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

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!

Hop To

• Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
• Hard Rock Hotel
• Loews Royal Pacific Resort
• Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
• Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort
• Universal's Aventura Hotel
• Surfside Inn and Suites
• Dockside Inn and Suites

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 on Nov. 28 from 12 to 8 p.m. The price is $85 for adults and $35 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Make a reservation via Resy or call 407-503-DINE (3463).
• Order from a special three-course prix-fixe menu to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday at Mama Della's Ristorante on Nov. 28 from 5 to 10 p.m. The price is $70 for adults and $25 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Make a reservation via Resy or call 407-503-DINE (3463).
• Kick off the holiday season with Portofino Bay during Holiday Harbor Nights on Nov. 29 from 6:30 to 9 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 The Buzzcats, 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 $85 and are available via Eventbrite.

Christmas and Hanukkah

• Celebrate Hanukkah on Dec. 25 to Jan. 1 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. 20 to 24 from 6 to 9 p.m.
• Head over to Trattoria del Porto on Dec. 25 from 12 to 8 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 or call 407-503-DINE (3463).
• 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 $70 for adults and $25 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Make a reservation via Resy or call 407-503-DINE (3463). While a special Christmas Day meal will be offered, regular menu items will still be available.

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 for adults and $40 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Make a reservation via Resy or call 407-503-DINE (3463).

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

• 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. 28 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 or call 407-503-DINE (3463).

Christmas and Hanukkah

• Celebrate Hanukkah with a menorah lighting ceremony in the lobby every day from Dec. 25 to Jan. 1 at sundown. Visit or call the concierge or front desk for times.
• 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 or call 407-503-DINE (3463).

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 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 or call 407-503-DINE (3463).
• Ring in the new year with a New Year's Eve party in the lobby featuring specially prepared desserts and entertainment that includes a DJ, a balloon artist, roaming magicians, a countdown live from Times Square via satellite and a midnight balloon drop with champagne toast on from Dec. 31 at 6 p.m. to Jan. 1 at 1 a.m. Tickets are $100 for adults, $50 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9 and free for tadpoles under the age of 3. Get tickets via Eventbrite.
• Head on over to The Kitchen on Jan. 1 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a New Year's Day Buffet. The price is $60 for adults and $35 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Make a reservation via Resy or call 407-503-DINE (3463).

Loews Royal Pacific Resort

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

Thanksgiving

• Enjoy a Thanksgiving Day breakfast buffet at Jake's American Bar on Nov. 28 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. The price is $32 for adults and $17 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Frogs ages 21 and up can add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa, Bloody Mary and peach bellini cocktails for just $27 more. Make a reservation via Resy or call 407-503-DINE (3463).
• Head on over to Islands Dining Room for a Thanksgiving Day buffet featuring a ukulele player, hula dancer and balloon artist on Nov. 28 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The price is $80 for adults and $40 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Frogs ages 21 and up can add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa, Bloody Mary or peach bellini cocktails for just $27 more. Make a reservation via Resy or call 407-503-DINE (3463).

Christmas and Hanukkah

• Celebrate Hanukkah with a menorah lighting ceremony in the lobby at sundown every day from Dec. 25 to Jan. 1. Visit or call the concierge or front desk for times.
• 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 11a.m. to 4 p.m. The price is $80 for adults and $40 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Make a reservation via Resy or call 407-503-DINE (3463).

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 $90 for adults and $45 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Make your reservation on Resy.
• Welcome 2025 with a hoppin' New Year's Eve Celebration at the Orchid Court Lounge & Sushi Bar. From Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. to Jan. 1 at 12:30 a.m., enjoy live jazz music, a stilt walker, Balinese dancers and a 360 photo booth. Frogs who want to enjoy the festivities for free can make a standard dining reservation on Resy. Frogs looking to ring in the New Year in style can purchase a VIP package for $700 for a group of up to 8 people which includes private VIP couch seating, one bottle of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut, an edamame appetizer, a sushi roll platter that includes shrimp tempura, California, spicy tuna, sweet potato and Philadelphia rolls, an assorted desserts tray of chef's selections, New Year's Eve party favors, a midnight champagne/sparkling cider toast and valet parking.
• Head on over to Islands Dining Room on Jan. 1 from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. for a New Year's Day breakfast buffet. The price is $32 for adults and $17 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Frogs ages 21 and up can add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Bloody Mary cocktails for $27 more. Make a reservation via Resy or call 407-503-DINE (3463).

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. 28 from 7 to 11 a.m. The price is $32 for adults and $17 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Frogs ages 21 and up can add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa, Bloody Mary and peach bellini cocktails for $27 more. Make a reservation via Resy or call 407-503-DINE (3463).
• Head on over to Amatista Cookhouse on Nov. 28 from 12 to 9 p.m. for a festive holiday celebration that includes oa menu of traditional Thanksgiving favorites, plus family-friendly entertainment that includes a Caribbean soloist, fae painter and balloon artist. 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, Bloody Mary or peach bellini cocktails for $27 more. Make a reservation via Resy or call 407-503-DINE (3463).

