While everyone else stays cooped up this winter with a blanket wrapped around them, take advantage of the warm Florida weather by attending outdoor festivals and activities! Not only does Florida contain some of the world’s most impressive amusement parks, but each city and town hosts its own fests and local events that you may not know about! Here are some of the most interesting upcoming winter activities all around Florida. Winter in Florida doesn’t have to change your lifestyle, so start the New Year out right by filling your 2009 calendar now!

On Jan. 17, enjoy Yoga Day in West Palm Beach! All day, outdoor yoga will be offered for free! This is a great opportunity for beginners who want to test out this popular fitness option. To get you in the mood, music and food will be provided.

Also on Jan.17, if you live in Deerfield Beach, attend a lecture on xeriscaping and water conservation. If you’ve heard of xeriscaping but was never sure how to do it, this is the perfect opportunity to join those who are living greener in 2009 (also, check out this Buy Owner Blog article)!

From Jan. 21 to 26, enjoy a day full of nature in Titusville at the Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival! Seminars and workshops are given on wildlife and birding, while you can also hear keynote speakers, go kayaking and join or enjoy an art competition!

On January 24 and 25, head to Daytona Beach for the Rolex 24-Hour Race. This kicks off three full weeks of racing action! It features sports car racing, including NASCAR racing, a car show and more!

From Jan. 29 to 31, prepare for the 2009 Super Bowl! Tampa is hosting the Super Tailgate Throwdown that includes a car show, numerous games, delicious food, loads of entertainment, a kid zone and even cigar rollers!

During the entire month of February, Quiet Waters Park in Fort Lauderdale is hosting the Florida Renaissance Festival and Crafts Village. Take a trip into the past to the Renaissance era by enjoying knights in shining armor, damsels in distress, games of chance, food for royalty and more!

From Feb. 6 to 8 is the Winter Wine Festival in Naples. Enjoy an assortment of California wines and possibly score a new treasure at the auction. All of the money goes to local children’s charities!

Ay! On Feb. 7, plan to attend the Gasparilla Festival in Tampa. Witness a pirate ship invade Tampa! Then party with the pirates with live entertainment, food, rides and games!

On Feb. 21 and 22, attend the Annual Downtown Sarasota Festival in Sarasota. Enjoy food and crafts while listening to anything from jazz bands to bagpipes. Then experience all types of dance by watching ballet and ballroom dancing. Watch crafters demonstrate their skills right before your eyes! There’s something for everyone.

Not up for something outdoors? Opt for an indoor option!

Starting Jan 23. and continuing through the month of February, look back at one of our greatest presidents. With a new president coming into office, it’s important to remember those who got us where we are today. The History Center in Orlando is hosting a special on Abraham Lincoln and is featuring artifacts that have rarely been seen thus far.

Are you from the north? Do you wish it was cold in Florida? Then look no further than the new ICEBAR in Orlando. This bar is entirely created from ice sculptures and is the only one of its kind! Receive a cap and gloves for the 45-minute indoor experience, while enjoying cold beverages and live entertainment!

Do you think you have what it takes to be the next American Idol? Test your skills first on Feb. 9 at the CityArts Factory in Orlando. A Karaoke Contest and Social will provide hors d’oeuvres, Broadway performances, a silent auction and plenty of enjoyable karaoke!

Sports occur year-round and can never let you down! Currently, help finish up football season by cheering on the Jacksonville Jaguars or the Miami Dolphins! If winter sports are your thing, bundle up for a hockey game by the Florida Panthers of the Tampa Bay Lightning! For a warm indoor option, opt for an active basketball game by the Miami Heat or the Orlando Magic!