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:

• Lakeland Pig Fest – January 24th/25th 2025

See full details in our Central Florida BBQ Guide

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.

Regular Events at Sunset Walk:

Times are subject to change, please check the Sunset Walk events page for the latest info and more events.

• Sunset Live Nightly – Head to Promenade Plaza Stage for regional and local bands and artists – times vary – check calendar of events.
• Sunset Craft, Food & Drink Market – Thursdays from 6pm – Featuring the best art and décor vendors from across Central Florida and live music from 6pm. Plus venues of the Promenade bring delicious food and beverage menus to the streets of Sunset Walk.
• Dockside Duelling Piano’s at The Wharf – Every Friday from 9.30pm. Request your favorite tunes performed by the dynamic duo live pianos.
• 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.
• Sunset Saturday Artisan Market – from 6pm featuring local Craft and Specialty Vendors from across Central Florida.
• Sunday Car & Truck Show – January 12th 2025 – 11am to 2pm – Classic cars and trucks collectors from all eras showcase their vehicles. DJ Don pumps out classic rock music every second Sunday of each month.
• Sunday Latin Sunday – Estefan Kitchen, El Jefe Tequilas Taco Cantina and BR 77 Brazilian Steak House present Sunday-Latin-Sunday every Sunday on the Promenade Plaza Stage with live DJs spinning salsa, Latin pop, merengue, bachata and more.
• Pets on the Promenade – Sunday January 19th 2024 12-4pm – see below for full details.

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

January in Orlando: 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 4th & 5th 2025
Where: SeaWorld Orlando
Web: SeaWorld

Stetson Mansion Holiday Tours

The Stetson Mansion keeping the festive spirit going for January in Orlando, offering self guided tours.

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 18th 2025
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 and nostalgic musical performances in the Stanlyville Theater.

• January 13 – 18 – Direct from Sweden
• January 20 – 25 – Hotter Than July – Stevie Wonder Tribute
• January 27 – February 1 – Tapestry – The Carole King Songbook
• February 3 – 8 – Steve Michaels as Elvis
• February 10 – 15 – Magical Mystery Doors
• February 17 – 22 – E5C4P3 – Journey Tribute

When: Mondays – Saturdays January 6th through February 22nd 2025
Where: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Web: Real Music Series

January in Orlando: Mecum Auction Collector Cars

As a previous owner of a 1949 Triumph Roadster, I love anything to do with old cars and this event will feature an estimated 4500 classic and collectors vehicles. Mecum Kissimmee is the world’s largest collector car auction and almost every make of vehicle will be represented.

Entry is $30 for a 1 day ticket, $75 for a 3 day ticket. Children aged 12 and under are free.

When: January 7th – 19th 2025
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 11th and runs on select dates through March 2nd 2025.

There will be a Mardi Gras Parade, plus musical entertainment from Brass Animals playing jazz classics and the beats from Bourbon Street. To get your fill of festival beads, head to the Bead Balcony.

And it wouldn’t be Mardi Gras without delicious Cajun food – sample some signature shrimp po’ boy, hearty jambalaya or gumbo and more from multiple Festival Cabins.
Food and beverage samplers are available at $40 for 5 samples.

When: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from January 11th to March 2nd 2025
Where: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Web: Mardi Gras at Busch Gardens

Epcot Festival of The Arts

Disney is brining culinary and visual arts to January in Orlando with the Epcot Festival of the Arts starting January 17th 2025.

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.

January in Orlando: Artful Fun for All Ages

• Disney on Broadway Concert Series – 3 shows every evening
• Over 100 Disney and visiting artists – displaying must-see masterpieces
• Paint by Numbers Mural – help create a larger-than-life piece of art created for the festival by Disney Imagineers.
• Showcase Plaza Stage – Musical acts and art defying gravity
• 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.
• 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

See all Epcot Festivals

When: January 17th – February 24th 2025
Where: Epcot
Web: Festival of the Arts

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 17, 18, 19 2025 8 am to 5 pm
Where: Renningers Mount Dora Flea Market and Antique Center, 20651 US Highway 441 Mount Dora, FL 32757
Web: Renningers

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.

When: January 18th & 19th 2025
Where: Central Winds Park, 1000 Central Winds Dr (East SR 434), Winter Springs
Web: Central Florida Scottish Highland Games

January in Orlando: Pups & Pints

Head to Lakeside Park in Celebration with your pups for a tasty bite to eat, live music, pet centric vendors, pup portraits and a costume competition.

When: Saturday January 18th 2025 – 11am – 1pm
Where: Lakeside Park, Celebration.
Web: Pups & Pints

Pets on The Promenade

January in Orlando is all about fun for furry members of the family at The Promenade at Sunset Walk. 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:

• Rock n Brews –Complimentary Dog Meal with Paid Adult Entree
• River Street Sweets – Dog Bone Treats
• Bahama Buck’s Original Shaved Ice Company – Free Pup Cup
• El Jefe Tequilas Taco Cantina – Complimentary Dog Treats with Purchase

When: Sunday January 19th 2025 – 12-4pm
Where: Promenade at Sunset Walk, Margaritaville Resort Orlando
Web: Sunset Walk Events

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 2025
Where: St Augustine, Florida
Website: Night of Lights, St. Augustine

January in Orlando: Rock The Universe 2025

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 2025 Tickets

• A single night Rock the Universe ticket is $94.99 giving admission after 4 p.m.
• Two-night tickets are $134.99.
• Bundle tickets are also available to include access to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay – See all ticket options

When: January 24th & 25th 2025 – 4pm-1am
Where: Universal Studios Florida
Web: Rock The Universe

Morimoto Asia Ramen Rumble

Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs is once again holding the 7th Ramen Rumble on January 27th 2025.

Five of Central Florida’s top chefs will present a unique style of ramen for guests to sample and vote on. The winner will be awarded championship title of “Ramen Royalty of Central Florida,” plus bragging rights and the coveted “Broth Belt” trophy.

Ramen Rumble is presented in partnership with event founders, Sue and Jason Chin of Good Salt Restaurant Group, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Give Kids the World.

Tickets start at $95 for adults and $55 for children 9 and under for general admission, VIP Booths start at $650.  There are two seatings offered, at 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

When: January 27th 2025
Where: Morimoto Asia, Disney Springs
Web: Ramen Rumble

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 March 2 2025
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!