Orlando’s Must‑See January Events: Sports, Festivals, and Theme‑Park Highlights
Explore Orlando’s top January attractions—from the NFL Pro Bowl Presented by Verizon to ZORA! Festival, theme‑park festivities, and live concerts.
Whether you’re a sports fan, a theme‑park enthusiast, or a lover of live performances, Orlando offers a full calendar of activities this January. From the NFL Pro Bowl and the 31st Annual ZORA! Festival to the Citrus Bowl, North Shore Birding Festival, and a host of concerts and sporting events, there’s something for everyone.
Use our Orlando Events Calendar to find details around the dates you’ll be visiting. Whatever your interests, Orlando delivers unforgettable experiences.
Featured Events in Orlando for January
Jan. 1: VRBO Citrus Bowl
Held at Camping World Stadium in downtown Orlando, the Citrus Bowl—America’s seventh‑oldest collegiate bowl—pits Michigan against Alabama. Join a historic matchup that began in 1947 and celebrate football’s enduring tradition.
North Shore Birding Festival in Apopka Near Orlando
Jan. 16‑20: North Shore Birding Festival
Hosted by the Orange Audubon Society, this annual festival offers 37 field trips, three keynotes, and a range of activities—from photography and kayaking to a golf‑cart excursion—at Lake Apopka North Shore, a premier birding hotspot.
The festival is free, but most field trips and keynotes require registration fees (except the Jan. 16 keynote). Proceeds support the society’s nature and environmental center fund.
Jan. 22‑26: NFL Pro Bowl Week
The NFL Pro Bowl Presented by Verizon returns to Camping World Stadium for a week of football excitement. From Jan. 22‑25, enjoy a free, family‑friendly football festival at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Walt Disney World® Resort, featuring AFC/NFC team practices, fan viewings, and the Pro Bowl Skills Showdown.
On Jan. 25, the Pro Bowl Pep Rally at Disney Springs® builds anticipation for the Jan. 26 game. Use promo code “VISIT” at checkout for up to $10 off.
Jan. 25 – Feb. 2: 31st Annual ZORA! Festival
Founded in 1990, ZORA! Festival—named for author Zora Neale Hurston—offers public talks, museum exhibitions, theatrical productions, arts‑education programming, and a three‑day Outdoor Festival of the Arts. The event unfolds mainly in Eatonville and throughout Orange County.
Theme Park Events in Orlando for January
Holiday Celebrations at Universal Orlando Resort
Prior to visiting Orlando’s world‑famous theme parks, browse Visit Orlando’s authorized discount tickets for Walt Disney World®, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld® Orlando, and LEGOLAND® Florida Resort.
Through Jan. 5: Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando welcomes all to a resort‑wide holiday celebration. Guests enjoy free festivities, including Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter®, Diagon Alley, and Hogsmeade, a Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, and the Grinchmas Who‑liday Spectacular at Islands of Adventure.
Through Jan. 5: Holiday Celebrations at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® & Disney’s Animal Kingdom®
Enjoy holiday décor and shows—Toy Story Land’s festive decorations, Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!, a laser projection show, and “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing‑Along.” In Animal Kingdom, experience Discovery Island’s winter wonderland, Donald’s Dino‑Bash, and a celebration of India’s Diwali.
Epcot® International Festival of the Arts at Walt Disney World® Resort (Photo by Harrison Cooney & © Disney)
Jan. 17 – Feb. 24: Epcot® International Festival of the Arts
The annual festival invites guests to experience visual, culinary, and performing arts—live concerts, art workshops, and interactive exhibits—at no extra cost beyond park admission.
Highlights include art galleries, workshops, festival markets, live performances, and family‑friendly activities such as Figment’s Brush With the Masters Scavenger Hunt and the Animation Academy drawing classes.
Jan. 24‑25: Rock the Universe at Universal Orlando Resort
Enjoy two nights of powerful Christian music performances from TobyMac, Chris Tomlin, Newsboys, and more. The event features autograph sessions, live DJ performances, and a youth worship service.
Jan. 25: Inaugural SeaWorld Rescue Run
SeaWorld Orlando’s first Rescue Run supports the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. Participants enjoy scenic park paths, animal encounters, a kids’ run, and a closing Killer Whale Show.
