As the new year rolls in, Orlando is a great place to be. From festivals and concerts, to coasters, rocket launches and manatee spotting, Orlando in January is packed with things to do for all ages. Whether you’re looking for new ideas or seeking unique experiences, our guide to January in Orlando gives you the lowdown on the best activities, what’s happening out and about, Orlando weather and lots more.

Orlando Weather in January

January in Orlando might be one of our cooler months, but with average temperatures of 71°F/21°C you won’t hear us complaining too much. Orlando in January is the perfect playground to get away from the bitter winter cold many experience.

Although we can get some pretty cold days, January in Orlando is generally warm days and very pleasant. During most days you can expect blue skies and sunshine by the bucket-load. January averages 7 hours of sunshine a day and humidity is barely noticeable.

BUT! It’s unpredictable and you may just see all 4 seasons in one day. You might get some rain or even a layer of frost, but for the most, sunshine and warm days are still with us throughout January.

What to Pack for January in Orlando

Temperatures can vary greatly in January, making packing a little tricky. It can get pretty cold, but it can be really warm too, so you do need to be well prepared.

Dressing in layers is the key. If you’re heading out in the morning, you’ll need to think ahead. Take a jacket or sweater and leave it in the car to collect if it gets cool. Or use a locker if you’re in the parks. If you are planning on standing around for fireworks in the evening, a light throw or cover for the kids in strollers would be good too.

And don’t forget those legs and feet. Shorts and flip-flops might be a great idea when you set out, but not so much when it’s cold at night.

Theme Park Crowds in January in Orlando

Once the Holiday rush is out of the way, January in Orlando and Kissimmee is much more manageable and one of the quietest times to visit.

Florida BBQ Festivals in January in Orlando:

• Pig in Z Hills – January 12th/13h 2024
• Lakeland Pig Fest – January 26th/27th 2024

See full details in our Central Florida BBQ Guide

Cape Canaveral Rocket Launches

There’s always something happening over on Space Coast, just a quick and easy drive from the Orlando vacation zones. Whether you want to visit Kennedy Space Centre, have lunch with an astronaut or experience the thrill of a rocket launch, check out the Kennedy Space Center Event Calendar to see what’s happening in January.

January Rocket Launches:

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Axiom Mission 3 – January 9th 2024 – More Info
• ULA Atlas V Boeing Starliner Crewed Flight Test – More Info

Manatees in January

Did you know, the cooler winter months is the best time to see manatees in Florida? They love the warmth of the natural Florida springs. Between November and March is the best time to spot these gentle creatures and January is one of the THE best months! Check out our Manatee viewing guide for the best places to see them near Orlando.

January in Orlando – Sunset Walk Entertainment

The Promenade at Sunset Walk is one of our favorite hang-outs and is almost on your doorstep if you are staying in one of our vacation homes.

Located just off the US-192 at Margaritaville Orlando Resort, there’s a wide range of great eateries, a selection of stores, an escape game, movie theater, game center, sling shot and lots of live entertainment. Plus, weekly car & truck shows, artisan markets and regular events.

There’s ample free parking and free entry for everyone.

January Events at Sunset Walk:

(Times are subject to change, please check the Sunset Walk events page for the latest info)

• Show Car Saturday Nights – 4-8pm
  Every Saturday, vintage cars from 1987 or earlier line up to share the love for these classic beauties. There’s a live DJ and party atmosphere too, followed by live music.
• Sunday Car & Truck Show – January 14th 2024 – 11am to 2pm
  Classic cars and trucks collectors from all eras showcase their vehicles. DJ Don pumps out classic rock music.
• Sunset Live – Tuesday through Sunday
  Head to Promenade Plaza Stage for regional and local bands and artists – times vary – check calendar of events.
• The Market at The Promenade at Sunset Walk – Saturdays – from 6pm featuring local Craft and Specialty Vendors from across Central Florida.
• Promenade Plaza Thursdays – from 6pm – Featuring the best art and décor vendors from across Central Florida, plus live music.
• Fired-Up Fridays – from 5pm – Car & Truck Show with all makes and models, plus live DJ and live bands
• Pets on the Promenade – Sunday January 21st 2024 12-4pm – see below for full details.

Where: The Promenade at Sunset Walk, 3251 Margaritaville Boulevard, Kissimmee, FL 34747
Web: Sunset Walk Events

SeaWorld Three Kings Celebration

SeaWorld Orlando celebrates this cherished tradition of Latin cultures.

