Our Jolly Good Guide to the Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort Hotels

by Mommy Frog on November 23, 2022 Orlando

Summary

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? Then come with me and let's unwrap all the holly-jolly hoppenings during the holidays at Universal Orlando Resort hotels!

Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort Hotels - Surfside Tree

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Buone Feste! Indulge in la dolce vita this holiday season at this romantic Riviera-inspired resort.

Thanksgiving

Enjoy a Thanksgiving Day buffet and listen to live music at Trattoria del Porto on Nov. 24 from 12 to 9 p.m. The price is $80 for adults and $37 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Make a reservation via Resy, call 407-503-DINE (3463) or visit or call the concierge at 407-503-1200.
Order from a Thanksgiving menu at Mama Della's Ristorante on Nov. 24 from 5 to 10 p.m. while opera singers and strolling musicians provide music during your deal. The price is $65 for adults and $25 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Make a reservation via Resy, call 407-503-DINE (3463) or visit or call the concierge at 407-503-1200. While a special traditional Thanksgiving meal will be offered, regular menu items will still be available.

Christmas and Hanukkah

On Nov. 25 from 6:30 to 9 p.m., frogs 21 and over can experience Holiday Harbor Nights on the Harbor Piazza. Sip select wines and enjoy unlimited gourmet food samples from the hotel's restaurants while live music and traditional opera performances provide the soundtrack to your evening. Tickets are $109 for VIP, $79 for standing harbor and $850 for tables of up to 10 frogs.
Celebrate Hanukkah on Dec. 18 to 26 with a menorah lighting ceremony in the lobby each night at sundown. Visit or call the concierge or front desk for times.
Enjoy strolling holiday carolers in the lobby and throughout the hotel on Dec. 19 to 25 from 7 to 9:30 p.m.
Head over to Trattoria del Porto for a Christmas Day buffet on Dec. 25 from 12 to 9 p.m. and enjoy live music while you eat. The price is $80 for adults and $27 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Make a reservation via Resy, call 407-503-DINE (3463) or visit or call the concierge at 407-503-1200.
Listen to opera singers and strolling musicians while you dine on a Christmas Day menu at Mama Della's Ristorante on Dec. 25 from 5 to 10 p.m. The price is $65 for adults and $25 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Make a reservation via Resy, call 407-503-DINE (3463) or visit or call the concierge at 407-503-1200. While a special Christmas Day meal will be offered, regular menu items will still be available.

New Year's Eve

Ring in the new year on the Piazza with a family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration featuring gourmet foods, desserts, beer, wine, a live DJ and dancing on Dec. 31 from 8:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. Tickets are $180 for adults, $130 for tadpoles ages 10 to 20 and $45 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Purchase your tickets here.
Enjoy a New Year's Eve prix fixe menu at Mama Della's Ristorante on Dec. 31 from 5:30 to 11 p.m. The price is $85 for adults and $40 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Make a reservation via Resy, call 407-503-DINE (3463) or visit or call the concierge at 407-503-1200. While a special New Year's Eve meal will be offered, regular menu items will still be available.

Universal's Hard Rock Hotel

Turn up the volume on your holiday celebrations and give your family the red carpet treatment at Universal's Hard Rock Hotel.

Thanksgiving

Enjoy a Thanksgiving Day buffet in the Avalon Ballroom on Nov. 24 from 7 to 11 a.m. The price is $27 for adults and $16 for tadpoles. Make a reservation via Resy, call 407-503-DINE (3463) or visit or call the concierge at 407-503-1200.
Indulge in a Thanksgiving Day buffet at The Kitchen on Nov. 24 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The price is $75 for adults and $35 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Make a reservation via Resy, call 407-503-DINE (3463) or visit or call the concierge at 407-503-1200.

Christmas and Hanukkah

Head on down to the lobby for a Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 25 at 6 p.m.
Celebrate Hanukkah with a menorah lighting ceremony in the lobby every day from Dec. 18 to 26 at sundown. Visit or call the concierge or front desk for times.
Enjoy a Christmas Day brunch and live music at The Kitchen on Dec. 25 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. The price is $75 for adults and $35 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Make a reservation via Resy, call 407-503-DINE (3463) or visit or call the concierge at 407-503-1200.

