Winter is an extraordinary time of year in sunny Orlando – with mild temperatures and shorter lines at your favorite theme park attractions. 

But did you know there’s so much more to do in The City Beautiful during the winter months? 

While the holidays have come to a close, Orlando is opening up a world of new festivals and activities perfect for kickstarting the new year. Whether you’re looking for a playful daytime experience or want more fun after hours, there’s plenty of ways to enjoy the city with everyone in the family. 

Start your year off on an action-packed note with these fun-filled festivities making their way to The City Beautiful this winter season. 

Here’s our list of what’s happening in Orlando this winter 

Key Takeaways

• Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild
• Central Florida Scottish Highland Games
• Paws in the Park
• EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
• Illuminate at Aquatica Orlando
• Warm Up this Winter at Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando

Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild

This January, give your winter a little sparkle at this family-friendly, after-hours event hosted by The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. 

Their annual Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild is dazzling guests for another year of stunning light displays and larger-than-life glowing lanterns. 

Step into this spectacular celebration of Asian culture with a near-mile-long trail of handcrafted lanterns lighting up the night sky. Kids and adults alike will love basking in the festive glow of lanterns inspired by the ocean and beloved mythical creatures. 

 The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens will also host Sensory Nights on January 13 for individuals and families with disabilities or sensory sensitivities. 

Central Florida Scottish Highland Games

If you’re looking for a unique way to spend a winter weekend in Central Florida, we have the activity for you. 

Located northeast of Orlando, the city of Winter Springs will be welcoming the 48th Central Florida Scottish Highland Games beginning January 13. This two-day event, hosted by the Scottish-American Society of Central Florida, celebrates timeless Scottish culture with a variety of traditional highland activities. 

Witness extraordinary sheep herding demonstrations, musical and dance performances, and thrilling athletic competitions like hammer throw and sheaf toss. Kids can even get in on the fun and play their own version of these popular Scottish games. 

Guests can also enjoy uniquely Scottish cuisine and test their baking skills with shortbread and scone-making competitions. 

Paws in the Park

Animal lovers won’t want to miss this wholesome gathering of The City Beautiful’s most adorable four-legged friends. 

Watch as pets from across the city flock to downtown Orlando for the largest pet festival in the country – Paws in the Park. Hosted on February 7, the event benefits Pet Alliance, one of Orlando’s largest animal welfare agencies providing pet services to thousands of animals every year.    

Join the fun with plenty of pet-friendly festivities beginning at 10 a.m. including photo ops, a costume contest, and the Doggie Fun Zone for pups. Human guests can also enjoy meandering through the vendor marketplace and dining at delicious food trucks. 

EPCOT International Festival of the Arts

If visiting theme parks during the winter is on your to-do list, consider Walt Disney World, specifically EPCOT. It’s hosting a global arts celebration to start your new year in style. 

Discover a world of creativity at EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts, a must-see artistic showcase happening January 16 through February 23, 2026. 

This colorful celebration brings together the best in visual, performing, and culinary arts from every corner of the planet. Immerse yourself in visual masterpieces, exceptional cuisine, and show-stopping performances. 

Admission to the International Festival of the Arts is included with your EPCOT ticket.  

Illuminate at Aquatica Orlando

Keeping the theme park activities rolling, SeaWorld Orlando’s water park is transforming its pathways into streets of wonder on select evenings this January. 

Step into dreamscapes each shining with festive glow during the all-new Illuminate at Aquatica Orlando. This family-friendly, after-hours affair takes guests on a journey of five realms illuminated by lights and the wonder of a new year. 

Wander through the glowing worlds of AquaLuma, Enchanted Lagoon, Myst Wood Waters, Rivers of Discovery, and Candy Cascade Falls – each offering a brilliant new way to experience the waterpark’s natural beauty. 

Don’t forget to stop by and cozy up at the Festival Pathway, where you'll find a crackling campfire serving s’mores as well as seasonal spirits at New Year’s themed bars. 

Warm Up this Winter at Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando

After exploring the city’s best seasonal offerings, settle into a warm retreat at our family-friendly hotel. 

Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando is conveniently located near all of Orlando’s best winter showcases, placing you right in the middle of the fun. 

Take advantage of amenities marked by comfort and convenience including three seasonally heated swimming pools, complimentary theme park transportation, and delicious dining where kids five and under eat free. 

As the weather cools down, warm up in style by booking your stay with us today.