PLAYGROUND
November 2022 in Orlando has a little of everything … Some fall festivals, rescheduled Oktoberfest events (thanks to Ian) as well as a plethora of holiday festivities that kick off the most magical time of year. Here’s a list of the best local events for your family.
Go to our Holiday Lights Guide here.
All Month Long
Scott’s Maze Adventures
Long and Scott Farms, Mount Dora
October 1–December 11, Saturdays 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sundays 12–5 p.m.
This year’s theme is the Pirates of the Corn Maze! Get lost in this 7-acre corn maze or the half-acre mini maze while learning about pirates throughout history. In addition, enjoy the fall festival, farm tours, pumpkin patch, giant playground and the brand-new game in the tree maze.
November 1–6, 2022
Fall Festival
Now through November 13
Southern Hill Farms
What fall adventure would be complete without mouth-watering apple cider doughnuts, jolly Jumbo Jack carving pumpkins, corn maze fun, live music and s’mores around the fire pits? Admission tickets must be purchased online in advance; admission payments will NOT be accepted at the farm.
Teatime Dance Party
Friday, November 4, 10 a.m.
Infusion Tea, College Park
Meet new friends, enjoy light bites, dance and sing at Mr. Richard’s Teatime Dance Party. Read our full review here.
Hollerbach’s Oktoberfest
November 4–6 (rescheduled from Oct. due to Hurricane Ian)
Sanford Civic Center
This indoor-outdoor festival will feature authentic German food, beer, wine, Schnapps and desserts, a Kids Zone and German-style entertainment including polka music, folk instruments, yodeling and dancing in traditional costumes. There will be two bandstands-one indoors and one outdoors-and the King Guys Band and Sonnenschein Express will be returning with their traditional German folk music!
Sesame Street Kids’ Weekend
November 5 & 6
Sesame Street Land, SeaWorld Orlando
Back by popular demand, families can join Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, Rosita, and all their favorite furry friends for a fun-filled weekend with hands-on activities, character photo opportunities and more. This family-friendly celebration is located in Sesame Street Land and is included with park admission.
Central Florida Zoo Free Day
Saturday, November 5, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Central Florida Zoo
What could possibly make a day of fun at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens better? FREE admission. The free day is part of VyStar’s Good is everywhere celebration, which aims to do more good in the communities the institution serves by partnering with local nonprofits. Guests must register for tickets on the Zoo’s website.
Franklin’s Friends Howl-O-Ween Dog Walkathon
November 5, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. (rescheduled from Oct. due to Hurricane Ian)
Crane’s Roost Park
Throw a costume on your fur baby and take them out on the town for the ninth annual Howl-O-Ween dog walkathon and canine costume. Your pooch will love this leisurely dog walk, doggie costume contest, raffles, vendors, adoptable pets and more!
Family Highlights Tour
Saturday, November 5, 1–2 p.m.
Orlando Museum of Art
Explore OMA with your family with this docent-led tour from gallery to gallery, highlighting various works. Family Highlights Tours are held the first Saturday of each month — September through May. Registration not required. Free with admission.
Kids Night Out
November 5, 6:30-10 p.m.
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Garden
It’s KIDS ONLY (ages 5-12) at the Zoo on this special Kids Night Out! Everyone will get to enjoy meeting cool animals up close and taking a flashlight tour of the Zoo. They’ll play games, make a craft, and enjoy a snack, all before the grownups come back! Registration for this event will be available until Thursday, November 3, 2022. Space is limited.
Fiesta in the Park
November 5 & 6
Lake Eola
Get outdoors to enjoy family and pet-friendly arts and entertainment in downtown Orlando.
Maker Faire Orlando
November 5–6, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Central Florida Fairgrounds
A family-friendly gathering of fascinating, curious people who enjoy learning and who love sharing what they can do. Maker Faire Orlando is a non-profit, community-organized, celebration featuring local do-it-yourself science, art, rockets, robots, crafts, technology, music and hands-on activities. The family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity and resourcefulness is where people show what they are making and share what they are learning.
Submit an event here.
November 7–13, 2022
Disney Princess – The Concert
Dr. Phillips Center
November 8, 7 p.m.
Your every dream will come true as Disney Princesses sing your favorite songs and share their exclusive, hilarious and heartfelt behind-the-scenes stories from their time portraying princesses on the stage and screen. Participants are invited to dress up in their best royal attire and get ready for an unforgettable evening. Disney recommends this show for ages 6 and up.
Storytime at the Zoo
November 9 at 10 a.m.
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Enjoy animal stories at the Zoo along with a special visit from one of the ambassador animals. Programs will be presented by the Orange County Library System storytellers. This free program is designed for pre-school age children.
