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 2022
Thanksgiving dinner in Orlando:
- Skip the Cooking! Restaurants Serving Thanksgiving Dinner
- Relax at Home – Thanksgiving Dinner To Go
- Thanksgiving Grazing Boards and Goods from Orlando Gourmet Markets
- Local Bakeries in Orlando to Grab Your Thanksgiving Desserts
Unwind
Saturday Yoga in the Garden
Saturday, November 26, 2022 9-10am
Mead Botanical Garden
Press reset on body and mind with an outdoor yoga session at Mead Botanical Garden. Classes are held Saturdays on the Grove Stage. Bring your own water bottle and yoga mat.
$10
Yoga by the Lake Oviedo Community
Saturday, November 26, 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
Sunday, November 27, 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
Black Friday Wine + Foot Massage
Friday, November 26, 2021 2-8pm (2022 TBA)
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
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 at Bok Tower Gardens. Listen to carillon concerts at 1 and 3pm, 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 $17 per adult.
Cultivating Gratitude: A Meditation And Sound Bath
Saturday, November 26, 2022, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
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
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 26, 27 and 28 at various times.
The cost is $218/couple for a private tour, and $150/couple 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 4-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 $9 per hour or $35 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
Holiday Harbor Nights
Friday, November 25, 2022 6:30-9pm
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
Discover la dolce vita on this Italian-inspired date night along the picturesque harbor of the Portofino Bay Hotel. Enjoy select wines and unlimited gourmet bites from the resort's top restaurants, along with a live band and incredible opera performances.
VIP tickets include additional hors d’oeuvres, exclusive food and wine stations, and special reserved seating. Dance beneath the twinkling lights and witness the illumination of the piazza's grand Christmas tree on this holiday edition of Harbor Nights.
You must be 21 or older to attend this event.
$79 and up per person
Holiday Cookies & Desserts Cooking Classes
Saturday, November 15, 6:30pm – 10pm
Saturday, November 26, 10am-1pm
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, Monday, November 28, 2022.
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Through December 30, 2022
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 $139
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 – $10/adult admission
- Kraft Azalea Garden
- Mead Botanical Garden
- Bok Tower Gardens
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
- Thanksgiving Leftovers
- Thanksgiving Day Table Twists
- Couples Cooking: First Timers' Thanksgiving at Publix
Gingerbread School
Gingerbread Houses class at Publix Aprons Cooking School at Winter Park Village on Friday, November 25, 2022
(2022 TBA)
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. Call 407-393-4034 to reserve.
$195 per family (up to four people)
Listen to Live Music
Home for the Holidays
Saturday, November 26, 2022, 3:30pm and 7:30pm
Steinmetz Hall – Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts
Celebrate the sounds of the season with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. This year's production features the Holiday Singers and the Opera Orlando Youth Company.
$110 and up per adult, special pricing for teachers and first responders
Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker
Saturday, November 26, 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.
$25 per person
Weekends at the Winery
November 26 – 27, noon-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
Attend a Relaxing Thanksgiving Weekend Event
Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens
Through January 1, 2023
Leu Gardens
A few snapshots of the all-new, totally redesigned 2022 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 15, 2023
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
CHRISTMAS NIGHTS IN LIGHTS IMMERSIVE LIGHT SHOW
Through January 1, 2023, 6pm – 11pm
Dezerland Orlando
A dazzling drive-thru light show fully synchronized to popular holiday classics tuned directly to each vehicle’s car stereo on a private radio frequency. The all-new seasonal attraction will take guests through a showcase of holiday displays and more than 1.5 million “dancing” lights. Guests never have to exit their cars; they can simply sit back, relax, and take in the spectacle of the synchronized light show before them.
$45 per vehicle (not per person)
READ MORE: Where to Find Orlando’s Best Holiday Lights
Shop Small Sip and Stroll
Saturday, November 26, 2022 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.
$15
FUSIONFEST
November 26 – 27, 2022
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.
Brew & View: Elf
Friday, November 26, 2021 6pm (2022 TBA)
Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company
Love Christmas classics? Bring blankets and lawn chairs to Ivanhoe Park Brewing for brews, food trucks, and a cozy outdoor viewing of Elf. Perfect for entertaining any visiting family, there will be kid's activities and special guest appearances starting at 6pm. The movie begins at 7:15pm.
FREE Admission
Related: 50+ Festive and Free Holiday Events in Orlando for 2021
Evening Exchange at East End Market
Friday, November 26, 2021 6-10pm (2022 TBA)
East End Market
After a long hiatus, the Evening Exchange returns! This special Black Friday edition will bring together some of Orlando's top makers, creatives and food vendors for a night of shopping local while listening to live music.
FREE Admission
Small Business Saturday Sidewalk Sale
Saturday, November 27, 2021, 11am-11pm (2022 TBA)
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
Bonus idea – Thanksgiving weekend in Orlando is a great time to give back and do some good. Check out our Volunteering Ideas.