New Year's Eve

Ring in the new year with a New Year's Eve party in the lobby featuring a DJ, a balloon artist and roaming magicians on Dec. 31 from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets are $80 for adults and $50 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9.
Enjoy a New Year's Eve buffet at The Kitchen on Dec. 31 from 5 to 11 p.m. The best part? The New Year's Eve Lobby Party is included in your ticket purchase! Tickets are $150 for adults and $75 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Purchase your tickets here.
Head on over to The Kitchen on Jan. 1 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. for an Acoustic Brunch featuring live music. The price is $40 for adults and $19 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Make a reservation via Resy, call 407-503-DINE (3463) or visit or call the concierge at 407-503-1200.

Loews Royal Pacific Resort

Hau'oli lanui! Relax in Polynesian paradise this holiday season at this South Seas escape.

Thanksgiving

Enjoy a Thanksgiving Day buffet at Jake's American Bar on Nov. 24 from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. The price is $27 for adults and $16 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Frogs ages 21 and up can add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Bloody Mary cocktails for just $21 more. Make a reservation via Resy, call 407-503-DINE (3463) or visit or call the concierge at 407-503-1200.
Head on over to Islands Dining Room for a Thanksgiving Day buffet featuring a musician, hula dancers and a balloon artist on Nov. 24 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The price is $75 for adults and $35 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Frogs ages 21 and up can add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Bloody Mary cocktails for just $21 more. Make a reservation via Resy, call 407-503-DINE (3463) or visit or call the concierge at 407-503-1200.

Christmas and Hanukkah

Celebrate Hanukkah with a menorah lighting ceremony in the lobby at sundown every day from Dec. 18. to 26. Visit or call the concierge or front desk for times.
Enjoy a Christmas Day breakfast buffet at Jake's American Bar on Dec. 25 from 7 to 11 a.m. The price is $27 for adults and $16 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Frogs ages 21 and up can add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Bloody Mary cocktails for just $21 more. Make a reservation via Resy, call 407-503-DINE (3463) or visit or call the concierge at 407-503-1200.
Head on over to Islands Dining Room for a Christmas Day buffet featuring a musician, hula dancers and a balloon artist on Dec. 25 from 11a.m. to 9 p.m. The price is $74 for adults and $25 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Frogs ages 21 and up can add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Bloody Mary cocktails for $21 more. Make a reservation via Resy, call 407-503-DINE (3463) or visit or call the concierge at 407-503-1200.

New Year's Eve

Ring in the New Year with a New Year's Eve dessert celebration in the Tahitian Room on Dec. 31 from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. The price is $40 for frogs over 3 and older.
Enjoy a New Year's Eve buffet at Islands Dining Room featuring a musician, hula dancers and a balloon artist on Dec. 31 from 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $90 for adults and $45 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Frogs ages 21 and up can add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Bloody Mary cocktails for $21 more. For just $20 more, frogs get access to the dessert celebration in the Tahitian Room! Purchase your tickets here.
Participate in the Wantilan New Year's Eve Luau on Dec. 31 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $99 to $119 for adults and $39 to $59 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Purchase your tickets here.
Head on over to Islands Dining Room on Jan. 1 from 7 to 11 a.m. for a New Year's Day breakfast buffet. The price is $27 for adults and $16 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Frogs ages 21 and up can add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Bloody Mary cocktails for $21 more. Make a reservation via Resy, call 407-503-DINE (3463) or visit or call the concierge at 407-503-1200.

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

Set the clock to island time this holiday season and celebrate the holidays at this Caribbean hideaway.

