cocktails from local, regional, and national breweries. Enjoy live music, games, and great food in a lively outdoor atmosphere. This 21+ event is strictly enforced, and well-behaved dogs are welcome to join in the fun.

Coffee Rave

Date: Saturday, November 15, 11:30am–3pm
Location: Meliá Orlando Celebration, 225 Celebration Place Celebration, FL 34747
Cost: FREE admission

Start your Saturday with rhythm, flavor, and connection. Immerse yourself in the fusion of music, aroma, and sunshine. Enjoy a live DJ spinning uplifting beats, Bohemian dancers bringing soul and movement to the day, and special brunch drinks & bites available à la carte from The Wilson’s menu. Dress all in white to join the vibe of unity, light, and positive energy. Whether you’re here for the beats, the brew, or the beautiful people — this is where your weekend truly begins.

Adult Overnight at the Zoo

Dates: Saturday-Sunday, November 15-16, 6pm-9am
Location: Brevard Zoo, 8225 North Wickham Road, Melbourne, FL 32940
Cost: Members $95, Non-members $100

Leave the kids at home and experience the ultimate overnight adventure safari at the Zoo! Explore after dark, soar on a night zipline, and enjoy experiences behind the scenes. Includes pizza, breakfast, and next-day Zoo admission. Unforgettable memories await!

Tactical Turns 7 Block Party

Date: Sunday, November 16, 12-5pm
Location: Tactical Brewing Co., 4882 New Broad Street, Orlando, FL 32814
Cost: FREE

Tactical Brewing Co. will be celebrating its anniversary with an annual block party! Enjoy food vendors, pop-ups, live music, and a live armored combat show.

Next Week: Things to Do November 17 – 23, 2025

Pitch-a-Friend

Date: Wednesday, November 19, 7pm
Location: Tom's Watch Bar, 8050 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
Cost: FREE

Pitch-A-Friend Orlando hosts one-of-a-kind events that celebrate friendship and real-life connection, where people pitch their awesome single friends to a crowd of fellow singles. These events are held at breweries, bars, and other great venues in the greater Orlando area. Reserve a pitch spot through an online form and create a fun, 3–5 minute slide presentation to introduce your single friend to the crowd.

Bad at Business Beer Fest 2025

Dates: Saturday, November 22, 12-6pm
Location: West End Trading Co., 202 Sanford Ave, Sanford, FL 32771
Cost: FREE admission

The 11th Annual Bad at Business Beerfest returns to Historic Downtown Sanford! Created by Orlando’s Tom & Dan, this free community event features live music, food trucks, and beer samples from top Florida breweries, including Hourglass, Persimmon Hollow, Funky Buddha, and more. A $20 donation to Yellow Brick Road gets you one of only 200 “FULL POUR” cups, supporting a local cause. Families are welcome, but guests must be 21 or older with a valid photo ID to receive a beer wristband and participate in tastings — no exceptions.

Later This Month

Adult Fall Camp

Dates: Saturday & Sunday, November 29 & 30, 9am-3pm daily
Location: Brevard Zoo, 8225 North Wickham Road, Melbourne, FL 32940
Cost: Members $200, Non-members $220

Who says Zoo camp is just for kids? This two-day experience is packed with hands-on animal encounters, classic camp games with a Zoo spin, creative nature crafts, and behind-the-scenes adventures you won’t find on a regular visit. Camp t-shirt included!

Weekly Ongoing Orlando Events

Wine Wednesdays at NORMAN’S Orlando

Dates: Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Location: 7924 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando, FL 32819

Head to NORMAN’s on Wednesdays for summer specials featuring 30% off select bottles of wine, curated by their Sommelier! Plus, try their new “Flights & Bites” offering hand-picked Red, White, and Sparkling Wines paired to complement the Chef-curated Bites Menu. You can also book a 15-minute tasting session with our Sommelier to learn about wines, regions, and pairing suggestions (complimentary tastings included). Can’t go on a Wednesday? NORMAN’S offers daily Happy Hour from 5-7 p.m. with dinner available until 10 p.m.

AC Orlando Downtown Express Lunch

Dates: Lunch served Tuesday-Friday 11am-3pm
Location: 333 S. Garland Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
Cost: $18

Introducing AC Hotel's new Express Lunch—crafted for those on the go but unwilling to compromise on flavor. For just $18, enjoy a chef-inspired entrée and a non-alcoholic beverage, all guaranteed to be served within 20 minutes of ordering. Perfect for a power lunch or a quick catch-up, it's speed without sacrifice. Available Tuesday-Friday—because great taste shouldn't have to wait.

Pottery Night

Date: One Thursday Every Month, from 6:30-8 p.m.
Location: 8602 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819

Discover the magic of pottery in this 2-hour group session at the Castle Hotel! Guided by a skilled instructor, you’ll master the basics of throwing clay on the pottery wheel and create your very own unique piece. From shaping the clay to glazing for a polished finish, this experience offers hands-on fun from start to finish.

Makers Market at Forward/Slash Distillery

Date: The Last Saturday of Every Month, from 2-6 p.m.
Location: 650 S Capen Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789

Support your local Orlando makers at Forward/Slash Distillery’s monthly Makers Market. Hosted by Orlando Local Makers, this event features the best of vendors who craft and make various items, goods, trinkets, and gifts. Food will be served by Bien Fuego BBQ for some light bites while you shop. Free to attend!

Happy Hour + Art @TheFalconBar

Dates: Mondays from 6:30-10pm
Location: The Falcon Bar & Gallery, 819 East Washington Street, Orlando, FL 32801
Cost: FREE Admission

Local vibes. Awesome people. Enjoy Happy Hour adult libations while viewing local art at one of Orlando’s favorite local spots for creatives!

