Things to Do in November in Orlando & Central Florida (2026)

November is a great time to plan a family getaway to Orlando and Central Florida. The month brings the final days of fall festivities, Thanksgiving weekend activities, outdoor adventures and the start of the holiday season. Families can spend a day at a theme park, explore downtown festivals, enjoy Florida's outdoor spaces or see holiday decorations begin to light up local communities.

From Orlando's major attractions to the lakeside city of Winter Haven, there are plenty of ways to fill a November itinerary. Families visiting later in the month can also experience the start of the Christmas season at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort, where LEGOLAND® Christmas Bricktacular returns with festive entertainment, LEGO® activities and holiday displays.

Use this guide to plan your November activities, find family-friendly events and discover places to visit during Thanksgiving week.

Things to Do in Orlando in November

Orlando offers theme parks, interactive attractions, cultural events and outdoor experiences throughout November. Your plans can include a full day of rides, an evening exploring the city or a mix of activities that leave room for a little downtime.

1. Visit Orlando's Theme Parks

Orlando's theme parks are a popular choice for families visiting in November. The month offers opportunities to enjoy attractions and seasonal entertainment while planning around Thanksgiving travel and the beginning of the holiday rush.

Consider building your itinerary around:

• Walt Disney World Resort: Explore the theme parks and check the official calendar for seasonal entertainment and holiday offerings during your visit.

• Universal Orlando Resort: Plan a day around its theme parks, rides, shows and immersive themed lands.

• SeaWorld Orlando: Explore marine life, rides and seasonal entertainment listed on the park's event calendar.

• LEGOLAND® Florida Resort: Make a day trip to Winter Haven for LEGO-themed rides, attractions and the beginning of the holiday season later in November.

2. Explore International Drive

International Drive is a convenient area to add to an Orlando vacation itinerary, with attractions, restaurants and entertainment in one of the city's major visitor districts.

Families can visit ICON Park to experience attractions such as the Orlando Eye, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium and Madame Tussauds Orlando.

The Orlando Eye offers views across the Orlando area from its 400-foot observation wheel. SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium provides an indoor opportunity to explore marine life, while Madame Tussauds Orlando features lifelike wax figures of celebrities, entertainers and other well-known personalities.

These attractions can be useful additions to a November itinerary, particularly when you want to combine several experiences in one area. Review individual admission options and operating hours when planning your day.

3. Discover Orlando's Cultural Events

November is also an opportunity to explore Orlando beyond the theme parks.

One event to consider is FusionFest, a multicultural festival scheduled for November 28–29, 2026, at Loch Haven Cultural Park. The free festival celebrates cultures from around the world through food, music, dance, art, games and interactive experiences. Food, drinks and merchandise may cost extra.

FusionFest can be a good option for families spending Thanksgiving weekend in Orlando who want to add a cultural event to their plans.

4. Enjoy Orlando's Parks and Outdoor Spaces

Florida's outdoor spaces offer another way to spend a November day. Families can explore local parks, walk scenic trails, enjoy a picnic or spend time around the region's lakes.

Depending on your itinerary, consider adding a visit to a nature preserve, botanical garden or public park. Outdoor activities can provide a slower-paced break between theme park days.

Bring sun protection and drinking water, and check local conditions before heading out. Florida weather can remain warm in November, although temperatures may vary throughout the month.

Things to Do in Winter Haven in November

Located in Polk County, Winter Haven is a Central Florida destination for families who want to combine theme park attractions with local events, outdoor activities and small-town holiday celebrations.

Winter Haven is home to LEGOLAND Florida Resort and PEPPA PIG Theme Park Florida. The area also offers lakes, local shopping and seasonal events that can make a day trip or overnight stay worthwhile.

5. Celebrate the Holidays at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort

LEGOLAND® Christmas Bricktacular begins November 21, 2026, making it a seasonal highlight for families planning things to do in Winter Haven in November.

Held on select dates, the event brings holiday entertainment and LEGO creativity to LEGOLAND Florida Resort. Families can enjoy festive decorations, seasonal food and drinks, LEGO building activities, character experiences and special entertainment.

New for 2026, the celebration introduces three experiences:

• Festive Drone Show Featuring LEGO® Santa: Watch LEGO Santa take to the sky during a holiday drone show.

• The Resort's First-Ever Rap Battle Show: Add a new performance to your family's holiday visit.

• Interactive Festive Light Trail: Follow a holiday light trail that incorporates hands-on LEGO brick-building activities.

Other highlights include a 30-foot LEGO Christmas Tree, festive character meet-and-greets and holiday-themed activities throughout the Theme Park.

Christmas Bricktacular is included with general Theme Park admission on event dates, so a separate Christmas event ticket is not required. Annual Passholders should check their pass type and applicable blockout dates before visiting.

When Is LEGOLAND Christmas Bricktacular in November 2026?

The November event dates are:

Families visiting around Thanksgiving can consider pairing a LEGOLAND Florida day with other Winter Haven activities or extending their stay to explore more of Central Florida.

6. Visit PEPPA PIG Theme Park Florida

Families traveling with toddlers and preschoolers can add PEPPA PIG Theme Park Florida to their Winter Haven itinerary.

