January is one of the best months to experience Orlando. Cooler temperatures, lighter crowds, and a packed calendar of festivals and outdoor activities make it the perfect time to explore the city beyond the theme parks. Whether you’re a foodie, art lover, or outdoor enthusiast, here are five can’t-miss things to do in Orlando this January.
Top 5 Things to Do in Orlando This January
January is one of the best months to experience Orlando. Cooler temperatures, lighter crowds, and a packed calendar of festivals and outdoor activities make it the perfect time to explore the city beyond the theme parks. Whether you’re a foodie, art lover, or outdoor enthusiast, here are five can’t-miss things to do in Orlando this January.
1. EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
📍 EPCOT, Walt Disney World
Kicking off mid-January, EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts blends visual art, live performances, and creative cuisine into one immersive experience. Guests can explore art galleries, interactive exhibits, Broadway-style concerts, and festival-exclusive food booths inspired by art and culture from around the world.
2. Visit the Orlando Farmers Market
📍 Lake Eola Park – Downtown Orlando
Held every Sunday, the Orlando Farmers Market is especially enjoyable in January’s cooler weather. Browse local vendors offering fresh produce, baked goods, artisan crafts, and specialty foods while enjoying live music and views of Lake Eola. It’s a relaxed way to spend a weekend morning downtown.
3. Take Advantage of Orlando’s Outdoor Spaces
📍 Throughout Orlando & Orange County
January’s mild temperatures make it ideal for outdoor activities. Rent a swan boat at Lake Eola, walk or bike the West Orange Trail, kayak through Shingle Creek, or explore local parks like Leu Gardens and Mead Botanical Garden. It’s the perfect time to enjoy Orlando without the summer heat.
4. Attend a Magic or Solar Bears Game
📍 Kia Center & Amway Center
January is peak season for Orlando’s sports scene. Catch the Orlando Magic during NBA season or attend an Orlando Solar Bears hockey game for fast-paced, family-friendly entertainment. Both venues offer an energetic atmosphere and an easy night out.
5. Explore Winter Park’s Park Avenue
📍 Winter Park, FL
Park Avenue shines in January with pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Spend the day shopping local boutiques, dining at sidewalk cafés, visiting the Morse Museum, or taking a scenic boat tour through the Winter Park canals. It’s a great escape just minutes from downtown Orlando.
January in Orlando: What to Expect
With cooler weather, fewer tourists, and a full calendar of cultural events, January is one of the best times to explore Orlando like a local. From festivals and farmers markets to outdoor adventures and sporting events, the city offers something for everyone to start the year off right.
