January is an excellent time to visit the Orlando area. The holiday crowds are gone, providing a quieter and more relaxing experience. The weather is generally mild, offering a respite from the freezing temperatures and snow that is prevalent in much of the rest of the country. Although operating hours for most theme parks are usually shorter during the off-season, very few attractions close for the season.
If you are visiting just after the New Year, you may be able to experience the theme parks' legendary holiday events. Walt Disney World and SeaWorld Orlando often keep their events running through the first few days of January. Call ahead or visit the parks' Web sites to see what might be going on during your visit.
To encourage tourism during this relatively quiet period for the area, some of the best deals of the year are historically offered in January. Look for discounted tickets, hotel specials and even free admission to smaller attractions. These deals vary from year to year, so search the Web or call ahead shortly before your trip.
The Orlando area is known for its festivals and celebrations, a fair share of which take place in January. Traditional festival lovers will want to venture up the road to Orange City, just southwest of Daytona Beach, for the Blue Spring Manatee Festival. Typically held late in the month, the festival offers craft booths, face painting, rides and even a free shuttle to nearby Blue Spring State Park to observe manatees in their natural habitat.
Visit nearby Winter Springs for the Scottish Highland Games. Featured games include stone put (similar to shot put), hammer throw and caber toss, among others. Representatives of numerous clans are on hand to answer questions or even assist with genealogical research. Archery, pub nights and cooking contests are annual favorites.
In nearby Eatonville, the Zora Neale Hurston Festival of the Arts and Humanities has been a tradition since 1987. Writers' forums, lectures by well-known novelists, art exhibitions and live music are among the highlights. One day of the festival is dedicated to children, featuring hands-on exhibits and activities designed to inspire a love of learning.
Sanctioned by the International Chili Society, the Sunshine Regional Chili Cook-Off is held in Kissimmee each January. The winner receives $1,000 and airfare to the World Finals later in the year. The competition is open to all, though competitors must register ahead of time. Live entertainment, children's activities and the chance to vote for your favorite dish are among the highlights for spectators.
Sports fans will love the annual contests that are held in the Orlando area. Formerly known as the Florida Citrus Bowl, the Capital One Bowl takes place in Orlando on New Year's Day. The Outback Bowl is staged in nearby Tampa, also on New Year's Day.
If you prefer to participate rather than watch, consider signing up for the Walt Disney World Marathon. A full marathon, half marathon and family 5K run are among the available choices. Kids' races are open to those 13 and under, and even babies can get in on the action during the Diaper Dash! Races wind through the Walt Disney World theme parks. The event can be combined into a vacation package that includes theme park tickets, hotel accommodations and even pre-paid dining.
