January in California brings a variety of events across the state, offering residents and visitors multiple opportunities to enjoy local culture, food, and nature.
Several cities will host Restaurant Weeks throughout January. Lodi will hold its first Restaurant Week from January 23 to February 1, featuring menus that highlight regional ingredients and wines. In Gold Country, Sacramento’s Dine Downtown and Elk Grove Restaurant Week both run from January 9 to 18. Stockton will also offer its own Restaurant Week from January 16 to 25. The Bay Area’s Napa Valley Restaurant Month lasts all month, while Southern California features Dine LA (January 23–February 6) and San Diego Restaurant Week (January 25–February 1).
Whale watching is at its peak this time of year as gray whales migrate along the coast. Locations such as Mendocino Headlands State Park, Point Arena Lighthouse, and Point Reyes National Seashore provide viewing opportunities. The Santa Barbara Channel has been designated a Whale Heritage Area, with tours available through local operators.
In Northern California, Lewis Cellars in Napa will host “The Art of Taste” dinners starting January 2. The Napa Truffle Festival runs January 16–19 with cooking demonstrations and truffle dog meet-and-greets. The Napa Lighted Art Festival begins on January 17 and continues through February 15. Sonoma County’s Winter Wineland event takes place January 17–18, offering tastings at over sixty wineries.
San Francisco’s Fort Mason Center will present Fog Design + Art from January 21–25, showcasing contemporary art beyond traditional forms. Chico hosts the Snow Goose Festival of the Pacific Flyway during the same period, focusing on bird-watching activities.
Mendocino’s Seafood & Sips festival starts at the end of the month (January 30–February 8), celebrating fresh crab season with culinary events.
Central California features the World Surfing League’s SLO CAL Open in Pismo Beach from January 19–25 and Big Sur Foragers Festival from January 22–25 for mushroom enthusiasts. Heavenly Resort marks its seventieth anniversary with a celebration on January 31.
Southern California begins festivities with Pasadena’s Tournament of Roses Parade and Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day. Other ongoing events include Sunday Polo Games at Eldorado Polo Club in Indio starting December 28 and night skiing sessions at Big Bear Mountain beginning January 1.
The Palm Springs International Film Festival runs from January 2–12 with screenings of over two hundred films and appearances by well-known actors such as Amanda Seyfried, Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael B. Jordan, and Ethan Hawke.
High Tide Brunches return to La Jolla’s Marine Room on January 3–4 for diners seeking views of king tides against panoramic windows.
A benefit concert for Altadena Builds Back Foundation takes place in Pasadena on January 7 featuring artists like Mandy Moore and Jackson Browne: “To mark the one-year anniversary of the Eaton Fire in Los Angeles County, a roster of artists will gather to help raise funds for continued rebuilding in the community of Altadena. Organizing band Dawes welcomes a lineup including Mandy Moore, Jackson Browne, Brad Paisley, Stephen Stills, and Aloe Blacc at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.”
Los Angeles hosts its largest art fair—the LA Art Show—January 7–11 at the Convention Center with over one hundred exhibitors including Sylvester Stallone’s paintings.
SeaWorld San Diego offers an Inside Look event on select dates in mid-January where guests can learn about animal care efforts: “Get an up-close look at conservation efforts at the San Diego theme park and zoological institution. Check out special exhibits to learn about the daily work of the SeaWorld San Diego Rescue Team and their colleagues who care for the park’s orcas, dolphins, sharks, and more; included with park admission.”
Oceanside launches its Swell Plate Series food event beginning January 14; participants who visit multiple restaurants have a chance to win gift cards.
Lunar New Year celebrations begin statewide on January 23 ahead of next month’s official start; Disneyland Resort leads festivities with themed parades: “Disneyland Resort…kicks things off on Jan. 23 with Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession parade…”
Riverside hosts its free Lunar Festival downtown on January 24–25 featuring artisans and performances.
Finally, golf fans can attend or watch the Farmers Insurance Open PGA tournament held at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego from January 29 to February 1.
