ORLANDO, Fla. – The holiday season is lighting up Central Florida!
From dazzling trees and glowing lanterns to pancakes, science and sky shows, November is packed with festivals and family fun. Here’s a look at some of the can’t-miss events happening across the region this weekend and beyond.
🎈 Balloon Glow – Drone & Laser Show
📅 Nov. 14–15, 2025 | Wilotree Park, Groveland, FL
⏰ Gates open at 5 p.m. | 🎟 Limited tickets available
Get ready for two nights of pure magic! Watch glowing hot air balloons light up the night in sync with music, while drones and lasers dance across the sky in a breathtaking spectacle.
Highlights include:
- Hot Air Balloon Glow countdowns
- Tethered balloon rides ($35 per person, weather permitting)
- Laser and drone light shows
- Live DJ and kids zone
- Food court favorites & local vendors
🌌 Grand Finale (9 p.m. nightly): A synchronized fusion of balloons, lasers and drones lighting up the sky! Bring chairs or blankets — parking is limited, rideshare recommended.
🌟 ILLUMINATE: A Festival of Lights, Lanterns & Wonder
📅 Select nights through Jan. 31, 2026 | Aquatica Orlando | 6–10 p.m.
Step into a glowing world of light and imagination at Aquatica’s ILLUMINATE, featuring five immersive realms filled with giant lanterns, shimmering displays and themed bites and drinks.
Explore glowing walkways, towering animal lanterns, and interactive surprises that transform the park into a radiant nighttime experience. Pools and slides will pause operation so guests can fully enjoy the luminous journey.
🎄 Festival of Trees Returns to the Orlando Museum of Art
📅 Nov. 15–23, 2025 | Orlando Museum of Art
The holiday season officially kicks off in Orlando as the Council of 101’s Festival of Trees returns for its 39th annual celebration themed, “A Season of Celebration.”
For nearly four decades, this beloved tradition has transformed the Orlando Museum of Art into a winter wonderland. Guests will be surrounded by more than 50 designer-decorated trees, festive wreaths, gingerbread creations, and holiday vignettes.
Visitors can shop at the Holiday Boutique, stroll Santa Claus Lane, enjoy daily live entertainment, and dine at the Festival Café. On weekends, Santa Claus will be available for photos and meet-and-greets from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
New this year — holiday workshops and a Holiday Home Tour add even more ways to celebrate.
Festival of Trees is presented by Orlando Health’s Orlando Regional Medical Center. The event runs daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: $20 adults | $12 children (3–12) | $12 seniors, military & first responders.
🌌 Astro Fest at the Orlando Science Center
📅 Nov. 15–16, 2025 | 10 a.m.– 5 p.m.📍 Orlando Science Center, 777 E Princeton St., Orlando
Celebrate space and astronomy at Astro Fest, a two-day science spectacular with hands-on activities, films, live shows, and guest speakers.
Visitors can step into an inflatable planetarium, explore exhibits on planets and stars, and experience the wonder of space exploration — all included with general admission ($31 adults).
🥞 Flapjack 5K
📅 Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 | 8 a.m.– Noon 📍 Leesburg Towne Square
Run, walk, and feast at the Flapjack 5K, hosted by the City of Leesburg! Start your morning with a 3.1-mile run and celebrate at the finish line with a pancake palooza.
🎽 Race entry includes:
- Finisher medal
- Complimentary mimosa or Bloody Mary (21+)
- All-you-can-eat pancakes!
It’s the most delicious run of the year — lace up and fuel up!
🏺 Sandbox Archaeology
📅 Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 | 10 a.m.📍 Ponce Inlet Historical Museum, 143 Beach St. 💵 Cost: $5 per participant | Limited to 12 kids
Young explorers can dig into history at Sandbox Archaeology, a hands-on program where kids learn basic archaeological concepts right on the museum’s lawn. Space is limited and pre-payment is required.