Events On The Town: January 2018
37 Special Events and 10 fundraisers happening in the month of January.
CHRISTMAS AT THE LEU HOUSE
Through Jan. 3: See this historic, 11-room house decorated for Christmas by local interior designers. Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando. 407-246-2620. leugardens.org
HOLIDAYS AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
Through Jan. 6: It’s Christmas at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with Diagon Alley on the Universal Studios side and Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure decorated with festive décor and brilliant lighting. The Grinchmas Who-liday returns and the Minions join Santa Claus in the all-new Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. universalorlando.com
THREE KINGS DAY CELEBRATION
Through Jan. 6: Commemorate the arrival of the Three Wise Men at this new event closing the holiday season with festive cuisine and celebratory experiences honoring the cherished traditions of Latin cultures. SeaWorld Orlando, 7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando. seaworldparks.com
HOLIDAY HOME TOUR AT PINEWOOD ESTATE
Through Jan. 7: Capture the holiday spirit when you tour the 20-room Mediterranean-style mansion at Bok Tower Gardens, decorated with holiday themes from the past. Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. 863-676-1408. boktowergardens.org
CHRISTMAS AT GAYLORD PALMS
Through Jan. 7: Delight in a celebration of cultures displayed with 2 million pounds of ICE! Also enjoy eight lanes of snow tubing, breakfast with Charlie Brown & Friends, a gingerbread decorating corner, and hunt out all the hiding bears at the Build-A-Bear Workshop Scavenger Hunt. Gaylord Palms, 6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee. christmasatgaylordpalms.com
WINTER IN THE PARK
Through Jan. 7: Ice skating comes to Winter Park with a rink, holiday music and more. Skate rental included with the admission. Hours vary. West Meadow, Central Park, Winter Park. 407-599-3203. cityofwinterpark.org
STETSON MANSION CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR
Through Jan. 15: Now a private estate, this historic Volusia County mansion opens each year for special Christmas tours. Reservations required. Stetson Mansion, 1031 Camphor Lane, DeLand. stetsonmansion.com
FIRST THURSDAYS AT ORLANDO MUSEUM OF ART
Jan. 4: “Orlando’s original art party” has a themed exhibit each month featuring local artists, plus live music, cash bar, and lots of networking and socializing. This month’s theme focuses on selfies and how they fit in the modern world, as well as how they relate to past art masterpieces. 2416 N. Mills Ave., Orlando. 407-896-4231. omart.org
MECUM COLLECTOR CAR AUCTION
Jan. 5-14: Expect to see thousands of antique, muscle and exotic cars for sale, along with old auto signs, hood ornaments and other memorabilia. Osceola Heritage Park, 1875 Silver Spur Lane, Kissimmee. mecum.com
WINTER MUSIC SERIES AT THE WINERY
Jan. 6, 13, 20 & 27: Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards offers live music on Saturday afternoons in January, with bands performing on an outdoor stage. Along with complimentary winery tours and tastings, food, wine and soft drinks are available for purchase. Noon to 4 p.m. 19239 N. U.S. Highway 27, Clermont. lakeridgewinery.com
NATURE CONNECTS ART WITH LEGO BRICKS
Jan. 6-Apr. 22: This exhibit using 450,000 bricks making larger-than-life sculptures such as a 6-foot hummingbird towering over a trumpet flower. Price included with admission. Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando. 407-246-2620. leugardens.org
CRAFTS & CULTURE MARKET
Jan. 7: Happening the first Sunday of every month, this outdoor family-friendly event features a kid’s corner, food trucks, artisan vendors, and music. Free. 100 E. Kennedy Blvd., Eatonville. Search Eatonville Cultural and Heritage Foundation Inc. on Facebook.
ART AND MUSIC IN THE PARK
Jan. 12: Artwork and live music in the park between Casselberry City Hall and Lake Concord. Food trucks and other vendors on site as well. 6 p.m. Free. Casselberry City Hall, 95 Triplet Lake Drive, Casselberry. 407-262-7700, Ext. 1507.
