The most wonderful time of the year is almost here at Universal Orlando Resort! Holidays at Universal Orlando kicks off this Saturday, November 14, and runs through January 3, 2027, with Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s and, for the very first time, holiday decor at Universal Epic Universe.
Best of all, the in-park holiday experiences are included with regular theme park admission.
Epic Universe Celebrates the Holidays for the First Time
Universal’s newest theme park is joining the fun this year:
- Super Mario Land in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD: Special holiday decor, festive merchandise and holiday food for the very first time.
- How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk: The Viking winter holiday of Snoggletog from the films comes to life with festive decor, seasonal merchandise and fun photo ops. Read more in Snoggletog Returns to Epic Universe This Holiday Season.
- Celestial Park: Returns as a cosmic winter wonderland with even more twinkling Christmas trees and holiday themed fountain displays at the Cosmos Fountain throughout the day.
Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
All three Wizarding World lands will be decked out with festive decor, sparkling lights, holiday merchandise and entertainment:
- Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure
- Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida
- Ministry of Magic at Universal Epic Universe
In Hogsmeade, don’t miss The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, a projection show that lights up Hogwarts castle with effects inspired by holiday moments and characters from the Harry Potter films.
Grinchmas in Seuss Landing
Over at Universal Islands of Adventure, Seuss Landing turns into a whimsical Grinchmas wonderland. Catch the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, a live stage show based on Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, meet the Grinch himself, stroll the Who-Ville Tree Lot and shop for Who-Ville inspired gifts.
Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s
Every night at Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s fills the streets with giant balloons and themed floats inspired by Despicable Me, Shrek, Madagascar and holiday classics. The parade ends with a Christmas tree lighting led by Santa Claus.
In December, the brand new Earl the Squirrel balloon joins the parade. The 30.4 foot balloon makes its debut in the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade first, as we shared in Universal Orlando’s Earl the Squirrel Is Getting His Own Giant Balloon.
Holiday Food and Drinks
New Holiday Kiosks at Universal Studios Florida
The New York area of Universal Studios Florida is getting cozy cabin style wooden kiosks with treats like:
- Fire roasted holiday striploin
- Potato pancakes and pierogies
- Christmas tree waffles
- Red nose reindeer donuts
- Earl the Squirrel’s hazelnut dot cake
- Drinks including a coquito, Merry Orchid Mule and Peppermint Espresso Martini Hot Chocolate
Holiday Menus at Epic Universe
- Snoggletog Harvest Mac and Cheese Cone in How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk
- Winter Hunter Mule at the Burning Blade Tavern in Dark Universe
- Snowman Cake (Mario) at Toadstool Cafe in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
- Noir Holiday Supper at Le Gobelet Noir in the Ministry of Magic
- Dongzhi Nights and other holiday cocktails and mocktails at The Blue Dragon Pan Asian Restaurant and other Celestial Park spots
More Festive Fare
- BAH! Jam Tart and Very Grinchmas Ice Cream Sandwich in Seuss Landing
- Gingy’s Gingerbread Streusel Cake at DreamWorks’ Imagination Cafe in Universal Studios Florida
- Spiced Apple Cider and Hot Butterbeer in all three Wizarding World lands
Holiday Merchandise
The Holiday Tribute Store returns to Universal Studios Florida, and this year’s theme honors NBCUniversal’s legacy in the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, with iconic parade moments, exclusive merchandise and limited release collectibles. Look for all new Earl the Squirrel merchandise too, including apparel, accessories and collectibles celebrating his Macy’s balloon debut.
Holiday Add On Experiences
- Universal Holiday Tour: A two and a half hour guided tour of the holiday offerings for guests with park to park access to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, including exclusive meet and greets with the Grinch, his dog Max and Santa Claus.
- Grinch and Friends Character Breakfast: A delightfully chaotic breakfast with the Grinch and the Whos at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous in Islands of Adventure.
Both are on sale now on the Universal Orlando website.
Holidays at Universal Orlando Hotels and CityWalk
Universal Orlando’s 11 hotels are decorated to match each property’s theme, with special Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve dining at select hotels, plus menorah lightings, Christmas tree lightings and strolling carolers at select hotels. Hotel guests also get Early Park Admission and free transportation to the parks. Looking for a special night out? Don’t miss Holiday Harbor Nights at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.
At Universal CityWalk, the Red Coconut Club transforms into Haus Noël, an alpine pub and Christmas market celebrating old world holiday traditions, “both the merry and the macabre,” with drinks like coquito, spiked hot chocolate and a Pecan Pie Tai. CityWalk also hosts an Earl the Squirrel meet and greet on Fridays through Sundays from November 20 to January 3.
New Year’s Eve at Universal Orlando
Ring in 2027 with live entertainment and midnight countdowns in the theme parks and CityWalk, plus separately ticketed events at Universal’s hotels. Universal says more details are coming soon.
Holiday Ticket and Hotel Deals
- Hotel savings: U.S. residents can save up to 30% on stays of five nights or more at participating Universal Orlando hotels, plus up to $300 more when bundling with theme park tickets.
- Ticket deal: Three days of theme park access starting at $99 per day plus tax, or park to park access starting at $119 per day plus tax.
Want help putting it all together? Our preferred travel partner MEI/Mouse Fan Travel plans Universal vacations too. Get a free, no obligation quote.
For the full holiday season rundown, see our Holidays at Universal Orlando 2026: Complete Guide and our Universal Orlando Resort and Epic Universe News and Guide.
Mouse Fan Travel® an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, has been planning and creating magical Disney vacations since 2005. Their mission is to provide premium service and expert advice to help you get the most for your vacation time and dollar. Their Disney Travel Agents operate with the highest degree of integrity and will handle your family vacation, reunion, honeymoon, corporate incentive trip or getaway, as if it were their own. They pride themselves on expertly representing and advocating for you – their client.
The next time you and your family are planning a Disney vacation, visit Mouse Fan Travel for your no obligation quote or to answer any Disney vacation questions you may have. Are you looking for a beach vacation, tour or cruise to destinations across the globe? Visit MEI-Travel for exceptional expertise with ZERO agency fees.