Universal Orlando Resort is the perfect place to celebrate the holidays. With festive food, epic entertainment, merry character meets and so much more, packing all the festivities into one visit can make you feel like Santa trying to slide down a chimney. However, there's even more seasonal fun to be had at the hotels — whether you're staying on-site or not! Not only are there epic parties and delicious feasts at the hotels for frogs who are away from home for the holidays, but the on-site hotels even have special ceremonies, so you don't have to miss out on cherished traditions. Heading to the parks this holiday season? Come with me, and let's unwrap all the holly-jolly hoppenings during the holidays at Universal Orlando Resort hotels!
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
Buone Feste! Indulge in la dolce vita this holiday season at this romantic Riviera-inspired resort.
Thanksgiving
- Enjoy a festive holiday celebration from Portofino Bay's award-winning culinary team that includes a menu of traditional Thanksgiving favorites, family favorite entertainment and more at Trattoria del Porto on Nov. 27 from 12 to 9 p.m. The price is $85 for adults and $35 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Make a reservation via Resy.
- Order from a special three-course prix-fixe menu to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday at Mama Della's Ristorante on Nov. 27 from 5 to 10 p.m. The price is $70 per person. Make a reservation via Resy.
- Kick off the holiday season with Portofino Bay during Holiday Harbor Nights on Nov. 28 from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Experience an unfrogettable and festive evening filled with Italian charm as you stroll beneath the twinkling lights of the Harbor Piazza. Featuring an array of wines, delectable Italian-inspired cuisine, live music performed by Portofino's very own opera singers and the grand illumination of Portofino's glittering Christmas tree, Holiday Harbor Nights is the perfect date night or fun night out with friends to celebrate the season. Adults (age 21 and over) only. Tickets start at $114.47 and are available via Eventbrite.
Christmas and Hanukkah
- Head over to Trattoria del Porto on Dec. 25 from 12 to 9 p.m. and enjoy a menu of traditional Christmas favorites, family-friendly entertainment and more. The price is $85 for adults and $35 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Make a reservation via Resy.
- Enjoy a special three-course prix-fixe menu to celebrate the Christmas holiday Mama Della's Ristorante on Dec. 25 from 5 to 10 p.m. The price is $75 for person. Make a reservation via Resy.
New Year's Eve
- Enjoy a New Year's Eve three-course prix-fixe menu at Mama Della's Ristorante on Dec. 31 from 5:30 to 11 p.m. The price is $85 per person. Make a reservation via Resy.
- Come to New Year's Eve Party on the Piazza, a family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration for guests of all ages on the hotel's picturesque outdoor Harbor Piazza from Dec. 31 at 8:30 p.m. to Jan. 1 at 12:30 a.m. Enjoy gourmet food (served until 11 p.m.), desserts, beer and wine, live DJ and dancing and then countdown to midnight with a live performance by Portofino's opera singers and a sparkling wine toast. Tickets are $212.21 for adults, $155.38 for tadpoles ages 10 to 17, $53.11 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9 and free for tadpoles under the age of 3 and are available via Eventbrite.
Hard Rock Hotel
Turn up the volume on your holiday celebrations and give your family the red carpet treatment at Hard Rock Hotel.
Thanksgiving
- Indulge in a festive holiday celebration from Hard Rock's award-winning culinary team that includes of menu of traditional Thanksgiving favorites, family-friendly entertainment and more at The Kitchen on Nov. 27 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The price is $80 for adults and $40 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Make a reservation via Resy.
Christmas and Hanukkah
- Enjoy a festive holiday celebration that includes a menu of traditional Christmas favorites, family-friendly entertainment and more at The Kitchen on Dec. 25 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. The price is $80 for adults and $40 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Make a reservation via Resy.
New Year's Eve
- Enjoy a festive holiday celebration that includes of menu of New Year's Eve favorites, family-friendly entertainment and more at The Kitchen on Dec. 31 from 5 to 11 p.m. The best part? The ROCK-IN 2026! New Year's Eve Lobby Party is included in your ticket purchase! Tickets are $175 for adults and $80 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Make a reservation via Resy.
- Ring in 2026 with an unfrogettable evening of entertainment and fun for all ages at ROCK-IN 2026! New Year's Eve Lobby Party from Dec. 31 at 6 p.m. to Jan. 1 at 1 a.m. Enjoy live music, a high-energy DJ, a movie room for the tadpoles, balloon artists, an all-you-care-to-enjoy desserts (until midnight), a countdown live from Times Square in New York City via satellite, a midnight balloon drop and a midnight champagne (or Shirley Temple) toast. Tickets are $115.61 for adults and tadpoles ages 10 to 17, $58.79 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9 and free for tadpoles under the age of 3 and are available via Eventbrite.
Loews Royal Pacific Resort
Hau'oli lanui! Relax in Polynesian paradise this holiday season at this South Seas escape.
