November Events and Information for Orlando, Florida

The beautiful gardens at the Bok Tower are transformed into a homey holiday showplace that will transport you back to the 1940s. A holiday events schedule include festive carillon concerts twice a day, foliage garden tour, and a glittering holiday showcase. 

Diagon Alley is transformed into a festive holiday wonderland during the Wizarding World of Harry Potter's holiday celebration. The park is lit up with festive decor and exploding with holiday cheer. Enjoy holiday favorites being sung in the streets, while special food and drinks are sold around the park. 

The most mesmerizing of all is of course Hogwarts Castle which is light up and decorated for all to see. It can be seen from miles away!

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.

The fair, founded in 1930, 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. Unlimited ride bracelets and gate admission are available in advance at surrounding Walgreen Locations.

Guests at Walt Disney World's annual 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. 

Enjoy some of the biggest names in country music at the annual Founder's Day Festival in Ocoee. This free two-day event takes place at Bill Breeze Park and also features activities for kids, tasty food, and a marketplace of vendors selling everything from hand-made jewelry to sculptures and collectibles.

Downtown Ocoee has 19th and 20th-century homes around brick streets for history buffs to enjoy. There are also activities for adults like the Classic Car Show and Poker Run tournament.

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.

Sponsored by Booby Creek Airboat Adventures, this event is frequently hosted at Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek in Kissimmee, FL, right outside of Orlando. Art, crafts, and food products are available from local creators at the market. Volunteers and sponsorships are available; those interested can contact the Osceola County Historical Society.

Over 200 cars are on display at Orlando's Riding Big Car Show. The awards and concert expo gives out trophies to the "Best Paint," "#1 Stunner," and "Best Audio," among others. There is food, games, and of course lots of live music. Past guests have included Ludacris, Rick Ross, and T.I. You may even spot a celebrity or two, like Shaq, Warren Sapp, and Chris Johnson. 

Celebrate Christmas at OMA. The Festival of Trees kicks off the holiday season at the Orlando Museum of Art. Guests can enjoy a wonderland of stunningly decorated trees and wreaths, as well as gingerbread creations, a Toyland Town activity area, and drawings for prizes.

This event is over 30 years old and provides special events for all age groups, like the reception and gala, Festival Salutes Seniors, Reindeer Romp Children's Party, and Ugly Holiday Sweater Date Night.

Located in Central Park, the Winter Park Art Festival focuses on local, sustainable foods and is quickly becoming one of the most popular events in Central Florida. Attendees can expect over 45 vendors, raffles, and incentives for biking or walking to the festival.

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 and affordable holiday events in Orlando.

Celebrating more than 10 years of "music, lights, and ice," attendees can look forward to a spectacular light show, free outdoor movies, plus visits and pictures with Santa. Families will also enjoy plenty of exciting rides, budget-friendly eating spots, popular hit music, and the largest outdoor skating rink in Orlando.

Tired of spending hours in the kitchen on Thanksgiving? Grab the family and enjoy a delicious meal at one of Orlando's top restaurants. Whether you're in the mood for theme park fare, world-class cuisine, or a traditional meal with a local twist, you'll find something to please even the pickiest of holiday eaters.

Some restaurants to consider include the Drunken Monkey (vegan/non-vegan for everyone), Emeril's Orlando (a traditional Thanksgiving menu), or Boston Market (traditional and affordable).

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas is a jolly holiday parade at the Magic Kingdom Park. Attendees can enjoy live entertainment, amazing fireworks, and a festive holiday parade at this family-friendly winter celebration.

Kids can meet Disney's characters decked out in holiday wear, families can watch a special Frozen performance, and everyone can enjoy delicious dining and dessert packages.

Families can enjoy 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.

Everyone will look forward to the Cirque Dreams show, popular ICE! experience featuring Christmas Around the World, and more.

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. Every night, a different celebrity shares the biblical story of a savior born to a virgin in Bethlehem. Celebrity guest in the past have included those like 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, an ice skating extravaganza, impressive fireworks displays and a memorable journey to the North Pole on The Polar Express Experience.