Tasty Takeover in The Milk District

Dates: Tuesdays from 6:30-10pm
Location: The Milk District – E. Robinson St
Cost: FREE Admission

THE food truck block party in Orlando! Find it in The Milk District every Tuesday night behind the bars and shops of E. Robinson St.

Game & Hobby Night at The Burrow

Dates: Every Tuesday, 5pm – 8pm
Location: The Burrow Cafe & Play, Mills area

Bring along your favorite game, knitting project, book, or enjoy one of the games available at The Burrow. Come relax, be playful, and enjoy your favorite hobby or discover a new one. Free to attend and drink specials available.

Luminary Market

Date: First Wednesday of every month, 5:30-9pm
Location: Luminary Green Park in Creative Village

Explore 20-25 local vendors featuring unique, curated goods and support our growing community of residents, students, and workers. Stick around after shopping for KaleidoScope 360°, an outdoor movie series where you can enjoy family-friendly films under the stars! Showtime is at 7pm.

Late Night Thursdays

Dates: Thursdays, 5pm – 8pm
Location: Leu Gardens
Cost: $15 per adult, $10 per child

Bring a picnic & seating, sip some spirits, or take a stroll through the gardens and discover the amazing ORIGAMI IN THE GARDEN exhibit. Included with general admission. Rain or shine.

Piano Bar Show at Jewel

Dates: Friday and Saturday Nights
Location: Jewel Orlando
Cost: FREE admission with password

Dueling Piano players take the stage for a fun night of song requests and sing-alongs! Call (321) 444-5306 after 5pm to get your password for speakeasy entry.

Cirque du Soleil “Drawn to Life”

Dates: Wednesdays – Sundays
Location: Cirque du Soleil Orlando, 1478 Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Performances of “Drawn to Life” take place on most nights at 5:30 pm and 8:00 pm. Go for the later show if you prefer to potentially have less kids in attendance. Additionally, it will give you more time to enjoy Disney Springs before the show.

Weekends at the Winery

Dates: Saturdays and Sundays, 10am – 5pm (Sat) & 11am – 5pm (Sun)
Location: Lakeridge Winery
Cost: FREE admission

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. Plus, delicious food at the Food Pavilion, as well as live music all weekend long.

Check out multiple Farmers' Markets around Orlando every weekend.

Saturday Exhibition Highlights Docent-Led Tour

Dates: Every Saturday, 1pm & 3pm
Location: Rollins Museum of Art
Cost: FREE

Docent-led tours of highlighted works from the season’s exhibitions at the Rollins Museum of Art.

Dinks & Drinks

Dates: Every Saturday, 6:30-9:30pm
Location: ClearOne Sports Centre, 4141 N. John Young Parkway, Suite 3, Orlando
Cost: $20 per person

Open courts for casual drop-in play. Includes 1 free drink (Beer, High Noon, or Soda). Paddle rentals are available for $5. Tennis shoes required. Different music theme each week. No partner? No experience? No problem. This is the perfect night to bring a friend, meet new people, or just vibe with the community.

Tai Chi in the Garden

Dates: Every Saturday through 2025, 10:30am – 11:30am
Location: Mead Botanical Garden, 1300 S. Denning Dr, Winter Park
Cost: $15

A gentle exercise program that is composed of slow deliberate movements, meditation, and deep breathing to enhance health and well-being.

December Preview

Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra’s Holiday Pops

Date: Friday, December 12, at 7pm
Location: Della Phillips Pavilion in The Grove Park at The Packing District
Cost: FREE

Celebrate the holiday season with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra’s Holiday Pops in the Packing District. This FREE, festive performance features holiday classics and food trucks, perfect for a fun date night. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, enjoy live music, and soak in the seasonal magic. Stop by the Great Southern Box Co. Food Hall for holiday drinks and Christmas decorations before or after the concert. Free parking will be available at the Leonard & Marjorie Williams Family YMCA.

Holly Jolly Rock Fest Music Festival

Date: Saturday, December 13, at 2-10pm
Location: Lake Mary Pub & Tiki Bar, 119 W Crystal Lake Ave, Lake Mary, FL 32746
Cost: FREE

Enjoy 7 incredible music acts, including: POZO, Scotty P Rock Star, Christian Summer, Talon, Blackwater Goldrush, Bombface, and Daniel Irizarry. Plus, food trucks, holiday vendor fair, pictures with Santa, and more!

For even more things to do in Orlando, check out these top stories:

St. Augustine Spanish Food & Wine Festival

Dates:
- Thursday, Feb. 19, Tapas, Wine & Spirits
- Friday, Feb. 20, Cava Reception & Wine Pairing Dinner
- Saturday, Feb. 21, Grand Tasting
Location: Flagler College
Cost: Tickets start at $100

The St. Augustine Spanish Food & Wine Festival is a celebration of Spanish wine, cuisine, and culture, honoring the city’s deep Spanish roots. Guests enjoy fine wines, authentic flavors, and live entertainment while supporting Flagler College Hospitality & Tourism Management students. All proceeds directly fund scholarships, study-abroad programs, and professional development opportunities.

Thursday night features Spanish-inspired cuisine and beverages in the heart of downtown St. Augustine. Friday night includes an evening of fine dining and music in the exclusive Ponce de Leon Hall Flagler Room and Solarium. Meanwhile, guests at Saturday's Grand Tasting will enjoy sampling 100+ Spanish wines set against the historic backdrop of Flagler College’s Markland House. New for 2026: Add an instructor-led wine seminar to your Grand Tasting ticket for an additional fee.

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