November Events in Central Florida: Festivals, Lights and Holiday Fun
November events in Central Florida kick off the holiday season in a big way. Lantern trails open, art festivals fill historic streets, and holiday lights start glowing across the Orlando area. Here’s what’s happening the rest of the month, from Seminole County to downtown Orlando.
When Does the Asian Lantern Festival Open in Sanford?
The Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild opens November 13 at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in Sanford and runs through January 17. Giant illuminated lanterns shaped like animals light up the zoo’s paths after dark. Entry times are 6, 7 and 8 p.m., with last entry at 9:15 p.m. and closing at 10 p.m. Tickets are sold online by date and time, and popular nights sell out, so book ahead. The zoo is at 3755 W. Seminole Blvd.
When Is the Longwood Arts and Crafts Festival?
The Longwood Arts and Crafts Festival is Saturday and Sunday, November 21 and 22, in the Longwood Historic District, and admission is free. More than 200 artists and craft vendors line the streets around 200 W. Warren Ave. in Longwood. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. It’s one of the best places in the area to get a head start on holiday shopping.
What Is the Festival of Trees at the Orlando Museum of Art?
The 40th annual Festival of Trees runs November 14 through 22 at the Orlando Museum of Art, open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More than 50 designer-decorated trees, wreaths and gingerbread displays fill the museum, along with a holiday boutique, daily entertainment and weekend photos with Santa. Admission is $23 for adults and $15 for kids 3 to 12, seniors 60 and up, active-duty military and first responders. Special events include Breakfast with Santa on November 14, 15 and 21.
Illustrative image. Not the actual Asian Lantern Festival.
When Does Dazzling Nights Start at Leu Gardens?
Dazzling Nights opens Friday, November 20, at Harry P. Leu Gardens and runs through January 3. The gardens are transformed with holiday lights, falling snow, music and seasonal food and drinks, from 5:30 to 11 p.m. on event nights. Tickets are separate from regular garden admission, ranging from $35 to $56 for adults and $33 to $53 for kids.
When Is the Last Day of EPCOT Food & Wine?
The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival ends Saturday, November 21. If you haven’t made it out yet, this is your last chance this year for the global food booths and Eat to the Beat concerts. The festival is included with EPCOT admission.
When Is the Florida Classic?
The Florida Blue Florida Classic between Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman is Saturday, November 21, at 3:30 p.m. at Camping World Stadium. It’s one of the biggest HBCU football rivalries in the country and draws fans from across the Southeast, so expect heavy traffic around downtown Orlando that weekend.
What Else Is New This November?
A few new spots and holiday events round out the month:
- Dopamine Land: The immersive experience opens November 20 at The Florida Mall. Here’s what to know about Dopamine Land.
- Santa Brunch at Pinstripes: The newly reopened Pinstripes at Vineland Pointe starts its Santa Brunch on November 28. Read more about the Pinstripes Orlando reopening.
- Family Craft Day in Sanford: A free holiday craft day for families at the Sanford Museum on Saturday, November 28, at 10 a.m.
What This Means
November is one of the best months to be in Central Florida, with cooler weather, free festivals and the start of the holiday light season. Whether you’re spending a Saturday at a craft festival in Longwood or an evening under the lanterns in Sanford, there’s plenty to do close to home. Events like these are a big part of what makes the area such a great place to live.
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