If the thought of hectic Black Friday shopping has you cringing, opt for laid-back fun instead. Thanksgiving weekend is the perfect time to slow down, unwind and cherish time with your partner and loved ones. While Thursday is all about connection and bonding over great food, the long weekend presents pastimes aplenty.

Pre-Thanksgiving Events in Orlando

Thanksgiving Themed Cooking Class

• Date: November 18, 20 & 24 | 6:30-10pm
• Location: Truffles and Trifles, 711 West Smith Street, Orlando
• Cost: $75
• Ages | Adults (age 18+) only

So grateful for date nights with foodie fun! If you need a date night that doubles as holiday prep, check out the Thanksgiving-themed date night cooking classes offered by Truffles and Triffles. It’ll certainly tantalize taste buds before the official Thanksgiving feast.

Now that Thanksgiving is here, explore our relaxing suggestions for making the most of your quality time together during the Thanksgiving weekend in Orlando.

Orlando Official Thanksgiving Eve Bar Crawl

• Date: Wednesday, November 25, 2026, from 8 pm – 1 am
• Location: Downtown Orlando
• Cost: up to $12.50
• Ages | Adults (age 21+) only

It’s one of Downtown Orlando’s most popular bar crawl… so come waddle like a turkey as you toast to Thanksgiving. From one iconic venue to the next, immerse yourself in a whirlwind of festive decorations, themed costumes and boundless enthusiasm. Each of the four locales will feature specialty Thanksgiving-themed cocktails and lively entertainment.

iDrive Blackout Thanksgiving Eve Bar Crawl

• Date: Wednesday, November 25, 2026, from 6 pm – midnight
• Location: Starting at Blue Martini, 9101 International Drive, #1182 Orlando, FL 32819
• Cost: up to $23.18
• Ages | Adults (age 21+) only

Get ready to party and give thanks with a twist! The event is slated to offer free cover at all participating locations, free photo booth stations, complimentary parking and 3+ free drinks with a party pass.

Wrist bands will be provided to note status: Red = Taken; Yellow = It’s Complicated; and Green = Single & Ready to Mingle.

Participating locations include: Blue Martini, Ice Bar, Dick’s Last Resort, Palm Tree Club, Shark Bar, Still Lounge, Cuba Libre, PBR Cowboy Bar, Sports & Social, Kavas Tacos + Tequila, Taffer’s Tavern and The Pub.

Thanksgiving Day Events in Orlando

Track Shack Seniors First Turkey Trot 5K

• Date: Thursday, November 26, 2026 | 8:00 am
• Location: Lake Eola Park, 227 N. Eola Dr, Orlando, FL 32801
• Cost: Free kids run + $35-50

A Thanksgiving tradition now in its 37th year, join fellow turkey trotters at beautiful Lake Eola. Expect to see many participants dressed in full costumes or Thanksgiving themed hats! This Track Shack event includes a Best Costume Contest and Best Turkey Call!

The event includes a “Race to End Senior Hunger” theme with proceeds to benefit Meals on Wheels and other programs that support seniors in our community.

RELATED: Thanksgiving Fun: The Best Turkey Trot Runs in Orlando & Beyond

Thanksgiving Steam

• Date: Thursday, November 26, 2026 | 9 pm
• Location: Mamajuana Lounge & Bar, 5665 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32809
• Cost: $36.05

Once the oven cools from Thanksgiving dinner, heat things back up with Caribbean-inspired energy, music and Thanksgiving-themed party. VIP bottle service is available.

Things to Do Thanksgiving Weekend in Orlando

Special Events

Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild

• Date: Select nights November 13, 2026 through January 27, 2027, 6-10 p.m.
• Location: Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
• Cost: $25 per person

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.

Fusion Fest

• Date: Saturday, Nov. 28, 2026, 10 am-8 pm + Sunday, Nov. 29, 2026, noon-6 pm
• Location: Loch Haven Park
• Cost: Free

FusionFest is a lively celebration of Central Florida’s incredible cultural diversity, bringing together music, dance, food, art and traditions from around the globe. It’s a great excuse for couples to sample new flavors, catch live performances and discover something new together — all while celebrating the many cultures that make the City Beautiful so special.

Shaken & Stirred

• Date: November 28, 2026 | 1-3 pm
• Location: The Edison – Disney Springs, 1570 E Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
• Cost: $120

Relax after the holiday with boozy tea infusions blending comforting flavors and creative cocktail twists. Led by Edison Mixologist Nancy Guzman.

Yoga in the Garden

• Date: Every Saturday in November and beyond, 9-10 am
• Location: Mead Botanical Garden
• Cost: $15
• Ages: all

Press reset on body and mind on the weekend after Thanksgiving with an outdoor yoga session at Mead Botanical Garden. Classes are held on Saturdays on the Grove Stage. Bring your own water bottle and yoga mat. Afterward, take a leisure hike throughout the lush grounds.

Pssst… Mead Botanical Garden also hosts yoga on Wednesday evenings, 6-7pm.

Tai Chi in the Garden

• Date: Every Saturday in November, 10:30-11:30am
• Location: Mead Botanical Garden
• Cost: $15
• Ages: all

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.