Christmas and Hanukkah

• Celebrate Hanukkah with a menorah lighting ceremony in the lobby at sundown from Dec. 25 to Jan. 1. Visit or call the concierge or front desk for times.
• 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 or call 407-503-DINE (3463).

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 $90 for adults and $45 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Make a reservation via Resy or call 407-503-DINE (3463).
• For $165.50, 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 not he 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.
• Head over to Amatista Cookhouse on Jan. 1 from 7 to 11 a.m. for a New Year's Day breakfast buffet. Tickets are $32 for adults and $17 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9. Make a reservation via Resy or call 407-503-DINE (3463).

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. 28 from 12 to 11 p.m. with a menu consisting of turkey, stuffing and sides. (You can add pecan or pumpkin pie for $5.50 more per frog.) The price is $22.99 for adults and $12.99 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9.
• Watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in Bayliner Diner on Nov. 28 starting at 9 a.m.
• Go a round at Galaxy Bowl with Thanksgiving Day Turkey Bowling on Nov. 28 from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. Call (407) 503-4230 for pricing.

Christmas and Hanukkah

• Head to the lobby on Nov. 29 from 4 to 7 p.m. for a Christmas tree lighting ceremony and a Winter Wonderland featuring skaters, a Santa meet and greet, live entertainment, music, hot chocolate and cookies.
• Celebrate Hanukkah with a menorah lighting ceremony in the lobby at sundown from Dec. 31 to Jan. 1. 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 $5.50 more per frog.) The price is $22.99 for adults and $12.99 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 from Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. to Jan. 1 at 12:30 a.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 $22.99 for adults and $12.99 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. 28 from 5 to 10 p.m. with a menu consisting of roasted turkey breast and traditional sides. (You can add pecan or pumpkin pie for $5.50 more per frog.) The price is $23.99 for adults and $12.99 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9.

Christmas and Hanukkah

• Celebrate Hanukkah with a menorah lighting ceremony in the lobby at sundown from Dec. 25 to Jan. 1. Visit or call the concierge or front desk for times.
• Enjoy a special Christmas Day meal at Urban Pantry on Dec. 25 from 12 to 10 p.m. with a menu consisting of roasted turkey breast, traditional stuffing, sour cream and chives mashed potatoes and green bean casserole. (You can add pumpkin pie for $5.50 more per frog.) The price is $23.99 for adults and $12.99 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 from Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. to Jan. 1 at 1 a.m. Enjoy a menu consisting of teriyaki glazed beef skewers, chicken satay skewers, caprese skewers, mini crab cakes, individual shrimp cocktails, assorted sushi, assorted vegetable crudité shooters, charcuterie boards, panna cotta, individual trifle cups, beef sliders, chicken sliders and mini tea cakes. Standing room 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 standing-room ticket for up to six frogs in your party, PLUS couch seating and one bottle of champagne and one bottle of Tito's Handmade Vodka. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.

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. 28 from 12 to 11 p.m. with a menu consisting of turkey, cranberry compote, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green beans and biscuits. The price is $21 for adults and $12 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9.

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.
• Enjoy a special Christmas Day meal at Beach Break Cafe on Dec. 25 from 12 to 11 p.m. with a menu consisting of turkey or ham, cranberry compote, sweet potatoes,  mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green beans and biscuits. The price is $21 for adults and $12 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 11 p.m. with a menu consisting of New York strip steak, rosemary garlic smashed potatoes, broccolini, bourguignon demi-glace and rolls. Add pecan or pumpkin pie for $5.50 more per frog. The price is $22 for adults and $13 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 Pier 8 Market on Nov. 28 from 12 to 11 p.m. with a menu consisting of turkey, cranberry compote, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green beans and biscuits. The price is $17.50 for adults and $8 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9.

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.
• Enjoy a special Christmas Day meal at Pier 8 Market on Dec. 25 from 2 to 11 p.m. with a menu consisting of turkey or ham, cranberry compote, sweet potatoes,  mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green beans and biscuits. The price is $21 for adults and $12 for tadpoles ages 3 to 9.

New Year's Eve

• Enjoy a special New Year's Eve meal at Pier 8 Market on Dec. 31 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. with a menu consisting of New York strip steak, rosemary garlic smashed potatoes, broccolini, bourguignon demi-glace and rolls. Add pecan or pumpkin pie for $5.50 more per frog. The price is $22 for adults and $13 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!

Related: Toadally Magical Tips for Visiting Universal Orlando During the Holidays

Hoppy planning!