It might be October, but we’re already getting excited for the holiday season at Universal Orlando Resort — especially since it’s the first holiday season at Epic Universe!
From activities to exclusive shows, from meet-and-greets to holiday treats, things are looking merry and bright this holiday season at Universal. Universal has dropped a ton of news on Christmas at the park this year, and we’re here to share it all!
The holidays at Universal Orlando will feature a slate of festivities inspired by beloved characters and seasonal traditions from November 21st through January 4th, 2026. The park will be covered in beautiful holiday décor throughout — including select worlds at Epic Universe! So, let’s take a look at the jolly experiences guests will be able to enjoy at Universal this holiday season.
Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
From garlands to dazzling lights, guests will be immersed in the magical festive holiday décor across all three wizarding world locations this season! That includes Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure, Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida, and for the first time, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic at Universal Epic Universe. Forget hot chocolate, warm up with hot Butterbeer, and do some Christmas shopping from a selection of seasonal wizarding merchandise.
That’s not all, guests will also get to enjoy popular holiday-themed experiences within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Listen to special holiday performances and seasonal melodies by The Frog Choir in Hogsmeade and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees in Diagon Alley. However, our favorite part of the holidays has to be the awe-inspiring nighttime spectacle, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle”. This show brings the beloved characters and stories from the Harry Potter movies to life in a breathtaking display of projection and special effects on Hogwarts Castle.
Grinchmas in Seuss Landing at Islands of Adventure
No one does the holidays like the Whos down in Who-ville! Grinchmas comes to life in Seuss Landing, where guests can step into the world of Who-ville with the beloved stage show, “The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular”. The show is a live stage show that retells the Dr. Seuss classic, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”
You’ll also be able to meet the mean one himself, The Grinch, during special appearances at Honk Honkers daily. You’ll also encounter Whos during their holiday rush throughout the decorated Seuss Landing, including a new Who-ville Tree Lot with a collection of whimsical trees themed to various Dr. Seuss characters.
Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s
Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s is back once again, and it’ll be featuring larger-than-life balloons and vibrant holiday floats. There will also be appearances by the Minions, beloved characters from DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek and Madagascar, and so much more. It all leads to the spectacular moment of lighting the park’s 80-foot Christmas tree.
Holiday Décor within Celestial Park at Universal Epic Universe
We might be most excited for the seasonal lighting and decorations coming to Epic Universe in Celestial Park. This will be the first of many holidays at the brand-new Universal park, and we can’t wait to see what it looks like.
The Universal Holiday Tour
Guests can take a guided tour of Universal’s holiday offerings across Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure and enjoy exclusive experiences during the tour, including:
- An exclusive meet-and-greet with The Grinch and his faithful dog Max
- Reserved viewing area for Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s
- Reserved seating area for “The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular”
- Cookie decorating, light bites and non-alcoholic beverages
- An exclusive meet and greet photo opportunity with Santa Claus in Universal Studios Florida
- And priority access to one pre-determined attraction at Universal Studios Florida
The Universal Holiday Tour is available on select dates beginning November 21st through January 3rd, 2026, and can be booked online. Pricing starts at $79.99 per person plus tax, and you will need separate theme park admission. Annual and Seasonal Passholders can get a $10 discount per ticket. Tickets for Passholders can be purchased through the VIP Call Center (1-866-346-9350) or by visiting the UOAP Lounge in Universal Islands of Adventure. Seasonal Passholder blockout dates do apply!
The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast at Islands of Adventure
Guests will be able to enjoy breakfast alongside beloved characters from Seuss Landing during The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous. This add-on experience is available on select dates beginning November 21st through January 4th, 2026, for $58.99 plus tax per adult and $32.99 plus tax per child (ages 3-9).
Universal CityWalk
At Universal CityWalk, the Red Coconut Club will transform into the Green and Red Coconut Club for the holiday season, complete with festive decorations, live entertainment and holiday cocktails. This year’s theme is the “Mistletoe Pines Ski Lodge,” where guests will enjoy nods to their favorite holiday songs. Upstairs, guests will encounter Earl the Squirrel, who has brought his usual chaos and charm to Earl’s Twelve Days of Christmas. Guests can also meet this beloved Universal character on select dates in CityWalk Plaza.
Seasonal food and beverage offerings will also be available at restaurants throughout CityWalk, like Bigfire and VIVO Italian Kitchen. Guests will also be able to enjoy a seasonal milkshake from the Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen.
Universal Orlando Resort Hotels
Guests can enjoy holiday festivities at all 11 Universal Orlando Resort hotels, which will be decked out with festive décor for the season. Special menus and delicious holiday buffets will be offered for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s, and guests can join in on holiday celebrations including Christmas tree lightings, Hanukkah menorah lighting ceremonies, strolling carolers and more.
New Year’s Eve
Guests can also ring in the New Year with dazzling celebrations at Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Epic Universe, Universal CityWalk, and all 11 Universal Orlando hotels. Additional details will be available at a later date.
On top of everything, guests can enjoy delicious holiday-themed menu items at various dining locations and shop a collection of seasonal merchandise. We can’t wait for the most wonderful time of the year at Universal. For more Universal news and updates, be sure to stay tuned to AllEars.
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What are you most excited about from the holiday offerings? Let us know in the comments!
