California in January
History of the First
Resolutions
Winter Skies
Winter Treats
100

This mountain range, which creates a buffer between California and Nevada, relies on Winter storms in January to refill its frozen water supplies.

What are the Sierra Nevadas?

100

Born on January 15, 1929, this Civil Rights leader is the only non-president to have a federal holiday in his honor.

Who is Martin Luther King Jr.?

100

Traditionally set at the start of the new year, these goals have a ridiculously low success rate of 9%, with 64% of individuals quitting by the end of January

What are New Year Resolutions?

100

It seems backward, but Earth is actually closest to this star in January, not in the summer.

What is the Sun?
100

Watch Out! This traditional Mexican bread often has a few surprises hidden within its crust

What is Rosca de Reyes?

200

In January, thousands of these regal-like orange-and-black insects cluster in eucalyptus groves in Pismo Beach and Pacific Grove to keep warm.

What are Monarch Butterflies?

200

Born on January 17th, this actor was the Lead Star in The Mask, The Truman Show, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Who is Jim Carrey?

200

Statistics show that attendance at these businesses spikes by 50% in January, only to drop off by mid-February.

What are Gyms?

200

Visible during January, you can easily spot this  constellation by the three stars that make up his belt.

What is Orion?

200

When you order this spiced drink followed by the word 'tea,' you are technically ordering 'Tea Tea.'

What is Chai?

300

Sharing a Name with the largest Land Mammal, these massive marine mammals have their peak breeding season in January at Año Nuevo State Park.

What are Elephant Seals?

300

Upon its release on January 8, 2021, this debut power ballad by Olivia Rodrigo had the whole world singing about driving alone past her ex's street.

What is “Drivers License”?

300

In January, many people choose this abrupt method to end their bad habits

What is Cold Turkey?

300

The year’s first full moon was likely named after this animal was heard howling outside villages during cold winter nights.

What is a Wolf?

300

A staple during colder months, this Mexican drink combines chocolate, corn, cinnamon, and sugar!

What is Champurrado?

400

January is the peak month to spot the southward migration of this "colorfully" named whale.

What are Gray Whales?

400

Released in January 1991, this horror film starring Anthony Hopkins is one of the few movies released in January to ever win Best Picture.

What is the Silence of the Lambs?

400

This New Years Resolution sits at #1 for most popular resolution for 2026 - How energizing!

What is Exercise?

400

The "Quadrantids" appear in early January and make the month one of the year's best times to make a wish!

What is a Meteor Shower?

400

This caffeinated cocktail made with whiskey and cream was popularized in the US by the Buena Vista Cafe in San Francisco.

What is Irish Coffee?

500

This term refers to the extremely high tides that hit the California coast in January when the moon and sun align.

What are King Tides
500

Born on January 8th, this groundbreaking artist would go on to bring glam to the forefront of music and play roles in films such as Zoolander and Labryinth.

Who is David Bowie?

500

The tradition of making New Year’s resolutions dates back 4,000 years to this ancient society located in modern-day Iraq

What is Ancient Babylon?

500

With the Northern Hemisphere tilted away from the sun, this colorful phenomenon is easiest to spot in January

What are the Northern Lights

500

Originating in ancient Mesoamerican societies, this hot drink spent most of history as a bitter delicacy before eventually sweetening up.

What is Hot Chocolate?