Universal Orlando Resort is preparing to welcome guests for its annual holiday celebrations, running from 14 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, with seasonal entertainment, festive décor and experiences inspired by much-loved characters and stories
This year’s celebrations will bring new festive touches to Universal Epic Universe, where holiday decorations will appear in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk for the first time. Meanwhile, Celestial Park will once again transform into a winter wonderland, complete with illuminated trees and seasonal fountain displays.
Across the resort, visitors can also enjoy returning favourites, including Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas at Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s at Universal Studios Florida.
Festive experiences across the theme parks
Christmas celebrations will return to all three locations of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, spanning Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure, Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida and Ministry of Magic at Universal Epic Universe. Each area will feature seasonal decorations and festive entertainment.
At Hogsmeade, guests can experience The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, a nighttime spectacle combining projection and special effects to bring memorable festive moments from the Harry Potter films to life against the backdrop of Hogwarts Castle.
Over at Universal Islands of Adventure, Seuss Landing will welcome the return of Grinchmas. Visitors can watch the live Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, inspired by Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas, meet the Grinch himself and explore the colourful Who-ville Tree Lot.
Universal Studios Florida will once again host Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. Taking place nightly, the parade will feature oversized balloons and themed floats inspired by Illumination’s Despicable Me and DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek and Madagascar, alongside traditional holiday favourites. The celebrations will culminate in a Christmas tree lighting led by Santa Claus.
At Universal Epic Universe, the introduction of festive décor to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk will bring a seasonal atmosphere to the park for the first time. Celestial Park will also feature sparkling trees and holiday-themed fountain displays at the Cosmos Fountain.
Take the celebrations further with the Universal Holiday Tour
Guests looking to add more to their festive visit can book the separately ticketed Universal Holiday Tour. Available to visitors with two-park, park-to-park access to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure, the two-and-a-half-hour guided experience includes exclusive meet-and-greets with the Grinch and his loyal companion Max, alongside a meeting with Santa Claus.
The tour also includes reserved seating for the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, with an optional reserved viewing area for Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s.
The tour will operate on selected dates from 14 November 2026 to 2 January 2027, with prices starting at $69.99 per person, plus tax. Annual and Seasonal Passholders can receive a $10 discount per ticket. Further details are available on the Universal Orlando holiday tickets website.
Seasonal celebrations at Universal CityWalk
The festivities will extend beyond the theme parks to Universal CityWalk, where the Green and Red Coconut Club will return. The Red Coconut Club will be transformed into a seasonal retreat featuring festive decorations, live entertainment and seasonal cocktails.
A festive stay at Universal Orlando hotels
Guests staying at Universal Orlando’s 11 hotels can enjoy seasonal decorations reflecting each property’s individual theme, alongside special menus and holiday activities. Offerings will include menorah lighting ceremonies, Christmas tree lightings and strolling carolers.
Hotel guests can also benefit from perks including Early Park Admission and complimentary transportation to the theme parks. Information about accommodation options is available through the Universal Orlando hotels website.
Holiday offers and seasonal savings
Universal Orlando Resort is also promoting a range of holiday offers for visitors planning a festive getaway.
US residents can save up to 30 per cent on stays of five nights or more at participating hotels. When combined with theme park tickets, eligible holiday packages offer the opportunity to save up to an additional $300. Available ticket promotions also include the ‘Get 2-Days Free with a 3-Day Ticket’ offer, providing five days of theme park access for the price of three.
Florida residents can take advantage of a two-park Unlimited Days Ticket, priced at $199 plus tax, offering access to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure through 16 December 2026. Eligible residents can also save up to 25 per cent on rooms at participating Universal Orlando hotels.
Full details of accommodation and ticket offers are available through the Universal Orlando special offers website.
Access to the in-park holiday experiences is included with regular theme park admission, while selected tours and additional experiences require separate tickets. Further information about the seasonal programme is available at UniversalOrlando.com/Holidays.