THORNTON PARK 2ND THURSDAY ART AND WINE WALK
Jan. 11: Artists display works for sale along the streets and inside local businesses. Free, but $15 gets you a glass (pay and pickup at Olde Town Brokers) and a map of participating businesses. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Summerlin Avenue and Washington Street. thorntonparkdistrict.com
SANFORD’S ALIVE AFTER FIVE STREET PARTY
Jan. 11: AA5 is Central Florida’s largest recurring monthly street party with live music, local artists, and food and beverage samplings. 5-8 p.m. 230 E. First St., Sanford. sanfordwelcomecenter.com
MOUNT DORA 2ND FRIDAY ART SPLASH
Jan. 12: An evening of art, music and hors d’oeuvres to showcase the work of regional artists, on display at several walking-distance venues. Free. 6-8 p.m. 138 E. Fifth Ave., Mount Dora. mountdoracenterforthearts.org
EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
Jan. 12–Feb. 19: The trifecta of fabulous with artistic cuisine, visual arts to see and become a part of, and live entertainment from local bands to Broadway musicals. Included with park admission. Walt Disney World Epcot Showcase, 200 Epcot Center Dr, Orlando. disneyworld.disney.go.com
OTRONICON
Jan. 12-15: See cutting-edge technologies from the video-game and simulation industries, including military and medical simulators. Meet industry leaders and learn more about STEM (science-technology-engineering-math) careers. And this year, adults can enjoy an Otronicon edition of Science Night Live from 8-11:30 p.m. on Jan. 3. Orlando Science Center, 777 E. Princeton St., Orlando. otronicon.org
MARVEL UNIVERSE LIVE! AGE OF HEROES
Jan. 12-15: Spider-Man, the Avengers and the Guardians of the Galaxy join forces with Doctor Strange for an action-packed, legendary battle to defend the universe from evil. Amway Center, 400 W Church St., Orlando. Check website for show times. marveluniverselive.com
ORLANDO MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. PARADE
Jan. 13: Bands, Boy Scouts and many other civic groups march through Downtown Orlando. The parade, sponsored by the Southwest Orlando Jaycees, begins at 10 a.m. at Orange Avenue and Livingston Street, heads south on Orange, east on Central Boulevard and north on Rosalind Avenue, ending back at Livingston. swojaycees.com
EATONVILLE MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. PARADE
Jan. 13: The nation’s oldest incorporated African-American municipality begins its parade at 2 p.m. on Kennedy Boulevard near the center of town. townofeatonville.com
CENTRAL FLORIDA SCOTTISH HIGHLAND GAMES
Jan. 13-14: Whether you look good in plaid or not, you can appreciate the strength and skill displayed by the games’ athletic competitors, dancers, pipers and drummers. Exhibits and concessions featuring all things Scottish. Event times are subject to change. Central Winds Park, Winter Springs. flascot.com
SANFORD MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. PARADE
Jan. 15: Parade begins at 10 a.m. on Goldsboro Boulevard and goes to South Holly Avenue. It’s followed by a noon-4 p.m. rally in Fort Mellon Park. sanfordfl.gov
3RD THURSDAY GALLERY HOP & ART WALK
Jan. 18: Visitors converge on the core of Orlando’s Downtown Arts District to browse the galleries and non-traditional art venues that spotlight the best of established and emerging Orlando-based artists. 6 p.m. City Arts Factory, 29 S. Orange Ave., Orlando. orlandoslice.com
WINTER PARK INSTITUTE
Noted authors, historians and experts in their fields speak on a variety of disciplines. rollins.edu/rollins-winter-park-institute
Candy Chang—Before I Die, A Participatory Art Project
Jan. 18: In her captivating and intimate talks, Chang demystifies the creative process, inspires personal reflection and provokes new ideas for community and wellbeing. 7:30 p.m., Tiedtke Concert Hall, Rollins College, 1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park
WINTER PARK UNITY HERITAGE FESTIVAL
Jan. 18: Join the mayor and city officials in the Hannibal Square neighborhood for a special Martin Luther King, Jr. symbolic program, including the annual Heritage activities with food and music. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Shady Park, 721 W. New England Ave., Winter Park. cityofwinterpark.org
PORCELAIN ART SHOW
Jan. 18 -20: Hand-painted porcelain art pieces are on display and available for sale; demonstrations and technique sessions are also scheduled. Featured guest artist: Wilma Manhardt. Thursday 1-5 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Park Inn Resort and Conference Center, 3011 Maingate Lane, Kissimmee. flwocp.com
MONSTER JAM
Jan. 20: Oversized, high-powered trucks, and new and old favorites compete for a place in the Monster Jam World Finals. Gates open at 5 p.m.; the show begins at 7 p.m. Camping World Stadium, One Citrus Bowl Place, Orlando. monsterjam.com
