On The Town: January 2016
36 special events happening in the month of January.
HOLIDAYS AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT
Through Jan. 2 The Macy’s Holiday Parade winds its way through Universal Studios Resort, where Mannheim Steamroller performs on select nights. Next door at Islands of Adventure theme park, Grinchmas features a Who-liday Spectacular. universalorlando.com
OSBORNE FAMILY SPECTACLE OF DANCING LIGHTS
Through Jan. 3 In its final season, this display of millions of glittering lights synchronized to holiday music is free with standard admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. disneyworld.disney.go.com
CHRISTMAS AT BOK TOWER GARDENS
Through Jan. 3 Special events include the Holiday Home Tour at Pinewood Estate, added carillon concerts, winter tours of the garden, and poinsettia displays. 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. 863-676-1408. boktowergardens.org
LIGHT UP UCF
Through Jan. 3 Celebrate the holidays with an outdoor ice rink, rides, movies and light shows, all just outside the CFE Arena on the University of Central Florida campus, Orlando. lightupucf.com
CHRISTMAS AT GAYLORD PALMS
Through Jan. 3 More than 2 million twinkling lights give added sparkle to ICE!, the hotel resort’s display of giant ice sculptures. Also available: Alpine Rush Snow Tubing and the Cirque Dreams UnWrapped live stage show. Gaylord Palms, 6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee. christmasatgaylordpalms.com
WINTER IN THE PARK
Through Jan. 10 Ice skate to holiday music in a covered rink. Admission includes skate rental. Hours vary. Central Park West Meadow, Morse Boulevard at New York Avenue, Winter Park. 407-599-3203. cityofwinterpark.org/witp
MUSIC SERIES AT THE WINERY
Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards offers live music on Saturday afternoons in January, with bands performing on an outdoor stage. Complimentary winery tours and tastings; food, wine and soft drinks are available for purchase. 1-4 p.m. 19239 N. U.S. Highway 27, Clermont. lakeridgewinery.com
GALA OF THE ROYAL HORSES
Jan. 3 Celebrate the tradition, athleticism and grace of Andalusian, Friesian, Lipizzaner and Arabian horses—breeds favored for centuries by royalty, bullfighters and equestrians. 4 p.m. CFE Arena, University of Central Florida, 12777 N. Gemini Blvd. Orlando. cfearena.com
SANFORD’S ALIVE AFTER FIVE STREET PARTY
Jan. 14 A monthly street party in Sanford’s historic downtown featuring live music, local artists, and samples of various foods and beverages. 5 p.m. 230 E. First St., Sanford. sanfordwelcomecenter.com
THORNTON PARK 2ND THURSDAY WINE+ART WALK
Jan. 14 Artists display works for sale along the streets and inside local businesses. Free, but a $10 wristband (available at Olde Town Brokers) gets you a free pour of wine at various locations. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Summerlin Avenue at Washington Street. thorntonparkdistrict.com
RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS PRESENTS LEGENDS
Jan. 14-17 Circus performers, lions, tigers, horses and elephants from around the world perform feats of daring, strength and wonder. Thursday and Friday 7:30 p.m.; Saturday 11:30 a.m., 3:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday 1 and 5 p.m.; Monday 1 p.m. Amway Center, 400 W. Church St., Orlando. ringling.com
OTRONICON
Jan. 15-18 See cutting-edge technologies from the gaming 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
MECUM COLLECTOR CAR AUCTION
Jan. 15-24 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
METROPOLITAN OPERA NATIONAL COUNCIL AUDITIONS/VOCAL COMPETITION
Jan. 16 As many as 40 young, classically trained singers compete for an opportunity to sing on stage at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. Free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Trinity Preparatory School, 5700 Trinity Prep Lane, Winter Park. 407-922-4688. metauditionsflorida.org
RISE, AN ACROBATIC PLAY
Jan. 16 A futuristic coming-of-age story about high school students who dream of becoming world-class entertainers, told through dance and acrobatics. 7 p.m. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 844-513-2014. drphillipscenter.org
ART & WINE STROLL AT THE VILLAGE AT ARTEGON
Jan. 16 Browse artwork and handcrafted items while enjoying live jazz, tasty treats and wine from Orlando’s Quantum Leap Winery. Free. 6-8 p.m. 5250 International Drive, Orlando. 407-351-7718. artegonmarketplace.com
ORLANDO MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. PARADE
Jan. 16 Bands, Boy Scouts and many other civic groups march in 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 at Livingston.