Enjoy live entertainment including Tale of the Three Kings, Sea of Trees and Meet Rudolph and Friends.
There will be plenty of Latin flair when it comes to food and drink too. Items such as papas rellenas (fried stuffed potatoes), empanadas (chicken or beef), arepas (grilled cornmeal pancake filled with cheese), and bacalaitos (codfish fritters)  will be available. Wash it down with frozen coquitos and frozen sangria.

When: January 6th 2024
Where: SeaWorld Orlando
Web: SeaWorld

Stetson Mansion Holiday Tours

The Stetson Mansion is once again swinging open its doors to welcome visitors on a self guided tour to celebrate a decade of Christmas joy.

Voted number 5 in USA Today’s 10 Best Historic Holiday Home Tour in America, the Stetson Mansion was Florida’s first ever luxury estate, built in 1886 for famed hat maker John B Stetson. Today, you can tour the restored and renewed mansion in all its splendor.

The Christmas Spectacular Tours  are self guided and cost $27 per person, plus $3 booking fee and 6.5% tax.

Your self guided tour will take 70-90 minutes and you will visit multiple ground floor rooms with elaborate designer decorations and 24 nativities from around the world. You will also tour the three bedrooms on the second floor and visit the original School House, which has since been converted into a Zen like guest cottage featuring a soaring 15 ft Polynesian ceiling.

Keep in mind, this is not a public museum or funded project, this is a lived in home that the owners open up for tours.

When: Daily through January 20th 2024
Where: Stetson Mansion, 1031 Camphor Ln, DeLand, FL 32720
Web: Stetson Mansion Christmas Tours

Real Music Masters

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s longest-running concert series is back. All-new live music performances include world-class tributes, nostalgic musical performances and chart-topping artists. Get ready to see your favorites on the Stanleyville Theater stage.

When: January 9th – February 25th 2024
Where: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Web: Real Music Series

Mecum Auction Collector Cars

As a previous owner of a 1949 Triumph Roadster, I love anything to do with old cars and this presentation of over 3,000 classic and collectors cars is as good as it gets. Mecum Kissimmee is the world’s largest collector car auction and almost every make of vehicle will be represented.

Entry is $20 and children aged 12 and under are free with a paying adult.

When: January 2nd – 14th 2024
Where: Osceola Heritage Park, 1875, Silver Spur Lane, Kissimmee
Web: MecumAuction

Busch Gardens Mardi Gras

Get ready for the good times to roll. Mardi Gras kicks off at Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay on January 15th and runs on select dates through March 4th 2024.

There will be open air New Orleans inspired entertainment and strolling performers throwing out festival beads. And it wouldn’t be Mardi Gras without delicious food – sample some signature shrimp po’ boy, hearty jambalaya or gumbo. Or munch on iconic sweet treats like beignets.

Food and beverage samplers are available at $34.99 for 5 samples, or $44.99 for 10 samples.

When: January 15th to March 5th 2024
Where: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Web: Mardi Gras at Busch Gardens

Epcot Festival of The Arts

Orlando in January brings culinary arts and visual arts to the Epcot Festival of the Arts. The event starts on January 12th 2024.

Culinary Art:
Where else can you eat great works of art?! Multiple Food Studios offer imaginative, art-inspired food and drink featuring clever culinary creations cooked up by Disney chefs. From signature dining to fast food kitchens, there’s a smorgasbord of edible delights available through the festival.

Visual Art:
A dazzling array of art is on display throughout World Showcase. Browse paintings, jewelry, chalk art, handcrafts and unique photo ops. Over 100 talented artists feature pieces in a wide variety of styles and disciplines. Explore Festival Markets, purchase new discoveries and meet the artists in person.

Live Entertainment:

Dazzling songs and show-stopping hits performed by Disney on Broadway stars.

Artful Fun for All Ages

• Disney on Broadway Concert Series – 3 shows every evening
• Over 100 Disney and visiting artists – displaying must-see masterpieces
• Showcase Plaza Stage – Musical acts and art defying gravity
• Drawing on Inspiration: Celebrating 50 Years of Magic – showcasing Disney Imagineers from around the world
• Artful Photo Ops – get unique selfies and photo’s
• Figment’s Brush with the Masters Scavenger Hunt
• The Animation Academy – features Disney artists giving step-by-step lessons in drawing Disney characters.
• Expression Section: Paint-by-Number Mural – help complete a larger-than-life piece of art created for the festival by Disney Imagineers.
• Chalk Art: On the bridge between Future World and World Showcase, check out the amazing 3D and 2D work of imaginative chalk artists. Chalk drawings of Disney characters are also tucked away in corners throughout World Showcase.
• Kid’s Chalk Art – where kids can create their own masterpiece
• Spin Art: Create your very own work of art by “spinning” them to life via a custom-made stationary bicycle.

