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A November trip to Orlando, Florida, has plenty to offer visitors of all ages, from theme park parties to local fairs. This is the month where the holiday season kicks into high gear, with both Thanksgiving and early Christmas celebrations including everything from magically-lit wonderlands to candlelight processions. Also, the mild weather means you can enjoy not only all the events but also the Orlando sunshine throughout your trip.
Holidays at Bok Tower Gardens
Every day from November 23, 2019, through January 6, 2020, in Lake Wales, enjoy the beautiful Bok Tower Gardens, which are transformed into a homey holiday showcase. Reminiscent of the 1940s, the annual glittering decorations are a classic take on Christmas. Scheduled events for the season include festive carillon concerts and holiday home tours at the Pinewood Estate (the dates are November 29, 2019, through January 5, 2020). Visitors can also check out the gardens' Blue Palmetto Café and gift shop.
Christmas at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Each year at Universal Orlando Resort, Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade turn into a holiday wonderland during the Wizarding World of Harry Potter celebration. The park explodes with festive cheer, lights, and decor from November 16, 2019, through January 5, 2020. 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 adorned for the holidays.
Volusia County Fair and Youth Show
Visitors enjoy the rides and games, live entertainment, talent show, animal exhibits, and more at the Volusia County Fair & Youth Show not far from Orlando in DeLand. The November event offers Volusia County youth a place to showcase their livestock, music, photography, horticulture, agriculture, art, crafts, and home projects. Students can compete for awards in this fair held from November 7 to 17, 2019.
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
Guests at Walt Disney World's annual Epcot International Food & Wine festival, held through November 23, 2019, can sample the best in global cuisine 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 about 40 kiosks, events like book signings and chef tips, and special culinary demonstrations from celebrity chefs.
Pioneer Day
Pioneer Day is an outdoor festival on November 9, 2019, that celebrates Osceola County's heritage. Attendees enjoy family-friendly activities, live music, crafts activities for kids, historic reenactments, and more.
The event is hosted at Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek in Kissimmee just outside of Orlando. Art, crafts, and food products like homemade baked goods are available from local creators at the market.
Riding Big Car Show
Over 200 cars are on display at Orlando's Riding Big Car Show on November 24, 2019, where awards are given out for many different categories, from paint jobs to audio systems. The event features food, games, and live music; big-name artists and athletes have participated in the past. Through a nonprofit organization, the show raises money for lower-income neighborhoods.
Festival of Trees at Orlando Museum of Art
At the Orlando Museum of Art, the Festival of Trees kicks off the holiday season from November 16 to 24, 2019, with the theme "Merry and Bright." Guests can enjoy stunningly decorated trees, wreaths, and tables, as well as gingerbread creations, live entertainment, holiday shopping, and more. The event has been taking place since the 1980s and is fun for people of all ages.
Light Up UCF
Light Up UCF, one of the most popular holiday events in Orlando, takes place from November 22, 2019, through January 5, 2020, at Addition Financial Arena. Attendees can look forward to a great light show, free holiday movies, music, an outdoor ice skating rink, rides, a carousel, and more. Starting December 6, 2019, the Holiday Market ‘Under The Stars’ returns—it's a fun place to see crafts made by local artisans.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is a jolly holiday event at the Magic Kingdom Park Walt Disney World Resort from November 8 to December 22, 2019. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, amazing fireworks, and a festive holiday parade at this family-friendly winter celebration. Families can meet and take photos with Disney's characters decked out in holiday wear and try delicious food, drinks, and desserts.
Christmas at Gaylord Palms
You'll find stunning displays of more than 2 million holiday lights and tons of decorations when attending Christmas at Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee from November 25, 2019, through January 5, 2020. The show ICE! with THE POLAR EXPRESS theme is back to entertain, plus visitors can expect to take photos with Santa, snow tubing, and other exclusive holiday events that delight people of all ages.
Epcot International Festival of the Holidays–Candlelight Processional
Visit the Epcot World Showcase from November 29 through December 30, 2019, to hear the stirring story of Christmas, as narrated by a celebrity, with the help of a 50-piece orchestra and a mass choir. Famous guest narrators include Whoopi Goldberg, Marlee Matlin, and Neil Patrick Harris. There are three shows each night to choose from at the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays–Candlelight Processional.
SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration
From November 23 through December 31, 2019, SeaWorld transforms into a wintry world of over 3 million lights. Families can enjoy entertaining shows, a Christmas market with holiday foods and desserts, live music, a Sesame Street parade, visits with Santa, and much more.
