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:

Thanksgiving dinner in Orlando:

Unwind

Saturday Yoga in the Garden

Every Saturday and Sunday in November,
Saturdays 9-10am, Sundays 5-6pm
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.
$10

Image credit: Mead Botanical Garden

 

Yoga by the Lake Oviedo Community

Every Saturday in November, 9am – 10:15am
Canterbury Retreat and Conference Center
Connect with nature as you enjoy yoga by the lake. Bring a large blanket or sheet for under your mat, water, and bug spray (just in case).
$10 cash or digital payment

Yoga in Lake Eola Park

Every Sunday in November, 11am
NE Lawn at Lake Eola Park (corner of Robinson St & Eola Dr)
Join this weekly outdoor community yoga class for a relaxing flow to help you continue the holiday weekend relaxation. Bring your own yoga mat and water.
$10 cash

Other ways to relax:


Get Outdoors

Bok Tower Gardens

Thanksgiving weekend in Orlando 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.

Gratitude: All Levels Yoga Flow with Sound Bath Meditation
Saturday, November 25, 2023, 10am – 12pm
Alexander Discovery Center, Bok Tower Gardens
Open yourself to Gratitude & thankfulness during this All Levels Yoga Flow with Sound Bath Meditation
$30 members/ $35 non-members – Registration required (Ticket price includes general admission to the Gardens.)

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. Tours are available November 24, 25, and 26 at various times.
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.

Boardwalk at Flat Island Preserve in Lake County, FL
Boardwalk at Flat Island Preserve

 

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 IslandNew Smyrna BeachCocoa Beach and Indian Shores.

READ MORE: A Practical Guide to the Best Beaches Near Orlando

Enjoy A Cornucopia of Sun and Fun at TradeWinds Island Resorts

If your flock is ready to spread their wings, take your Thanksgiving get-together to St. Pete Beach this year! TradeWinds Turkey & Tan Lines 2-night package offers sun, fun, and savings! With the resort amenity fee included, be ready to take advantage of endless activities and amenities, plus a discounted room rate. Experience more this holiday for less on an award-winning beach. They've prepared a cornucopia of fall events with a tropical twist. Keep the pie off your thighs with classic festivities like the Turkey Trot 5k, cornhole tournaments, glow volleyball, and a live DJ! Make sure you put on your Thanksgiving pants and enjoy festive turkey day options that will leave you stuffed at either RumFish Grill or Palm Court. There's no better way to celebrate the holiday season than with each other on TradeWinds' award-winning shore.
TradeWinds Island Resorts

 

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

Southern Hill Farms Thanksgiving Drive-Thru

Tuesday, November 21, 9am – 6pm
Southern Hill Farms
Place your order and head to the Thanksgiving drive-thru event to pick-up Southern Hill Farms treats and handcrafted market items! Your guests are sure to be impressed with these treats. Not hosting? Pick up some handcrafted market items as a gift to thank the host! Orders must be placed online by 9:00 AM Monday, November 20th for pick up between 9 AM – 6 PM on Tuesday, November 21st. Enjoy our homemade treats for the Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends, made with love at your local farm.

Holiday Cookies & Desserts Cooking Classes

Saturday, November 25, 10am-1pm
Sunday, November 26, 1-4pm
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

Bonus idea – Holiday Herbal Mocktails at Center for Health & Wellbeing, Tuesday, November 14, 2023.

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

Through December 30, 2023
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:

Scope out some of our favorite picnic destinations and ideas.