Located next to LEGOLAND Florida Resort, the park features rides, play areas, character experiences and attractions inspired by the world of Peppa Pig.

Children can explore experiences such as Daddy Pig's Roller Coaster, Peppa's Balloon Ride, Grandad Dog's Pirate Boat Ride and the Muddy Puddles Splash Pad.

The park is an option for families looking for activities suited to younger children during a November trip. 

7. Shop Local at the Haven Holiday Market

Start holiday shopping early at the Haven Holiday Market on November 21, 2026, in Central Park in downtown Winter Haven.

The free event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features more than 250 vendors offering arts and crafts, holiday decorations, vintage items, locally made goods, food and more. The market also includes a children's art area, food trucks and live music.

It offers a way to explore downtown Winter Haven and support local vendors while shopping for seasonal gifts.

8. See Winter Haven's Starlight Nights

Winter Haven's holiday season begins to take shape toward the end of November with Starlight Nights, scheduled for November 26, 2026, through January 7, 2027, according to Main Street Winter Haven.

This seasonal display is another option for visitors interested in holiday lights and festive evening activities.

Families can combine a holiday-themed outing with dinner downtown or a day at LEGOLAND Florida Resort. 

9. Explore Winter Haven's Lakes and Downtown

Not every November activity needs to be a ticketed attraction. Winter Haven's lakes and downtown area offer opportunities to slow down between busy sightseeing days.

Consider exploring public waterfront areas, taking a walk, enjoying a meal downtown or looking for local community events during your visit.

For families staying in the area, these activities can complement a theme park day without requiring another full-day attraction ticket.

More Things to Do in Central Florida in November

If you have extra time, expand your itinerary beyond Orlando and Winter Haven. Central Florida includes a variety of communities with outdoor activities, local shopping and holiday events.

10. Explore Local Holiday Markets and Small Businesses

The weeks leading up to Thanksgiving are a good time to look for craft fairs, farmers markets and seasonal shopping events across Central Florida.

One option is Winter Garden's Small Business Saturday celebration on November 28, 2026. The event in historic downtown Winter Garden features local shopping, live music and festive activities.

11. Spend Time Outdoors in Polk County

Polk County has lakes, trails and parks that offer a different pace from the region's major theme parks.

Families can look for opportunities to walk, enjoy a picnic, explore nature or spend time outside between scheduled attractions. Outdoor plans work particularly well when you want to build flexibility into a longer November vacation.

Choose activities based on your family's interests, the weather and the amount of time available. If you're planning to visit a particular park or preserve, review its official visitor information first.

12. Plan a Thanksgiving Weekend Getaway

Thanksgiving weekend can be an opportunity to combine a family vacation with seasonal entertainment.

A few itinerary ideas include:

• Orlando theme park trip: Spend the day at a major theme park and add a separate evening activity.

• Winter Haven family getaway: Visit LEGOLAND Florida Resort, explore downtown and attend a local market if your dates align.

• Central Florida attractions trip: Combine an Orlando attraction with a day at LEGOLAND Florida Resort.

• Holiday-themed weekend: Choose a late-November date to enjoy seasonal decorations, markets and the start of Christmas events.

Reserve accommodations and review attraction calendars ahead of time, especially if you're traveling during the Thanksgiving holiday.

What Is the Weather Like in Orlando in November?

November generally brings a transition from Florida's warmer, wetter months toward cooler and drier conditions. Daytime temperatures can still be warm, while mornings and evenings may feel cooler.

For a comfortable visit, consider packing:

• Lightweight clothing for daytime attractions.

• A light jacket or sweatshirt for cooler mornings and evenings.

• Comfortable walking shoes.

• Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.

• A reusable water bottle.

• Rain protection in case of changing weather.

Check the forecast shortly before departure, particularly if your itinerary includes outdoor events or evening entertainment.

How to Plan a November Trip to Orlando and Central Florida

A little planning can help you make the most of a November vacation without packing too much into each day.

Choose activities by location. Group Orlando attractions together and plan a separate day for Winter Haven when possible. This helps reduce unnecessary travel between destinations.

Check seasonal event dates. Some November events run for the entire month, while others take place only on selected weekends. Christmas Bricktacular, for example, begins November 21 and has specific event dates.

Allow time for holiday activities. If you want to see seasonal entertainment, confirm showtimes and event schedules before arriving.

Consider an overnight stay. Families visiting LEGOLAND Florida Resort may enjoy staying at a nearby hotel or one of the Resort's LEGO-themed hotels to make their visit more relaxed.

Book Thanksgiving plans early. Check accommodation availability, restaurant hours and attraction ticket options well in advance of the holiday weekend.

Plan Your November Visit to LEGOLAND® Florida Resort

From Orlando's major attractions to Winter Haven's local events, November offers plenty of ways to plan a Central Florida family getaway.

For families who want to combine rides, LEGO creativity and seasonal entertainment, LEGOLAND Florida Resort is a destination to consider, especially from November 21 onward when Christmas Bricktacular begins.

Explore the LEGOLAND® Christmas Bricktacular Guide for event dates and holiday highlights, then plan your LEGOLAND® Florida Resort visit.