The stunning Peace, Love, and Lights drive-thru at Bethel Woods returns for another season of bringing visitors joy.
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows from NYC in 2025
The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden is a must-see holiday destination in NYC. Photo courtesy of the New York Botanical Gardens
Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New York City for Kids
The Met Opera returns to the stage with The Magic Flute this holiday season. Photo by Richard Termine/courtesy of the Met Opera
20 Best Things To Do in NYC with Kids December 2025, from Mommy Poppins Editors
GUIDE
Holidays in NYC: Ultimate Guide to Christmas, Hanukkah, & Seasonal Fun
Celebrate the shortest day of the year at Marine Park's Festival of Lights. Photo courtesy of the Marine Park Alliance
47 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in NYC for Kids in 2025
Enjoy the magic of Christmas in Dyker Heights as the neighborhood lights up for the festive season. Photo courtesy of Dyker Heights Lights
Best 2025 Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in NYC
Meet Santa aboard The Polar Express chugging along the Morristown and Erie lines. Photo courtesy of the Morristown and Erie Railway
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains near NYC in 2025
Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has become an enchanting holiday tradition for many families. Photo courtesy of the garden
NYC's Coolest Christmas Events to Book Now Before They Sell Out in 2025
Kids as young as 14 can apply for an eco-focused internship at Alley Pond Park in Queens. Photo courtesy of the Alley Pond Environmental Center
Best Museum Programs in NYC for Teens
The 2025-2026 public school year for NYC kids starts on Thursday, September 4.
Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2025-2026
Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.
GUIDE
Back-to-School Guide 2025-2026
See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
Ultimate New York City Bucket List: 100 Things To Do in NYC with Kids Before They Grow Up
Stranger Things: The First Shadow plays at the Marquis Theatre and gives the popular Neflix show a prequel. Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
Best Broadway Shows for Kids and Families in 2025
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
Ultimate New York Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NY State
Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by Jody Mercier
47 Fun Indoor Activities in NYC for a Rainy Day
Vinland Playground got a fresh upgrade in Bay Ridge. Photo by NYC Parks/Daniel Avila
Jaw-Dropping New Playgrounds in NYC to Explore with Kids Now
Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
GUIDE
NYC Summer Camp Guide
The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!
Family-Friendly Hotels in New York City with Perks for Kids
Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC's Best Playgrounds: 21 Parks Worthy of a Subway Schlep
There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
100 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
Brooklyn's Flying Apple offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.
24 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Discover the NYC-themed play space hidden inside the Toys
27 Free Things To Do Indoors in NYC: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids Guide
Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
14 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC
Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.
Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier
Best Attractions and Things To Do near NYC that are Kid-Friendly
Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier
25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours and More
The American Museum of Natural History's blue whale is an NYC icon, and the entire museum is one of the best children's museums in NYC. Photo by R. Mickens/courtesy of AMNH
Best Museums for Kids in NYC: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in NYC
GUIDE
Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC
Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.
Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
Best Aquariums to Visit from the NYC Metro Area with Kids
Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in NYC
Get a birds eye view of the skyline from the Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards. Plan a visit near sundown to watch the city lights come to life. Photo by Jody Mercier
3 Days in NYC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC on a Budget: Cheap Things To Do and Money Saving Tips for Families
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
The Met offers pay-what-you wish admission at all times to New Yorkers and kids always attend for free. Photo by Jody Mercier
Free Museums and Free Museum Days in NYC for Kids
Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting. Photo by Sara Marentette
Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects
No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird
40 Best NYC Attractions to Do with Kids Right Now
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
GUIDE
NYC Kids Summer Guide: 728 Best Festivals, Deals, Activities & Free Things to Do
Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
GUIDE
Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Crafts for Kids Guide: Thousands of Craft Ideas

Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2025 in Orlando: Parades, Turkey Trots, and More Things To Do

Enjoy holiday blooms and a gnome scavenger hunt throughout Leu Gardens during its annual holiday event, which kicks off this weekend. Photo by author
Enjoy holiday blooms and a gnome scavenger hunt throughout Leu Gardens during its annual holiday event, which kicks off this weekend. Photo by author
11/25/25 - By Charlotte B

Looking for the best things to do in Orlando this Thanksgiving weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

Orlando is bursting with things to do with kids this Thanksgiving weekend, including turkey trots and Christmas and holiday events. Sanford's Turkey Day 5K features a Thanksgiving costume contest in addition to the race; and Oviedo Mall's Turkey Trot has a free kiddie run with the regular 5K. After Thanksgiving, celebrate the holiday season in Eustis, Celebration, and at tourist attraction events like Epcot International Festival of the Holidays and Holidays at Leu Gardens. Looking for something beyond the seasonal holidays? Celebrate Central Florida's diverse cultures at Fusion Fest, complete with a street party, parade, and more!

