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.
Latest posts by Charlotte
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 all weekend. 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 with Orlando Christmas lights and fun in Eustis, Celebration, as well as theme parks events like Holidays at Legoland and Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. Looking for something beyond the seasonal holidays? Celebrate Central Florida's diverse cultures at Fusion Fest, complete with a street party, parade, and more!
It's time for the most spectacular residential Christmas lights Orlando has to offer! We’re continually amazed by the creativity and passion homeowners pour into their holiday lights. From mesmerizing, choreographed light shows to impressive walk-through light displays perfect for photos, these Orlando Christmas homes deliver holiday magic like no other. Fun fact: One of the houses on this list have even been featured on The Great Christmas Light Fight!
Most homeowners start up their Orlando Christmas light displays Thanksgiving weekend and let it shine bright throughout the season (unless otherwise noted). As you enjoy the festivities, please be courteous to the neighborhoods—visit during designated times, avoid blocking driveways, keep music at a reasonable volume, and respect private properties.
Take to the streets for a healthy, festive, family-friendly turkey trot experience in South Florida before (or after) the big feast.
Get ready for fun, family-friendly Orlando Christmas events this holiday season, including theme park holiday lights, holiday parades, Christmas tree ceremonies, and more! At the theme parks, awe at more than 3 million lights on display at SeaWorld Orlando or explore a magical Harry Potter Christmas at Universal Orlando Resort. Families can visit the charming town of Mount Dora for a lighted boat parade, experience ICE! at Gaylord Palms, enjoy a Florida "snowfall" at Celebration Town Center, and more.
Restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Orlando offer families the chance to relax when it comes to cooking and cleaning. Whether your family is taking a Thanksgiving vacation in Orlando or you live local and want a traditional Thanksgiving meal without the stress of prep, we’ve rounded up the best, family-friendly Orlando restaurants that are serving Thanksgiving menus for the holiday. Gobble ‘til you wobble at these yummy restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Orlando, as well as tasty spots at Orlando theme parks and resorts.
Because Orlando can get very busy during Thanksgiving, we recommend making advance reservations to ensure your family has a spot—in fact, it may be impossible at some Orlando restaurants to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal without the reservation! That sentiment goes toward the theme park restaurants as well!
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