Are you looking for the best things to do in Orlando for Thanksgiving Day?
Don’t worry I got you! Orlando has something for everyone to make this Thanksgiving Day unforgettable.
From an incredible parade of massive Macy’s balloons and specialty curated Thanksgiving Day meals to Turkey Trots and scenic cruises, there are so many ways to carve out special memories with family and friends.
So, let’s check out the best things to do on Thanksgiving Day in Orlando that go beyond the usual Thanksgiving traditions.
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1. Unwrap the Holidays at Universal Studios Florida Macy’s Holiday Parade
Is there anything more iconic than celebrating Thanksgiving Day at the Macy’s Holiday Parade at Universal Studios Florida?
With a larger-than-life show of massive Macy’s balloons, spectacular over-the-top holiday floats, and your beloved favorite characters from Illumination and DreamWorks Animation, it is hands down one of the best things to do in Orlando for Thanksgiving.
Plus, admission to this Thanksgiving parade is included in your theme park ticket so it’s an extra holiday bonus!
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2. Stay at a Vacation Home Rental in Orlando, Skip the Cooking and Buy a Popeyes Turkey
Indulge in all the comforts and luxuries of home but instead treat yourself to a stay at a vacation home rental in Orlando.
Whether it is a staycation in Orlando or a home away from home vacation it takes all the stress out of the holidays.
Skip the cooking and instead buy a Popeyes fully cooked Cajun-style turkey.
Simple heat, serve, and enjoy, and all the holiday kitchen chaos is avoided, meaning you can actually enjoy spending time with your loved ones for the Thanksgiving holiday.
No mess, no stress, and best of all the cleanup is done for you when you stay at a vacation home rental in Orlando.
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3. Set Sail for a Holiday Feast in Sanford Florida
Hop aboard the St. Johns Rivership Co. for a Thanksgiving Day cruise and enjoy your holiday meal with riverside views and live entertainment.
Then sit back, relax, and soak up the scenic sights and sounds of the beauty all around you on the historic St. Johns River.
Spot wildlife, learn about the history of the steamships that once sailed the waters of the St. Johns River, and be treated to a feast of a holiday meal.
This river cruise is the perfect way to unwind and celebrate the season aboard a historic sternwheeler with a Thanksgiving meal with no fuss and cleanup.
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4. Strut Your Stuff at the Turkey Trot
Start your holiday celebrations early with a bit of cardio to burn off those pre-Thanksgiving dinner calories. Heading into its 35th year Seniors First 34th Annual Turkey Trot 5k at Lake Eola will be hosting their annual Thanksgiving Day event.
Turkey Trots have become a Thanksgiving tradition all throughout Florida for everyone in the family to join in.
Come dressed in full festive costumes, and festive hats, or suit up in your competitive spirit and head out for a good cause that supports the community. Participants are encouraged to walk or run so there is no pressure and it is all in good fun!
Local Turkey Trot Runs Near Orlando:
- The 15th Annual Turkey Day 5K in the City of Sanford
- AdventHealth Groveland Turkey Trot 5K & 10K
- Clermont Dream Finders Homes The Great Turkey Trot 5K
- Florida Turkey Trot at Oviedo Mall
- Turkey Trot Brooksville Celebration
- Frank DeLuca YMCA Turkey Trot in Ocala
5. Crack the Code to Holiday Fun with an Escape Game
Break free from the ordinary Thanksgiving routine and add a little adventure to your holiday fun.
The Escape Game on International Drive has rooms that hold a maximum of 7 players and rooms that can hold up to 12 players so it’s a perfect thing to do on Thanksgiving in Orlando that the whole family can do.
This fully immersive interactive game has you and your loved ones racing against time working together and bonding. It’s an entertaining way to have some fun together and escape reality one puzzle at a time.
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6. Enjoy One of the Thanksgiving Dinners at Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort goes all out when it comes to Thanksgiving Day dinners making it easy for you to eat your way through the holidays.
From specialty curated meals, and endless buffets to carving stations and your traditional Thanksgiving Day meals of oven-roasted turkey, house-made cranberry compote, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, and all the fixings.
So, pull out those stretchy pants and be prepared to get stuffed!