See all Epcot Festivals

When: January 12th – February 19th 2024
Where: Epcot
Web: Festival of the Arts

Central Florida Scottish Highland Games

If you want to see what all the fuss was about in “Braveheart” come to the Scottish Highland Games and open your mind to an education on its’ history and culture.

Experience the stirring sounds of pipe and drum music and enjoy the fabulous highland dancing, archery competitions and sheepdog demonstrations.

The weekend is packed with highland athletics, dance, art, music, culture and food. For those who remember Off Kilter from long-standing performances at Epcot, here’s your chance to catch them again. They’ll be performing alongside the popular Enter the Haggis and a host of other artists.

When: January 13th & 14th 2024
Where: Central Winds Park, 1000 Central Winds Dr (East SR 434), Winter Springs
Web: Central Florida Scottish Highland Games

Pets on The Promenade

This day is all about fun for furry members of the family. Take your pooch along for some special pampering, treats and a day of fun for all the family with live music and entertainment. It’s free admission and free parking too.

Pets on The Promenade Features:

• Pet & Family Caricature Portraits – from The Art Family
• Pet Photography by HelgaZ Images
• Rock n Brews – $1 Doggy Meals
• River Street Sweets – Special Sweet Pink & Blue Dog Treats!
• Yappy Hour – special pricing on featured drinks and food specials from several Sunset Walk locations with pet friendly patios.

When: Sunday January 21st 2024 – 12-4pm
Where: Promenade at Sunset Walk, Margaritaville Resort Orlando
Web: Sunset Walk Events

Antiques & Collectors Extravaganza

This special three day extravaganza features over 800 vendors selling antiques, collectibles, vintage, and more. The show is outdoors, under open air buildings, tents and includes the Indoor Antiques Center and the Street of Shops at the Antiques Center.

Tickets Cost: Three Day Pass: $15, Friday: $10, Saturday: $6, Sunday: $4 – Parking is free

You can also visit the Flea and Farmers Market on both Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 4 pm. The Flea and Farmers Market are free admission to shop.

When: January 19, 20, 21, 2024 8 am to 5 pm
Where: Renningers Mount Dora Flea Market and Antique Center, 20651 US Highway 441 Mount Dora, FL 32757
Web: Renningers

Pups & Pints

Head to Lakeside Park in Celebration for a tasty bite to eat, live music and adult beverages in the ‘watering bowl,’ hosted by Celebration Brewing Co.

Pets are more than welcome and there will be a selection of pet centric vendors, a costume competition and dog shows to keep all ages entertained.

When: Saturday January 20th 2024 – 11am – 2pm
Where: Lakeside Park, 701 Front St, Kissimmee, FL 34747
Web: Pups & Pints

Night of Lights, St Augustine

Not Orlando or Central Florida, but well worthy of a mention if you’re looking for a day trip during your visit to Orlando.

The beautiful historic city of St. Augustine is well worth a visit, but through January there’s the added bonus of the Night of Lights. This wonderful and atmospheric city is decorated with over 2 million tiny white lights creating a winter wonderland.

It’s a 2 hour drive, so plan to make a full day visit or even stay overnight to explore even more of America’s oldest city.

When: Runs nightly through January 31st 2024
Where: St Augustine, Florida
Website: Night of Lights, St. Augustine

Rock The Universe 2024

January in Orlando brings us two nights of faith and fun at Universal Studios. The biggest stars in Christian music hit the stage. Plus, there’s a Saturday Ceremony with a touching message and a Sunday morning worship non denominational service.

Rock The Universe 2024 Tickets

• A single night Rock the Universe ticket is $83.99 giving admission after 4 p.m.
• Two-night tickets are $123.99.
• Bundle tickets are also available to include access to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay – See all ticket options

When: January 26th & 27th 2024 – 4pm-1am
Where: Universal Studios Florida
Web: Rock The Universe

Snowcat Ridge

If you want to experience real snow in Florida, then take a trip to Snowcat Ridge. There’s a flurry of fun to be had at this seasonal winter wonderland attraction. Theres snow tubing down 60-foot tall, 400-foot long snowy slopes, ice skating,  an alpine village, a bunny slope for children under 42 inches and magical light show and more.

And of course, you can build a real snowman!

When: Open on select dates until February 25th 2024
Where: 27839 Saint Joe Rd., Dade City, FL 33525
Web: Snowcat Ridge

So that about wraps it up for what’s happening in January in Orlando. We hope you enjoy some winter fun!

If you are visiting Orlando in January, we’d love to welcome you to one of our cozy Orlando Vacation Homes. An awesome alternative to hotels for comfort, space and privacy!