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Veterans Day Weekend 2023 in Orlando: Holiday Lights, Parades, and More Things To Do With Kids

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, the most magical holiday tradition, returns to Magic Kingdom on select nights beginning November 9.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, the most magical holiday tradition, returns to Magic Kingdom on select nights beginning November 9.
11/8/23 - By Charlotte B

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

Honor veterans and military personnel this Veterans Day weekend at Celebration's Founders and Veterans Parade, City of Orlando Veterans Day Parade, and more dignified events. Get into the seasonal spirit early with several holiday and Christmas events kicking off this weekend! Step into a winter wonderland of lights at Island H2O's Holiday Nights. Visit the theme parks as holiday festivities return with Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom and SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration. Plus more fun events to fill up your long weekend!

As we get deeper into November, we've got all your needs covered! Skip the Thanksgiving cooking and cleaning this year and use our article about Orlando restaurants open on Thanksgiving for assistance! And get a jump on holiday fun by checking out the top holiday and Christmas events coming to Orlando this year. If you haven't already, subscribe to our email list to receive updates about everything happening around Orlando. 

More Things To Do in Orlando this Week with Kids:

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Step back in time to the 1600s at the Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire. Photo courtesy of the event
Step back in time to the 1600s at the Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire. Photo courtesy of the event

Things to Do This Veterans Day Weekend in Orlando

Holiday Nights at Island H2O Water Park

Kissimmee - Select nights through December 31, 2023
Each evening, Island H2O Water Park transforms into a holiday wonderland, adorned with twinkling island-themed lights that'll rival the brightest North Star. Check out island-festive immersive light displays and snap some holiday-card worthy photos with friends and family.  READ MORE

Fall Festival at Southern Hill Farms

Clermont - Last weekend! November 9-12, 2023
The annual Fall Festival at Southern Hill Farms includes a five-acre corn maze, pumpkin patch, sunflower field, petting zoo, kids zone, and much more. READ MORE

Sold Out - Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Lake Buena Vista - Select nights, November 9-December 22, 2023
*This event is sold out for 2023.* Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is a limited capacity after hours event featuring Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show, character meet and greets, stage shows, themed foods, and more. And best of all, enjoy fewer wait times at popular attractions. READ MORE

City of Winter Park Veterans Day Celebration

Winter Park - Friday, November 10, 2023
This event is held in honor of all veterans. All veterans that have served in any military campaign or branch in honor of our nation’s freedom are invited to attend for our community to pay tribute to their dedicated service to our country. READ MORE

Growvember at Mead Botanical Garden

Winter Park - November 10-11, 2023
Stroll through Mead Botanical Garden for its annual plant sale, featuring a wide selection of plant vendors, exhibitors, kids activities, live music, food trucks, a beer garden, and more. READ MORE

Maitland Rotary Art Festival

Maitland - November 10-12, 2023
Get the family outdoors to the annual Maitland Rotary Art Festival and visit a variety of  artists while enjoying live music and dance performances. Festival food vendors will also be onsite. READ MORE

Festival of Trees at Orlando Museum of Art

Orlando - Select days, November 10-18, 2023
Get in the holiday spirit while browsing a wonderland full of decorated trees, wreaths, decor, and gingerbread houses. Also enjoy live entertainment and programs throughout the week. READ MORE

Holidays at Disney Springs

Lake Buena Vista - Daily beginning November 10, 2023
Celebrate the holidays at Disney Springs with a Disney Christmas Tree Stroll, snow flurries, toy soldier stilt-walkers, and snowflake skaters. Visit with jolly Old St. Nick through December 24. A virtual queue is available to meet with Santa. READ MORE

SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Celebration

Orlando - Daily beginning November 10, 2023
Enjoy more than 3 million lights on display, a Christmas parade, live shows, ice skating, and more at SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration. Families can also visit Santa near the Wild Arctic area. READ MORE

Celebration Founders and Veterans Parade

Celebration - Saturday, November 11, 2023
The City of Celebration is hosting a Founders and Veterans parade beginning at Lakeside Park, moving along Front Street to Market Street, then turning onto Celebration Avenue, and ending at Founders Park. READ MORE

City of Orlando Veterans Day Parade

Orlando - Saturday, November 11, 2023
The annual City of Orlando Veterans Day Parade honors the men and women of the armed forces who have served our country and fought for our freedoms. There will be ROTC units, active duty military, marching bands, decorative floats and veteran groups representing all military branches. READ MORE