Thanksgiving

Enjoy a Thanksgiving Day breakfast buffet at Amatista Cookhouse on Nov. 24 from 7 to 11 a.m. The price is $27 for adults and $16 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Frogs ages 21 and up can add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Cubanita cocktails for $21 more. Make a reservation via Resy, call 407-503-DINE (3463) or visit or call the concierge at 407-503-1200.
Head on over to Amatista Cookhouse on Nov. 24. from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. for a Thanksgiving Day buffet. The price is $75 for adults and $35 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Frogs ages 21 and up can add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Cubanita cocktails for $21 more. Make a reservation via Resy, call 407-503-DINE (3463) or visit or call the concierge at 407-503-1200.

Christmas and Hanukkah

Celebrate Hanukkah with a menorah lighting ceremony in the lobby at sundown from Dec. 18 to 26. Visit or call the concierge or front desk for times.
Enjoy a Christmas Day breakfast buffet in Amatista Cookhouse featuring a musician, hula dancers and a balloon artist on Dec. 25 from 7 to 11 a.m. The price is $27 for adults and $16 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Frogs ages 21 and up can add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Cubanita cocktails for $21 more. Make a reservation via Resy, call 407-503-DINE (3463) or visit or call the concierge at 407-503-1200.
Head on over to Amatista Cookhouse for a Christmas Day buffet on Dec. 25 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $75 for adults and $35 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Frogs ages 21 and up can add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Cubanita cocktails for $21 more. Purchase your tickets here.

New Year's Eve

Enjoy a New Year's Eve buffet in Amatista Cookhouse on Dec. 31 from 5 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $90 for adults and $45 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Frogs ages 21 and up can add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Cubanita cocktails for $21 more. Purchase your tickets here.
For $120, frogs 21 and up can ring in the new year and enjoy live entertainment at a New Year's Eve celebration in Strong Water Tavern on Dec. 31 from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Head over to Amatista Cookhouse on Jan. 1 from 7 to 11 a.m. for a New Year's Day breakfast buffet. Tickets are $27 for adults and $16 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Frogs ages 21 and up can add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Cubanita cocktails for $21 more. Purchase your tickets here.

Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Talk about a throwback! Soak up the nostalgia of the season at this vibrant and retro beach resort.

Thanksgiving

Enjoy a special Thanksgiving Day meal in Bayliner Diner on Nov. 24 from 12 to 11 p.m. with a menu consisting of turkey, stuffing, cranberry compote, broccoli, mashed potatoes, gravy and biscuits. (You can add pecan or pumpkin pie for $4.50 more per frog.) The price is $21.99 for adults and $11.99 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9.
Watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in Bayliner Diner on Nov. 24 starting at 9 a.m.
Go a round at Galaxy Bowl with Thanksgiving Day Turkey Bowling on Nov. 24 from 1 to 10:30 p.m. The price is $16.99 per frog and includes shoe rental. Parties of 1 to 3 can bowl for 45 minutes and parties of 4 to 6 can bowl for 75 minutes.

Christmas and Hanukkah

Head to the lobby on Nov. 25 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. for a Christmas tree lighting ceremony and a Winter Wonderland featuring skaters, a Santa meet and greet, a live band, a musician, hot chocolate and cookies.
Celebrate Hanukkah with a menorah lighting ceremony in the lobby at sundown from Dec. 18 to 26. Visit or call the concierge or front desk for times.
Enjoy a special Christmas Day meal in Bayliner Diner on Dec. 25 from 12 to 11 p.m. with a menu consisting of turkey, stuffing, cranberry compote, broccoli, mashed potatoes, gravy and biscuits. (You can add pecan or pumpkin pie for $4.50 more per frog.) The price is $21.99 for adults and $11.99 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9.

New Year's Eve

Frogs staying at Cabana Bay Beach Resort can ring in the new year with a New Year's Eve Party Spectacular in Bayliner Diner on Dec. 31 from 5 to 10 p.m. and enjoy a live DJ, balloon twisters, face painters, party favors and a midnight balloon drop. While the event is complimentary, a carving dining special is available beginning at 5 p.m. for $21 for adults and $11.99 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9.

Universal's Aventura Hotel

Enjoy rooftop views and modern fare during the most wonderful time of the year at this stylish sanctuary.