More Things To Do in Orlando this Week with Kids:

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Things to Do Thanksgiving Weekend in Orlando with Kids

Venardos Circus at Hamlin

Winter Garden
Select days through November 30, 2025
Created by former Ringling Bros. ringmaster Kevin Venardos, the Venardos Circus wraps world-class animal-free circus acts into a Broadway, musical-style format dubbed “The American Circus with the heart of a Broadway Show.”   READ MORE

A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live On Stage at Orlando Family Stage

Orlando
Select days through December 23, 2025
A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live On Stage is a heartwarming holiday tradition that brings the beloved Peanuts characters to life with music, laughter, and love. Featuring Vince Guaraldi’s iconic jazz score, the show captures the gentle, timeless spirit of the holidays. READ MORE

Avalon Park 5K Turkey Trot

Orlando
Thursday, November 27, 2025
Start your Thanksgiving with a fun-filled morning of fitness and community spirit at the Annual Turkey Trot. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just looking for a fun way to kick off the holiday season, this event is perfect for all ages and fitness levels. READ MORE

Florida Turkey Trot at Oviedo Mall

Oviedo
Thursday, November 27, 2025
Kick off your Thanksgiving Day with a burst of energy at the 6th Annual Oviedo Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk. The race starts at 8:00 am sharp, giving you the perfect opportunity to burn some calories before indulging in the big feast later in the day. READ MORE

Lake Nona Turkey Trot - Running with the Turkeys

Orlando - FREE
Thursday, November 27, 2025
This is an informal and free event for all family members (including pups too!). Kids can ride their bikes. Strollers are welcome. Donations of gift cards or cash are requested and will be distributed through Lake Nona Middle School to local families in need. READ MORE

Sanford Turkey Day 5K

Sanford
Thursday, November 27, 2025
This annual holiday fun run is for the entire family. Participants can run or walk, and strollers are welcome. There is a costume contest for the best Thanksgiving costume.  READ MORE

Track Shack Seniors First Turkey Trot 5K

Downtown Orlando
Thursday, November 27, 2025
Visit Lake Eola bright and early Thanksgiving morning and burn some calories before you feast. Participate as over 4,000 runners, joggers and walkers (many dressed in full costumes or Thanksgiving themed hats) hit the course for a morning of fun in this Race to End Senior Hunger. READ MORE

Daytona Turkey Run

Daytona
November 27-30, 2025
The Daytona Turkey Run is the largest combined car show and swap meet in the U.S. featuring more than 7,000 vintage, classic, and custom muscle cars, race cars, and trucks on display and for sale, as well as a massive swap meet. There is also an Artisan Alley with fashion and art, a full midway of delicious food vendors, and a Kids Zone. Kids will have a blast in bounce houses, slides, inflatable games, and more. READ MORE

Light Up Eustis

Eustis - FREE
Friday, November 28, 2025
The 38th annual Light Up Eustis event features a ceremonial tree lighting, food and craft vendors in the park, free pictures with Santa, and more. READ MORE

Night of Destruction at Orlando Speed World

Orlando
Friday, November 28, 2025
Visit Orlando Speed World for a Night of Destruction, featuring a school bus figure 8 race, monster truck action, FWD demolition derby, and more racing fun. READ MORE

Morse Museum Thanksgiving Weekend Celebration

Winter Park - FREE
November 28-30, 2025
Admission to the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art is free Thanksgiving weekend. The Beautiful Music Jazz Quartet will play in the galleries from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday. The three-day celebration kicks off "Holidays at the Morse," which offers live music in the galleries from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays through December. READ MORE