Picnic at Bok Tower Gardens
Pack your own picnic to enjoy at Bok Tower Gardens, or ask for food and wine to go from the Blue Palmetto Cafe

Go to a Farmer’s Market

Windermere – Fridays 9am-1:30pm
Winter Park – Saturdays 8am-1pm
Winter Garden – Saturdays 8am-1pm
Clermont – Sundays 9am-1pm
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 17, 2023
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 $26.99

Gingerbread School
Saturday, November 25, 2023, 9am – 1pm
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.
$225 per family (up to four people)

Image credit: Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes


Listen to Live Music

Home for the Holidays

Saturday, November 25, 2023, 3:30pm 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 25, 2023, 7pm
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.
$39.50 per person

Weekends at the Winery

November 25 – 26, 2023, 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

Orlando events January 2019
Image credit: Lakeridge Winery

Handel's Messiah

Sunday, November 26, 2023, 2pm
Dr. Phillips Center
Handel’s Messiah is widely regarded as one of the finest and most well-known classical music works ever written. With this performance, Messiah Choral Society celebrates 51 years of gifting the Central Florida community with free performances of this masterwork, accompanied by a professional orchestra and soloists, and conducted by music director John V. Sinclair. *This is a free event. Seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis and is not guaranteed.
FREE

A Voctave Christmas

Sunday, November 26, 2023, 8pm
Dr. Phillips Center
Vocal ensemble sensation Voctave returns to Steinmetz Hall with the Bach Festival Choir and Orchestra to kick off the most wonderful time of the year. These dynamic performers bring dazzling vocals and charm to holiday classics and new favorites. Last year’s festive program was a sell-out!
Tickets from $42


Attend a Thanksgiving Weekend Event

Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens

Through January 4, 2024
Leu Gardens

A few snapshots of the all-new, totally redesigned 2023 adventure include:

  • A brand-new, redesigned show
  • A million lights that bring Leu Gardens to life
  • Meet-and-greet characters in the Ice Castle
  • A new yeti play area for kids and families
  • 40′ diameter snow dome with swirling snow
  • 70′ long candy cane vortex light tunnel
  • Walk through a forest with giant, neon flowers
  • A brand-new laser light show with live singers
  • Expanded food and beverage options
  • And so much more!

$22-25 per person, plus $12 for parking

Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild

Through January 14, 2024
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.
$20 per person

Asian Lantern Festival at Central Florida Zoo
Image credit: Central Florida Zoo

 

READ MORE: Where to Find Orlando’s Best Holiday Lights

Shop Small Sip and Stroll

Saturday, November 25, 2023, 2-5pm
Aubudon Park Garden District
Shop small and enjoy wine, cider, and craft beer samples on a self-guided stroll throughout the Audubon Park Garden District. Grab a bite at one of the many fabulous eateries in the area, or DIY a picnic lunch beforehand in nearby Leu Gardens. Check in location with wrist band, cup, and map of stops at The Lovely Boutique Market, 2906 Corrine Dr.
$15

FUSIONFEST

November 25 – 26, 2023
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.

FusionFest - Thanksgiving Weekend in orlando
Image credit: FusionFest; photo by LL Productions

 

Related: 50+ Festive and Free Holiday Events in Orlando for 2023

Black Friday Wine + Foot Massage

Friday, Nov 24 2023, 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Quantum Leap Winery
Skip the Black Friday shopping and relax with some wine and a pampering foot massage at Quantum Leap Winery. The Tasting Room will be open from 12-8pm with professionals from The Barefoot Spa onsite from 2-8pm. Foot massages can be made for 30, 45, and 60-minute sessions. To make your reservation, call Harris at 407-539-1491.
Prices vary

Vamos Orlando!

Orlando City Soccer Eastern Conference semi-final match against Columbus Crew
Saturday, Nov. 25 at 5:30PM
Exploria Stadium

Orlando City Soccer Club Exploria Stadium view from suite -
Orlando City Soccer Club Exploria Stadium – image by Dani Meyering

Small Business Saturday Sidewalk Sale

Saturday, November 25, 2023, 11am-11pm
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 25, 2023, 12 – 6pm
Thornton Park
This Small Business Saturday, November 25th from 12-6pm support local and shop 50+ vendors, retail businesses, and restaurants lining 420 E. Church Street AND 431 E. Central Blvd!
FREE

Bonus idea – Thanksgiving weekend in Orlando is a great time to give back and do some good. Check out our Volunteering Ideas.

20+ Relaxing Things to Do Thanksgiving Weekend in Orlando

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.

