What better way to bring together minions, wizards, toys and more than during Christmas at Universal Orlando Resort? Even the Grinch can't resist the cheer. After all, the holidays are the most wonderful time of the year (right?!)! During the holiday season, from Nov. 14, 2026 to Jan. 3, 2027, Grinchmas and Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter spread holiday cheer throughout Seuss Landing, Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Much of the main entertainment returns year after year, but we always notice new details in the decor to keep things fresh. Best of all, the Universal Orlando Christmas events are included with regular Universal Orlando admission! And for the first time, we'll get to see what the holidays hold for us in the brand-new Universal Epic Universe.
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FAQs
- When are the Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort? The Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort take place from Nov. 14, 2026 to Jan. 3, 2027.
- What parks feature holiday festivities at Universal Orlando Resort? You'll find holiday festivities at Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida and Universal Epic Universe, as well as in Universal CityWalk and across all 11 Universal Orlando Resort hotels.
- What are some holiday highlights at Universal Orlando Resort? Holiday highlights at Universal Orlando Resort include The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's, The Universal Holiday Tour, The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast and the Green and Red Coconut Club.
- Do I need park admission to experience the Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort? You do not need park admission to enter any of the Universal Orlando Resort hotels or Universal CityWalk, but you do need park admission to experience any of the festivities in Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida or Epic Universe. Save some green by purchasing your park tickets through Undercover Tourist!
- What characters can I meet during the Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort? Prepare to meet The Grinch and the citizens of Who-ville in Seuss Landing, as well as Universal's very own Earl the Squirrel both at Universal Studios Florida and in Universal CityWalk. You can also meet Santa Claus on the Universal Holiday Tour!
Overview of the Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort
With terrific temperatures, decadent decor, scrumptious snacks and endless entertainment, the holiday season is truly the most wonderful time of the year at Universal Orlando Resort. From the theme parks to the hotels, you'll find jolly festivities everywhere you go. That means you don't even need a park ticket to partake in the resort-wide celebrations!
Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
You know that feeling you get when you watch a "Harry Potter" movie with your family while drinking hot cocoa on a snowy winter night? That's the feeling you'll get when you see Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Universal Orlando goes all out with the level of detail. Hogsmeade in Universal Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida, as well as Ministry of Magic in Universal Epic Universe, all feature festive Christmas decorations — including garland and lights — along the buildings and streets of the Wizarding World. Yes, that's right! Christmas in Paris is no longer just a dream!
Be sure to take a closer look at the decorations outside each storefront! For instance, Madam Malkin's in Diagon Alley sports pink ribbon bows that match the color of Hermione's Yule Ball dress in the display window. The London waterfront is also decked out in traditional Christmas lights and garland as if you've magically been transported to the city itself. We highly recommend visiting during the day so you can notice all of the small details and returning at night to see everything lit up!
We absolutely fell in love with Place Cahée come sunset when Epic Universe's most magical world truly shines. Grab a perfectly spiced Gluhwein (cabernet sauvignon, ruby port, raspberry Himbeergeist, orange juice, honey syrup, ginger, allspice, nutmeg and clove) from Le Gobelet Noir or a cozy Bièraubeurre Chaude (a hot non-alcoholic sweet drink reminiscent of shortbread and butterscotch) from Café L'air De La Sirene and stroll the spell-binding streets. K. Rammelle is appropriately decorated in frosting, Mauricio Meurice Tailleurs dons bows made of measuring tape and La Fameuse Fougère is decked in a jaw-dropping array of red flowers.
Our fellow froggies, the Frog Choir, perform special concerts in Hogsmeade with Christmas songs straight from the spell books, as well as muggle holiday tunes such as "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." Inside Diagon Alley, Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees get in the holiday spirit with a special show. Listen for four original songs, including the super-catchy "My Baby Gave Me a Hippogriff for Christmas." These shows tend to not draw crowds until they've already started. Every view is good, but even if you only arrive five minutes early, you can still usually sit down on the ground right next to the stage.
The true showstopper of Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the projection-mapping show on Hogwarts Castle. "The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle" is eight minutes long and plays intermittently from dusk until park close each night. Muggles and wizards alike will be absolutely dazzled to see the castle come alive! There are breathtaking scenes with Hogwarts students dancing at the Yule Ball, Arthur Weasley's flying Ford Anglia plowing into snowmen and more! Even if you aren't a fan of the usual "Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle" show, we recommend catching the Christmas show. It's gorgeous and captures the unique holiday fun you see in the "Harry Potter" films. We're so hoppy it's returning once again this year!
If you have a park-to-park ticket and are planning on seeing the Universal Holiday Parade featuring Macy's (more on that down below!), get ready to jingle your way from Universal Studios to Islands of Adventure as soon as Santa passes you if you also watch to catch this castle projection show. (Do not rely on the Hogwarts Express!) We set up camp for the parade right in front of Sahara Traders and were able to make the 6:40pm showing of The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle. The walk (while stopping for some necessary nighttime photos) was just about 20 minutes.