Epcot International Festival of the Holidays

Lake Buena Vista
Opening weekend! November 28 - December 30, 2025
Discover holiday traditions at Epcot's 11 World Showcase nations with live holiday entertainment, seasonal foods and treats, festive decor, and the famous annual candlelight processional. READ MORE

Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens

Orlando
Opening weekend! November 28, 2025 - January 4, 2026
Year 6 brings more lights and a longer path for the biggest Dazzling Nights yet! Live music all night long and more live entertainment offerings. READ MORE

Holidays at Leu Gardens

Orlando
Opening weekend! November 28, 2025 - January 4, 2026
Enjoy holiday blooms and a gnome scavenger hunt throughout the gardens during the holiday season. The historic Leu House Museum is also decorated for the holidays, with guided tours available on select days and times. READ MORE

Florida Citrus Tower Holiday Light Show

Clermont - FREE
Opening weekend! November 28, 2025 - January 7, 2026
The Annual Citrus Tower Spectacular Light Show invites the community to enjoy a festive display of lights, music, and holiday cheer. The event runs nightly with showtimes from 7–8 PM and 8–9 PM. Admission is free for all, and guests are encouraged to bring family, friends, and holiday spirit to share in the celebration. READ MORE

Christmas Festival and Market at Sunsational Farms

Umatilla
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Enjoy shopping from 90+ local vendors, free photos with Santa, food trucks, music, and plenty of kid-friendly activities like bounce houses, carnival games, face painting, and the bee train. READ MORE

Florida License-Free Saltwater Fishing Day

Statewide - FREE
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Florida's license-free fishing days provide residents and nonresidents the opportunity to try out fishing without having to purchase a license. This is a great time to introduce kids to fishing. READ MORE

Holidays on the Farm

Mount Dora
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Santa Claus is comin’ to the farm! Join Lil Bit of Life for Holidays on the Farm Open Farm Event, a day full of festive fun for the whole family! Enjoy FREE photos with Santa, farm tours, pony rides, barrel train rides, a hot cocoa bar,  and more. READ MORE

Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Presents Home for the Holidays

Orlando
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Fill your holidays with the sounds of the season as the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra performs traditional carols and a blend of music magic from Hollywood! Classics from beloved films including White Christmas, Polar Express, Home Alone and more. READ MORE

Fusion Fest

Orlando - FREE
November 29-30, 2025
This free outdoor festival celebrates the diverse cultures that make Central Florida unique. Guests can enjoy cultural displays, arts and crafts, a kids village, field of flags, giant puppet friends, and more. READ MORE

Celebration's Now Snowing

Celebration - FREE
Opening weekend! November 29 - December 31, 2025
Celebration's annual Now Snowing event features snowfall nightly, as well as ice skating, strolling Carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, train rides, and photos with Santa. READ MORE

Winter Wonderland at Wekiva Island

Longwood
Opening weekend! November 30 - December 25, 2025
Wekiva Island’s Winter Wonderland has returned for the holiday season, offering festive activities throughout December. Guests can enjoy daily “snow” flurries, a Christmas tree forest featuring a 30-foot tree, visits from beloved Christmas characters, and a chance to meet Santa at his on-site Workshop. READ MORE

More Fun Things to Do in Orlando Right Now

Family-Friendly Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in Orlando: Thanksgiving Meals at Orlando Theme Parks

Don't stress about holiday cooking--let these Orlando restaurants handle it! READ MORE

What’s Open on Thanksgiving in Orlando? Family-Friendly Places & Stores

Discover what’s open on Thanksgiving in Orlando for families! READ MORE

Best Places to Take Pictures with Santa in Orlando

Take pictures with Santa in Orlando for lasting memories. READ MORE

33 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Orlando for Kids

Enjoy Santa sightings, holiday parades, and more in Orlando. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Florida Citrus Tower
Statewide
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Celebration Town Center
The Capital Grille - International Drive

About the Author

Charlotte Blanton
Charlotte Blanton, a Central Florida native and mom of three, holds a business degree from the University of Florida (Go Gators!). After a career in corporate finance, she pivoted to stay home with her kids and found her passion for writing through Mommy Poppins. She loves exploring local theme parks and discovering fun activities for families in Central Florida.
Recent Articles By Charlotte Blanton:
Read more articles by Charlotte B.