Asian Lantern Festival. Image sourced centralfloridazoo.org
Special Events
ASIAN LANTERN FESTIVAL—INTO THE WILD
Through Jan. 18: Larger-than-life illuminated lanterns celebrate the culture, art and beauty of Asia’s traditional lantern festivals. Tickets and entry times online. Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, 3755 W. Seminole Blvd., Sanford. 407-323-4450. centralfloridazoo.org
MECUM KISSIMMEE 2026
Jan. 6-18: Mecum Auctions roars into town with 4,500 American muscle cars, classics, trucks, exotics, hot rods and customs. Register to bid, consign or buy tickets at mecum.com. 8 a.m. Osceola Heritage Park, 1875 Silver Spur Lane, Kissimmee. 321-697-3333. ohpark.com
UPDATING
Jan. 9: As if dating isn’t frightening enough, someone has come up with a live dating AND comedy show that brings two blindfolded first dates in front of an audience for hoped-for unpredictable results. 8 p.m. The Plaza Live, 425 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando. 407-228-1220. plazaliveorlando.org
THE HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS 100-YEAR TOUR
Jan. 10: This year marks 100 years of the legendary exhibition team and brings a whole new fan experience with pre-game magic and post-game interactions. 2 p.m. Addition Financial Arena, 12777 Gemini Blvd., Orlando. 407-823-3070. additionfiarena.com
Nothing compares to the one and only Monster Jam®. With awesome trucks, amazing stunts, big air and action-packed excitement, it’s the definition of fun for everyone! Watch it January 10 at Camping World Stadium.
MONSTER JAM
Jan. 10: See Grave Digger, El Toro Loco, Sparkle Smash and more as these 12,000-pound trucks perform stunts and push the limits. 7 p.m. Camping World Stadium, 1 Citrus Bowl Place, Orlando. 407-440-7900. campingworldstadium.com
MIND & MOTION
Jan. 11: Your eyes won’t believe what they’re seeing in this double bill bringing mind reading, comedy and crazy juggling skills to one stage with award-winning mentalist Keith Kong and America’s Got Talent finalist juggler Charles Peachock. 7:30 p.m. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 407-358-6603. drphillipscenter.org
AN EVENING WITH AUTHOR NICHOLAS SPARKS
Jan. 17: The author of “The Notebook,” “A Walk to Remember” and “The Last Song” shares personal stories, creative insights and reflections on his journey as an author in this moderated conversation. 7:30 p.m. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 407-358-6603. drphillipscenter.org
EIGHTH ANNUAL EMPOWERING NIGHT OF LAUGHTER
Jan. 23: Nine of Orlando’s Fearlessly Funny Women step out of their comfort zones and take center stage to perform five-minute comedic routines they’ve written themselves. 6 p.m. The Abbey, 100 S. Eola Drive, Orlando. 407-704-6103. abbeyorlando.com
IMAGES—A FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
Jan. 23-25: The Atlantic Center for the Arts presents the 50th annual edition of this free art festival offering $30,000 in cash awards to the more than 250 artists who exhibit. Enjoy a day of art browsing and buying, food trucks, live entertainment and creative activities for children. Visit website for times. Riverside Drive and Canal Street, New Smyrna Beach. imagesartfestival.org
MORSE MUSEUM LECTURE SERIES
Jan. 28: Centuries of Tomfoolery—Trick Glass, Pipes and Whimsical Delights, with Mary Wills. The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art’s 2026 free lecture series touches on many interests. Visit the website to learn more about each session. 2:30 p.m. Jeannette G. and Hugh F. McKean Pavilion, 161 W. Canton Ave., Winter Park. 407-645-5311. morsemuseum.org