SPECIAL EVENTS
CHRISTMAS AT BOK TOWER GARDENS
Through Jan. 5: The 1930s Mediterranean-style Pinewood Estate mansion is decorated for the Christmas season. 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. 863-676-1408. The gardens are open daily 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; home tours are from 10 a.m-5 p.m. boktowergardens.org
GAYLORD ICE!
Through Jan. 5: The Polar Express comes to Gaylord Palms with interactive ice sculptures and displays featuring iconic scenes from the story. Children can also enjoy ice slides and ice tubing. 6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee. 407-586-4423. tickets.gaylordpalms.com
HOLIDAYS AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
Through Jan. 5: 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
LIGHT UP UCF
Through Jan. 5: Central Florida families and residents can enjoy an affordable winter wonderland with ice skating, rides and holiday attractions. Addition Financial Arena, University of Central Florida main campus, 12777 N. Gemini Blvd., Orlando. lightupucf.com
STETSON MANSION CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR
Through Jan. 15: Tour guides share the details of the decorations and historic highlights of the mansion including the story of the current owner’s extensive restoration. Reservations required. Stetson Mansion, 1031 Camphor Lane, DeLand. stetsonmansion.com
NEW YEAR’S DAY CARILLON CONCERT
Jan. 1: Ring in the new year with a Singing Tower concert. Included with general admission. 1 & 3 p.m. Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. 863-676-1408. boktowergardens.org
MECUM COLLECTOR CAR AUCTION
Jan. 2-12: 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. 4, 11, 18 & 25: 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
F.U.N. CONVENTION
Jan. 9-12: Florida United Numismatists host this annual event for buying, selling and appraising coins, paper currency, tokens, medals and similar items. Free. Thursday-Friday 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Orange County Convention Center, 9800 International Drive, Orlando. funtopics.com
OTRONICON
Jan. 17-20: 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. Orlando Science Center, 777 E. Princeton St., Orlando. otronicon.org
JURASSIC WORLD LIVE TOUR
Jan. 17-20: Experience being face-to-face with life-sized dinosaurs, including Tyrannosaurus Rex, the Velociraptor Blue and many other favorites from the movie in a show full of special effects and physical stunts. Friday 7:30 & 11:20 p.m., Saturday 3 & 7 p.m., Sunday 1 & 5 p.m., Monday 1 p.m. Amway Center, 400 W. Church St., Orlando. 407-440-7000. amwaycenter.com
EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
Jan. 17-Feb. 24: 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
ORLANDO MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. PARADE
Jan. 18: Sponsored by the Southwest Orlando Jaycees, the parade is intended to remind the community of “the most precious gifts in life.” Begins at 10 a.m. at the Orange County Courthouse, 425 N. Orange Ave., and ends at Lake Eola Park. eventbrite.com
EATONVILLE MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. PARADE
Jan. 18: 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. 18-19: 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. Saturday 8 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday 8:45 a.m.-5 p.m. Central Winds Park, Winter Springs. flascot.com
AN EMPOWERING NIGHT OF LAUGHTER
Jan. 22: 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. The Abbey, 100 S. Eola Drive #100, Orlando. 407-704-6261. abbeyorlando.com
FLORIDA STORYTELLING FESTIVAL
Jan. 23-26: Storytelling “concerts,” workshops and competitions, a Swapping Grounds, Story Slam, Front Porch Storytelling and a story cruise on Lake Dora. Lakeside Inn, 100 N. Alexander St., Mount Dora. flstory.com
ROCK THE UNIVERSE
Jan. 24-25: Faith mixed with fun at Universal Studios Orlando, starting with Christian music concerts headlined by Toby Mac, Chris Tomlin, Newboys United, Switchfoot and more. Also, a moving Saturday night Ceremony and the FanZone presented by Coca-Cola, plus access to all attractions in the theme park. Separate park ticket required. 4 p.m.-1 a.m. Universal Studios, 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando. universalorlando.com
IMAGES ART FESTIVAL
Jan. 24-26: Presented by the Atlantic Center for the Arts, this weekend of festivities includes fine art displays, live music, demonstrations, food trucks, spirit garden, student art exhibit and a creative education tent with hands-on art projects. Friday 1-5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. imagesartfestival.org
THE HULLABALOO IN THORNTON PARK
Jan. 25: Sugar Ray and Eve 6 headline this all-day beach-themed festival with professional wakeboarders performing stunts, food trucks and cocktails, plus activities throughout the day. 2-10 p.m. Lake Eola Park, 512 E. Washington St., Orlando. eventbrite.com
