Whether you’re done with holiday events or want to keep the season rolling, our list of things to do in January in Pennsylvania has something for you. The last of the holiday events end in early January, giving way to many events that celebrate the cold weather outdoors.
However, if you want to stay toasty warm inside, we’ve also got some great things to do for you as well.
Check out our hand-picked list of 10 things to do in Pennsylvania this January and start planning your winter adventures.
(Article Updated December 13, 2024, for things to do in Pennsylvania in January 2025.)
Mummers Day Parade in Philadelphia – January 1
Start the year off right at the Mummers Day Parade in downtown Philadelphia on New Year’s Day. Believed to be the oldest folk festival in the United States, watch as 40 colorful troops march through the streets of Philly putting on performances as they go.
The parade centers around Philadelphia City Hall and the Philadelphia Convention Center, but anywhere along the parade route will offer a great view of this bizarre tradition.
For more information, check out our guide to the Mummers Parade in Philly.
Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg – January 4-11
The 108th Pennsylvania Farm Show kicks off at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg on January 4. The largest, indoor agricultural festival in the country (at more than 24 acres in size), the Pennsylvania Farm Show draws more than half a million people during the eight-day event.
Visitors come to see farm animals, browse vendors, see shows, and eat delicious food. It can get very crowded on weekends, so visit during the week if possible.
For more information, check out our full guide with tips for visiting the Pennsylvania Farm Show or visit the Farm Show’s website.
Orchid and Bonsai Show at Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh – Opening January 11
Head into the warm and beautiful confines of Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh for their annual Orchid and Tropical Bonsai show.
The theme in 2025 is “A Moment of Beauty”, and the show highlights their incredible collection of beautiful tropic flowers during the coldest time of the year. Of course, if you want to visit earlier in the month, you can check out the last days of their Winter Flower Show that runs during the holiday season.
The Orchid and Tropical Bonsai Show will run through March 9.
Find out more on Phipps’ website.
Pittsburgh Winter Restaurant Week – January 13-19
Pittsburgh gets in on the winter culinary deals with their Winter Restaurant Week in mid-January. More than a dozen great restaurants around the city will be participating, each offering a special menu at a great price.
This makes Pittsburgh Restaurant Week a great opportunity to get out and enjoy a restaurant you already love or to find a new favorite place to eat.
For more information, visit PittsburghResaurantWeek.com.
Fire and Ice Festival in Somerset – January 17-19
The 30th annual Fire and Ice Festival will be returning to Somerset in January.
The event features beautiful ice sculptures, vendors, a variety of food and drink options, and even fireworks. The downtown area will also feature many different live musical performances and a children’s carnival.
For more information, check out the event’s website.
Auto Mania in Allentown – January 17-19
Auto Mania returns to the Allentown Fairgrounds this month.
The state’s largest indoor automotive flea market, this is a fantastic spot for those who love cars. Whether you are looking for a hard-to-find part of your antique vehicle or enjoy collecting pieces of automotive history, there’s a bit of something here for every gearhead.
Find out more about the event on its website.
Center City Restaurant Week in Philadelphia – January 19-February 1
January is a great time to visit downtown Philadelphia! Dozens of different restaurants in and around Center City will be participating in Center City Restaurant Week in the second half of the month. Dine on special lunch and dinner menus at discounted prices.
Don’t miss this chance to eat at some of Philadelphia’s best restaurants without breaking the bank.
For more information and to see a list of participating restaurants, visit the event’s website.
Philadelphia Tattoo Convention in Philly – January 24-26
Love tattoos? You won’t want to miss the Philadelphia Tattoo Convention being held this January at the Philadelphia Convention Center.
During this three-day event, dozens of tattoo artists from around the country will be in attendance offering the chance to get some great new ink without leaving the city. In addition to getting a tattoo, the festival will also feature demonstrations, contests, and seminars.
There will also be a ton of unique entertainment including sideshows, burlesque shows, and more.
Find out everything you need to know on the convention’s website.
Winterfest in Marienville – January 25
Experience the beauty of winter in the Pennsylvania Wilds during Winterfest in Marienville.
This small Forest County community comes alive for this great festival with a variety of events and activities including sky lanterns, contests, a chili cook-off, great food, and more. Then, cap the day off with a snowmobile torchlight parade after dark.
Find out more on the community’s website.
Go Skiing or Snow Tubing throughout Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is home to 19 ski resorts throughout the state. Take some time this month to hit the slopes on skis or a snowboard. Whether you are an experienced skier or have never been before, this is a great activity for the whole family.
If skiing isn’t your thing, many ski resorts also offer snow tubing. These great tracks offer a great twist on sledding that will leave you wanting more.
I’ve previously written about my experiences at Jack Frost Ski Resort in the Poconos. You can find out more about the other ski resorts in Pennsylvania on SkiPA.com.
Looking for other things to do in Pennsylvania? Check out our list of things to do in December and our picks for things to do in PA in February.
Do you know of a great event happening in Pennsylvania in January? Let us know in the comments section below!
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