Free Entrance Days in the National Parks

Various locations - Saturday, November 11, 2023
On select days throughout the year, all national parks are open to the public with no admission fee. READ MORE

Great Day in the Country

Oviedo - Saturday, November 11, 2023
Great Day in the Country is Oviedo's annual arts and crafts festival, featuring more than 300 arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, special kids area, live entertainment, Student Art Fest, and more. READ MORE

Movie at West Orange Trail - Chapin Station

Winter Garden - Saturday, November 11, 2023
Visit Chapin Station for fun-filled activities and a Movie at the Trail. Movie shown is Elemental (rated PG). Enjoy yard games, food trucks, and music. READ MORE

Orlando Water Lantern Festival

St. Cloud - Saturday, November 11, 2023
The Orlando Water Lantern Festival is a family-friendly event where guests can decorate and float their own lantern to light up the water. There will also be food trucks on-site, as well as music and entertainment. READ MORE

Talons and Tidings at Audubon Center for Birds of Prey

Maitland - Saturday, November 11, 2023
Start your holiday season with Santa and the bird ambassadors at the Audubon Society. This event includes crafts, meet and greets, tasty treats, and Santa photos. READ MORE

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs

Orlando - Through November 11, 2023
Learn the Big “Bad” Wolf’s side of the story in this musical adaptation of the favorite children's story. See if the Big, Bad Wolf gets a fair trial as he takes the stand in a corrupt piggy court. READ MORE

Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire

Tavares - Last weekend! November 11-12, 2023
Step back in time to the 1600s at the Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire. This two-weekend event features artisans showcasing their talents in swords, candle making, leather work, corsets, kilts, and more. There are also stage shows, combat shows, food vendors, and kids entertainment including storytelling, a fairy grotto, and unicorns. READ MORE

Meet Florida Meat at Long & Scott Farms

Mount Dora - November 11-12, 2023
Learn all about local farms and fill your freezer at this fun family event. Activities include mazes, giant castle playground, jump pillow, super slide, food trucks, vendor market, and more. READ MORE

$12 Day at Orlando Science Center

Orlando - Sunday, November 12, 2023
Visit the Orlando Science Center at a discounted price. Enjoy all four floors of exhibits and programs.  READ MORE

Dr. Phillips Center Presents Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert

Orlando - Sunday, November 12, 2023
Disney Concerts and Live Nation have announced Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert Tour. Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Academy Award-winning film comes to life in a one-of-a-kind concert event, featuring the entire feature-length film and an on-stage band celebrating all the record-breaking hit songs from the beloved soundtrack. READ MORE

Free Family Funday at the Mennello Museum

Orlando - Sunday, November 12, 2023
On the second Sunday of every month, the Mennello Museum offers Family Funday, with free admission, docent-led tours, and a fine arts project. READ MORE

Orlando Japan Festival

Kissimmee - Sunday, November 12, 2023
Celebrate Japanese culture with on stage performances such as Koto, Iai, Judo, and Taiko drumming. There will also be food, arts and crafts, games, vendors, raffles and more. READ MORE

Sanford Food Truck Fiesta

Sanford - Sunday, November 12, 2023
Families can enjoy a variety of food from more than 20 food trucks, live music, and outdoor seating on the streets of downtown Sanford on the second Sunday of every month. READ MORE

Bounce the City - Orlando

Orlando - Weekends through November 19, 2023
Bounce The City features the largest ball pit on the planet, a 600-ft. long obstacle course, giant slides, a huge birthday cake bouncer, silent disco dome, inflatable sports arena, and more. READ MORE
Eat a traditional Thanksgiving meal or choose the Mediterranean buffet at Villa de Flora at Gaylord Palms. Photo courtesy of Gaylord Palms
Eat a traditional Thanksgiving meal or choose the Mediterranean buffet at Villa de Flora at Gaylord Palms. Photo courtesy of Gaylord Palms

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Places featured in this article:

Walt Disney World - Magic Kingdom
Orlando Museum of Art
Celebration Lakeside Park
National Parks - Multiple Locations
West Orange Trail - Chapin Station
Audubon Center for Birds of Prey
Lady Of The Lakes Renaissance Faire
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Kissimmee Lakefront Park
Historic Downtown Sanford
The Capital Grille - International Drive