The first month of the new year is always a great time to get out and have some new and different experiences. Here are six unique things to do in January to kickstart your year off the right way.
Coney Island Polar Bear Plunge
Location: Coney Island, New York
Date: January 1, 2020
Why not start your new year off by taking dip in the icy cold waters off Coney Island? Founded in 1903, the Coney Island Polar Bear Club is the nation’s oldest winter bathing club. The annual New Year’s Day Coney Island Polar Bear Plunge takes place on the first day of the year and raises funds for the local community. The Polar Bear Plunge has become a local tradition on New Year’s Day and the frigid waters are believed to kickstart your system.
Walt Disney World Marathon
Location: Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.
Dates: January 8 – January 12, 2020
The annual Walt Disney World Marathon weekend promises a magical start to your year and benefits the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. A great event for the whole family, the Walt Disney World Marathon features different races and challenges for a variety of ages and skill levels such as a 5K, 10K, half marathon and marathon, as well as children’s races and Disney ChEAR Squad. The runDisney Health and Fitness Expo features vendor booths and free activities in the Interactive Zone including yoga and meditation for runners, foam rolling and stretching before the races, tips and information for race day, and an activity zone for children.
Aruba Carnival Festival
Location: Aruba
Dates: January 1 – Janaury 3, 2020
Aruba’s Carnival festival is a two-month celebration featuring parades with decorated floats, colorful costumes, rhythmic music, and other festivities. Carnival celebrations take place around the island, with the majority of events in the capital of Oranjestad. The festivities culminate with the Grand Parade and the Burning of King Momo to mark the end of Carnival season.
Wintersköl in Aspen
Location: Aspen, Colorado
Dates: January 19 – 21, 2020
Wintersköl translates to “toast to winter” and this unique annual event is the perfect way to celebrate Aspen’s winter wonderland. Wintersköl in Aspen began in 1951 and features several days of events and entertainment including snow sculptures, fireworks displays, a dog fashion show, and après ski parties.
Harbin International Ice & Snow Sculpture Festival
Location: Heilongjiang Province, Northern China
Dates: January 6 – February 10, 2020
The world’s largest annual snow and ice festival, the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival is a unique, month-long winter event in northern China. The annual festival features impressive installations built entirely out of ice and snow. The biggest attraction is the Harbin Ice and Snow World, made with ice blocks from the local Songhua River. Other highlights include elaborate ice castles, a large Buddha statue made of snow, and a 3D light show.
Key West Food and Wine Festival
Location: Old Town Key West, Florida
Dates: January 26 – February 1, 2020
This year marks the tenth anniversary for this family-friendly event to celebrate historic Key West’s unique local flare. Events include local culinary tastings and wine pairings, as well as local art and music, and plenty of key lime pie of course! The Key West Food and Wine Festival takes place in late January– the perfect time to enjoy the gorgeous weather and all Key West has to offer.
Up Helly AA Festival
Location: Lerwick, Scotland
Date: January 28th, 2020
Costumed participants light torches, don kilts, and take to the streets of Lerwick, the main port of the Shetlands. The event starts at 9 am on and runs after 9 pm with various marches, a reception, entertainment & food which ends with the burning of a replica viking galley boat. Browse Scotland tours 2020.
