The holidays are in full swing at Universal Orlando Resort! Between three thrilling theme parks, a sensational shopping, dining and entertainment district and 11 epic hotels, there is so much to see and do during the most wonderful time of the year — which runs from now until Jan. 4, 2026. From the original parks to the brand new Universal Epic Universe and its corresponding hotels, the halls have been decked, the bells have been caroled and the trees have been trimmed up (as the Whos say). While the big man in red may have his own list, here's ours for the top 10 must-dos during Universal Orlando holidays!
Pssst ... looking to download the list above and take it with you? We've got our top list of things to do all across Universal Orlando Resort in one handy PDF here!
10 Magical Must-Dos for Universal Orlando Holidays 2025
1. See the Sensational Seasonal Decor
Garlands, wreaths, lights, trees and more abound all throughout Universal Orlando Resort during the holiday season. Specifically, you'll find festive decor at Universal Islands of Adventure in Port of Entry, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Hogsmeade and Seuss Landing, at Universal Studios Florida in New York, London, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Diagon Alley and Hollywood and at Universal Epic Universe in Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic and How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk where the local Berkians are celebrating Snoggletog.
What is Snoggletog, you may ask? Well, long before the golden age of harmony between Vikings and dragons, Berkians noticed that for a period of time every winter, dragons would fly away, leaving the village in peace. Hence, they created a holiday to celebrate the one time of year they didn't have to worry about dragon raids. Once Hiccup showed his fellow Vikings that they had no reason to fear dragons, his father, Stoick the Vast, declared that Snoggletog would involve their new companions and changed the theme of the holiday! Berkians now view it as a time of remembrance and use it to remind themselves of what's most important.
Any of these magical lands or worlds would be the perfect place to grab a holiday photo. Be sure to stay until nightfall when these decorations really shine!
2. Say Hello to Earl the Squirrel
More than 15 years ago, Universal team members discovered that a strand of blue lights had mysteriously stopped working in the enormous Christmas tree in New York at Universal Studios Florida. Upon investigation, they eventually found the culprit: a mischievous squirrel who had nested in the tree and gnawed through the lights. Thus, the legend of Earl the Squirrel was born!
Not only does this friendly rodent have a permanent home in the tree every year (see if you can spot him as he moves in and out of the branches!), but you can also meet him in several locations around the resort. Universal's holiday icon has a set meet-and-greet location over in Hollywood at Universal Studios Florida (across from Universal Orlando's Horror Make-Up Show), in CityWalk Plaza on select dates and on the second floor of the Green and Red Coconut Club (more on that below). Over the last few years, Earl — with his love of travel, eccentric decorating taste and burgeoning array of tourist trap businesses (more on that below) — has burrowed himself deep into our hearts.
3. Explore the Holiday Tribute Store
One of the things we look forward to every season at Universal Studios Florida is the arrival of a brand new Tribute Store — a themed shopping experience that reinvents itself with new lore, new decor and new merchandise every few months. For the holidays, Earl normally takes over to some capacity (as well as his friend, Gerg the Llama).
This year, enter the Tribute Holiday Market and journey through a workshop, the mountains, the town center and Earl & Gerg's Nutcracker Lodge & Emporium & Museum & Car Wash (see what I mean *wink*) as you shop all things Grinch, Hello Kitty, Minions and otherwise festive. Be on the lookout for Easter eggs referencing past (and future) seasonal celebrations everywhere! Oh, and did we mention there's a scrumptious collection of sweet treats on sale here ready for you to indulge in?
4. Watch the Universal Orlando Holiday Parade featuring Macy's
A shorter, cartoon-ified version of the famous Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Universal Orlando Holiday Parade featuring Macy's is a holiday tradition at Universal Orlando Resort. Watch in awe as floats and balloons starring your favorite DreamWorks and Illumination characters make their way through the streets of Universal Studios Florida. We recommend grabbing a spot in front of Revenge of the Mummy for the best viewing possible of Jolly Ol' Saint Nick himself lighting up the giant Christmas tree! The parade takes place daily during Universal Orlando Holidays at 5:30 p.m. and goes from Hollywood to Illumination's Minion Land to New York and back through Hollywood.
