The countdown to Christmas has officially started at Universal Orlando Resort. Holidays at Universal Orlando returns November 14, 2026 through January 3, 2027, bringing the Grinch, giant Macy’s balloons, Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter across three parks, and the return of Snoggletog on the Isle of Berk at Epic Universe.
Best of all, the holiday celebration is included with regular theme park admission or an Annual Pass (blockout dates may apply). Here is everything you need to know, park by park.
- Dates: November 14, 2026 through January 3, 2027
- Parks: Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Epic Universe
- Cost: Included with theme park admission or an Annual Pass (blockout dates may apply)
- Epic Universe: Snoggletog returns to How to Train Your Dragon Isle of Berk, plus holiday décor in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and Celestial Park
- Upcharge option: The Universal Holiday Tour, on select dates November 14, 2026 through January 2, 2027
Jump to: Universal Studios Florida | Islands of Adventure | Epic Universe | Universal Holiday Tour | Hotels | Tickets and Deals | New Year’s Eve
Universal Studios Florida
Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s
The streets of Universal Studios Florida fill with towering balloons, music and festive floats when Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s returns. Look for fan favorites like the Macy’s Elf Train and the Gingerbread Man float, complete with his Santa hat. Universal has not posted parade times yet, so check the Universal Orlando Resort App closer to your visit.
Christmas in Diagon Alley
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley gets decked out for the season, and yes, the dragon atop Gringotts is still breathing fire over the decorated street. Celestina Warbeck also returns with a holiday performance.
Earl the Squirrel and Holiday Treats
Earl the Squirrel trades his usual look for holiday attire and joins guests near a festive tree. Along the New York streets, seasonal food booths and festive drinks pop up for the season, and the Holiday Tribute Store returns with holiday themed merchandise.
Universal Islands of Adventure
Grinchmas in Seuss Landing
Seuss Landing transforms into Whoville for Grinchmas. The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular brings the Grinch and friends to the stage, and guests can meet the Grinch himself (dressed as Santa, of course), his loyal dog Max and Santa.
Christmas in Hogsmeade
The snowcapped village of Hogsmeade is decorated for the holidays, with seasonal music from The Frog Choir. After dark, The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle projection show lights up the castle, and it remains one of the most popular nighttime experiences of the season.
Seasonal food, drinks and holiday merchandise are also available throughout the park. Universal has not released the full menu yet, so we will update you as soon as it drops.
Epic Universe
Snoggletog at How to Train Your Dragon Isle of Berk
Snoggletog, the Viking winter holiday from the How to Train Your Dragon franchise, is back for its second year at Epic Universe. The Isle of Berk will once again be filled with festive décor, seasonal food and drinks, and holiday merchandise. Read our full Snoggletog breakdown for more details.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
The Mushroom Kingdom joins the celebration with colorful holiday décor, appearances by favorite characters (including Mario in front of a giant Christmas tree) and themed food.
Christmas in the Ministry of Magic
Wizarding Paris gets the holiday treatment with illuminated garlands on the storefronts and glowing green and gold Christmas décor across the building facades.
Celestial Park
Celestial Park becomes a winter wonderland with lighted, tree lined walkways and a festive version of the Cosmos Fountain Show.
The Universal Holiday Tour
If you want to see as much as possible with less waiting, the Universal Holiday Tour is offered on select dates from November 14, 2026 through January 2, 2027. This guided daytime tour lasts about two and a half hours and includes:
- Meet and greets with the Grinch, Max and Santa
- Reserved seating for the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular
- An optional reserved viewing area for Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s
Tours are limited to 12 guests and may include more than one party. Theme park admission is not included, reservations are required, and pricing varies by date. Annual Passholders receive a discount on the tour.
Holidays at Universal Orlando Hotels
Universal’s themed hotels get in on the fun with festive lobbies and holiday food and activities, including Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort. Over at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, the harbor is the place to be, and you can read all about Holiday Harbor Nights at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.
Staying on property also comes with perks like early park admission (up to an hour early at select attractions) and complimentary transportation from select hotels. Guests at select Signature Collection hotels receive free Universal Express Unlimited at participating rides and attractions in Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
Holiday Tickets and Deals
- 3 Parks in 3 Days: From $99 per day ($297 total, plus tax) for one day each at Epic Universe, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
- Florida Resident 2 Park Unlimited Days Ticket: $199 for adults and $194 for children, good for unlimited visits to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure through December 16, 2026. We broke this one down in our post on Universal’s $199 Florida resident unlimited ticket.
- Florida Resident 3 Day, 3 Park Ticket: $85 per day ($255 total, plus tax), valid through December 23, 2026.
- Vacation packages: Save up to $300 when you bundle a stay of two nights or more with a multiday park to park ticket (maximum savings based on a 7 night stay on select dates).
- Hotel savings: Save up to 30% on stays of 5 nights or more for travel September 8 through December 25, 2026 and January 3 through March 15, 2027. Florida residents can save up to 35% at select hotels for Sunday through Thursday stays through December 24, 2026.
- Annual Passholders: Up to 40% off Sunday through Thursday stays at select hotels, or up to 30% off anytime at any resort, plus Holiday Tour discounts. Universal says more passholder perks are coming soon.
Florida resident tickets are not sold at the front gate, so buy them online ahead of time.
New Year’s Eve at Universal Orlando
All three theme parks will host New Year’s Eve celebrations. Universal has not released the details yet, but we will share them the moment they are announced. Guests must be 21 or older with a valid photo ID to purchase alcohol.
Planning Your Holiday Visit
Download the Universal Orlando Resort App before you go for wait times, showtimes, the interactive map and mobile food ordering. Holiday crowds pick up quickly after Thanksgiving, so weekdays in early December are your best bet for lighter crowds. If you are heading over to CityWalk too, don’t miss the Wicked Oztacular Spectacular and The Traitors New Blood bar.
Will you be visiting Universal Orlando this holiday season? Let us know which experience you are most excited for!
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