Oviedo Mall Carnival
November 11-20
Oviedo Mall Parking Lot
Enjoy midway fun for the whole family with rides and games for all ages and fair food for every appetite. Event admission and parking are free. Unlimited ride wristbands (for riders 36 inches and taller) are $35 on site while supplies last or online before 5 p.m. on Nov. 10 for $29, 2/$55 or 4/$99. Ride tickets are also available at the carnival for $1.50 each, $30/20 tickets, or $60/50 tickets plus 1 free ride. (Rides take 2 or more tickets each.) Pre-sale special: $45/50 tickets + 1 free ride. Visit the website for coupons for $5 off regular-price ride wristbands, $5 off a 50-ticket Super Saver Family Pack, and $2 off a $10 food purchase. Midway hours: 5-10 pm Monday – Thursday, 5-11 pm Friday, noon-11 pm Saturday, noon-10 pm Sunday. Parent/guardian supervision is required for ages 17 and younger. Please check the website for event updates before attending.
SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration
Select days, November 11–January 3
SeaWorld Orlando
Gather your family and join all your festive friends at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration. See the park transformed into a winter wonderland sparkling with millions of beautiful lights, faux snow fall, delicious pop-up holiday food tents with decadent treats, public ice skating and a Winter Wonderland on Ice performance. Plus, special upgrades like Dinner with Santa and Sesame Street Christmas Breakfast.
Santa’s Magical Arrival
November 11, 5:30 p.m.–8 p.m.
Mall at Millenia
Welcome the holiday season in true Millenia fashion at Santa’s Magical Arrival at the Mall’s main entrance. 5:30pm – DJ dance party and holiday fun and entertainment. Santa is expected to arrive between 7:00-7:30 p.m., he’s riding in on a cold front from the North Pole! Enjoy a DJ dance party and holiday fun with a stage show filled with lights, fireworks and snow with non-stop entertainment, including the famous whimsical Hollyville characters, stilt walkers and more! Experience the magic as Santa lands on the Neiman Marcus rooftop, lights our magnificent tree, then makes his way to Hollyville, where he resides through Christmas Eve for holiday photos.
Holiday Ornament Workshops 2022
Saturdays & Sundays, November 12-December 11, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Wednesdays, November 9, 23 & December 7, 6-8 p.m.
The Pottery Studio, 800 Grand St., Building B, Orlando
Enjoy the holidays together painting fun ornaments with your family. Select from a wide range of readymae bisque ornaments. You create the art and we take care of the rest. Allow up to two weeks to get your ornaments fired in the kilns. Call The Pottery Studio to reserve your space: 407-246-4488.
Night of a Million Lights
Island H2O Water Park
November 12, 2022–January 1, 2023
The water park will be transformed into a winter wonderland featuring millions of lights, festive family activities and live entertainment for a one-of-a-kind, fully immersive holiday experience. Night of a Million Lights will benefit Give Kids the World, an 89-acre whimsical nonprofit resort that provides critically ill children and their families from around the world with magical week-long wish vacations at no cost.
Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™
November 12-January 1
Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure
Join the celebration as Hogwarts™ castle lights up for the holidays and festive decor brightens up the streets of Hogsmeade™ in Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley™ in Universal Studios Florida. Enjoy a hot Butterbeer™ while both the Frog Choir and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees put a holiday spin on their performances.
Story Stroll
November 12, 9 a.m.
Orlando Repertory Theatre
This fun and engaging class is for guardians and their toddlers to experience a journey of creative play through Lach Haven Park. Reserve your spot ahead of time or walk-ups are also welcome! Parents, grandparents or caregivers are welcome. Enjoy complimentary coffee, tea or water after class in the lobby.
Festival of Trees
November 12 – 20, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Orlando Museum of Art
November 12 & 19: Breakfast with Santa, 8:30–10 a.m.
November 18: Reindeer Romp/Rudolph’s VIP Children’s Pass, 5 p.m.
Explore the museum while it’s decked out in over-the-top Christmas tree designs. During Breakfast with Santa, families can make memories with Santa Claus while enjoying pancakes and bacon. There will also be face painters, crafts, balloon artists, games, treats and full access to Festival of Trees. During Reindeer Romp, kids get a photo with Santa Claus, story time with Mrs. Claus, balloon artists, face painters, stilt walkers and a kid-friendly menu via The Café.
Fall Craft Fair
Avalon Park, East Orlando
November 12, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Shop from local vendors featuring holiday decorations, jewelry, sweet treats, soap, art, candles, plants and more. Parents: Don’t miss the mimosa bar at the amphitheater!
Kids Night at the Museum
Saturday, November 12, 6–10 p.m.
Orlando Science Center
Join us for the LAST Kids Night of 2022! Little learners will explore exhibits, like the all-new Hot Wheels™: Race to Win™, experience enhanced programming, and enjoy some yummy pizza for dinner. Give yourself a night off while the kids explore the wonders of the Science Center! Spots fill quickly, so make sure to reserve your budding scientist’s spot today!
