Article
Alternatives to Cooking Thanksgiving Dinner
Thinking of doing something a little different this year? Here are a few ways to make this year's Thanksgiving in Kissimmee unforgettable, rather than predictable!
Friends and family toast to a meal in Kissimmee
At a Glance
- Kissimmee offers stress-free alternatives to cooking Thanksgiving dinner, from dining out at local restaurants to combining a holiday meal with sightseeing.
- Local restaurants like Celebration Town Tavern, El Tapatio, and Zen serve Thanksgiving dinner so families can skip the kitchen and cleanup entirely.
- Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament pairs a four-course Thanksgiving feast with a live jousting show for family-friendly entertainment.
Written by the Experience Kissimmee Editorial Team
Thanksgiving is right around the corner here in Kissimmee, and we definitely have a lot to be thankful for! After all, Kissimmee is full of things to do for friends and families of all ages. With so much to see and do, the last thing you probably want to do when you get together with loved ones to kick off the holiday season is spend all day in the kitchen cooking a meal. You want to get out there and have fun! Luckily, there are plenty of ways to make sure you and your family have an unforgettable Thanksgiving dinner in Kissimmee — all of which skip the dishes and allow you to focus on the special times the holidays bring.
So clear the table and clear your schedule! Here are a few of our favorite alternatives to cooking a Thanksgiving dinner in Kissimmee.
Dine Out at Local Restaurants
Foodies will undoubtedly be thankful for spending the holiday in Kissimmee. With hundreds of options to choose from, the only problem you’ll have is trying to narrow down which restaurant to have Thanksgiving dinner in! Of course, nobody is stopping you from having a second (or third) Thanksgiving dinner at a few different restaurants — just think of those meals as leftovers!
If you’re a looking for a taste of New England, celebrate Thanksgiving at the Celebration Town Tavern. If you’re thankful for the international food available here in Kissimmee, visit El Tapatio or Zen for a world of mouthwatering flavors. No matter your preferences, you’ll find the perfect spot to dine on Thanksgiving right here in Kissimmee.
Step away from the pots and pans. Enjoy dining out in Kissimmee this Thanksgiving.
Take in a Show
Make your Thanksgiving in Kissimmee even more memorable with a reservation at one of our legendary dinner theatres for a meal and a show. Perfect for bringing the entire family together — and keeping the little ones entertained — a dinner show is a great way to spend Thanksgiving in Kissimmee.
Take a trip back in time at the Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, where you’ll enjoy a four-course medieval feast while watching six knights compete in a legendary tournament.
A delicious dinner and fun show for the entire family? Sounds like an excellent Thanksgiving combination to us!
Step back in time at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, where gallant knights, epic battles, and a royal feast make for an unforgettable Kissimmee evening.
Thanksgiving Lunch & Evening Activities
Who says your Thanksgiving meal needs to be dinner? Why not enjoy a delicious afternoon meal at one of Kissimmee’s many local restaurants instead? Not only is this the perfect time to dine with the family, it also means you’ll have an entire evening to spend having fun together.
And trust us; there are many ways to have fun here in Kissimmee!
Make your way to Old Town Entertainment District for some throwback fun for the entire family — from rides on the iconic town Ferris Wheel to strolls down the quaint tree-lined streets. Or rent bikes for everyone at Celebration Bike Rental and pedal through neighborhoods that look straight out of a photograph. Then, hit the winding nature trails that lead to the beautiful waterfront pathways. Not only is this a perfect way to see more of the area, but it’s also a great way to get some exercise after your big Thanksgiving lunch!
When the kid’s drink steals the spotlight, you know it’s a meal to remember — sunny sips, big smiles, and family fun served fresh.
Like we said earlier, we have a lot to be thankful for here in Kissimmee, but above all else, we’re thankful you’re joining us for Thanksgiving! This November, don’t worry about setting the oven or the table. Instead, focus on having the happily ever after vacation with the ones who matter most to you. Start planning your visit to Kissimmee today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kissimmee has hundreds of restaurants open for Thanksgiving, from New England-style comfort food at Celebration Town Tavern to international flavors at El Tapatio and Zen.
Yes. Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament offers a four-course medieval feast paired with a live jousting tournament, making it a popular Thanksgiving alternative for families who want a meal and entertainment in one outing.
Yes, many restaurants offer Thanksgiving lunch, freeing up your evening for family activities.
Kissimmee is home to memorable dining experiences like Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament, where guests can enjoy a feast alongside a live medieval tournament.
Popular options include strolling Old Town's tree-lined streets, renting bikes through Celebration Bike Rental, or walking scenic waterfront nature trails.
Yes! Thanksgiving in Kissimmee combines warm, sunny weather with a wide range of dining and entertainment options, making it easy to skip the kitchen and spend the holiday enjoying the destination with family instead.
Experience Kissimmee Editorial Team
We are destination experts and storytellers creating local travel content to help visitors plan their trips with ease. We regularly review and update content in collaboration with community partners, ensuring our recommendations are reflective of current visitor experiences.