Things To Do In Orlando In January

Your complete guide to January in Orlando: the events and festivals worth planning around, what the weather and crowds are like, and the best tours to book this month.

Weather

Mild and dry, with average highs in the low 70s °F and cool mornings.

Crowds

Busy through New Year's, then some of the quietest weeks of the year.

Our tip

Great month for outdoor tours, springs and manatee viewing.

Events in Orlando in January

Dates change every year. Confirm with the organizer before you plan your trip.

Sports

Citrus Bowl

  • Around New Year's Day
  • Camping World Stadium, Downtown Orlando

One of college football's longest-running bowl games, played in Orlando every holiday season with a parade and fan events around town.

Tip: Book hotels early, since bowl week coincides with peak holiday crowds.

Sports

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

  • Early to mid January
  • Walt Disney World Resort

A multi-day runDisney event with races from a 5K to a full marathon that wind through the Disney theme parks.

Tip: Race registration sells out months ahead. Spectators should expect early road closures.

Festival

EPCOT International Festival of the Arts

  • Typically mid January through late February
  • EPCOT, Walt Disney World

Food studios, live performances, art workshops and gallery displays spread across World Showcase.

Tip: Included with EPCOT park admission. Food and art purchases are extra.

Best theme parks in Orlando
Holiday

Christmas at Gaylord Palms and ICE!

  • Mid November through early January
  • Gaylord Palms Resort, Kissimmee

A holiday tradition with a walk-through exhibit of hand-carved ice sculptures kept at chilly temperatures, plus ice tubing and holiday activities.

Tip: Parkas are provided for the ice exhibit. Timed tickets sell out on weekends.

Sports

Orlando Magic home games

  • NBA regular season, roughly late October through mid April
  • Kia Center, Downtown Orlando

Catch an NBA game downtown, an easy night out with restaurants and bars within walking distance.

Sports experiences in Orlando
Holiday

Universal Holidays

  • Mid November through early January
  • Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure

Holiday parades, Grinch-themed entertainment and a festive Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Christmas in Orlando guide
Holiday

SeaWorld Christmas Celebration

  • Select nights from mid November into early January
  • SeaWorld Orlando

Millions of lights, holiday shows and a giant Christmas tree display after dark.

Christmas in Orlando guide
Space

Rocket launches on the Space Coast

  • Year round, several times a month
  • Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral

Florida's Space Coast now hosts frequent launches, and many are visible from Orlando on clear days and nights.

Tip: Launch times move often. Book tours with free cancellation.

Kennedy Space Center tours

Every week

Market

Winter Park Farmers' Market

  • Every Saturday morning
  • Historic train depot, Winter Park

A beloved local market with produce, baked goods, flowers and coffee a block from Park Avenue.

Tip: Pair it with the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour nearby.

Best sightseeing tours
Market

Lake Eola Farmers Market

  • Every Sunday
  • Lake Eola Park, Downtown Orlando

Local vendors, food stalls and live music along the lake. Rent a swan boat while you are there.

Free things to do in Orlando
Market

Audubon Park Community Market

  • Monday evenings
  • Audubon Park Garden District, Orlando

An evening market with local farmers, food trucks and makers in one of Orlando's most walkable neighborhoods.

Manatee and springs tours for winter

Top-rated experiences with live prices and availability.

Browse all tours

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do in Orlando in January?

Popular January events include Citrus Bowl, Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, Christmas at Gaylord Palms and ICE!. Weekly favorites like the Winter Park and Lake Eola farmers markets run all year.

What is the weather like in Orlando in January?

Mild and dry, with average highs in the low 70s °F and cool mornings.

Is January a good time to visit Orlando?

Busy through New Year's, then some of the quietest weeks of the year. Great month for outdoor tours, springs and manatee viewing.