Thanksgiving Events in Orlando & Central Florida (2026)

Thanksgiving weekend is a great time to spend together as a family, explore Central Florida and start celebrating the holiday season. From Thanksgiving morning Turkey Trots in Orlando to creative workshops in Winter Haven, families have plenty of ways to make the long weekend memorable.

Planning a Thanksgiving trip to Orlando? You can enjoy seasonal events, visit popular family attractions, explore local communities and experience Christmas celebrations that begin before December.

One highlight is LEGOLAND® Christmas Bricktacular at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort in Winter Haven. Beginning November 21, 2026, this festive celebration combines LEGO® holiday displays, character experiences, seasonal entertainment and new holiday activities with a full day of Theme Park fun.

Whether you're planning a family getaway, visiting relatives or looking for things to do with kids during the school break, this guide covers Thanksgiving events and activities across Orlando and Central Florida.

Quick Guide to Thanksgiving Weekend Events

Event details and availability can change. Confirm dates, registration requirements and operating hours with each event organizer before making plans.

Thanksgiving Events in Winter Haven, Florida

Winter Haven is an appealing addition to a Central Florida holiday itinerary, particularly for families visiting LEGOLAND Florida Resort. Beyond the Theme Park, the city has local creative activities, outdoor recreation and community events that can help fill a long weekend.

Here are some activities to consider for Thanksgiving weekend, November 27–29, 2026.

1. Celebrate the Holidays at LEGOLAND Christmas Bricktacular

Location: LEGOLAND Florida Resort, Winter Haven
Dates around Thanksgiving: November 21, 22 and November 27–29, 2026

Families searching for Thanksgiving events in Winter Haven can start with LEGOLAND Christmas Bricktacular, a festive celebration that brings the holiday season to the Theme Park.

The 2026 event introduces new holiday entertainment and interactive experiences while giving families the chance to enjoy LEGO attractions and seasonal decorations together.

Highlights include:

• The 30-foot LEGO® Christmas Tree: Take a festive family photo beside the towering LEGO creation.

• LEGO® Santa and holiday characters: Add a seasonal character experience to your visit.

• The Christmas Drone Show featuring LEGO Santa: Experience a new holiday drone show on scheduled performance dates.

• The interactive festive light trail: Explore seasonal lights and interactive LEGO building.

• The new Rap Battle Show: Enjoy the Resort's first-ever Rap Battle Show.

• The Holly Hype Dance Party: Dance along with LEGO Reindeer Girl.

• Holiday LEGO building and seasonal treats: Find creative activities and limited-time food and drinks.

The Christmas Drone Show does not run on every Christmas Bricktacular date, so check the entertainment schedule when planning your visit.

Christmas Bricktacular is included with general Theme Park admission on participating dates. No separate Christmas event ticket is required.

For families planning a visit over Thanksgiving weekend, November 27–29 is a convenient opportunity to combine a Theme Park day with the start of the Christmas season.

2. Join a Family Painting Class at Painting with a Twist

Location: 6264 Cypress Gardens Boulevard, Winter Haven

Looking for a creative activity away from the Theme Park? Painting with a Twist in Winter Haven has several holiday-themed workshops listed for Thanksgiving weekend.

These guided painting sessions offer a different pace from a full day of rides and attractions. Some sessions are designed for families, while others are intended for older participants.

A Little Mean and Green: Family Day

• Date: Saturday, November 28, 2026

• Time: 11 a.m.

• Ages: 6 and older

This family painting session gives children and adults an opportunity to create artwork together.

Holiday Winter Glow

• Date: Saturday, November 28, 2026

• Time: 2 p.m.

• Ages: 15 and older

This indoor creative workshop combines painting and candle crafting for an artistic seasonal outing.

Jingle Llama Way: Family Day

• Date: Sunday, November 29, 2026

• Time: 1 p.m.

• Ages: 6 and older

Families can spend part of Sunday creating a festive painting together.

Farmhouse Gnome Painting Class

• Date: Friday, November 27, 2026

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Ages: 15 and older

This guided painting workshop is another option for adults and older teens looking for a creative evening. A Black Friday booking promotion has been listed for groups reserving two or more seats.

Workshop schedules, pricing, age restrictions and promotions can change. Confirm the details and reserve directly with the studio before attending.

3. Attend the Annual Cardboard Boat Races & Friendsgiving

Location: Tanners Lakeside Restaurant & Bar, 1006 Lake Howard Drive SW, Winter Haven
Date: Saturday, November 28, 2026
Listed start time: 1 p.m.