Thanksgiving Dinner Locations at Universal Orlando Resort:
- Hard Rock Hotel: Thanksgiving Day Breakfast Buffet in Avalon Ballroom
- The Hard Rock Hotel: Thanksgiving Day Buffet at The Kitchen
- Loews Royal Pacific Resort: Thanksgiving Day Breakfast Buffet in Jake’s American Bar and Islands Dining Room – Thanksgiving Day Buffet
- Sapphire Falls Resort: Thanksgiving Day Breakfast in Amatista Cookhouse
- Loews Portofino Bay Hotel: Thanksgiving Day Buffet in Tuscan Ballroom and Thanksgiving Menu in Mama Della’s Ristorante
- Cabana Bay Beach Resort: Thanksgiving Day Meal Special at Bayliner Diner
- Universal’s Aventura Hotel: Thanksgiving Day Meal Special in Urban Pantry
- Endless Summer: Surfside Inn and Suites – Thanksgiving Day Meal at Beach Break Cafe
- Universal’s Endless Summer Resort: Dockside Inn and Suites – Thanksgiving Day Meal Special at Dockside’s Pier 8 Market
Be sure to book your reservations before your trip to Universal Orlando Resort on Thanksgiving Day on OpenTable or call 407-503-DINE (3463).
ORDER NOW to secure your Universal Studios theme park ticket! GET MY TICKETS.
7. Hunt for Holiday Cheer at Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail
Put on your jolliest holiday gear, grab your Christmas Tree Stroll map from select locations, and head out on a Christmas tree-hunting adventure across Disney Springs.
As an extra holiday treat, you can find special discounts on the back of your Christmas Tree Stroll maps!
Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail is one of the best free things to do on Thanksgiving in Orlando.
Not only is admission free but you don’t even have to pay for parking at Disney Springs, free standard self-parking is NOW available.
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8. Dine at One of Disney Worlds Themed Restaurants
It’s no secret that Disney World gets packed on Thanksgiving Day but don’t let that scare you off, the magic is totally worth it.
The theme parks are decked out in festive holiday décor and you’ve got a feast of options to indulge in for your Thanksgiving dinner at Disney World.
From classic American holiday treats at Steakhouse 71 Lounge (Contemporary Resort), buffet-style dining option at Cape May Café (Disney’s Beach Club Resort) to a non-traditional take on the Thanksgiving meal with a seafood twist at Todd English’s Bluezoo in the Dolphin Resort Hotel.
Remember to book your Thanksgiving dining reservation in advance by booking here.
9. Have a Colorful Thanksgiving at the Crayola Experience Orlando
Brighten up the holidays with a splash of color on Thanksgiving Day in Orlando.
This place is larger than an NFL football field and filled with so many things to do.
Go on a seasonal scavenger hunt, make handmade crafts and gifts, melt and mold your own crayon transforming it into a cool new creation, get your picture with a life-sized snow globe and so much more.
Crayola Experience Orlando will be open from 10 am until 4 pm where a Colorful Christmas is included in the price of admission.
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10. Feast Your Eyes on Orlando’s Scenic Side at Lake Eola
Head out into the heart of Downtown Orlando and spend some time unwinding at Lake Eola Park giving your stomach and your mind a chance to relax and reset.
Stroll alongside the historic Lake Eola, take in the unbeatable views of the downtown skyline then sprawl out on a cozy blanket or your favorite lawn chair and soak up the scenery of Orlando’s natural beauty.
11. End Your Thanksgiving with the Magic of Lights
After you have feasted your way through your Thanksgiving Day in Orlando cruise on over to Daytona Beach for the Magic of Lights display at the Daytona International Speedway.
This holiday drive-thru tradition features over one million lights and stretches for more than a mile of incredible light displays.
It’s the perfect way to end off your Thanksgiving Day on a glowing note. The lights will be shining bright from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. on November 28th.
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Wrapping Up the Best Things to Do in Orlando for Thanksgiving Day
Well Florida Hipsters, I hope you enjoyed the top things to do for Thanksgiving Day in Orlando!
Orlando has so much to offer for both locals and travelers!
I’ve rounded up options to suit every budget and preference, so you can make the most of Thanksgiving, whether splurging on a special experience or finding holiday fun on a budget.
Happy Florida Travels Hipster!
About the Author
Sarah Jordan is a solo traveler enthusiast, professional travel writer, and proud mama to her rescue dog Coconut.
With a love for destinations across the globe, she made Epcot her first theme park and still treasures her EPCOT World Showcase passport to this day.
After finally following her inner wanderlust, she discovered the freedom and empowerment that solo travel brings.