Thanksgiving

Enjoy a special Thanksgiving Day meal at Urban Pantry on Nov. 24 from 4 p.m. to close with a menu consisting of herb-roasted turkey with gravy, homemade stuffing, circus cranberry sauce, almond green beans and dinner rolls. (You can add pecan or pumpkin pie for $3.50 more per frog.) The price is $21.99 for adults and $11.99 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9.

Christmas and Hanukkah

Celebrate Hanukkah with a menorah lighting ceremony in the lobby at sundown from Dec. 18 to 26. Visit or call the concierge or front desk for times.
Enjoy a special Christmas Day meal at Urban Pantry on Dec. 25 from 5 p.m. to close with a menu consisting of slow-roasted prime rib with jus or horseradish cream, Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, garlic creamed spinach and dinner rolls. (You can add pumpkin pie for $4 more per person.) The price is $25 for adults and $14 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9.

New Year's Eve

Frogs ages 21 and up can ring in the new year with Aventura's New Year's Eve Celebration on Dec. 31 from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. Enjoy a menu consisting of bao buns, crab stuffed mushroom, a sushi display, shrimp toast with avocado, chicken piccata skewers, bruschetta, wagyu beef sliders and assorted desserts. Standing room tickets include the specialty food, beer, wine and featured specialty cocktails (cash bar from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.), along with a DJ, party favors and a midnight Prosecco toast. Cocktail tables that can accommodate up to four frogs each will be positioned throughout the standing room area. The VIP package includes all the benefits of a standing room ticket for up to six frogs in your party, PLUS couch seating and two bottles of champagne.

Universal's Endless Summer Resort - Surfside Inn and Suites

Hang ten at this surfer's paradise and let the waves sing you to sleep this holiday season.

Thanksgiving

Enjoy a special Thanksgiving Day meal at Beach Break Cafe on Nov. 24 from 2 to 10 p.m. with a menu consisting of oven-roasted turkey with house-made cranberry compote, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green beans and rolls. The price is $17 for adults and $10 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9.

Christmas and Hanukkah

Celebrate Hanukkah with a menorah lighting in the lobby at sundown from Dec. 18 to 26. Visit or call the concierge or front desk for times.
Enjoy a special Christmas Day meal at Beach Break Cafe on Dec. 25 from 2 to 10 p.m. with a menu consisting of honey-glazed ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green beans and rolls. The price is $17 for adults and $10 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9.

New Year's Eve

Enjoy a special New Year's Eve meal at Beach Break Cafe on Dec. 31 from 5 p.m. to close with a menu consisting of herb-encrusted New York striploin served with red wine au jus, oven-roasted fingerling potatoes, asparagus and biscuits. The price is $18 for adults and $10 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9.

Universal's Endless Summer Resort - Dockside Inn and Suites

Exchange snow boots and ski goggles for flip-flops and sunglasses. Celebrate the holidays with a little bit of sunshine at Universal's Endless Summer Resort - Dockside Inn and Suites!

Thanksgiving

Enjoy a special Thanksgiving Day meal at Dockside's Pier 8 Market on Nov. 24 from 2 to 10 p.m. with a menu consisting of oven-roasted turkey with house-made cranberry compote, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green beans and rolls. The price is $17 for adults and $10 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9.

Christmas and Hanukkah

Celebrate Hanukkah with a menorah lighting in the lobby at sundown from Dec. 18 to 26. Visit or call the concierge or front desk for times.
Enjoy a special Christmas Day meal at Dockside's Pier 8 Market on Dec. 25 from 2 to 10 p.m. with a menu consisting of honey-glazed ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green beans and rolls. The price is $17 for adults and $10 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9.

New Year's Eve

Enjoy a special New Year's Eve meal at Dockside's Pier 8 Market on Dec. 31 from 5 p.m. to close with a menu consisting of herb-encrusted New York striploin served with red wine au jus, oven-roasted fingerling potatoes, asparagus and biscuits. The price is $18 for adults and $10 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9.

Are you planning to spend the holidays at Universal Orlando Resort? Which hotel is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!

Hoppy planning!