Families looking for an outdoor community activity can investigate the Annual Cardboard Boat Races & Friendsgiving event.

The event listing describes a gathering where participants build and race cardboard boats, with supplies and staff assistance provided, followed by a community Friendsgiving celebration. Life jackets are listed as provided.

This could be an option for families who enjoy hands-on activities and spending time near the water.

Before attending, confirm registration requirements, age restrictions, event arrangements and whether the races will proceed as scheduled.

4. Explore Winter Haven's Chain of Lakes

Winter Haven is known for its interconnected lakes, which offer opportunities to enjoy the outdoors during Florida's late-November season.

Families can look into local boat tours, lakefront dining and other outdoor activities to complement a visit to LEGOLAND Florida Resort. Wildlife viewing may also be possible on guided excursions, depending on the location and conditions.

For a more relaxed holiday itinerary, consider spending the morning outdoors and visiting a seasonal attraction later in the day.

Boat tours and wildlife excursions may require advance reservations. Check the operator's schedule and safety requirements before booking.

5. Enjoy Live Music and Local Evening Entertainment

Adults and older visitors may want to explore Winter Haven's local entertainment scene during the holiday weekend.

Skinny McGee and the Handshakes Live

• Date: Saturday, November 28, 2026

• Listed start time: 6 p.m.

• Venue: Tipsy Hen Wings & Beer, 324 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven

This live music listing offers another option for visitors who want to spend an evening enjoying local entertainment.

The Happiest Hour at KULTURE on 1st

• Date: Friday, November 27, 2026

• Listed start time: 5 p.m.

• Venue: KULTURE on 1st, 1780 1st Street N, Winter Haven

This evening event is described as a lounge experience featuring signature cocktails and light bites. It is more appropriate for adults than for a family-focused outing.

Event details, age policies and availability should be confirmed before visiting.

Thanksgiving Events in Orlando on November 26, 2026

Thanksgiving Day falls on Thursday, November 26, 2026. If your family wants to do something before the traditional holiday meal, Orlando has several event listings worth investigating.

6. Start Thanksgiving Morning With a Turkey Trot

Turkey Trots are a popular way to begin Thanksgiving with some exercise before gathering with family and friends.

Turkey Trot 5K at Orlando International Airport

• Date: Thursday, November 26, 2026

• Listed start time: 8 a.m.

• Location: Orlando International Airport area

The event listing describes a 5K road race with a live DJ, finisher medal, event shirt and a short children's tot trot.

Gobbler 5K at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes

• Date: Thursday, November 26, 2026

• Listed start time: 7:30 a.m.

• Location: 4012 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando

This Thanksgiving morning walk and run is listed as a charity event supporting Safe Families for Children Orlando.

Both events may be suitable for active families, depending on age requirements and registration availability. Check the race details before making arrangements.

7. Look for Thanksgiving Golf and Outdoor Activities

Families who prefer an outdoor Thanksgiving morning can also investigate the Turkey Shoot at Dubsdread Golf Course.

• Date: Thursday, November 26, 2026

• Listed start time: 8 a.m.

• Location: 549 West Par Street, Orlando

The event is listed as a Thanksgiving morning golf activity. Confirm whether it is open to children, whether equipment or registration is required and what format will be offered in 2026.

If you're not attending an organized event, Orlando and surrounding communities also offer parks and outdoor recreation areas that can be incorporated into a holiday itinerary.

Thanksgiving Dining and Holiday Meals in Orlando

Not every Thanksgiving activity needs to involve a race, workshop or theme park. For families who prefer to leave the cooking to someone else, Orlando has a broad dining scene, including restaurants that may offer special Thanksgiving menus.

The following venues have been associated with Thanksgiving dining listings for 2026. Check directly for confirmed service, seating times, prices and reservations before relying on any listing.

8. Thanksgiving Dining at Universal Orlando Resort

The Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando has been listed for a Thanksgiving buffet on November 26, 2026, with traditional holiday dishes and family dining.

A hotel restaurant can be worth investigating if you're staying near Universal Orlando and want to plan a holiday meal close to your accommodations.

Confirm the current menu, seating availability, children's pricing and reservation requirements before visiting.

9. Thanksgiving at Dubsdread

Dubsdread has also been listed for a Thanksgiving buffet on Thursday, November 26, 2026.

The venue is located at 549 West Par Street in Orlando. Visitors can check its current holiday dining information for details about the menu, service times and reservations.

