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January in Charlottesville and Albemarle County: Top Things to Do - Cozy Wineries, Winter Adventure, and Local Flavor
New year, new reasons to take a trip to Charlottesville and Albemarle County! January is a great time to visit with unbeatable room rates, fun things to do, and the best chance to snag a reservation at restaurants across the area.
Here's a look at our top things to do this January!
One blog couldn’t possibly capture everything that’s happening in Charlottesville and Albemarle County! Head over to our upcoming events page to stay up to date on all the latest happenings in the area.
1. Curl Up at a Cozy Winery
Experience the Monticello Wine Trail, Wine Enthusiast’s 2023 Wine Region of the Year, during the coziest season! In fact -- we made a list of 10 Cozy Wineries you need to visit this winter. Stay warm on King Family Vineyards' enclosed patio, enjoy firepits and mulled wine at Eastwood Farm and Winery, or enjoy unlimited s'mores at Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard -- there are plenty of options! Be sure to plan ahead and check for abbreviated winter hours.
-- Don't Miss Wine Fest --
Mark your calendar for Wine Fest on 2027 Date TBD at The Wool Factory! Meet 10+ winemakers and wine projects from across Virginia with a plethora of wines & ciders to try. Food will be available for purchase and tickets will be available for sale online in late 2026. A true celebration of Virginia’s small-batch wine and cider projects!
2. Attend a UVA Basketball Game
College basketball season is in full-swing and January is a great chance to catch a game at John Paul Jones arena! Both UVA men’s and women’s teams have tickets available for games throughout the month. Wear your orange and navy blue and get ready to cheer for the Hoos!
No home games while you're in town? No problem! The Paramount Theater will be screening several out-of-town matchups. More info here: https://www.theparamount.net/events/
3. Get Outside
Embark on a Group Gravel Ride
Take the chance to cycle the beautiful countryside surrounding Charlottesville and Albemarle County with Blue Wheel Bicycles! Each month they host group gravel rides, with this month's taking place on Sunday, January 17th.
All abilities are welcome! However, riders should be prepared to complete the designated mileage of unpaved and paved roads without support. Riders are responsible for their own navigation, so please buddy up, know the route, and bring your own food, water and spare tube. Additional Group Gravel Rides are scheduled for February 7th, 28th, and March 21st.
Enjoy a Wood-Fired Sauna Experience
Take in an authentic, wood-fired sauna experience at the Rivanna River Company' Riversong Saunas -- complete with a cold plunge into the Rivanna River! Both of their saunas are made with Atlantic White Cedar paneling & heated with a Kuuma wood-burning sauna stove. No experience is necessary to enjoy this practice that spans cultures and thousands of years and boasts many physical and mental health benefits! Book a private session or mingle during a community session (mixed-gender and women-only available). Arrive early or stay after your session to enjoy the new tearoom, where you can relax with a hot cup of tea or delicious charcuterie board and take in the beauty of the riverfront location. Afterwards, head to Högwaller Brewing for a pint and a bite to eat or to Sugarbear Ice Cream for some decadent (and classic) ice cream flavors.
Go on a Horseback Ride Through a Vineyard
Have you ever ridden a horse through a vineyard? With Indian Summer Guide Services, you could on your next trip to Charlottesville! This family-owned and operated business offers unique horseback riding experiences to visitors -- a fun, safe and relaxed ride for all skill levels. Trips are available year-round and include trails on some of the area's finest wineries, farms, breweries, and cideries! Check out their website for more details on packages, pricing, and to book your own experience!
Ride in a Hot Air Balloon at Sunrise/Sunset
Nothing says adventure like riding in a hot air balloon over Albemarle County! Take in breathtaking views with Monticello Country Ballooning or Blue Ridge Ballooning -- both providers operate year-round and offer a number of experiences including private flights! Check out their sites for more specific details, like packages, requirements, and rates!
4. Charlottesville Restaurant Week
Mark your calendar for Charlottesville Restaurant Week happening 2027 dates TBD. Choose from a $25, $35, or $45 three-course meal at restaurants like Bizou, Maru, Bang!, and so many more. Find a full list of participating restaurants here.
Want to take a few days to enjoy all the options? Book a room at one of our boutique hotels whose restaurants are taking part in Charlottesville Restaurant Week. A world-class meal, just steps from your room! There's Birch and Bloom, located at the Forum Hotel, The Ridley located at The Draftsman Hotel or The Lobby Bar + Restaurant, housed inside The Doyle Hotel.
5. Explore Charlottesville's Museums
Spend a chilly afternoon exploring Charlottesville’s museums and cultural spaces. From art and history to unique collections, January is a great time to stay awhile and discover something new.
6. Visit Historic Sites in the Off-Season
Experience two of Charlottesville’s most iconic presidential homes at a quieter time of year. Visit Monticello and Highland to explore their historic grounds, learn more about Jefferson and Monroe, and enjoy a slower-paced winter day. Don't forget to keep an eye on both site's event calendars for winter programming including lectures, tours, or special exhibits.
7. Catch a Live Performance
Catch a play, concert, dance performance, or touring production at staple venues like the Paramount Theater, Live Arts, The Jefferson Theater, or the University of Virginia’s arts venues. Make a night of it by pairing your show with dinner, drinks, or a stroll along the Downtown Mall before or after the performance. If you're looking for all three at once, we recommend a C-ville Bites food tour!
8. Go Secondhand Shopping
Spend a leisurely afternoon browsing Charlottesville’s secondhand stores for unique finds, budget savers, and more sustainable shopping. Get started at the First Street Secondhand District, located in Downtown Charlottesville, for a one block, easily walkable radius containing some great stores.
9. Enjoy Family-Friendly Indoor Activities
If the temperatures still feel a bit too chilly for exploring the outdoors, take advantage of these indoor activities that can be enjoyed by the whole family!
- Spend the day at Rocky Top Climbing Gym or Rock Revolution, where everyone can try their hand(s) at bouldering.
- Explore vintage arcade games from across eight decades at Decades Arcade.
- Visit Scrappy Elephant -- they have a number of workshops throughout the month for different ages -- check the full schedule here. Other great options include Rose’s Inspiration Station in Crozet, the Art Bar, and Pikasso Swig.
- Visit Unlocked History Escape Rooms and enter a world of hidden clues, mind-bending puzzles, and clandestine passageways. All ages are welcome and children aged 6 and under are free with a paid general admission.
- Have a little one under 8-years-old? Take a trip to the Virginia Discovery Museum for 6,000 square feet of hands-on, educational play space.
One day is never enough to experience everything Charlottesville & Albemarle County has to offer. Extend your adventure with an overnight stay and wake up ready to explore award-winning wineries, historic sites, mountain trails, local restaurants, and unique shops. Browse our Places to Stay page to find the perfect accommodations, then visit our Guides and Itineraries page for even more ways to build your ideal trip.