The holiday season is in the rearview mirror, but there’s still plenty to be jolly about, because the January events calendar across America is full of fun and festive happenings. This year’s collection of January events features everything from cold water plunges, jazz fests and snow sculpting to wild & woolly parties that embrace the wonder of winter. To say nothing of that famous flower-filled parade in Southern California that’s become the signature way to start the year for millions of Americans. No matter where you live, there’s bound to be a great January event near you, so scroll down to find a great way to start your 2026.
Cold Water Plunges For a Cause – Maine
If you’re looking to start the New Year with a splash, Maine has you covered. On January 1, brave souls will once again gather at Old Orchard Beach for the annual Lobster Dip, charging into the icy Atlantic in the name of charity and some shiver-filled bragging rights. Not to be outdone, nearby Kennebunk will host its 25th Annual Atlantic Plunge (affectionately known as ‘Freezin’ For a Reason’) the same day, offering another chance to take the plunge for a good cause. Whether you join the crowds in the sea or just watch from a dry distance, you’re sure to have a blast.
Rose Parade plays out in Pasadena. (Photo Credit: Daniel Flickr)
Tournament of Roses Parade & Rose Bowl – Pasadena, California
There’s no more All-American way to ring in the new year than to be in sunny Pasadena for the iconic Tournament of Roses Parade and Rose Bowl game that will once again take center stage on January 1. The day begins with the colorful parade, featuring the signature array of jaw-dropping floats adorned in flowers, marching bands from across the nation and more pageantry than you can shake a baton at. Then the action moves to the Rose Bowl Stadium, where Indiana will face off against Alabama in a quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff.
PHOTO: The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, DC. (photo via Flickr/angela n.)
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebrations – Nationwide
Across the country, communities will once again honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the holiday dedicated to him (January 19) with inspiring events expected to draw thousands of attendees. Just a few of the most notable include Atlanta, where the King Center will spearhead the ceremonies full of community leaders celebrating his enduring vision, Washington, D.C., where there will be a MLK Holiday DC Peace Walk & Parade, and Memphis, where the annual MLK Memorial March will draw crowds combining music, reflection, and historical landmarks.
X Games – Aspen, Colorado
Once again, Aspen will turn into an adrenaline-filled sports and music mecca when the X Games return to town for a weekend of skiing, snowboarding competitions and rocking concerts (January 23–25). In addition to all the exhilarating performances on the powder, this year’s music lineup features names like Alesso, local legends Disco Lines, TESSLA and many more.
A folk band performs music. (Photo Credit: Jeff Betten / Flickr)
Anchorage Folk Festival – Anchorage, Alaska
The Last Frontier’s biggest city will once again transform into a vibrant cultural hub during the beloved Anchorage Folk Festival (January 22 –February 1). This winter tradition showcases outstanding folk artists from across the nation with concerts, workshops, dances, and jam sessions lighting up venues around the city during some of the darkest nights of the year.
Competitors in the International Snow Sculpture Championships at work. (Photo courtesy of Breckenridge Tourism Office)
International Snow Sculpture Championships – Breckenridge, Colorado
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Colorado has a couple of great wintry events in January, so after the X Games, make your way to Breckenridge for the return of the International Snow Sculpture Championships (January 24 – February 3). Teams from all over will once again descend on this cool mountain town to transform massive blocks of snow into sensational works of art using only hand tools and their own creativity. Visitors can watch the sculptures take shape from a distance over the first few days before being able to wander through the finished gallery during the later days of the event.
World of Winter – Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids will once again glow during the World of Winter festival (January 9 – March 1), which will transform the city streets into one of the largest winter celebrations in the nation. Expect illuminated installations (the Anooki inflatables will be especially interesting), immersive sculptures and nightly displays that invite visitors to linger after dark alongside art displays, fiery & icy street performances, circus-style fun and plenty of regional food and music to help you shake off those winter blues.
A Stowe, Vermont landscape. (photo via Flickr/Karen Cox)
Winter Rendezvous Pride Festival – Stowe, Vermont
Back for its 41st year, the Winter Rendezvous Pride Festival (Januar26) will once again bring together hundreds of LGBTQ winter sport enthusiasts for five days of community-building and having fun on the slopes. Hit the snow for some of Stowe’s famous world-class skiing and snowboarding, or take part in a wide variety of outdoor activities designed for all skill levels. Off the mountain, enjoy fun parties, themed events and entertainment that showcases the fun & inclusive spirit of the festival.
The Great Northern Festival – Minneapolis–Saint Paul, Minnesota
Once again, the middle of winter in the Twin Cities will be a magnificent time to celebrate as the Great Northern Festival returns (January 28 – February 1) to delight the crowds. Expect yet another packed lineup of outdoor adventures, thought-provoking talks, eye-catching art installations, culinary events and music from the likes of MMYYKK, Porch Light, Obi and The Black Atlantics and many more.
Artists perform at the Winter Jazzfest in New York City (Photo Credit: Peter Matthews / Flickr)
Winter Jazzfest – New York City, New York
Start your New Year right with plenty of rhythm at the 21st Annual Winter Jazzfest (January 8–13), an annual event where the Big Apple becomes a jazz lover’s paradise. There will be a diverse lineup of performances across Manhattan and Brooklyn, with this year’s festival showcasing an extraordinary mix of artists and ensembles, with names like Meshell Ndegeocello, Lady Blackbird, The Arun Ramamurthy Trio, Veronica Swift, Sam Gendel and many more scheduled to perform.
SNöFLINGA Winter Festival – Butte, Montana
Last but not least, the Montana mountain town of Butte once again invites visitors to fully embrace the season during the SNöFLINGA Winter Festival (January 30 – February 1). This playful, snow-loving celebration is all about getting outside and making the most of it, no matter the reading on the mercury. Throughout the weekend, you can try your hand at activities like curling, snow biking and Nordic skiing lessons, along with a rotating lineup of quirky competitions and wild and woolly events around town to keep you fed and full of cheer.
Marquee at the Sundance Film Festival (Photo Credit: Travis Wise / Flickr)
Sundance Film Festival – Park City, Utah
Last but not least, Park City will transform into a mountain film mecca for the final time during Sundance (January 22 – February 1), one of the world’s most influential celebrations of independent film. In its final year in Utah before moving to Boulder, Colorado, the festival will screen nearly 100 feature films and other projects from emerging and established talents alike, offering screenings, panels and events galore. Highlights of this year’s screenings include anticipated films such as Carousel, Hot Water, and Union County, among many others.
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