10. The Art of Thanksgiving at The Alfond Inn

The Alfond Inn in Winter Park has been listed for a Thanksgiving dining experience described as featuring a chef-prepared buffet, live music and lawn games.

Its location at 300 East New England Avenue makes it an option to investigate for visitors who want to combine a holiday meal with time exploring Winter Park.

Confirm the 2026 event details and whether reservations are available.

11. Explore Thanksgiving Dining at Disney Springs and International Drive

Visitors can also investigate restaurants in the Disney Springs area and along International Drive for special Thanksgiving menus.

Jaleo at Disney Springs has been listed for a Spanish-inspired Thanksgiving tapas experience, while Café Tu Tu Tango on International Drive has been associated with a holiday menu featuring turkey and traditional sides.

Menus and operating arrangements can vary by year. Check with the restaurants directly before planning your Thanksgiving meal.

More Family Attractions to Visit Over Thanksgiving Weekend

Thanksgiving weekend is also an opportunity to enjoy Orlando's year-round attractions. If your family is spending several days in Central Florida, consider adding one of these indoor attractions to your plans.

12. Discover Marine Life at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium

Location: ICON Park, International Drive, Orlando

SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium is an indoor family attraction where visitors can explore marine life and underwater habitats.

It can be a useful addition to a Thanksgiving itinerary for families seeking an indoor activity, particularly if the weather changes or you want a break from outdoor attractions.

Plan time to explore the aquarium at your own pace, and check its operating hours before visiting during the holiday weekend.

13. Meet Celebrity Figures at Madame Tussauds Orlando

Location: ICON Park, International Drive, Orlando

Madame Tussauds Orlando gives visitors the opportunity to pose with lifelike wax figures of celebrities, entertainers, athletes and other notable personalities.

Families and groups can take photos together, explore the themed displays and enjoy an attraction that doesn't depend on outdoor weather.

If your Thanksgiving trip includes other ICON Park attractions, consider grouping your visits by location to make travel between activities easier.

14. See Orlando From a New Perspective on the Orlando Eye

Location: ICON Park, International Drive, Orlando

The Orlando Eye offers panoramic views of Orlando from its 400-foot observation wheel. Guests travel in enclosed, air-conditioned glass capsules, making it an option to consider for families and visitors who want to experience the city from above.

A flight takes approximately 20 minutes, giving visitors time to take in the surrounding landscape and capture photos.

The Orlando Eye can be paired with a visit to SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium or Madame Tussauds Orlando for a day exploring ICON Park. Check attraction schedules and ticket options before your visit.

Plan an ICON Park Day

For families who want to visit more than one attraction, grouping these experiences together can simplify your itinerary.

These attractions are located at ICON Park on International Drive. Check current hours and admission options for each attraction when planning your Thanksgiving weekend.

Thanksgiving Weekend Itinerary: Orlando and Winter Haven

If you're spending a few days in Central Florida, this sample itinerary combines a seasonal Theme Park event with local activities and Orlando attractions.

This is a suggested itinerary rather than a package. Choose activities based on your family's interests, event availability and travel plans.

If you're traveling with younger children, consider limiting each day to one major attraction and allowing time for meals and rest breaks.

Tips for Planning Thanksgiving in Central Florida

A little preparation can help make the holiday weekend easier for the whole family.

Book popular experiences in advance. Race registrations, painting workshops, restaurant reservations and special event tickets may sell out.

Confirm holiday operating hours. Thanksgiving Day schedules may differ from regular hours, and some attractions may close or operate on modified schedules.

Check Christmas event dates. LEGOLAND Christmas Bricktacular takes place on select dates, not every day during the season.

Plan for driving time. Orlando and Winter Haven are separate destinations. Group nearby attractions together when possible.

Consider the weather. Late November can bring warm afternoons and cooler evenings. Check the forecast and dress appropriately for outdoor events.

Review age requirements. Some workshops and organized events are intended for older children or adults, while others welcome families with younger children.

Start Planning Your Thanksgiving Weekend

Thanksgiving in Central Florida offers opportunities to celebrate with family, explore local communities and start enjoying the holiday season.

From Thanksgiving morning activities in Orlando to creative workshops in Winter Haven, there are plenty of ways to plan a weekend around your family's interests.

Make LEGOLAND Christmas Bricktacular part of your holiday plans and enjoy a festive Theme Park experience filled with LEGO creativity, seasonal entertainment and opportunities to build holiday memories together.

Check the current event calendar, choose a scheduled visit date and start planning your Thanksgiving getaway to LEGOLAND Florida Resort.