Indulge in festive treats, stroll under glittering lights, find magnificent displays of heavily decked Christmas trees, and make memories you will hold dear for the rest of your life. There are a variety of things to do in Orlando in November for the whole family, no matter your age and no matter the budget!
One great perk to visiting Orlando in Autumn is the weather which is close to perfection. With the highest temperatures being 77℉ and low humidity, November is a very comfortable month to plan a vacation to the City Beautiful. Chances of rain or showers are unlikely but the nights can get chilly so be sure to take a sweater with you. Another great thing about Orlando in November is the low crowd except for thanksgiving week.
There are lots of high-scale events in Orlando in November by major theme parks and resorts in the city which ensure you have a great vacation to close off your year.
Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival
Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival ends around the third week of November, so make the most of the last opportunity to experience it and head on over to Epcot. Take your tastebuds on a trip around the world as you explore over 25 marketplaces that serve global cuisines like African, Greek, Italian, Indian, French, and many more. It’s a great way to expose the kids to global culture and also indulge in music, food, and of course, wine for yourself.
Often mistaken for an adults-only festival, this food and wine extravaganza offers plenty of exciting things to do with kids. The park organizes a savory scavenger hunt called Remy’s Ratatouille Hide and Squeak in which little ones look for little statuettes of Remy, collect stickers, and win a prize at the end.
Emile’s Fromage Montage which is basically a cheese crawl is another great family-friendly activity where you sample different cheeses that are served in innovative ways. Collect all the stickers and win a prize at the end.
Later, enjoy the Eat to the Beat concert in the America Gardens Theatre and dance your heart out to some of the best local musicians. The best part about this festival is the versatility it provides. There’s food and fun for the young, the old, those with a limited budget, and a big budget. This festival is truly your oyster!
Are you looking for some unforgettable moments? Here are some you’ll love:
- Grinchmas Who-liday Spectular
- Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom
- Dazzling fireworks over the Cinderella Castle
- The Three Kings Journey and Elmo’s Christmas Wish Show
- Sing-a-long with Mrs. Claus
You can also always still enjoy all the rides and exhibits at Epcot while enjoying the festival. The event in its entirety can get a little overwhelming, especially when visiting with kids, which is why planning is imperative. We recommend looking over the menu ahead of time to get a sense of what each family member might enjoy.
Alternatively, head to Magic Kingdom for some Thanksgiving turkey. Although not specifically themed for Thanksgiving, you can still get your turkey dinner fix!
Legoland
Cool off and enjoy the fun at Legoland, an hour away from Orlando. Weekdays mean lower crowds and November is the perfect time for pool time at the Legoland Resort! From the end of November, this jolly time of year features a giant LEGO® Christmas tree, unforgettable seasonal shows, holiday characters, special treats, LEGO activities, twinkling lights and more!
Best Things to do in Orlando in November: Holiday Season!
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a special Christmas event that runs on select nights from mid-November through December just before Christmas.
The event hosts a Christmas parade with all your kids’ favorite Disney characters out in their best Christmas costumes and spreading some of that jolly cheer with Santa himself. Watch Christmas-themed shows put on by Mickey and Minnie and get mesmerized as the sky explodes with dazzling fireworks over the Cinderella Castle.
Listen to your favorite Christmas carols, dance with your loved ones at Club Tinsel Dance party, or enjoy some rides which will have shorter wait times during the event.
Holidays at Universal Orlando in November
Welcome the holiday spirit with the whole family this year by attending Universal Studios’ “untraditional” yuletide celebrations. Holidays at Universal Orlando take place from mid-November to the first week of January, lasting the entire holiday season.
The most awaited events happen right at Universal Studios Florida, and the first one is the Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s. See your favorite characters from movies like Despicable Me, Shrek, and Madagascar as large balloons and dance along to the festive music with the kids.
The parade takes place every night of the Holiday season through a walk through a winter wonderland with Santa himself making an appearance.
Revel in the festivities at both Harry Potter lands as Christmas spirits come to life during this season. See the Hogwarts Castle light up with stunning light projection shows and merry music as the sun goes down or dance in the beautifully lit streets of Hogsmeade with your little witches and wizards.
Watch Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees put up their show with a seasonal charm or find the Frog Choir singing with their talented frogs at Hogsmeade. Don’t forget to get yourself and the kids a cup of hot Butterbeer which is the perfect addition to your vacation evening.
Share the Grinch’s disdain for Christmas, a welcome break in the middle of all the merriment, and spend some time with the wonderful citizens of Whoville. Enjoy the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, a musical rendition of the story of how the Grinch stole Christmas.
The show has multiple showtimes throughout the day and is performed every day. Enjoy tasty Grinch-themed snacks and take some time to appreciate the whimsical decorations when you visit Whoville. The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride is a great way to get a spectacular view of all the celebrations.
Participate in the Holiday Tree Hunt, a scavenger hunt that takes place throughout the park for Christmas-themed trees. Win an exclusive ornament for your tree at home when you collect all the stamps. An ornament with a story behind it, making it all the more meaningful!
With the number of things to do in Orlando in November at Universal, it can get overwhelming and you may not be able to attend every special event. Be sure to plan the shows, events, and rides you want to go on so you can have a laid-back and fun day with the family without wasting time deciding what to do next.
Best Things to do at SeaWorld Orlando in November
Sesame Street Kids’ Weekend
Treat your kids and take them to the Sesame Street Kids’ Weekend at SeaWorld Orlando this November. The event takes place in the first week of November, starting at 11 a.m., and is included in your admission ticket on selected days.
The park organizes several activities for kids like an engaging storytime with Big Bird. Kids learn about sustainability in a fun manner at Oscar’s Trash Can Activity where they make arts and crafts out of discarded materials and create a beautiful piece of art that they will cherish for years to come.
Kids also get the chance to be “everyday heroes” as they receive badges for showing and learning virtues like bravery, kindness, and patience that the park encourages children to cultivate throughout their lives. Don’t miss out on the Sesame Street Party Parade which is an award-winning parade where all the characters from Sesame Street come out on colorful floats and sing and dance for the kids. The whole family can join in!
The aim of this event is to celebrate families and teach kids life lessons through fun activities that they will remember for the rest of their lives. The best part about this event is that both kids and kids at heart will be able to enjoy the rides and events and have a blast together!
Christmas Celebration
SeaWorld Orlando hosts a Christmas celebration event from mid-November until the end of the year, with seasonal festivities on selected days. Guests get to enjoy the entertainment, glittering lights, and indulge in decadent Christmas treats.
Join Elmo’s friends and help him find his Christmas wish at the Elmo’s Christmas Wish show and dance along to their lively song and dance. The show is fun-filled, holiday-themed, and has surprises that kids will definitely love. This show is a great starting point at the park as the Seaport Theatre is at the front of the park and the show begins a little earlier than all the other Christmas celebrations.
Catch the toy soldiers spreading some Christmas cheer with their jump rope tricks or find the jolly elf getting ready for the season with some Christmas magic. There is also ice skating for you at Bayside, Rudolph’s movie experience which is a short movie that tells your favorite reindeer’s story.
Take in wondrous views at The Waterfront that transforms into a wintery wonderland at this time of year, with over 3 million sparkling lights in a forest of trees dancing to seasonal classics.
Watch the Winter Wonderland on Ice crew glide about the shiny ice with their enchanting choreography to classic Christmas tunes with a view of the dazzling Sea of Trees behind them. The life-size penguins that ice skate are the highlight of the show and a favorite with kids.
Attend the Sesame Street Christmas Parade featuring wonderfully decorated floats and show-stopping performances by all the Sesame Street characters. End your holiday adventure with the best and most awaited part of the day, Holiday Reflections: Fireworks and Fountains Finale, a stunning firework show. Watch the sky light up with colorful fireworks, choreographed fountains, and lights, all-dancing away to cheerful holiday music.
SeaWorld Orlando does a special festival event on select days like Hanukkah and celebrates the day of lights with the traditional lighting of the menorah which you can be a part of.
Christmas at Gaylord Palms
Gaylord Palms Resort hosts a wide array of Christmas events from the third week of November to the first week of January. Take in the spectacular décor with lights and displays in the glass atrium. Meet Santa Claus on your visit, and watch thrilling performances by skilled acrobats. Some events will be included in your admission ticket package while others require you to buy separate tickets to attend.
Save Christmas featuring Elf is an interactive walk-through featuring several characters and moments from the iconic Christmas movie Elf. Catch the Cirque: The Spirit of the Season show and relive the true meaning of the holidays with this heart-warming performance at the Emerald Bay Stage.
This event is free to everyone attending the Christmas events. Show your kids the diversity of the world at The Greatest Story, a multicultural rendition of Christ’s story. There are several other noteworthy events like a sing-a-long with Mrs. Claus, an Escape room event, storytime with the Sugarplum Fairy and the Nutcracker Prince, and many others.
Busch Gardens Christmas Town
Visit Busch Gardens in Orlando, Florida in November and start celebrating the holidays early! Starting from the second week of November, the theme park transforms into a Christmas Town with thousands of lights, artistic holiday displays, delicious seasonal treats, and the scintillating fireworks display. The festivities continue on until the first week of January.
Enjoy Christmas-themed shows like The Three Kings Journey and Elmo’s Christmas Wish and let sweet stories make your heart soar. Catch the ice-skating show, Christmas on Ice, performed by world-class skaters and do not miss the much-awaited fireworks display. Nothing says holiday spirit more than the sky lighting up with a thousand colors.
The kids will definitely enjoy storytime with Mrs. Claus at the Coke Canopy as they listen to traditional holiday stories and sing joyful songs. Board the Holly Jolly Express and sing along to Christmas carols while taking in the sights in the park.
Leu Gardens Dazzling Nights
Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with the whole family on this quarter-mile, beautifully lit walk at Leu Garden and get that serotonin pumping. Complete with Moroccan hanging lanterns and a fully lit rose garden, Dazzling Nights is a great event with not many distractions, allowing you to just unwind and enjoy the ambiance.
Listen to some lilting music and enjoy the various lights and exhibits at the park with the family for a low-key, fun filled evening. The event takes place from the third week of November to the second week of January.
Remember that you will have to book tickets in advance and won’t be able to buy them on site.
Free things to do in Orlando in November
A vacation in Orlando does not always have to revolve around theme parks and major extravagant events. There are many low-key and low-budget, and even free Orlando activities that you and the little ones will enjoy just as much as the big ticket items!
Visit Sunset Walk and take a stroll down the lively Promenade under glittering lights while you listen to some live music from a nearby stage. You can visit the many marketplaces and eateries in the area and look at some classy cars from ’87.
The Promenade also has a car and truck show that happens on the second Sunday of the month. Car and truck collectors display their pride and joy, and you can take a look and learn all about them.
Teach the kids about the diversity of the world through FusionFest, a free two-day event with music, dance, food, and many forms of art from many parts of the world. FusionFest is all about celebrating and showcasing the diverse cultures that make Florida the unique place that it is.
It aims to break down all barriers and showcase all the talent they have to offer by sharing stories, collaborating, and educating. People from over 110 cultures attend the event and sing and dance together. There will be interactive activities and games for kids.
If you want to keep it low-pressure and intimate, watch a movie under the stars at Popcorn Flicks in the Park hosted by the city of Winter Park, partnering with Maitland’s Enzian Theater, on the second Thursday of the month. The movie is screened at the community’s Central Park, begins at dusk, and is suitable for all ages.
Pack a picnic basket, bring some comfortable blankets, and watch the movie with your loved ones. Do keep in mind that movie nights are subject to canceling or rescheduling depending on weather changes, so be sure to check their website before you head out.
Things to do In Orlando with Kids Month by Month Guide
Orlando Florida in January has warm sunny days paired with pleasant, chilly evenings which makes the city the perfect place to kick start the year with a family vacation! Whether you have a toddler or a teenager, our list of things to do in Orlando in January will have something in store for you. It includes everything from epic theme parks and water worlds to hidden treasure quests and festivals to celebrate!
January’s off-season charm hits the sweet spot of ultimate deals if you like lesser crowds, cheap flight tickets, and lower accommodation rates in Orlando. However, you should still expect to see a steady stream of visitors like yourself during the Epcot Annual Festival of the Arts and on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity day. Read on to find out more about the events in Orlando in January!
Orlando might be the next thing to put on your bucket list. The pleasant weather during the start of springtime causes Orlando Florida in February to serve as a respite for northerners fleeing from the cold and a fun getaway from the scalding heat of the warmer states. It's really the slim chance of rain, however, that seals the deal and makes attending events, fests, and outdoor activities in Orlando during February practical and enjoyable!
There are so many things to do in Orlando in March. And with weather that is pleasantly warm during the day, cooler in the evening, and accompanied by just a few bouts of rain, it's the perfect time to go exploring with the family! Between floral exhibits, art shows, and other unique festivals, you will have no shortage of things to do while there.
Spring is the perfect time to enjoy some fresh air, sunshine, and a few showers before the heat of the Floridian summer kicks in. In fact, April is almost always your last chance in a year to enjoy Orlando in spring. And the flowers, blooms, and butterflies only make it better!
In addition to pleasant weather, the Spring Holiday Season and Easter Weekend also offer a plethora of things to do in Orlando in April. While it's certain that crowds will be high throughout this month, don't let that stop you, as the events we go over below are pure madness - in all the best ways possible! It doesn't matter whether you want to stay on budget or splurge this season, Orlando will have you covered.