METROPOLITAN OPERA NATIONAL COUNCIL AUDITIONS/VOCAL COMPETITION
Jan. 20: As many as 40 young, classically trained singers compete for the opportunity to sing on stage at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Trinity Preparatory School, 5700 Trinity Prep Lane, Winter Park. 407-922-4688. metauditionsflorida.org
ZORA! FESTIVAL
Jan. 20-28: This weeklong series of events celebrates the life of author and folklorist Zora Neale Hurston and her hometown of Eatonville. The 29th annual festival offers arts, cultural and humanities programs; museum exhibits; panel discussions; music; and a three-day street party, the Outdoor Festival of the Arts. Most events are free and open to the public. Zora Neale Hurston National Museum, 227 E. Kennedy Blvd., Eatonville. zorafestival.org
SANFORD ART WALK
Jan. 20: Explore galleries and art spaces in and around First Street between Magnolia and Sanford avenues. Discover this river town’s culture and nightlife, food and art. 6-9 p.m. sanfordartwalk.com, sanfordwelcomecenter.com
MEAD GARDENS ANNUAL AIR POTATO RAID
Jan. 24: If you like scavenger or Easter Egg hunts, you’ll love this air potato roundup. Come join the fun and help rid Mead Botanical Garden of this invasive plant species. Registration at 8:30, with the hunt from 9 a.m.-noon. Mead Botanical Gardens, 1500 S. Denning Drive, Winter Park. meadgarden.org
GLADDENING LIGHT SYMPOSIUM
Jan. 25-28: Join NPR host Krista Tippett, in conversation with two-term U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins. A.O. Scott, author of Better Living Through Criticism will speak, and all will participate on a panel to ponder the art of composition and criticism with Gustavo Santaolalla, film score composer for Brokeback Mountain. Events take place at various locations throughout Winter Park. 407-647-3963. gladdeninglight.org
A CELEBRATION OF HARRY POTTER
Jan. 26-28: All things Potter, including Q&A sessions with select cast members from the movies, “A Celebration of Harry Potter” Expo, and discussion panels and demonstrations examining various aspects of the Harry Potter stories. Included with general admission ticket. Universal Studios Florida, Orlando.
universalorlando.com
ORANGE CITY BLUE SPRINGS MANATEE FESTIVAL
Jan. 27-28: Typically, 100 or more manatees visit the springs each winter. Celebrate this unique mammal and enjoy live music, crafts, face-painting, dancing, and rides. Valentine Park, Orange City. themanateefestival.com
IMAGES—A FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
Jan. 26-28: The Atlantic Center for the Arts hosts this juried art show in Riverside Park, New Smyrna Beach. With live music, children’s art activities, food and drink. Free. atlanticcenterforthearts.org
CONNECT WITH NATURE DAY
Jan. 27: Explore nature with hands-on activities, crafts and a scavenger hunt. Dig up dinosaur bones or create a clay figurine to take home, learn how fossils form, create a dinosaur hat, experience prehistoric wonder with live alligators, plus more. Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando. 407-246-2620. leugardens.org
WORLD OF GOOD
January Fundraisers
1/3-7
WALT DISNEY WORLD MARATHON WEEKEND, benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista.
rundisney.com/disneyworld-marathon
1/4-20
TORCH ICON CAMPAIGN, benefits Special Olympics Florida. Publix stores throughout Orlando and across the state. 352-243-9536, ext. 530, specialolympicsflorida.org
1/8
SOUNDS OF MUSIC, benefits the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. Plaza Live Orlando. friendsorlandophil.org
1/12-14
DIAMOND RESORTS INVITATIONAL, benefits the Florida Hospital for Children. Tranquilo Golf Club at Four Seasons Resort at Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando. diamondresortsinvitational.com
1/20
PARK AVENUE 5K, benefits the Track Shack Youth Foundation. Central Park, Winter Park. trackshack.com
1/26-27
LAKELAND PIG FEST, benefits several Lakeland charities. SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus, Lakeland. lakelandpigfest.org
1/27
CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS, benefits the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens. friendsorlandophil.org
FIRE IN THE PARK CHILI COOKOFF FOR A CURE, benefits the Florida Hospital for Children’s Pediatric Oncology. Downtown Avalon Park, Orlando. avalonparkchilicookoff.com
FLORIDA HOSPITAL LADY TRACK SHACK 5K, benefits the Florida Hospital Breast Cancer Care Fund. Loch Haven Park, Orlando. trackshack.com
5K RUN & WALK FOR RA, benefits the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation. Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake, Orlando. helpfightra.org
