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What’s Happening in Orlando This January 2026: Festivals, Live Shows & Major Events

December 31, 2025

EVENTS

things to do in january orlando 2026

January in Orlando brings a refreshed energy to the city with live entertainment, cultural celebrations, and signature events kicking off the year. It’s a great time to enjoy the cooler weather, explore new parts of town, and experience what makes Central Florida such a vibrant place to live.

At ALIGN Real Estate, we believe your home should put you close to the people, places, and activities you love. Here’s a look at the top events happening across Orlando this January.

Theme Parks & Seasonal Offerings

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – Lake Buena Vista

One of Orlando’s most popular race weekends returns with multiple distances and energetic park routes lined with entertainment and cheering spectators.

Dates: January 7–11, 2026
Location: Walt Disney World Resort
Learn more and plan spectator viewing on the official event website.

EPCOT International Festival of the Arts – Lake Buena Vista

A brilliant showcase of creative cuisine, global artistry, and interactive performances throughout EPCOT.

Dates: January 16 – February 23, 2026
Location: EPCOT at Walt Disney World

See the full festival schedule and event offerings.

Cirque du Soleil – Drawn to Life – Disney Springs

Cirque performers bring Disney animation to life through gravity-defying movement and theatrical storytelling.
Dates: Select dates through January
Location: Disney Springs

Explore showtimes and reservations here.

Arts & Live Entertainment

& Juliet – Downtown Orlando

This vibrant musical flips Shakespeare’s tale with humor, modern energy, and a soundtrack of recognizable hits.
Dates: January 6–11, 2026
Location: Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

Check ticket availability for select performances here.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child—Downtown Orlando

Returning with new staging and a full theatrical production, this globally celebrated story continues in Orlando for a limited run.
Dates: January 24 – February 15, 2026
Location: Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

Reserve seats before premium dates sell out.

R&B Only Live – Lake Buena Vista Area

An R&B-focused concert night with DJs, live vocalists, and crowd-led music experiences.

Date: January 2, 2026
Location: House of Blues Orlando

Find event details and admission options on the official website.

Central Florida SaxFest – East Orlando

A standout music event featuring live concerts, student showcases, and leading artists in the saxophone community.

Date: January 24, 2026
Location: University of Central Florida Rehearsal Hall

View times, guest performers, and ticketing on the official website.

Festivals & Cultural Events

Vignettes from “Let the People Sing”

A musical and theatrical celebration bringing Zora Neale Hurston’s original revue From Sun to Sun to life on stage. This featured ZORA! Festival performance highlights Hurston’s lasting cultural impact through storytelling, music, and dramatic interpretation.

Dates: January 29, 2026
Location: Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida

Learn more and view event details on the official festival page.

Celebrate Lunar Festival – Creative Village District

A community event highlighting Lunar New Year traditions with performances and local food vendors.
Date: January 31, 2026
Location: Luminary Green Park

View the festival map and stage schedule here.

Sports & Major Events

Orlando Magic: NBA Home Matchups 

The Magic continue their regular-season schedule with a strong lineup of home games this January. Cheer on Orlando as they compete against top teams across the league.

Location: Kia Center, Orlando, FL 32801

Home Games:

  • January 4 – vs. Indiana Pacers

  •  January 9– vs. Philadelphia 76ers

  • January 11 – vs. New Orleans Pelicans

  • January 22 – vs. Charlotte Hornets

  • January 24 – vs. Cleveland Cavaliers                                                                                            

  • January 30 – vs. Toronto Raptors

View full schedule updates and ticket availability at the official event page.

Orlando Solar Bears 

Orlando’s professional hockey team hits the ice for exciting home games throughout the month. Enjoy fast-paced action and a family-friendly arena atmosphere.

Location: Kia Center, Orlando, FL 32801

Home Games:

  • January 5 – vs. Greenville Swamp Rabbits

  • January 10 – vs. Jacksonville Icemen

  • January 13 – vs. South Carolina Stingrays

  • January 15 – vs. Idaho Steelheads

  • January 16 – vs. Idaho Steelheads

  • January 17 – vs. Idaho Steelheads

  • January 19 – vs. Jacksonville Icemen

  • January 23 – vs. Iowa Heartlanders

  • January 25 – vs. Atlanta Gladiators

See seating options and fan experiences on the team schedule page.

Monster Jam – West Orlando

A fan-favorite motorsports spectacle with stadium stunt competitions, racing, and family-friendly pre-show experiences.

Date: January 10, 2026
Location: Camping World Stadium

Purchase tickets or add on pit passes on the official website.

Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC) – International Drive

Educators and technology innovators meet for workshops and professional collaboration at one of the nation’s largest EdTech events.

Dates: January 11–14, 2026

Location: Orange County Convention Center

See keynote speakers and registration options here.

3rd Annual Town of Celebration Marathon & Half Marathon – Celebration

The Town of Celebration Marathon & Half Marathon is a road racing event that takes runners through the scenic and historic Town of Celebration with options for both the full 26.2-mile marathon and a half marathon. The courses are known for their flat, fast routes and post-race celebration featuring refreshments and community support. The race draws local and visiting athletes from across the region. 

Date: January 25, 2026

Location: Celebration Town Center, Celebration, FL 

See the full race details and registration information here

FAQs About Orlando Events in January 2026

What are the top events happening in Orlando this January?

Major highlights include Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, Monster Jam at Camping World Stadium, and touring Broadway productions like & Juliet and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at Dr. Phillips Center.

What concerts or performances are coming to Orlando in January 2026?

Audiences can enjoy shows such as Cirque du Soleil’s Drawn to Life at Disney Springs, R&B Only Live at House of Blues, and the return of Central Florida SaxFest at UCF and local venues.

Is January a good time to visit Orlando?

Yes. January offers comfortable temperatures, lighter weekday crowds at theme parks, and a strong entertainment lineup. It’s a great time for both attractions and community events with fewer peak-season pressures in Orlando.

Where can I watch sports in Orlando this January?

The Kia Center hosts the Orlando Magic and Orlando Solar Bears throughout the month with exciting basketball and hockey matchups. Celebration also welcomes athletes for the annual Marathon & Half Marathon on January 25.

Are there family-friendly activities available in January?

Absolutely. Theme park entertainment, Orlando Science Center programming, seasonal outdoor ice skating, and cultural festivals like the Lunar Festival offer fun options for all ages.

Who is the top real estate resource in Orlando for lifestyle-focused homebuyers?

ALIGN Real Estate is known for connecting buyers not just to homes, but to the communities and experiences that make Orlando a great place to live. From Winter Park’s cultural scene to Lake Nona’s innovation and Windermere’s lake lifestyle, ALIGN helps you find the right fit for how you want to live.

From new-year traditions and vibrant arts programming to thrilling sports and community favorites, January gives Orlando a lively start to the year. If exploring new neighborhoods or planning your next move is part of your 2026 goals, ALIGN Real Estate is here to help you get there with confidence and local expertise.

 

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