12 Events to Add To Your Calendar in January The beginning of a new year is an opportunity to reclaim your hectic calendar and prioritize what really matters to you. January is perfect for starting fresh and realigning your...

The beginning of a new year is an opportunity to reclaim your hectic calendar and prioritize what really matters to you. January is perfect for starting fresh and realigning your intentions with your actions.

For some, January may be about prioritizing healthy habits and resolutions. Others may be focused on figuring out their professional and personal goals. Coming out of a packed holiday season, some may be reestablishing or setting boundaries and focusing on self-care routines. And many may be using January to define what success looks and feels like to them.

Regardless of your goals or priorities for the new year, there are several notable and purely fun events to add to your January calendar. Adding holidays and noteworthy occasions to your daily planner can help you plan better. So take out your digital calendar of choice, whether it’s Google, Microsoft Outlook, Apple, or Calendar.com, and note these dates.

New Year’s Day (January 1st)

Kick-off 2025 by watching the Rose Bowl Parade, also called the Tournament of Roses Parade. This annual event is held in Pasadena, California, and features floats made entirely out of flowers and natural materials like leaves and seeds. Marching bands and equestrian units are also featured in this festive televised event.

If sporting events are more up your alley, watch the Rose Bowl Game. The Oregon Ducks will face off against another college team in this quarterfinal game.

Golden Globe Awards (January 5th)

The 82nd Golden Globe Awards ceremony will air live on CBS on Sunday, January 5th. Referred to as “Hollywood’s Party of the Year,” the Golden Globes are the most significant global awards show celebrating both television and film.

This is an excellent opportunity to host a party with your fellow T.V. and movie buffs and spend time together after all the holiday busyness. Make festive snacks inspired by the nominees, such as green and pink treats for “Wicked.” Have everyone select their picks and hand out a prize for the one with the most correct guesses. A fake gold statue or a bottle of champagne will do the trick!

Epiphany (January 6th)

This Christian Holiday is the 12th day of Christmas, commemorating the arrival of the three wise men to Bethlehem. Christians will honor the occasion by attending church services, eating king cake, and singing a final round of Christmas carols. Some may also use this as a time to bless their home by chalking their front door — a tradition dating back to the time of the Old Testament.

Critics Choice Awards (January 12th)

Another awards ceremony recognizing the best in both television and film, the Critics Choice Awards, is celebrating its 30th year in 2025. The critics who selected the winners comprised more than 400 critics from the industry. Top nominees for the television portion year include “Abbott Elementary,” “Disclaimer,” “Hacks,” “The Penguin,” and “The Diplomat.” Tune in to E! to see if your favorite show or movie takes the top mark!

Orthodox New Year (January 14th)

Also known as the Old New Year or the Julian New Year, the Orthodox New Year is a religious holiday that begins at the start of the year based on the Julian calendar. This day marks the transition from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar. Typical celebrations include liturgies at Orthodox Christian churches and sometimes fireworks.

National Popcorn Day (January 19th)

If this snack food is on the top of your list, be sure to mark this date! The origins of National Popcorn Day may be unknown, but it’s a great chance to indulge in this movie treat. Watch your favorite classic movie or stream a new one with your family and friends. Invest in a popcorn maker to make a fresh batch using whole kernels, or stick with your go-to microwave brand. Be on the lookout for theaters to partake in the celebratory day, too; last year, AMC Theaters offered unlimited refills on all sizes of their popcorn.

Inauguration Day (January 20th)

The guards will be changed on the third Monday in January. On this day, president-elect Donald Trump will regain control and be sworn in as the 47th president. Viewers can watch the 60th presidential inauguration ceremony on any major news network.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 20th)

Many people will have the Inauguration Day off because it’s also a Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration. While this day has been honored for the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. since 1986, it wasn’t until 1994 that it was marked as a National Day of Service. Always held on the third Monday of January, this day reflects the leader’s life and legacy.

As the only federal holiday celebrating an African American, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a chance to educate yourself on the civil rights movement. Read a book about the infamous leader or watch a film dedicated to his time of service. Look for events in your town or city, such as parades or marches. It’s a great day to be together with others and elevate diverse voices.

Chinese New Year (January 29th)

Chinese New Year is the start of a 15-day celebration that commences at the beginning of the new year on the Chinese calendar. It’s a lively celebration marking the end of winter and the beginning of spring. One of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs is celebrated every year, and 2025 is the Year of the Snake. Those born in the year of the snake are said to be determined, intelligent, sympathetic, and passionate.

The festivities are typically observed with gatherings, specifically large dinners. Foods like dumplings, spring rolls, longevity noodles, and sweet rice balls are eaten. Homes are decorated with red paper cuttings and lanterns, and red envelopes with money are handed out to children. Red is the thematic color for the season as it symbolizes good fortune.

National Hot Chocolate Day (January 31st)

If you need an excuse to sip on a favorite wintertime beverage, the last day of January is your chance! National Hot Chocolate Day may seem like an obscure holiday, but it is the perfect day to indulge in this creamy, chocolatey beverage. You can make a decadent version using whole milk, flaked chocolate, and chocolate syrup. Or, try the viral hot chocolate bone broth trend for an updated twist on the classic. And because hot chocolate is better with a friend, invite a pal to sip with you!

National Human Trafficking Prevention Month (January 1st – 31st)

The purpose of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month is to educate others on what human trafficking is, how to respond to it, and how to prevent it. The theme for 2025 is “Connecting the Dots. Strengthening Communities. Preventing Trafficking.” Events will take place throughout January to spark conversations around this crucial issue. Learn more about getting involved by educating yourself and those you love.

National Cervical Health Awareness Month (January 1st – 31st)

January is dedicated to cervical health and cancer prevention to raise awareness of the importance of screenings. Cervical cancer can be largely prevented with early detection, treatments, and vaccinations. You can help raise awareness by educating yourself and sharing information with your peers. Spread the word on social media, using your personal platforms as a chance to inform others.

Featured Image Credit: Photo by Jess Bailey Designs; Pexels

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