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
- 50+ Festive and Free Holiday Events in Orlando for 2023
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
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
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:
- 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 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.
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: 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.
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:
- 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-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)
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
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
In Case You're Interested:
>> Free Things to do in Orlando
>> Secret Florida Islands
>> Fun Outdoor Activities
>> April Events in Orlando
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
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.
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
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.