Grinchmas at Universal Islands of Adventure
It wouldn't be Christmas at Universal Orlando Resort without Grinchmas! Seuss Landing is the most spectacularly decorated of them all, with so many baubles and tinsel wrapped around just about everything.
The viral verdant sourpuss himself is at Universal Islands of Adventure for some holiday fun, as well! The green guy brings his signature snark during a special meet and greet in his lair at Honk Honkers. This meet and greet uses a standby queue. Because of The Grinch's superstardom, we saw wait times go up to 200 minutes bright and early in the morning last year. However, throughout the day, we began to see the wait drop with a 150 minute wait at 12:30 p.m. and a 75 minute wait at 5:45 p.m. before eventually hitting capacity just before park close.
Meanwhile, Who-ville citizens are usually out and about, walking through the land or strolling through The Street of the Lifted Lorax. Throughout the day, you'll see them gathered by the entrance of Seuss Landing near Port of Entry. All of them will hoppily pose for photos with you!
One of our favorite holiday offerings is the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular! In this whoot of a show, talented performers bring the Seuss favorite to life through song and dance. If you'd like to attend, plan to be in line at least 30 minutes ahead of showtime, even if there aren't huge crowds. You do need to walk a fair distance to the theater where it takes place (a space that was previously occupied by Blue Man Group). While definitely a tadpole-centric show, it's still a blast for any fans of the Grinch, who spits out hilarious one-liners. (And OMG ... Max is played by an adorable, live dog. What a good boy!)
Want to spend even more time with the maven of mischief? Then book a table at The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast at Universal Islands of Adventure. Start your day alongside the Grinch and other favorite characters from Seuss Landing while dining on delicious breakfast items such as Green Eggs & Ham Quiche, Mrs. Toffee Apple Dapple Cluck Crunch Chicken Sandwich and Betty Lou Who Fluffy Ricotta Pancakes.
We're also so frogcited to share that the Whos are putting their trimmed-up trees on display for the very first time this year in a new Who-ville Tree Lot, featuring a collection of whimsical trees themed to various Dr. Seuss characters!
Seasonal Decor in Celestial Park
Not only do the streets of Place Cachée get a holiday makeover, but Celestial Park does, as well! Be on the lookout for seasonal lighting and decorations in the imaginative world between worlds at Universal Epic Universe. We couldn't get enough of the cheese grater bells and mushrooms adorning Pizza Moon and the coral-filled trees and garlands at Atlantic ... but our favorite decor had to be the woodland creatures hidden among the trees inside The Oak & Star Tavern. Throughout the decor in the heart of Epic Universe, you'll see the unique artifacts the Celestians (the residents of Celestial Park) have gathered during their travels.
Did you know that Santa has his very own workshop in Epic Universe? On one particularly blistery night, Jolly Ol' Saint Nick got lost in a snowstorm and hoppened to fall through a portal into Celestial Park. Vincent Various — one of the first travelers to Celestial Park — let him set up shop in Various Emporia. Head on over to North Star Wintry Wonders any time of year where you'll see a conveyor belt transporting gifts from Celestial Park to the North Pole, right into Santa's sleigh ... including a familiar squirrel holiday mascot ...
Snoggletog in the How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk
Did you know the Isle of Berk has its own winter holiday? Celebrate Snoggletog with your favorite Vikings as you discover all the festive decor around the isle (hidden inside the world's four different merchandise locations) and indulge in traditional Snoggletog delights. Wash down your meal at Mead Hall with Snoggletog Spiked Nog or Frozen Yaknog and satisfy your sweet tooth with Gronckle's Bread Pudding. (We're very hoppy to report we have the honor of being the first frogs ever to try these holiday specialties!) Later in the day, head on over to Hooligan's Grog & Gruel to try the jaw-dropping Snoggletog Harvest Mac and Cheese Cone filled with pulled maple glazed turkey, a spiced lingonberry drizzle, roasted sweet potatoes, sage chimichurri and crispy stuffing crumbles.
Epic Holiday Offerings & Entertainment at Universal Orlando Resort
Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's
The highlight of Christmas at Universal Orlando (for us, at least!) is Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's. You can catch some of your favorite Universal characters making holiday mischief, including the minions, Shrek and more. And of course, jolly ol' Santa typically makes an appearance at the parade's finale to light up the Christmas tree. (Be sure to smile and wave to the brand new Christmas Kowalski balloon in the Madagascar unit of the parade this year!)
If you want a prime spot for Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's in front of the tree, get in place at least an hour early on busy nights. This is especially true on weekends. Our favorite spot is usually across the street from the tree next to Revenge of the Mummy. From this spot, you can watch as Santa lights the tree. Since the parade begins near Universal Orlando's Horror Make-Up Show and starts its journey down the streets of Hollywood, you'll first see the parade about 15 minutes after the official start time. The parade kicks off daily at 5:30 p.m., weather permitting.