Post last updated November 2020

UNWIND

Black Friday Wine + Foot Massage
Friday, November 27, 1-6pm
Quantum Leap Winery
Pamper your feet with a soothing herb-infused foot bath followed by a relaxing lower leg and foot massage by the professionals at The Barefoot Spa. Foot massages can be made for 30, 45, and 60 minute sessions. To make your reservation, call Harris at 407-539-1491. There will also be Black Friday specials in the tasting room.
Prices vary

Saturday Yoga in the Garden
Saturday, November 28, 9am
Mead Botanical Garden
This 1-hour outdoor flow glass takes place on the Grove Stage. Bring your own mat and water.
$10/person

Yoga in Lake Eola Park
Sundays at 11am
NE Lawn at Lake Eola Park (corner of Robinson St & Eola Dr)
Join this weekly outdoor community yoga class for a relaxing flow to help you continue the holiday weekend relaxation. Masks are required when arriving and departing class. Bring your own yoga mat and water.
$5 cash

Image credit: Mead Botanical Garden

GET OUTDOORS

Bok Tower Gardens
Open daily from 8am-6pm; last admission at 5pm
Thanksgiving weekend in Orlando marks the beginning of Holidays at Bok Tower Gardens. Listen to carillon concerts at 1 and 3pm, see holiday foliage, and partake in special holiday events. There will be a special holiday carillon concert on Sunday, November 29 at 3pm.
$15/person

Horseback Trail Rides
Tour available November 27, 28 and 29, various times
Hidden Palms Ranch
Enjoy a leisurely guided trail ride through the Lake Jesup Conservation Area through tree-canopied trails and scenic floodplains dotted with palm trees.
$218/couple for private; $150/couple for group tour (max 5 guests)

Take a Hike
A few of our favorite spots include Lake Lotus Park, Lake Louisa State Park, Washington Oaks Garden State Park and these secluded hiking spots in Central Florida.
Lake Lotus Park: Thursday – Sunday, 8:30am – 5:30pm; Free admission
Lake Louisa State Park: 8am until sundown, 365 days/year; $4-$5 per vehicle

Turkey Burn Bike Ride
Sunday, November 29, 2-5pm
Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company
Join BrewCycle Orlando for a guided bike ride through downtown with stops for brews at three local breweries. Masks required for entry into breweries; temperature checks will be conducted before the ride.
$50/person

Sunset Paddle on East Lake Toho
Sunday, November 29, 5:30-8:30pm
Lake Life Paddle
Join Lake Life Paddle for a beautiful sunset on the waters of Lake Tohopekaliga in St Cloud. After the guided paddleboard tour, head to the shoreside restaurant Crabby Bill's for food and drinks with friends. Tickets include paddleboard rental.
$37/person

Most romantic experiences in Orlando - Trail ride at Hidden Palms Ranch
Hidden Palms Ranch | Image credit: Stephanie Patterson

CONTINUE THE FEAST

Rejuicination Brunch
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10am-3pm
Maxine's on Shine
Feast on one of the best brunches in town while enjoying plenty of outdoor seating and live music (Saturday and Sunday). 
Menu prices vary

Go to a Farmer’s Market
Winter Park – Saturdays 7am-1pm
Winter Garden – Saturdays 8am-1pm
Lake Nona – Saturdays 11am-3pm
Orlando Farmer’s Market – Sundays 10am-4pm

Artisan Pizza Class at Orlando Brewing
Saturday, November 28, 4-6pm
Orlando Brewing outdoor beer garden
Join this hands-on cooking class with Chef Michael where you'll learn to make pizza dough from scratch, stretch and shape it into rounds, and top it with the flavors of Italy. A variety of meats and fresh vegetables will be provided and pizzas will be baked on site to satisfy your hunger. Face masks are required to attend but may be removed when it is time to eat. You'll also get $2 off beer purchases in the brewery.
$35/person

Gingerbread School
November 26 and 29, multiple times
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
Guests will use the lifesize gingerbread house in the Lobby as inspiration to build and assemble their own creation at Santa's workshop. Call 407-393-4034 to reserve your space.
$195 per family (up to 4 people)