Sensory Sunday
Sunday, November 13, 9–11 a.m.
Crayola Experience
These special mornings are designed for kids and families who would like to experience the attraction adapted just for sensory needs: Lights will be dimmed, music will be turned off, quiet room available, paper towels available in the restrooms, Crayon Factory Show will be available at 10:30 a.m.
Submit an event here.
November 14–20, 2022
TRUE NORTH: A Magical New Holiday Musical
November 14–December 22
Orlando Repertory Theatre
Orlando audiences will be the first to see this magical new holiday musical! Step inside the world of a family who finds the holiday joyful — and challenging. With a wish, a letter and some unique seasonal help, the Patterson family discovers what just an ounce of belief can do. TRUE NORTH is a magical and insightful story about being authentic, accepting change and holding an unwavering hope in the magic of Christmas.
Family Night
November 15, 6 p.m.
Chick-Fil-A, Waterford Lakes
Enjoy a Mr. Richard live performance.
Family Night
November 17, 10:30 a.m.
Foxtail Coffee Co., Howell Branch Rd., Winter Park
Enjoy a Mr. Richard live performance.
Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
November 18–January 15
See a stunning display of hand-crafted, larger-than-life illuminated lanterns all around the Zoo! There will be new lanterns to enjoy this year.
Astro Fest
November 19 & 20
Orlando Science Center
3..2..1 blast off for Astro Fest! Explore the solar system and beyond, launch hands-on astronomy and engineering challenges, learn about the science of rockets and more!
Pinocchio’s Christmas Journey
Saturday, November 19, 1 p.m.
The Little People’s Theater at Penguin Point Productions, Oviedo Mall
Join Pinocchio on his journey to the North Pole to ask Santa to make him a real boy! Water the classic fairytale come alive before your eyes as you spend a meaningful Saturday afternoon with your children watching a magical Christmas play. Perfect for kids 3-8!
Classic(al) ROCK
Saturday, November 19, 3 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Dr. Phillips Center
Experience the music of Community.
Jingle Eve 2022
Saturday, November 19, 4-9 p.m.
Ivanhoe Village
Spanning stretches of Orange Avenue and Virginia Drive, as well as Gaston Edwards Park, families will find no shortage of yuletide festivities. From beer gardens to live music, arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, and a children’s holiday village. The evening culminates with fireworks displayed high above the shores of Lake Ivanhoe.
NinjaFest
November 19–20
Obstacle Ninja Academy (ONA)
American Ninja Warrior All-Star and this season’s finalist, RJ Roman, is hosting the second annual November NinjaFest. This is an exciting event for both participants and spectators. BIG prize money will go to the top three finishers. Lots of Ninjas from the show will be competing and attendees will have the chance to meet and watch their favorites Ninjas run the course live.
Children’s Adoption Celebration Carnival
Baldwin Park
Sunday, November 20, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
A day of celebration for every family! There will be a rock-climbing wall, carnival games and prizes, bounce house and slide, bungee jumps, food trucks and treats. The Children’s Adoption Celebration was founded to create awareness and educate families about their adoption choices. This annual carnival helps raise funds for families who may need financial support. Join in to celebrate the amazing families created through adoptions!
Submit an event here.
November 21–30, 2022
Dazzling Nights
Leu Gardens
November 25, 2022–January 1, 2023
A stunning winter wonderland featuring a million dazzling lights, shining forests, magical displays, music and beautiful sculptures. Dazzling Nights is a family-friendly holiday experience. This year’s offerings include character meet and greets, a giant inflatable yeti playground, a 40’ snow globe, a curated VIP experience and more lights than ever before.
Crafternoon Thankful Crafts
Wednesday, November 23, 2-4 p.m.
North Branch Library, Sanford
Create your own “thankful tree” using found and natural objects, as well as other “thankful” crafts suitable for sharing with the whole family. Free for families. All supplies are provided. No registration required.
Holiday Light Displays
November 25 – January 2, 6 p.m.
Crane’s Roost Park, Altamonte Springs
A crowd favorite, the Plaza fountain features special shows with dancing water and dazzling lights choreographed to classic holiday tunes. Show runs nightly at 6, 7, 8 and 9 p.m. except during the holiday movie nights on December 8, 15 and 22.
FusionFest
November 26-27
Seneff Arts Plaza at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
The 5th annual Multicultural festival returns with Fun, foods, stories, dance, music, arts & culture for all ages.
39th Annual Light Up Mount Dora & Santa In Sunset Park
Saturday, November 26, 3:30 - 9 p.m.
Elizabeth Evans Park & Sunset Park, Mount Dora
Enjoy holiday lights at Elizabeth Evans Park and visit Santa in Sunset Park.
Wendy Meyer