ORANGE CITY BLUE SPRINGS MANATEE FESTIVAL
Jan. 25-26: 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
ZORA! FESTIVAL
Jan. 25-Feb. 2: This weeklong series of events celebrates the life of author and folklorist Zora Neale Hurston and her hometown of Eatonville. The 31st annual festival offers arts, cultural and humanities programs; museum exhibits; panel discussions; music; and 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
ONGOING EVENTS
EATONVILLE CRAFTS & CULTURE MARKET
Jan. 5: Experience the history, heritage and culture that is the historic Town of Eatonville with storytellers, performers, reenactments, local merchants and more. Free. 1-5 p.m. 100
E. Kennedy Blvd., Eatonville. eatonvillechf.com
STORY TIME AT LEU GARDENS
Jan. 6: The Orange County Library System comes to the gardens to share stories and songs with infants at 10 a.m., toddlers at 10:20 a.m., and preschoolers at 10:40 a.m. Free. 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando. 407-246-2620. leugardens.org
FIRST THURSDAYS AT OMA
Jan. 9: Rescheduled to the second Thursday for January. Mingle with local artists and view their work, enjoy live music and walk through the galleries of the Orlando Museum of Art. Food and drink available for purchase. This month’s theme: “UCF Eclectic Knights XI” 6-9 p.m. Orlando Museum of Art, 2416
N. Mills Ave., Orlando. omart.org
THORNTON PARK 2ND THURSDAY ART AND WINE WALK
Jan. 9: 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 5 STREET PARTY
Jan. 9: Central Florida’s largest recurring street party is a monthly gathering with live music, local artists, and food and beverage samples. 5 p.m. 230 E. First St., Sanford. sanfordwelcomecenter.com
ART AND MUSIC IN THE PARK
Jan. 10: 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. casselberry.org
MOUNT DORA 2ND FRIDAY ART IN THE ALLEY
Jan. 10: Downtown galleries are open to the public while art exhibitors and musicians line Royellou Lane showcasing original works, handmade goods and acoustic sounds. Free. Galleries open 6-8 p.m. Sidewalk exhibitions until 9 p.m. 138 E. Fifth Ave., Mount Dora. mountdoracenterforthearts.org
3RD THURSDAY GALLERY HOP & ART WALK
Jan. 16: Visitors converge on the core of Orlando’s Downtown Arts District to browse the galleries and nontraditional art venues that spotlight the best of established and emerging Orlando-based artists. 6 p.m. Rogers Kiene Building, 39 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 3rdthu.com
EVENING EXCHANGE
Jan. 17: Every third Friday meet at East End Market for interactive workshops and a chance to browse wares from more than 30 artisan makers, plus culinary demonstrations, specialty cocktail bars and food specials. 3201 Corrine Drive, Orlando. 321-236-3316. eastendmkt.com
WORLD OF GOOD
TORCH ICON CAMPAIGN
Jan. 1-12: Benefits Special Olympics Florida. Publix stores throughout Orlando and across the state. specialolympicsflorida.org
SOUNDS OF MUSIC
Jan. 6: Benefits the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. Plaza Live Orlando. friendsorlandophil.org
WALT DISNEY WORLD MARATHON WEEKEND
Jan. 8-12: Benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista. rundisney.com/disneyworld-marathon
DIAMOND RESORTS TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS
Jan. 16-19: Tranquilo Golf Course at Four Seasons Golf and Sports Club Orlando, Lake Buena Vista. golf.diamondresorts.com
5K RUN & WALK FOR RA
Jan. 18: Benefits the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation. Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake, Orlando. helpfightra.org
PARK AVENUE 5K
Jan. 18: Benefits the Track Shack Youth Foundation. Central Park, Winter Park. trackshack.com
100th ANNUAL GALA—1920s CASINO NIGHT
Jan. 24: Supports The Sharing Center and the City of Sanford Chamber of Commerce. SouthEast Ramp at Sanford Airport. 407-322-2212. sanfordchamber.com
A CINDERELLA STORY—BALLET BALL 2020
Jan. 25: Benefits the Orlando Ballet. Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre, Orlando. orlandoballet.org
FIRE IN THE PARK CHILI COOKOFF FOR A CURE
Jan. 25: Benefits AdventHealth for Children’s Pediatric Oncology. Downtown Avalon Park, Orlando. avalonparkchilicookoff.com
LAKELAND PIG FEST
Jan. 25: Benefits several Lakeland charities. SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus, Lakeland. lakelandpigfest.org
Coming Up…
TRASH2TRENDS
Feb. 1: Benefits Keep Orlando Beautiful. Local designers create runway looks from items headed to the landfill. Ports of Call, SeaWorld Orlando. 2020trash2trends.eventbrite.com
GO RED FOR WOMEN LUNCHEON
Feb. 7: Benefits the American Heart Association. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando. 407-481-6314. orlandogored.ahaevents.org