How to Spend Thanksgiving Weekend in Orlando with Kids

Orlando kicks off the Thanksgiving weekend with a number of fun events and activities, and you can enjoy a grand holiday celebration beyond the theme parks. If you're spending Thanksgiving day or the holiday weekend in Orlando with the kids, here are some fun and interesting things to add to your itinerary:

Take the Kids to ICE! At the Gaylord Palms
The annual ICE! Event at the Gaylord Palms starts a few weeks before Thanksgiving and is a fun getaway destination when you're traveling with kids and teens over the holidays. The entire resort is transformed into an icy glacier and the event includes holiday lights shows, ice sculpture exhibits and fun holiday activities for all guests. The Gaylord Palms is located at 6000 W. Osceola Parkway in Kissimmee, a short drive from Disney World. Call (407) 586-200 for more information.

Spend Thanksgiving Weekend in Celebration
Celebration is the small town near Disney World designed by Disney and home to a number of free holiday events over Thanksgiving weekend. You can head to Celebration for a Turkey Day dinner if your favorite restaurant on Disney property is already booked, or just spend the day window shopping in Downtown Celebration. The whole town gets decorated for the holidays and you may even be able to catch some live music and entertainment in Celebration Town Square.

Explore Downtown Disney for Thanksgiving
Downtown Disney is located in Lake Buena Vista, a short drive from the major theme parks, and you can spend Thanksgiving weekend here to enjoy the Festival of Seasons. This resort area will be transformed into a winter wonderland just in time for the holidays, and you'll find the Disney Store and other shops in the Downtown Disney Marketplace decorated in Thanksgiving themed décor. Head here for a fun day of Disney-themed shopping and picture taking.

Spend the Day at Epcot Over Thanksgiving Weekend
Epcot is not usually very busy over Thanksgiving weekend, and Orlando's near-perfect weather during this time of the year make Epcot a great destination for a holiday getaway. Some restaurants at Epcot will still be serving Thanksgiving favorites, or unveiling their holiday menu over Thanksgiving weekend, so you can enjoy a tasty meal with the family as you explore this Disney resort. Stick around until the evening to enjoy the fireworks around Disney World Resort

Watch the Cirque du Soleil La Nouba Show
A Thanksgiving weekend treat for kids of all ages, La Nouba from Cirque du Soleil will be performing at the Walt Disney World Resort's Downtown Disney theater over the holiday season. Reservations can be made in advance, and the performance is held from Tuesday through Saturday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. each week. This popular show promises fun for the whole family, and is a great addition to any Thanksgiving weekend itinerary. Call (407) 939-7600 for more information.