Have a 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. ABC Fine Wine & Spirits has a handy Thanksgiving guide with fun tips on wines to pair with turkey and beers to pair with your leftovers. A few favorite picnic spots:

A Wine Bar George Picnic Basket for Two at Disney Springs
Wine Bar George picnic | Image credit: Serena Lyn, Living By Disney

LISTEN TO LIVE MUSIC

Jolly Creek Holiday Festival
Multiple dates through January 2, 2021
Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures – 2001 E Southport Road, Kissimmee
Explore a Christmas Village featuring live music by the Society Orchestra and more. Enjoy thousands of dazzling lights, artificial snowfall every hour, shopping, dining, crafting, and even meet Santa Claus! A portion of the proceeds of this event go to benefit the Second Harvest Central Florida food bank.
$34 – $39/person

Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra presents Home for the Holidays: A Midnight Clear
Saturday, November 28, 3:30 & 7:30pm
Orlando Festival Park
Come home for the holidays and enjoy the sounds of the season as Guest Conductor Victor Vanacore leads the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, The Holiday Singers, and special guests in your favorite songs and carols of the holiday season. General admission includes a socially-distanced seating area inside the concert area. Bring your own chairs. VIP tickets include a cocktail table and chairs.
$10 general admission; $40 VIP

Dueling Piano Dinner Show
Sunday, November 29, 7pm
Tin Roof Orlando
Enjoy dinner in the Green Room with live dueling pianos every Sunday night.
Menu prices vary

Image credit: Jolly Creek

ATTEND A RELAXING THANKSGIVING WEEKEND EVENT

Small Business Saturday Sidewalk Sale
Saturday, November 28, 8am-8pm
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. There will also be in-store and online specials/promotions, as well as curbside delivery. Expanded outdoor patios for dining – many restaurants will also offer specials on this day — and for enjoying the fall weather.
FREE Admission

Fall on the Farm
Saturdays and Sundays through November 29, 10am-3pm
Whisper Creek Farm at Grande Lakes Orlando
Enjoy family-friendly, autumn-centric activities during the final weekend of this outdoor fall festival. Activities include a hayride, pumpkin picking, and pumpkin carving and painting workshops with the resort’s Olympic World Champion culinary artist and carver Victor Dagatan. Read more about this fall festival here.
$35/person

Festival of Trees
Select dates through November 29
Orlando Museum of Art
Benefitting the Orlando Museum of Art, the 34th annual Festival of Trees will transform the museum into a magical wonderland for visitors of all ages. Browse designer trees and wreaths, gingerbread houses, pop-up holiday vendors and more. There will also be daily outdoor performances by local entertainers on the OMA Sculpture Plaza. Thanksgiving weekend in Orlando is the final weekend of this annual festive event.
$15/person

Art After Dark Lake Nona
Friday, November 27, 6-9pm
Lake Nona Town Center
FREE admission

FusionFest
November 28 – 29
Seneff Arts Plaza at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
A free, two-day outdoor festival in Downtown Orlando celebrating the people and the many different cultures through music, dance, food, film, fashion, spoken word visual arts and interactive activities.
FREE Admission

Night of a Million Lights
Through January 3, 2021
Give Kids the World Village
Stroll the 84-acre nonprofit resort, aglow with more than three million lights; savor delicious treats; and enjoy the accessible rides and storybook attractions that have brought happiness and hope to critically ill children and their families from around the world for 34 years. Guests will experience a 150-foot lighted tunnel, the entire Avenue aglow, 45 decorated resort villas, 150 larger-than-life holiday-themed wireframe displays; an enchanting, illuminated gingerbread arch; and four photo spots in addition to the Village itself being a picturesque backdrop for your holiday memories. Santa will spread holiday cheer from a socially distant location. Three accessible attractions along with ice cream and hot chocolate are included with ticket price.
$25 – $40/person

What to do for Thanksgiving Weekend in Orlando
Night of a Million Lights | Image credit: Give Kids the World

Check out our Best of November: 40+ Can’t-Miss Date Night Events in Orlando post for more Thanksgiving weekend events. 

Feature image credit: The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes