The Top Things To Do In Orlando This Holiday Weekend November 25 - 27!

We hope you are enjoying a wonderful thanksgiving with family and friends, and we're truly thankful for you sharing your holiday with our family here at Gotta Go Orlando.

The holiday weekend is here and its time to have fun, and our weekly Top Things To Do In Orlando list has lots of ideas for the weekend, many of which have a distinct holiday feel to them!

Orlando is an amazing place to celebrate the holidays, with an almost endless amount of wonderful and unique happenings across Central Florida, from mega theme park celebrations to drive through light shows, and indoor ice shows!

And,best of all you don't need to wrap up warm to enjoy the holiday celebrations here in Orlando, we leave the snow to up north!

That is, except the must see ICE! at Gaylord Palms, where you will definitely need to wrap up warm to enjoy the indoor ice extravaganza, but don't worry the below freezing attraction provides cozy jackets especially for the occasion!

Another holiday must do we must mention is Night of a Million Lights at Island H2O, this is a one-of-a-kind, fully interactive holiday experience, that as well as being a wonderful and festive night out, benefits Give Kids The World Village, the local resort that provides critically ill children and their families with magical week-long wish vacations at no cost here in Orlando.

Whatever you choose to do this weekend, have a magical time here in Central Florida, enjoy, and have a good one!

Happy Holidays from our family to yours.

Top Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend

Gaylord Palms ICE!

November 18, 2022 through January 1, 2023

One of Central Florida's premier holiday offerings and a much loved tradition, there is no better way to celebrate the holidays than gathering your family for Christmas at Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee for ICE!

Step into a wonderland carved by expert artisans out of two million pounds of colorful ice, you’ll see the story of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! in larger-than-life sculptures and even plunge down slides made entirely of ice in this Gaylord Hotels original experience.

Night of a Million Lights at Island H2O Live!

Now until January 1, 2023

From November 11, 2022, through January 1, 2023, immerse yourself in a dazzling winter wonderland illuminated with millions of lights and filled with festive family activities and live entertainment for a one-of-a-kind, fully interactive holiday experience.

Named by USA Today the “Number One Thing To Do In December In Orlando” when it debuted in 2020, Night of a Million Lights is a lightscape of spectacular sparkle and mesmerizing dancing lights, where guests of all ages can create priceless holiday memories – all for a wonderful cause.

This event benefits Give Kids The World Village, an 89-acre, whimsical nonprofit resort that provides critically ill children and their families from around the world with magical week-long wish vacations at no cost.

Night of a Million Lights has quickly become one of the most popular holiday events in Central Florida. Many nights will sell out, so don't delay - get your tickets today.

FusionFest

Saturday & Sunday, November 26 & 27, 2022

FusionFest, Central Florida’s leading cultural diversity festival returns on Thanksgiving Weekend: Saturday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sunday, from Noon – 6 p.m.

Thousands of guests representing more than 110 different global cultures will fill the Seneff Arts Plaza at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts to experience music, dance, food, visual arts, spoken word, games and interactive activities. More than 1,000 local artists are expected to perform and showcase their work on FusionFest’s stages and in its galleries and interactive installations.

An all-new signature show entitled Kaleidoscope -- The Wonders of Creative Collaboration, headlines this year’s FusionFest. CeCe Teneal, an award-winning performing artist who has graced the stage before Buddy Guy, Joe Cocker, Johnny Lang, and the legendary B.B. King, is curating this one-of-a-kind showcase of Central Florida’s best cultural performers.

In addition to Kaleidoscope, the FusionFest’s line-up includes the return of these festival favorites: Family Village featuring a cardboard village of the world, the Fun & Games Tent and the Family Art Tent; Celebration & Faith Station; International Marketplace; screenings of MYgration Films in partnership with the Global Peace Film Festival; Diversitastic! choir performances; Visual Arts Gallery; Global Street Dance Party; two stages featuring music, dance, spoken word and fashion; plus, community panels, prizes and contests with cash awards.

Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker

Saturday, November 26, 2022

Orlando Community Arts, Inc., proudly presents, Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker, a holiday favorite and urban adaption of the classical Nutcracker story written by E.T.A. Hoffman.

This holiday production captures the rich pageantry of traditions and flair that highlights cultural diversity in Central Florida.

The audience takes a magical journey with Clare, as she travels with the Chocolate Nutcracker and the Sugar Plum Fairy on an adventure through various cultures and magical lands to their destination, the Kingdom of Toys.

Orlando Pottery Festival & Holiday Arts Market

Saturday November 26, 2022

The Orlando Pottery Festival & Holiday Arts Market is Central Florida’s largest winter celebration and market of ceramic art, featuring unique handmade items created by 37 talented local artists—perfect for the home, garden, and gift giving!

The popular Central Florida event returns on Saturday, November 26, 2022, from 9 am to 5 pm, at the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Orlando Lodge #25 at 5505 Hansel Ave, Orlando, FL 32809.

Cocoa Beach Art Show

Friday, Saturday & Sunday, November 25, 26 & 27, 2022

Awaken all the senses and enjoy the best time of year in Cocoa Beach at the Cocoa Beach Art Show.

Enjoy a festival of diverse art, music, and food alongside demonstrations performed by outstanding artists.

Over 150 artists and exhibitors from across the country are showcasing their art during this 3-Day event.

Daytona Turkey Run

Now through November 27, 2022

The 49th Daytona Turkey Run, the largest combined classic car show and swap meet in the United States, will be staged for four days in the infield at Daytona International Speedway.

The annual Daytona Turkey Run is a car enthusiasts dream held each Thanksgiving weekend in the infield of the "World Center of Racing." Held 100% outdoors on 480 acres in the infield, special features include Swap Meet vendors, Car Show with 5000+ collector cars, Car Corral with 1500+ cars available for sale or trade, and handmade art, crafts and fashion – perfect for holiday shopping.

