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.
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
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 5-6pmMead Botanical GardenPress 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 – 10:15amCanterbury Retreat and Conference CenterConnect 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
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 usually 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.
Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board MakingSaturday, November 23, 2024, 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.Alexander Discovery Center, Bok Tower 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. 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
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: Best Beaches Near Orlando
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
2024 TBASouthern Hill Farms, ClermontPlace 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.
Blown Away Leftovers and Holiday Cooking Classes
Friday, November 29, 2024, 6:30 pmTruffles & TriflesHave 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
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Through December 30, 2024EPCOTEpcot'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.
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-1:30pmWinter Park – Saturdays 8am-1pmWinter Garden – Saturdays 8am-1pmClermont – Sundays 9am-1pmOrlando 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
Fall Charcuterie Board Making
Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Gobble Gobble Sugar Cookie Decorating
Gingerbread School
Gingerbread Decorating CornerDaily starting November 15, 2024Gaylord Palms ResortDon'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 $36.99
Gingerbread School2024 TBAThe Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande LakesJoin 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.
Image credit: Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
Listen to Live Music
Home for the Holidays
Saturday, November 30, 2024, 2:30pm and 7:30pmSteinmetz Hall – Dr. Phillips Center for Performing ArtsA 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 30, 2024, 7:00 p.m.Walt Disney Theater – Dr. Phillips Center for Performing ArtsCelebrate 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.$41.50 per person
Weekends at the Winery
November 30 – December 1, 12-4pmLakeridge WineryHead 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
Image credit: Lakeridge Winery
Dr. Phillips Center Presents The Bad Plus
Saturday and Sunday, November 30 & December 1, 2024 Judson's Live, Dr. Phillips CenterJudson’s Live is where atmosphere, acoustics and culinary excellence collide, bringing unheard-of listening experiences (with unrivaled cocktails and sharable plates to match.)Tickets start at $35
Attend a Thanksgiving Weekend Event
Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens
November 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Leu Gardens, 1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando
Beautiful, Moroccan Lanterns hanging from the trees overhead
Fun, interactive lights that light up when you jump on them
A beautiful, bright, 70’ long light tunnel
A play area of giant, 8’ tall, rollable ornaments
A walk of thousands of laser lights
And snow all night long
$25 per person, plus $12 for parking
Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild
Through January 19, 2025Central Florida Zoo & Botanical GardensCelebrate 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.$22 per person
Image credit: Central Florida Zoo
READ MORE: Where to Find Orlando’s Best Holiday Lights
FUSIONFEST
Saturday and Sunday, November 30 – December 1, 2024Seneff 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.
Image credit: FusionFest; photo by LL Productions
Related: 50+ Festive and Free Holiday Events in Orlando
Black Friday Wine + Foot Massage
2024 TBAQuantum Leap WinerySkip 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
Small Business Saturday Sidewalk Sale
2024 TBADowntown Winter GardenThe 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
2024 TBA Thornton ParkShop 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.
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