January 2021 Calendar
What’s happening in the area this month in theater, film, music, art and more.
The exhibit, “Pompeii—The Immortal City” tells the story of the ancient Roman city and its inhabitants, before and after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D., at the Orlando Science Center. (ROBERTO GONZALEZ)
SPECIAL EVENTS
HOLIDAYS AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
Through Jan. 3: Muggles are invited to spend the holiday in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter as Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley are transformed for the season. Visitors can watch Universal’s Holiday Parade and the live show “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular.” Activities included in park admission. Universal Orlando Resort, 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando. universalorlando.com
I LOVE CHRISTMAS MOVIES AT GAYLORD PALMS
Through Jan. 3: Travel restrictions on the Chinese artisans who sculpt the massive ice displays for Gaylord Palms’ annual ICE! extravaganza prompted the hotel chain to brainstorm a new event: an interactive, pop-up experience with holiday movie favorites such as “Polar Express,” “Elf’” and “A Christmas Story.” Families can also enjoy ice slides and ice tubing, photos with Santa, a dazzling light show and more. 6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee. christmasatgaylordpalms.marriott.com
NIGHT OF A MILLION LIGHTS
Through Jan. 3: Give Kids the World Village comes alive each night with a spectacular, walk-through holiday display of more than 3 million lights. Enjoy treats, storybook attractions and accessible rides. Give Kids the World Village, 210 S. Bass Road, Kissimmee. gktw.org
LEU GARDENS DAZZLING NIGHTS
Through Jan. 3: The 50-acre Leu Gardens is transformed into a holiday wonderland for an interactive experience featuring a 30-foot-tall Christmas tree, a forest of lights and fog, a 65-foot tunnel of lights and, of course, snow and holiday music. 5:30-9 p.m. Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando. 407-246-2620. dazzlingorlando.com
NEW YEAR’S DAY IN THE GARDENS
Jan. 1: Start your New Year’s resolutions with fresh air and a hike along the beautiful grounds of the Bok Tower Gardens. Enjoy carillon concerts featuring holiday classics at 1 and 3 p.m. Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. 863-676-1408. boktowergardens.org
MECUM COLLECTOR CAR AUCTION
Jan. 7-17: 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
ZORA! FESTIVAL
Jan. 7-31: This year the festival is a hybrid with virtual and in-person programming to celebrate the life of author and folklorist Zora Neale Hurston and her hometown of Eatonville. The 32nd annual festival offers arts, cultural and humanities programs, museum exhibits, panel discussions, music and tours of historic Eatonville. Zora Neale Hurston National Museum, 344 E. Kennedy Blvd., Eatonville. zorafestival.org
EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
Jan. 8-Feb. 22: The trifecta of fabulous with artistic cuisine, visual arts to see and become a part of, and live entertainment. Included with park admission. Walt Disney World Epcot Showcase, 200 Epcot Center Drive, Orlando. disneyworld.disney.go.com
AN EMPOWERING NIGHT OF LAUGHTER
Jan. 21: Nine of Orlando’s fearlessly funny women step out of their comfort zones and take center stage to perform a comedic routine they’ve written themselves. Mixer begins at 6 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m. Quantum Leap Winery, 1312 Wilfred Drive, Orlando. 407-730-3082. empoweringnightoflaughter.com
ORANGE CITY BLUE SPRINGS MANATEE FESTIVAL
Jan. 23-24: Each winter, 100 or more manatees visit the warm waters of the springs. Celebrate this unique aquatic mammal and enjoy live music, crafts, face painting, dancing, rides and, of course, manatee viewing. Valentine Park, Orange City. themanateefestival.com
FLORIDA STORYTELLING FESTIVAL
Jan. 28-31: The festival goes virtual this year, with storytelling “concerts,” workshops and competitions, Swapping Grounds, a Story Slam and Youthful Voices. 352-234-6422. flstory.com
DIN-O-NIGHT AT LEU GARDENS
Jan. 29: Bring a flashlight and explore “Jurassic Gardens” by night and learn about some of the dinosaurs that once roamed the Earth. Exhibit features dinosaur figures ranging in size from 14-inches long to 33-feet tall. 6-9 p.m. Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando. 407-246-2620. leugardens.org
SHEN YUN
Jan. 30-Feb. 4: Experience a lost culture through the art of classical Chinese dance as legends come to life through stunning costumes, high-tech backdrops and orchestral music. Tuesday & Thursday 2 p.m., Wednesday & Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 1 & 6 p.m. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 844-513-2014. drphillipscenter.org