5. Celebrate Grinchmas in Seuss Landing
Let your heart grow three sizes in Seuss Landing where the Whos are welcoming Christmas, Christmas Day. Start your day with The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous where the residents of Who-Ville have put together a holly jolly holiday feast and you'll get to meet the some of the Whos, the Grinch himself and some fellow Seuss friends. (Advance reservations are required. This offering is currently booked up through the season.) Then, stroll through the brand new Who-Ville Tree Lot where a forest of conifers have been adorned with Christmas stuff, bingle balls and Whofoo fluff. Don't froget to see The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular with music by Mannheim Steamroller!
Of course, you can also meet the mean, green, maven of mischief himself up on the summit of Mount Crumpit. Head on over to Honk Honkers where the Grinch is hiding out throughout the day. Plus, you can sing some Christmas carols with the hoppy Whos who are spreading holiday joy throughout Seuss Landing!
6. Hear the Spellbinding Stylings of the Frog Choir and Celestina Warbeck
Speaking of singing ... over in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, magical musical performances hoppen every day during the holiday season. Head on down to Hogsmeade where the Hogwarts Frog Choir are performing seasonal melodies throughout the day and then take the Hogwarts Express to Diagon Alley where Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees are belting out some of her holiday hits all day long. See the Universal Orlando Resort app for showtimes.
7. Cast a Spell at the Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle
There's truly no more charming place to spend the holidays than at Hogwarts Castle. Each night, the iconic School of Witchcraft and Wizardry lights up in a dazzling display of projections and special effects and brings the beloved characters and stories from the "Harry Potter" films to life. Attend the majestic Yule Ball, take a ride in Arthur Weasley's flying Ford Anglia and more during this enchanting eight-minute show that hoppens repeatedly from sunset to park close.
8. Indulge in Hot Butterbeer and Other Holiday Treats
Of course, we can't froget the festive food and drinks! Kick off your holiday season with a steaming cup of Hot Butterbeer (available at every Wizarding World quick service location). Be sure to also try the delectable assortment of sweets, treat, sips and savory selections all throughout Universal Orlando Resort. Don't know where to start? Check out our full guide to all the delicious holiday offerings across the three theme parks.
Remember Snoggletog? Well, the Isle of Berk has a whole array of seasonal delights and holiday classics that we loved indulging in during our time on the good ol' wet heap of rocks! Above, you'll see the Snoggletog Spiked Nog from Mead Hall. This frozen refreshment is a malt chocolate and cinnamon drink, spiked with Dansk Mjød GI spiced mead with ginger and hops and whipped topping and might just be strong enough to knock Gobber himself off his feet! (There's plenty for little Vikings, too, such as the mouthwatering Gronckle's Bread Pudding also at Mead Hall!)
9. Dance the Night Away at the Green & Red Coconut Club
Like the Universal Tribute Store, another Universal Orlando venue gets the seasonal treatment. On your way out, be sure to stop by the Green & Red Coconut Club in Universal CityWalk and take a load off at the Mistletoe Pines Ski Lodge. Jam out to some holiday tunes, chill out with some sweet specialty cocktails and grab a pic with the famed squirrel himself at Earl's 12 Days of Christmas on the top level. This is another location Universal loves littering with lore and Easter eggs so be sure to keep your eyes peeled!
10. End Your Silent Night at a Universal Orlando Resort Hotel
No matter which Universal Orlando Resort hotel you call home for the holidays, you'll find Yuletide decor and get to partake in festivities such as Christmas tree lightings and Hanukkah menorah lightings. At select hotels, you'll also encounter strolling carolers and get to indulge in special menus and delicious holiday buffets for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. Check out our full guide to the holidays at the Universal Orlando Resort hotels for all the frociting info.
What are you most looking forward to doing during the Universal Orlando holidays? Let us know in the comments below!
Related: ~Toadally~ Magical Tips for Visiting Universal Orlando During the Holidays
Hoppy planning!