Thanksgiving
- Head on over to Islands Dining Room for a Thanksgiving Day buffet featuring a ukulele player, hula dancer and balloon artist on Nov. 27 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The price is $90 for adults and $40 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Make a reservation via Resy.
Christmas and Hanukkah
- Head on over to Islands Dining Room for a Christmas Day buffet featuring a ukulele player, a hula dancer and a balloon artist on Dec. 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The price is $90 for adults and $40 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Make a reservation via Resy.
New Year's Eve
- Enjoy a festive holiday celebration at Islands Dining Room that includes traditional New Year's Eve favorites, plus family-friendly entertainment, such as a ukulele player, hula dancer and balloon artist on Dec. 31 from 5 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $100 for adults and $50 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Make your reservation on Resy.
- Join in on the fun at Orchid Court Lounge & Sushi Bar's New Year's Eve Celebration from Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. to Jan. 1 at 12:30 a.m. Enjoy family-friendly entertainment, including a live DJ, stilt walker, magician and 360 photo booth. Elevate your experience further when your purchase a VIP Package which includes private VIP couch seating for up to eight people total, appetizers to share, a sushi platter, an assorted chef's choice desserts platter, one bottle of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut, a midnight champagne/sparkling cider toast, New Year's Eve party favors, valet parking (not valid for overnight hotel guests), access to a variety of entertainment and option bottle service (not included with ticket). Additional dinner and cocktail selections from Orchid Court Lounge & Sushi Bar's regular menu will be available for purchase at listed prices. The VIP Package is $967.93 and is available via Eventbrite.
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
Set the clock to island time this holiday season and celebrate the holidays at this Caribbean hideaway.
Thanksgiving
- Head on over to Amatista Cookhouse on Nov. 28 from 12 to 9 p.m. for a festive holiday celebration that includes of menu of traditional Thanksgiving favorites, plus family-friendly entertainment that includes a Caribbean soloist, face painter and balloon artist. The price is $80 for adults and $40 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Make a reservation via Resy.
Christmas and Hanukkah
- Head on over to Amatista Cookhouse for a festive holiday celebration that includes a menu of traditional Christmas favorites, plus family-friendly entertainment, such as a Caribbean soloist, face painter and balloon artist on Dec. 25 from 12 to 4 p.m. Tickets are $80 for adults and $40 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Make a reservation via Resy.
New Year's Eve
- Enjoy a festive holiday celebration at Amatista Cookhouse on Dec. 31 from 5 to 10 p.m that includes a menu of traditional New Year's Eve favorites, plus family-friendly entertainment, such as a Caribbean soloist, face painter and balloon artist. Tickets are $100 for adults and $50 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Make a reservation via Resy.
- Starting at $190.04, frogs 21 and up can ring in the new year and enjoy live entertainment, music and dancing at a New Year's Eve celebration in Strong Water Tavern from Dec. 31 at 10 p.m. to Jan. 1 at 2 a.m. Enjoy assured favorites from Strong Water Tavern's menu throughout the evening, as well as an open bar from 10 p.m. to midnight featuring select beers, liquors and wins (cash bar from midnight to 2 a.m.) Watch the New Year's Eve ball drop live from New York City's Times Square on the tavern's giant video wall while you raise a glass to welcome in the new year with a midnight champagne toast, party favors and a balloon drop. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.
Universal Aventura Hotel
Enjoy rooftop views and modern fare during the most wonderful time of the year at this stylish sanctuary.
Christmas and Hanukkah
- Indulge in a Christmas feast at Urban Pantry complete with roasted turkey breast, traditional stuffing, sour cream and chives, mashed potatoes and green beans. The Christmas meal special is $24 for adults and $14 for tadpoles ages 9 and under.
New Year's Eve
- Frogs ages 21 and up can ring in the new year with Aventura's New Year's Eve Celebration at Bar 17 Bistro from Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. to Jan. 1 at 1 a.m. Enjoy a menu consisting of bold Korean-bites, as well as some familiar favorites. General tickets include food, beer, wine and featured specialty cocktails until 10 p.m. (cash bar from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.), along with a DJ, party favors, a midnight Prosecco toast and self-parking. The VIP package includes all the benefits of a general ticket for up to six frogs in your party, PLUS reserved couch seating and two bottles of champagne and a chef-prepared food platter. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.
Universal Helios Grand Hotel
Celebrate the holidays like a god at Universal Orlando Resort's newest hotel, Universal Helios Grand Hotel.
Thanksgiving
- Enjoy a special Thanksgiving Buffet at Flora Taverna on Nov. 27 from 1 to 8 p.m. with a menu consisting of Thanksgiving favorites with some Mediterranean flare. The price is $85 for adults and $40 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Make a reservation on Resy.
Christmas and Hanukkah
- Celebrate Hanukkah with a menorah lighting in the lobby at sundown from Dec. 25 to Jan. 1. Visit or call the concierge or front desk for times.