Last Chance: 2019 Holiday Events for January
Time’s Running Out for Fun Holiday Events in Orlando
The following special events returned in 2019 and are still available in January:
- Through Jan. 5: Colorful Christmas at Crayola Experience
- Through Jan. 5: Light Up UCF: Snowy Nights and Sparkling Lights
- Through Jan. 5: Oh What Fun!: A Holiday Festival
- Through Jan. 5: Christmas Tree Trail at Disney Springs®
Live Theater, Concerts, Comedy and More in Orlando for January
Orlando’s venues host a vibrant lineup of live performances this month. Click each event for details.
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (Downtown Orlando)
- Jan. 7: Swan Lake
- Jan. 11: Aretha — A Tribute to the Queen of Soul
- Jan. 12: The Glenn Miller Orchestra
- Jan. 22‑Feb. 9: Aladdin, the Broadway Musical
Bob Carr Theater (Downtown Orlando)
- Jan. 25: Tchaikovsky’s Greatest Hits
Amway Center (Downtown Orlando)
- Jan. 17‑20: Jurassic World Live
Hard Rock Live (Universal CityWalk)
- Jan. 17: Keith Sweat
- Jan. 25: Iliza Shlesinger
House of Blues (Disney Springs)
- Jan. 4: In the End & Audioecho — Tribute to Linkin Park & Chris Cornell
- Jan. 10: Grace Potter
- Jan. 11: Slander Presents The Eye
- Jan. 15: Motion City Soundtrack
- Jan. 17: Departure — Tribute to Journey
- Jan. 18: Jonny Lang
- Jan. 21: The Dead South — Served Cold Tour
- Jan. 25: Totally ’80s Live With The Motels
- Jan. 26: Machine Head
- Jan. 30: Citizen Cope
- Jan. 31: Ultimate ’80s Party Featuring Tiffany
Garden Theatre (Winter Garden)
- Jan. 4: Sandy Shuggart
Orlando Museum of Art (Loch Haven Park)
- Jan. 9: 1st Thursdays — UCF Eclectic Knights
- Jan. 11: Keynote Lecture With Dr. Casey Riley
The Mennello Museum of American Art (Loch Haven Park)
- Jan. 4‑5: Museums on Us Weekend
- Jan. 26: Yoga in the Sculpture Garden
Ace Café Orlando (Downtown Orlando)
- Jan. 18: British Lion (Featuring Steve Harris of Iron Maiden)
- Jan. 25: Black Flag
The Plaza Live (Milk District)
- Jan. 19: Jesse Cook
- Jan. 21: The Robert Cray Band
- Jan. 22: Gaelic Storm
- Jan. 27: Kris Kristofferson
- Jan. 28: Lucinda Williams
- Jan. 31: Raphael Saadiq
Movie Events in Orlando for January
Catch classic films on the big screen at these events. Click each movie for details.
Enzian Theater (Maitland)
- Jan. 5: Uncomfortable Brunch — Dancer in the Dark
- Jan. 6: Sundance Shorts
- Jan. 12: Science on the Screen — The Bit Player
- Jan. 19: Central Florida Film Slam
Sports & Outdoors Events in Orlando for January
Cheer on Orlando’s professional teams and enjoy outdoor activities. The Orlando Magic and Orlando Solar Bears play home games at the Amway Center; the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is at Walt Disney World® Resort.
Orlando Magic
- Jan. 3: vs. Miami Heat
- Jan. 4: vs. Utah Jazz
- Jan. 6: vs. Brooklyn Nets
- Jan. 8: vs. Washington Wizards
- Jan. 22: vs. Oklahoma Thunder
- Jan. 24: vs. Boston Celtics
- Jan. 26: vs. Los Angeles Clippers
Orlando Solar Bears
- Jan. 5: vs. Brampton Beast
- Jan. 23: vs. Jacksonville Icemen
- Jan. 25: vs. Greenville Swamp Rabbits
- Jan. 27: vs. Jacksonville Icemen
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
- Jan. 17‑20: Disney Girls Soccer Showcase
- Jan. 24‑26: Sand Dollar/Whitlow Invitationals
More Sports Events
- Jan. 9‑12: Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Presented by Cigna
- Jan. 18: Park Ave 5K Presented by AdventHealth
- Jan. 19: NAVC Fun(d) Run/Walk With a Pet
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