Happy Thanksgiving eve, Orlando. We’re scaling back our content a bit through the weekend so that our team can step away and enjoy time with loved ones. We’ll be back to our usual coverage next week.
🎁 Check great gifts off your list
Treat your loved ones to fun, cozy, and personalized picks this holiday gifting season. | Graphic by 6AM City
Looking for holiday shopping inspiration? Our gift guide featuring 90+ picks is here to save the season.
Gifts for students
Local pick: Tooled Leather Mills Cardholder | $75 | They’ll keep their student ID, cash, and cards handy with this cardholder by local brand Freehands Goods.
Fidget toy pen | $16.99 | A great stocking stuffer, this chromatic, magnetic pen can be stacked into various shapes when it’s not in use as a writing tool or stylus.
Bullet journal pens + 2026 planner | $13.99 + $24.99 | Pair an 18-pack of rainbow pens with a 2026 Happy Planner for creative, aesthetic organization.
Electric sauté pan | $36.99 | A TikTok trending item, this electric mini hot pot is perfect for whipping up noodles, oatmeal, eggs, and stir fries, dorm room-style.
Gifts for young people
LED dry erase board | $26.99 | Bring coloring time to a new level with this magic board that makes any drawing look like a neon sign.
Karaoke microphone | $29.99 | This karaoke mic acts as a Bluetooth speaker, recorder, and voice changer.
Local pick: Engravable Heart Locket | $61 | This heart-shaped, sterling silver locket from Karadema Jewelers is perfect to keep a treasured memory close to the heart.
Light-up football | $34.99 | Backyard football is now possible at night, thanks to this LED light-up football.
Gifts for pet lovers
Personalized 2026 pet calendar | $23.99 | For that special someone who likes their pet more than people. We don’t judge.
Local pick: Orlando City SC bandana two pack | $21 | Get your tail wagging for Orlando’s soccer team and prove you’re a stylish pup.
Hydropet water bottle | $29.99 | This unique product has dual detachable pet bowls for food + water on the go.
Orlando’s Main Streets have a special treat in store for Small Business Saturday on Nov. 29. A free MerryMobile will shuttle shoppers on a continuous loop through 12 districts from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., making it easier than ever to discover unique finds. (Bungalower)
Community
For 100 years, swan boats have been a beloved part of Lake Eola. To celebrate the centennial — or Swantennial — Orlando has unveiled a gold-wrapped swan boat created in collaboration with Wraps for Less. Locals can ride the new swan starting next week. (NEWS 6)
Arts
A new mural is popping up on the side of CVS on Mills Avenue. Created by South Carolina-based artist Johni Bleu, the large-scale painting is a work in progress, but already features flowers, oranges, a swan, and a fountain. Take a look. (Bungalower)
Eat
Sourdough is the best overall bread to make stuffing, according to the foodie experts at Food & Wine. Chefs cite its versatility and texture as reasons for using it to create the Thanksgiving side dish. Fortunately, there are plenty of great loaves in Orlando.
Film
October saw the lowest revenue generated by movie ticket sales in almost three decades — excluding 2020 for obvious reasons. With the holiday season on the horizon, and Oscar season in full swing, we recommend catching a flick at Maitland’s independent Enzian Theater to help keep cinema alive. (Variety)
Sports
Move over, pickleball, there’s a new racket sport in town. Padel is rapidly growing in popularity across the US — a game typically played in pairs that mixes elements of tennis and squash. Want to get ahead of the curve? Try a class at Orlando Padel Club. (The Athletic)
Fact or Fiction
You can upgrade your bath or shower in as little as one day with Jacuzzi. Fact. Transform your outdated bathroom into a modern sanctuary — now with zero installation cost and no payments + interest for up to one year. Learn more.‡*
Seasonal
We know it’s still November, but we’re starting our countdown to 2026 early with a special deal available only on ourbusiness promo portal. For a limited time, get 26% off all Newsletter Text Ads and Email Banner Ads with code COUNTDOWNTO2026 at checkout.
The Jack Kazanzas Star is officially back to brightening downtown Orlando — a decades-long tradition that signals the start of the holiday season. A few fun facts to know:
The original star was suspended between two competing department stores on Orange Avenue — Ivey’s and Dickson & Ives — who teamed up to create the seasonal display.
The star’s name pays tribute to a lifelong Orlandoan who led a 1984 campaign to restore the aging original.
In 2010, the 600-lb star got a major refresh, including the addition of 4,000 LED lights.
Knock knock. Who’s there? Surprise … It’s Black Friday savings here a few days early. Don’t wait to shop at the end of the week — check out these three deals now:
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
As the eternal starchy advice of Samwise Gamgee goes, “boil ‘em, mash ‘em, stick ‘em in a stew.” But if you’re looking for more from your potatoes this holiday season, the New York Times has some delicious ideas. However you choose to cook them, O-Town’s farmers markets are the way to go.
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‡ With purchase and installation of any complete bath/shower system from participating third-party Jacuzzi Bath Remodel dealer in your area (“Dealer”). Offer and options will vary by Dealer/location. Not combinable with other offers. Add’l terms apply. Subject to change. Expires 12/28/25. †Financing offer available through third-party lenders under terms of applicable loan program. No interest for 12 months if paid in full within 12 months. Interest will be charged to you from purchase date if purchase balance is not paid in full within 12 months. Subject to credit approval—not all buyers will qualify. Add’l terms apply. See or call Dealer for details.
