Festivals and Events in Orlando in November

Every November, the beautiful gardens at the Bok Tower are transformed into a homey holiday showcase. Reminiscent of the 1940's, the glittering decorations are a classic take on Christmas. Scheduled events for the season include festive carillon concerts and garden tours

At Universal Orlando, Diagon Alley transforms every year into a festive holiday wonderland during the Wizarding World of Harry Potter holiday celebration. The park is lit up with festive decor and explodes with holiday cheer. You'll hear Christmas songs and taste specialty food and drinks crafted just for the season. The highlight, as usual, is Hogwarts Castle, which will be all lit up and decorated for the holidays.

Every November, visitors to the Volusia County Fair & Youth Show experience the best in livestock shows, rides and games, live music, talent show, and animal exhibits. Not far from Orlando, the fair offers Volusia County youth a place to showcase their livestock, art, music, photography, horticulture, agriculture, crafts, and home projects. Students can compete for awards in this 10-day long festival.

Guests at Walt Disney World's annual Epcot Food and Wine festival can sample the best in food and wine, while also enjoying live music, signature dinners, galas and new marketplaces. This annual festival at Epcot on Bay Lake provides international foods at 35 kiosks, special events like book signings and chef tips, and special culinary demonstrations from celebrity chefs. 

Pioneer Day is an outdoor festival that celebrates Osceola County's heritage. Attendees enjoy family-friendly activities, live music, historic reenactments, and interesting lessons in butter-making, cow-milking, and other pioneer chores.

The event is hosted at Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek in Kissimmee, FL, just outside of Orlando and art, crafts, and food products are available from local creators at the market.

Over 200 cars are on display at Orlando's Riding Big Car Show, where awards are given out for many different categories from paint jobs to audio systems. There will be food, games, and live music. In the past, headliners like Ludacris, Rick Ross, and T.I. have played the show and celebrities like Shaquille O'Neil and Chris Johnson have even been spotted in the past.

At the Orlando Museum of Art, the Festival of Trees kicks off the holiday season. Guests can enjoy a wonderland of stunningly decorated trees and wreaths, as well as gingerbread creations, a Toyland Town activity area, and prize drawings. The event has been going on for over three decades and puts on annual events suitable for all ages like the Reindeer Romp Children's Party and Ugly Holiday Sweater Date Night.

Located in the town of Winter Park, the Winter Park Craft Festival focuses on locally-made art and sustainable foods and is quickly becoming one of the most popular events in Central Florida. This culture-focused collaboration between some of Florida's most progressive non-profits, farmers, artisans, gardeners, and entrepreneurs features DIY workshops, kid-friendly activities, live music, cooking demonstrations, seminars, and a farmers' market.

Light Up UCF is one of the most popular holiday events in Orlando and it's pretty affordable too. Celebrating more than ten years of "music, lights, and ice," attendees can look forward to a spectacular light show, free outdoor movies, plus visits and pictures with Santa on the University of Central Florida Campus. Families will also enjoy plenty of exciting rides, budget-friendly eats, music, and the largest outdoor skating rink in Orlando.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas is a jolly holiday parade at the Magic Kingdom Park. From November to December, attendees can enjoy live entertainment, amazing fireworks, and a festive holiday parade at this family-friendly winter celebration. Families can meet Disney's characters decked out in holiday wear, watch a special Frozen performance, and take advantage of delicious dining and dessert packages.

You'll find stunning holiday displays of more than 2 million holiday lights and acres of decorations when attending Christmas at Gaylord Palms. Visits from Santa, snow tubing, and other exclusive holiday events will delight people of all ages.

Visit Epcot the end of November to hear the stirring story of Christmas, as told by a celebrity narrator, and accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and mass choir. Celebrity guests are usually announced ahead of time and in the past have included the likes of Whoopi Goldberg, Trace Adkins, and Neil Patrick Harris.

SeaWorld transforms into an underwater, wintry wonderland where families can enjoy live shows, a Christmas market, visits with Santa, ice skating, impressive fireworks, and a memorable journey to the North Pole on The Polar Express Experience. The festivities begin at the end of November and last until the end of December.