- Indulge in a festive five-course, prix fixe feast featuring main courses of Ora King Salmon, grilled beef tenderloin or braised lamb shank from 5 to 10 p.m. on both Dec. 24 and Dec. 25. Make a reservation on Resy for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
- Enjoy a special Christmas Brunch at Flora Taverna on Dec. 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a menu consisting of Christmas favorites with some Mediterranean panache. The price is $85 for adults and $40 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Make a reservation on Resy.
New Year's Eve
- Be the first to ring in the new year at Universal Helios Grand Hotel at the New Year's Eve Party at the Palace from Dec. 31 at 9 p.m. to Jan. 1 at 1 a.m. Get ready for an unfrogettable experience filled with elegance, entertainment and indulgence and enjoy panoramic views or Universal Epic Universe from Bar Helios, the stylish rooftop lounge on the hotel's 10th floor. Your ticket includes reserved seating, a welcome cocktail, food and chef-attended action stations, music and entertainment, a champagne toast at midnight and signature craft cocktails. Beer and wine are also available for purchase. Formal cocktail attire is encouraged. Interior bar seating and a premier interior table are both $303.12 per person and an exterior exclusive park view and an exterior exterior fireworks view are both $411.08 per person and are all available via Eventbrite.
Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort
It's sure to be a groovy Christmas at Universal Cabana Bay Beach resort.
Christmas and Hanukkah
- On Dec. 13 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. or 10:45 to 12:15 p.m., start your day at Galaxy Bowl Presents Breakfast with Santa! This magical morning will be filled with delicious food, bowling fun and family-friendly activities! An all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast buffet will consist of scrambled eggs, sausage and bacon, pancakes and waffles, fresh fruit, coffee, tea and hot chocolate and assorted juices. A cash bar will also be available. Activities and entertainment include a meet and greet and photo experience with Santa and Mrs. Claus (includes printed photo provided on-site and digital copy delivered via text), a face painted and caricature artist, cookie decorating and holiday crafts, 30 minutes of bowling and 100 arcade credits (included with each child ticket). Tickets are $58.79 for adults ages 18 and up and tadpoles ages 10 to 17, $30.37 for tadpoles ages 9 and under and $24.69 for all ages if you're not bowling and are available via Eventbrite.
- Enjoy a Christmas feast complete with slow-roasted turkey, luxury cornbread and fruit stuffing, cranberry compote, roasted broccoli, mashed potatoes, homemade herbed turkey gravy, biscuit and whipped butter at Bayliner Diner. The Christmas meal special is $26 for adults and $14 for tadpoles ages 9 and under.
Universal Endless Summer Resort - Surfside Inn and Suites & Dockside Inn and Suites
Hang loose this holiday season at Universal Endless Summer Resort.
Christmas and Hanukkah
- Indulge in a Christmas feast complete with turkey or ham, stuffing, cranberry compote, green beans, mashed potatoes, gravy and biscuits at Beach Break Cafe at Surfside Inn and Suites and Dockside's Pier 8 Market at Dockside Inn and Suites. The Christmas meal specials are $22.50 for adults and $13 for tadpoles ages 9 and under.
New Year's Eve
- Ring in the new year with a mouthwatering meal consisting of New York strip, rosemary garlic smashed potatoes, broccolini and bourguignon demi-glace at Beach Break Cafe at Surfside Inn and Suites and Dockside's Pier 8 Market at Dockside Inn and Suites. New Year's Eve meal specials are $24 for adults and $14 for tadpoles ages 9 and under.
Universal Stella Nova Resort & Universal Terra Luna Resort
This holiday season is sure to be out of this world at Universal Orlando Resort's newest Prime Value Hotels.
Christmas and Hanukkah
- Enjoy a Christmas feast complete with honey and tangerine glazed ham with herb-roasted fingerling potatoes and grill asparagus or roasted turkey breast with apple sage stuffing, buttery whipped potatoes, turkey gravy, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce and a southern biscuit at Cosmos Cafe & Market at Universal Stella Nova Resort and Omega Cafe and Market at Universal Terra Luna Resort. The Christmas meal specials are $23.99 for adults and $12.99 for tadpoles ages 9 and under.
New Year's Eve
- Celebrate 2026 with a delicious dinner consisting of grilled flat iron steak with buttery whipped potatoes, roasted shallots, grilled asparagus and mushroom demi-glace or herb-marinated chicken with buttery whipped potatoes, sage gravy, green bean casserole and a southern biscuit at Cosmos Cafe & Market at Universal Stella Nova Resort and Omega Market at Universal Terra Luna Resort. New Year's Eve meal specials are $24.99 for adults and $14.99 for tadpoles 9 and under.
Are you planning to spend the holidays at Universal Orlando Resort? Which hotel is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!
Related: Toadally Magical Tips for Visiting Universal Orlando During the Holidays
Hoppy planning!