EATONVILLE MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. PARADE
Jan. 16 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. 16-17 Whether you look good in plaid or not, you can appreciate the strength and skill displayed by game competitors, dancers, pipers and drummers. Exhibits and concessions featuring all things Scottish. Central Winds Park, Winter Springs. flascot.com
WINTER PARK UNITY HERITAGE FESTIVAL
Jan. 18 This event in the city’s Hannibal Square neighborhood promotes family history and raises funds for the Educational Fulfillment Fund to benefit local economically disadvantaged youth. Sunday 1-5 p.m., Monday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Shady Park, 721 W. New England Ave., Winter Park. cityofwinterpark.org
SANFORD MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. PARADE
Jan. 18 The parade begins at 10 a.m. on Goldsboro Boulevard and goes to South Holly Avenue. It’s followed by a rally in Fort Mellon Park from noon-4 p.m. sanfordfl.gov
SHEN YUN
Jan. 20 Five thousand years of Chinese culture, heroic tales and legends are told through music and dance. 2 and 7:30 p.m. King Center for the Performing Arts, 3865 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne. 321-242-2219. kingcenter.com
PUBLIX PRESENTS INA GARTEN
Jan. 21 Join the “Barefoot Contessa” and Publix chefs for a night of cooking and camaraderie. 8 p.m. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando.
drphillipscenter.org
3RD THURSDAY GALLERY HOP & ART WALK
Jan. 21 Visitors converge on Orlando’s Downtown Arts District to celebrate art. 6 p.m. CityArts Factory, 29 S. Orange Ave., Orlando. orlandoslice.com
SANFORD ART WALK
Jan. 22 Explore galleries and art spaces in historic downtown Sanford along First Street between Magnolia and Sanford avenues. 6-9 p.m. sanfordartwalk.com, sanfordwelcomecenter.com
MONSTER JAM
Jan. 23 Oversized, high-powered trucks, both new and old favorites, compete for a place in the Monster Jam World Finals. Gates open at 5 p.m.; show begins at 7 p.m. Citrus Bowl, Orlando. monsterjam.com
BLUE SPRING MANATEE FESTIVAL
Jan. 23- 24 Features live entertainment, arts and crafts, food and games, and animal “ambassadors” from the Central Florida Zoo. A shuttle takes you to nearby Blue Spring State Park to see manatees in their natural setting. Valentine Park, Orange City. themanateefestival.com
ELEGANCE ‘N’ ART PORCELAIN ART SHOW
Jan. 28- 30 Hand-painted porcelain art pieces are on display and available for sale; demonstrations and technique sessions are also scheduled.Thursday 1-5 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Bahia Shrine Center, 2300 Pembrook Drive, Orlando. flwocp.org
ZORA! FESTIVAL
Jan. 29-31 This three-day event celebrates the life of author and folklorist Zora Neale Hurston and her hometown of Eatonville. The festival offers arts, cultural and humanities programs interspersed with museum exhibits, panel discussions and music. Most events are free and open to the public. Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts, Eatonville. zorafestival.org
World of Good January Fundraisers
1/9-10 WALT DISNEY WORLD MARATHON WEEKEND, benefits Special Olympics Florida. Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista. specialolympicsflorida.org
1/10 BLACKBEARD’S GOLF TOURNAMENT, benefits the Matthew A. Pucino Memorial Foundation and Fairways for Warriors, a golf program for wounded military veterans. The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. matthewpucinofoundation.org
1/14 BRAHMS AND BEYOND!, benefits the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor JoAnn Falletta and violinist Michael Ludwig perform at Galen Miller’s Lake Butler home. friendsorlandophil.org
1/23 SEASONS 52 PARK AVE. 5.2K, benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, the Joe R. Lee Branch in Eatonville, and the Track Shack Foundation. Central Park Main Stage, Winter Park. trackshack.com
THE MAGIC AND MYSTERY OF “EROICA!,” benefits the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. Maestro Eric Jacobsen discusses Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 at the home of John and Lee Benz. friendsorlandophil.org
1/30 FIRE IN THE PARK CHILI CHALLENGE, benefits Breast Cancer Research Foundation through The Orlando Sports Foundation and The AutoNation Cure Bowl. Avalon Park, Orlando. cookofftocure.com
FLORIDA HOSPITAL LADY TRACK SHACK 5K, benefits Florida Hospital Breast Cancer Care Fund. This run’s new route starts in Loch Haven Park, Orlando. trackshack.com
Coming up…
2/6 TRASH 2 TRENDS, fashion show benefits Keep Orlando Beautiful. SeaWorld’s Ports of Call, Orlando. cityoforlando.net
2/7 CATTLE BARONS’ BALL, benefits the American Cancer Society. Rosen Shingle Creek, Orlando. cattlebaronsballorlando.com
2/13 POLAR PLUNGE, benefits Special Olympics Florida. SeaWorld Orlando’s Aquatica water park chills down the tropical wave pool. specialolympicsflorida.org
For more events check out our Calendar