Thanksgiving Celebration at The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

• Date: November 27-29, 2026
• Location: The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
• Cost: Free

Celebrate priceless masterpieces with free admission on Friday, November 27 (9:30 am–8 pm), Saturday, November 28 (9:30 am–4 pm) and Sunday, November 29 (1–4 pm). Live music will be offered from 5–8 pm on Friday evening.

More Events on Thanksgiving Weekend

• Thursday, Nov. 26-Saturday, Nov. 28: National Clogging Convention at Renaissance Orlando Resort
• Friday, Nov. 27: Orlando Solar Bears vs. Greenville Swamp Rabbits at the Kia Center
• Saturday, Nov. 28: Amazing Silent Disco at Orlando Science Center
• Saturday, Nov. 28: Small Business Saturday Celebration in Downtown Winter Garden
• Sunday, Nov. 29: Weekend Drag Brunch at Outpost
• Friday, Nov. 27 & Saturday, Nov. 28: Fragrance Making Class at Tijōn Winter Park
• Saturday, Nov. 28 & Sunday, Nov. 29: Yoga & Sound Bath at Bok Tower Gardens

Christmas-Themed Events Happening Thanksgiving Weekend

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel – Holiday Harbor Nights

• Date: Friday, November 27, 2026 | 6:30pm – 10pm
• Location: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Universal Orlando
• Cost: Tickets start at $115
• Ages: Adults (age 21+) only

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando’s signature food and wine event kicks off the holiday season. 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 and live music, Holiday Harbor Nights is the perfect date night or fun night out with friends to celebrate the season.

Holiday Market at Lakeridge Winery

• Date: November 27-29, 2026 (hours vary)
• Location: Lakeridge Winery
• Cost: $5 admission

This event welcomes the holiday season with hot mulled wine and lots of specials in the wine shop. Local artists and crafters will display their work, just in time to pick out that perfect gift for a loved one. Enjoy live music on the outdoor stage and, of course, purchase food and wine. Don’t forget to do a winery tour and tasting.

Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens

• Date: November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027 from 5:30 to 9:15 pm
• Location: Leu Gardens, 1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando
• Cost: $25 per person, plus $12 for parking on site, or free offsite parking

This immersive winter wonderland transforms Orlando’s beautiful botanical gardens into a glowing holiday escape, complete with twinkling light tunnels, larger-than-life displays, festive music and plenty of picture-perfect spots. Stroll hand-in-hand beneath illuminated trees, sip a seasonal drink, browse the holiday market and sneak a kiss under the glowing mistletoe.

More Christmas kick-off for Thanksgiving Weekend

• Sat, Nov 28, 2020: Home for the Holidays at Dr. Phillips Center
• Sat, Nov. 28, 2026: Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker at Dr. Phillips Center
• Sat, Nov 28, 2026: Groove Sleighers at Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts in Winter Park
• Sat, Nov. 28, 2026: Audubon Holiday Market at the National Audubon Society
• Thru Jan 3., 2027: Ice! at Gaylord Palms
• Thru Dec. 25, 2026: Wekiva Island Winter Wonderland at Wekiva State Park
• Thru Dec. 24, 2026: A Christmas Carol at Orlando Shakes
• Thru Dec. 31, 2026: Frontyard HolidayFest at Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts
• Thru Dec. 31, 2026: Now Snowing at Celebration Town Center
• Thru Jan. 2, 2027: Magic of Lights at Daytona Beach Speedway

Go Big with Theme Park Holiday Happenings

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

• Date: November 27 to December 30, 2026
• Location: EPCOT
• Cost: 1-Day, 1-Park Ticket from $119

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.

More theme park options:

• Thru Jan 3, 2027: Holidays at Universal Orlando
• Thru Jan 4, 2027: SeaWorld Christmas Celebration
• Thru Dec 22, 2026: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
• Thru Jan 5, 2027: Disney Jollywood Nights

RELATED: Where to Find Orlando’s Best Holiday Lights

Thankful for these Date Nights… Thanksgiving Weekend & Beyond

Bok Tower Gardens

Thanksgiving weekend in Orlando usually marks the beginning of the holidays 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.

In Saturday, November 28, 2026, enjoy the RUNA, a Celtic-American Roots music group that continues to push the boundaries of Irish folk music into the Americana and roots music formats. Interweaving the haunting melodies and exuberant tunes of Ireland and Scotland with the lush harmonies and intoxicating rhythms of jazz, bluegrass, flamenco and blues, they offer a thrilling and redefining take on traditional music.

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 ranges $95-125.

Hidden Palms Ranch is closed on Thursday and Friday, but open for bookings on Saturday and Sunday after Thanksgiving.

Hiking Locations

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 New Smyrna Beach, Cocoa Beach and, of course during this festive time of year, St. Augustine Beach to enjoy St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights.

Bikes & Brews

Spend an afternoon coasting along the West Orange Trail in search of your next favorite brew (and/or view). 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.

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 (admission required)
• Kraft Azalea Garden
• Mead Botanical Garden

Go to a Farmer’s Market

Stroll hand-in-hand with your cutie pie at one of Orlando’s many farmer’s markets.

Windermere – Fridays 9am-1:30pm
Winter Park – Saturdays 8am-1pm
Winter Garden – Saturdays 8am-1pm
Orlando Farmer’s Market – Sundays 10am-3pm

Related: A Guide to Orlando Farmers Markets

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 the holiday movie lineup this year.

Bonus idea: Give Thanks via Volunteerism

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