Thanksgiving in Orlando 2025

Forget the snow—Thanksgiving in Orlando is all about blue skies, palm trees, and plenty of festive cheer. If you’re here for the holiday, you’ll find a perfect mix of delicious dining, lively events, and a head start on the holiday season.

This holiday season, make your Orlando getaway even more memorable with our exclusive Thanksgiving resort offer. Use code THANKSGIVING when booking and enjoy:

• 🦃 Kids Eat Free – 1 free meal for children 12 & under with every paid adult meal.
• 🍂 $25 Daily Resort Credit – spend it on food, drinks, or a cabana rental by the pool.

It’s the perfect way to celebrate Thanksgiving in Orlando—whether you’re here for a festive family feast, theme park fun, or Kissimmee’s fall activities.

The weather in late November is one of the best reasons to celebrate in Central Florida. Warm afternoons in the 70s give way to crisp evenings, making it ideal for everything from theme park adventures to outdoor strolls. It’s also the moment when the city begins to glow with early Christmas lights, giving Thanksgiving an extra dose of magic. Picture yourself carving turkey while palm trees twinkle with fairy lights—now that’s something you won’t find up north.

Food, of course, is at the heart of the day. Orlando’s resorts pull out all the stops: Knife & Spoon at Grande Lakes offers an elegant Thanksgiving dinner, while Highball & Harvest and Citron roll out buffets with all the classics. Over at Rosen Plaza, the grand ballroom brunch is a family-friendly favorite, complete with live music and endless desserts.

Thanksgiving morning kicks off with the Turkey Trot 5K at Lake Eola, a downtown tradition where families, locals, and visitors all join in. It’s the perfect way to burn calories before piling your plate high with stuffing and pie.

Afterward, many families head straight to Disney, Universal, or SeaWorld for parades, holiday shows, and the first sparkle of Christmas decorations. Be warned—this is one of Orlando’s busiest weeks, so plan early, pack patience, and consider using skip-the-line passes.

For something different, trade roller coasters for nature and culture. Take a drive-through safari at Wild Florida to spot gators, zebras, and even sloths, or wander through Winter Park’s museums, some of which offer free admission during the Thanksgiving weekend. It’s a quieter way to soak up Orlando’s charm.

And of course, no Orlando Thanksgiving is complete without a little shopping. Thanksgiving weekend doubles as the kickoff to Black Friday, and Orlando’s malls and outlets burst with deals. Whether you’re hunting for designer finds at The Mall at Millenia or chasing bargains at Orlando International Premium Outlets, there’s no shortage of retail therapy. Pro tip: go early and wear comfy shoes—the crowds are as wild as any theme park ride.

• Book early: Dining reservations fill up fast for Thanksgiving Day.
• Layer up: It may be warm in the afternoon, but evenings can get chilly.
• Balance your schedule: Pair busy theme park days with a low-key morning or spa break.
• Think outside the turkey: Don’t forget Orlando’s international dining scene—many restaurants offer unique twists on holiday menus.
• Plan for traffic: Between parkgoers and shoppers, expect more cars on the road.