Universal Orlando Holiday Celebrations

Now through January 1, 2023

Anyone can “Ho-ho-ho” and “Fa-la-la” for the holidays. But if you want to scream, laugh and shout your jingle bells off, you’ve got to awesome up your holiday at Universal Orlando Resort, where we do the holidays big time. It’s the biggest, loudest, awesomest holiday celebration of the season.

Universal Orlando go all in on the holidays with Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, where you can see larger-than-life balloons plus appearances by Illumination’s Minions and characters from DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek and Madagascar films.

Get together with the resident Whos and enjoy the music and fun of The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular starring the Grinch.

And experience Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, with seasonal shows and decorations in both Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida and Hogsmeade in Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Celebration

Now through January 3, 2023

Gather your family and join all your festive friends at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration.

See the park transformed into a winter wonderland sparkling with millions of beautiful lights. With plenty of holiday cheer, this event is sure to create unforgettable memories at a wondrous Christmas celebration you’ll only find at SeaWorld.

The highlight being the beautiful “Sea of Trees,” where more than 100 trees shine bright, and a centerpiece that towers 70 feet above the water.

This years Christmas Celebration includes meet and greets with Rudolph and his friends, the return of SeaWorld’s award winning Celebration on Ice, SeaWorld’s Sesame Street Christmas Celebration, and the much loved Ice Skating at Bayside Stadium.

Oh, and of course, not forgetting the delicious holiday treats and shopping of every kind.

Dazzling Nights 2022 at Leu Gardens

Now through January 1, 2023

Back for its third year and bigger and more interactive than ever! Orlando’s 50-acre Harry P. Leu Gardens transforms once again into a stunning winter wonderland featuring a million dazzling lights, shining forests, magical displays, music and beautiful sculptures during Dazzling Nights - a family-friendly adventure that gives guests the opportunity to embark on an unforgettable, interactive holiday experience.

Dazzling Nights 2022’s expanded offerings include character meet and greets, a giant inflatable yeti playground, a snowstorm in a 40’ snow globe, a curated VIP experience and more lights than ever before.

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

Now through December 30, 2022

The EPCOT International Festival Of The Holidays debuts a brand-new light show debuts at Spaceship Earth, with a display that will invoke the sights of winter, including snowflakes, northern lights and warm candles.

Guests can also take a peaceful cruise through twinkling holiday light displays at Living with the Land – Glimmering Greenhouses, which has had a holiday makeover for the holiday season, plus for the first time ever, guests on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind can experience an all-new holiday remix with a Guardians twist on this intergalactic chase through space and time.

Plus, the holidays wouldn't feel right with the much loved Candlelight Processional, a Disney Parks tradition.

Other highlights include Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt, the Holiday Cookie Stroll, and Holiday Kitchens.

Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild

Now through January 15, 2023

The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens has transform at night into the Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild!

Experience the Zoo like you’ve never seen it before! Discover over 30 different, hand-constructed illuminated lantern displays around the Zoo on a 3/4 mile path where you will celebrate the art, beauty and wonder of traditional Asian lantern festivals

Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa

Now through January 9, 2023

Celebrate the year with holiday cheer at Busch Garden's Christmas Town, gather with family and friends to create merry memories at Tampa's biggest and brightest holiday event.

Experience the joy of the season up close with animal encounters, thrilling rides, holiday inspired culinary delights and festive shows like Christmas on Ice.

Keep the holiday spirit shining bright from day to night with millions of twinkling lights and dazzling fireworks, plus heartwarming moments with Santa and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer!

Holidays at LEGOLAND Florida

November 25 - 27, December 3 - 4, 10 - 11, 17 - 18, 22 - Jan 3, 2023

Deck the halls at LEGOLAND Florida Resort for the jolliest event of the year, Holidays at LEGOLAND.

See the GIANT LEGO Christmas tree! Be prepared to be mesmerized by the twinkling lights from our 360 degree light show! It is sure to be filled with festive fun from top to bottom!

The LEGO holidays crew is back again for more merry meet-n-greets! See LEGO Santa, LEGO Gingerbread, Holiday Unikitty, and more!

Check out our delightfully dazzling holiday shows, Santa approved of course, throughout the park all season long! Also, why not try some holly jolly themed food and drinks too!

The Santa Workshop Experience

Now through December 24, 2022

Once again, ICON Park has been magically transformed into a winter wonderland, where families can partake in the annual tradition of taking holiday pictures together and the kiddos can meet the main man in person, Santa Claus!.

Each child that participates in The Santa Workshop Experience will even receive a free ride on the new Carousel on The Promenade, and they’ll also be provided a complimentary ride on The Wheel in a holiday-decorated capsule and access to the VIP no-wait line.

Island H2O Foam Party

Saturday & Sunday, November 26 & 27, 2022

Island H2O Water Park are cranking up the tunes and adding lots and lots of FOAM, think adding a full packet of laundry powder to your washer machine and then some!

From 12.00 pm until 5.00 pm, the kids will love dancing in an endless mountain of foam and bubbles while grooving to their favorite music. all included in admission!

Orlando REP Presents True North

Various Dates Now through December 22, 2022

TRUE NORTH is a magical and insightful story about being authentic, accepting change, and holding an unwavering hope in the magic of Christmas.

Peanut Butter Matinee: Bedknobs and Broomsticks

Sunday, November 27, 2022

Visit The Enzian Theater at 1300 S Orlando Ave, Maitland, this Sunday with the entire family for a special screening of the Disney classic Bedknobs and Broomsticks.

Tickets are priced at $11 each, with kids under 12 getting free admission!