Give Thanks for Thanksgiving in Orlando

Food, gratitude, family – what's not to love about Thanksgiving?

Whether your favorite tradition of the holiday is tucking into a grand feast, lacing up your running shoes, or waking up to watch the parade on TV, you can uphold all your favorite Thanksgiving moments here in Orlando.

An aerial view of a Thanksgiving table spread, with a turkey, maize, pumpkin pie, side dishes, and pumpkins.

If you’re celebrating in the City Beautiful this year, here are some ways to make your Thanksgiving special and memorable.

Take Up a Turkey Trot

For some people, the best way to start your Thanksgiving Day is with a 5k.

Turkey Trots are races held primarily on the morning of Thanksgiving that encourage activity, charity, and quality time with family and friends.

The largest and oldest turkey trot in Orlando is the Seniors First Turkey Trot, held annually at Lake Eola downtown. Don your festive fowl-inspired racewear and join over 4,000 people while raising money for Meals on Wheels and other organizations that support Orlando seniors.

Another popular turkey trot opportunity is the Sanford Turkey Day 5k. This event typically features incentives like free coffee and donuts, and they have a costume contest with a cash prize.

Check out a variety of Orlando turkey trot races here.

Feast on a Thanksgiving Day Buffet

Chairs tied with orange ribbons at a long table dressed with candelabras and autumn flowers.

Thanksgiving Dinner is one of the most eagerly anticipated meals of the year.

Cozy, traditional dishes evoke holidays of days gone by and give us a moment to pause and give thanks for all of the good things in our lives.

The only thing better than a spectacular feast is getting to enjoy every bite without having to lift a finger in the kitchen – before or after dinner.

At Rosen Hotels & Resorts, we host not one, but six amazing Thanksgiving Day buffets.

Our menus feature classic Thanksgiving dishes like roasted turkey, fluffy mashed potatoes, and a variety of pies and cobblers for dessert.

From a traditional homestyle feast at Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando to a lavish and diverse menu at Rosen Shingle Creek, we have the perfect Thanksgiving Day meal to satiate every appetite and appeal to every budget.

You can find our Thanksgiving buffets at the following properties:

Make Memories at the Theme Parks

A large gingerbread balloon floats overhead at Universal Studios between a decorated Christmas tree and a Macy’s storefront at the Universal Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, a great way to celebrate Thanksgiving in Orlando.

Most Orlando theme parks are open 365 days a year, making it the perfect destination for memory-making on Thanksgiving Day.

By Thanksgiving Day, the theme parks will be decked out for Christmas, adding an extra-special holiday touch to your visit.

At Universal Studios Florida, you can experience your own Thanksgiving Day Parade watching Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. This celebration fills the streets with retired Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons, your favorite characters from DreamWorks movies like Shrek and Madagascar, and plenty of holiday magic.

If you’re planning on visiting Disney, Universal, or SeaWorld on Thanksgiving Day, just be aware that the holidays are some of the busiest times for the parks. Check out our 10 Helpful Tips for Navigating Crowded Theme Parks to ensure you make the most of your visit.

Lounge by the Pool

A pair of sunglasses reflecting palm trees sits by the side of a sparkling pool.

Reimagine your Thanksgiving traditions and spend the day lounging by the pool.

Trade in stuffing for sunglasses and sweet potatoes for sunscreen as you soak up some beautiful Florida sun on Thanksgiving Day.

At each Rosen Inn property, you’ll find at least one sparkling, seasonally heated swimming pool that sets the scene for a tropical turkey day.

Pack a few snacks, a good book, and your headphones for a day of gratitude, rest, and relaxation.

Make a Rosen Inn Your Home Away from Home for the Holidays

At Rosen Inns, we understand the values of the holiday season: togetherness, gratitude, comfort, and joy.

That’s why we’re committed to making your holiday stay as warm and welcoming as we possibly can.

We would be honored to have you as our guest for Thanksgiving this year, whether in our hotels or seated at one of our holiday buffets.

For over 50 years, families have trusted Rosen for their holiday vacations. We are honored to be a part of your traditions, celebrations, and memories.

A beautiful blue pool with palm trees and a tall hotel in the background.