Orlando, Florida in May offers the best of both worlds: a colorful and cheery spring during the first half of the month followed by the beaming summer sun in the second half. An exciting vacation destination for families with members both big and small, young and old, it's no wonder why then, that Orlando is the perfect place to visit in May.
In our list below, you will find some of the best events and things to do in Orlando in May to make the most of the season transition. Between food festivals, art shows, scavenger hunts, and the Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot, you will see that May truly has it all!
It's time for Florida in June! There are many ways to enjoy the sun, fun, and the culture of this state.
With the blazing hot sun overhead and humid climate, visiting Orlando in June will really help you see firsthand why it’s called the Sunshine State, as well as all the reasons that make Orlando so fun! Enjoy a wide range of activities with your family at the Flower and Garden Festival at Disney’s Epcot Theme Park, or celebrate Father’s Day in style by giving dad the holiday he deserves.
Summer is just around the corner! This means that the kids are out of school and families like your own are gearing up to vacation in Orlando, Florida.
There are many reasons why Orlando, Florida in July is a popular holiday destination. This city really does have it all, from Disney World and beaches to wildlife! There are destinations and events to enjoy for kids of all ages, families of all kinds, and budgets of every range.
Apart from the regular attractions, the city offers a plethora of summer Orlando activities and events as well; some of them especially noteworthy for being on Independence Day. It is enough to make even the heat and unpredictable showers of July worth it, in our opinion. Pack sunscreen, light raincoats, some umbrellas, and keep reading to find out the best things to do in Orlando in July with your family!
Soak in the last bits of summer sun and enjoy the seasonal showers in Orlando, Florida this August while immersing yourself in culinary experiences, nighttime dancing, festivals, expos, and more. There is no shortage of things to do in Orlando in August when with the family! With school out and everybody in the holiday spirit, Orlando in summer is the best time and place for spending quality time with your loved ones.
The crowds in Orlando in August go both ways. The beginning of the month sees a lot of tourists which thin down towards the end of the month. Orlando, Florida in August is also a hot and humid time with average temperatures of around 90℉ so it's advisable to plan breaks in the middle of the day and try to find some indoor places with air conditioning to cool down. At the same time, this time of year is also prone to midday showers, but don’t fret, because these won’t put a damper on your plans. Just be sure to keep umbrellas and raincoats on you when visiting Orlando in August.
It's easy to see why family holidays in Orlando are so memorable. This Florida metropolis has it all: white beaches, theme parks, gastronomic wonders, and fascinating history. There are plenty of activities to do in Orlando, Florida for any kind of family.
The intense summer heat and humidity begin to cool down with a few bouts of rain in September, making it a very pleasant month to visit Orlando. With most kids being back to school, expect the crowds to remain minimal throughout the month. Homeschoolers- this is your opportunity to experience the city in a unique and secluded way. So what’s stopping you? Pack your bags and head to Orlando to have a wonderful off-season family vacation.
Before you go, read on to learn how to travel like a pro and discover the top things to do in Orlando in September. From blood-curdling Halloween theme park events to magical fairy door exhibits and food festivals, this city has got something for everyone: parents, preschoolers, and teenagers!
A vacation/holiday in Orlando is unforgettable for so many reasons. City Beautiful has everything you could ask for, from white beaches, theme parks, gastronomic wonders, and fascinating history. There are plenty of things to do in Orlando in October for any kind of family.
Orlando in Autumn /Fall brings a welcome change of weather compared to the intense heat of Florida summers and the days begin to experience sudden (and short) bursts of heavy rainfall. With schools being in session again, most of Orlando's major attractions see a significant drop in crowds too.
That is, apart from the last week of October, when the city becomes overrun by parents taking their kids trick-or-treating and visiting the Halloween events around town. It's true, there's no escaping the horror- and fun-filled holiday when visiting Orlando in October, and that's a great thing! Because nobody does Halloween better than Orlando.
Planning a family vacation this holiday season? Why not visit the most magical of places during the most magical time of year! City Beautiful has everything you could ask for. Nature, theme parks, culinary wonders, and mesmerizing holiday celebrations. There are plenty of things to do in Orlando around Christmas time and in December, no matter your age.
While most other places around the country are freezing cold in December, sub-tropical Orlando prides itself on its sunny days and chilly evenings. We recommend carrying a light to medium jacket, socks, and rain protection in your travel bag along with your lightweight summer dresses.
Although it is undeniable that Orlando, Florida in December is both one of the most crowded and costliest periods to visit the traditional theme park festivals, it is also the most beautiful- with stellar weather and seasonal spirits, it’s an experience of a lifetime that you should definitely check off your bucket list.