Annual passholders can enjoy a reserved viewing area in front of Mel's Drive-In Restaurant on Thursdays through Sundays, which opens up about an hour before the parade, and space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have little ones under 10, there's a Lil Stars viewing area in front of the Brown Derby Hat Shop in Hollywood.
Earl the Squirrel Meet and Greet
Earl the Squirrel comes out of his hiding spot in the big Christmas tree to meet guests both in Hollywood at Universal Studios Florida (across from the Universal Orlando Horror Make-Up Show) and on select dates in CityWalk Plaza. We love this rascally rodent! He gives the best hugs!
Holiday Tribute Store
The Universal Tribute Store stocked up with seasonal merchandise once again last year across six festively-adorned rooms that will take you through the Mistletoe Valley Holiday Market and Earl & Gerg's Nutcracker Lodge and Emporium & Museum & Car Wash. Be sure to grab Earl's very own storybook, "The Tale of Earl the Squirrel," as you're doing your holiday shopping!
Additional Holiday Entertainment
Be sure to keep your eyes peeled. Everyone is celebrating the holidays all across Universal Orlando Resort! We spotted a garland-decked Bluesmobile making its way from Hollywood to New York with Jake and Elwood in tow, Marilyn and the Diamond Bellas giving a special seasonal performance over at Mel's Drive-In and the Beat Builders jamming out to holiday classics. As we were making our way to the Tribute Store, we noticed the residents of Madagascar posing for photos in front of the giant Christmas tree and around New York. You might even catch soulful sounds of a holiday singing group over on the fountain stage in CityWalk!
The Universal Holiday Tour
Want to experience all Universal Orlando has to offer this holly jolly season? There's no better way than The Universal Holiday Tour. This glistening guided tour is available on select dates and includes:
- An exclusive meet and greet with the Grinch and his faithful dog, Max
- Cookie decorating, light bites and non-alcoholic beverages (location varies)
- Reserved seating at "The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular" in Universal Islands of Adventure
- An exclusive meet and greet photo opportunity with Santa Claus
- Reserved viewing area for the Universal Holiday Parade featuring Macy's
- Priority access one predetermined attraction at Universal Studios Florida (at the discretion of Universal Orlando Resort; subject to change)
Last year, pricing began at $79.99 per person plus tax and separate theme park admission with a 1-Day 2-Park Park-to-Park was required. Save some green by purchasing your park ticket through Undercover Tourist!
Festive Food and Drinks During the Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort
Drinking Butterbeer is a must-do whenever you visit the Universal parks (did you know there are six different versions?). While you can now get hot Butterbeer year-round, there's no better time to enjoy a delicious cup than when the temperature starts dropping. Think more along the lines of hot chocolate (but butterscotch) rather than a carbonated cream soda, which is what the classic, cold Butterbeer tastes like. You can find it inside Café L'air De La Sirène, Le Gobelet Noir, The Leaky Cauldron, Three Broomsticks, Hog's Head Pub and The Hopping Pot.
All around Universal Orlando Resort, there are specially-themed holiday food and beverages, such as The Elegant Ornament, Santa's Christmas Crème Puff, Snickerdoodle Crepe and Grinch-themed treats, such as Grinch Cookies!
Don't froget to head to the Green & Red Coconut Club at Red Coconut Club where you'll be able to enjoy live entertainment, festive decorations and holiday cocktails. This year's theme is the "Mistletoe Pines Ski Lodges" where you'll be able to enjoy nods to your favorite Holiday songs amidst a vibrant atmosphere of dancing lights. Upstairs, you'll be able to encounter Earl the Squirrel, who's brought his usual charm and chaos to Earl's Twelve Days of Christmas.
Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort Hotels
Any time of year, we absolutely love staying on-site at Universal's fabulous resort hotels, but especially during the holidays. Expect all of the Universal Orlando hotels to be decked out for the holidays, and look out for tree and menorah lightings. Plus enjoy all the trimmings at Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve. The hotels even offer specially ticketed buffets. Some of the hotel holiday celebrations include live music, hula dancers, balloon artists and even bowling.
If you want to experience the Universal Christmas events during the busiest times, we highly recommend purchasing Universal Express Passes no matter where you stay (and Undercover Tourist can help you save money on your Express Passes, too!) If you stay on-site at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Universal Hard Rock Hotel or Loews Royal Pacific Resort, you'll receive the Unlimited Express benefit for all of your party for your entire length of stay. Watch out for the expected busiest days using our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar. We recommend purchasing Universal Express the week of Christmas, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day and on weekends. We cannot underestimate this benefit!
Right now, you can Buy 3 Days and Get 2 Days FREE at Universal Orlando Resort (including Epic Universe!)! Valid for visits through Dec. 16, 2026, excluding blockout dates.
If you can't shell out for the Universal Express hotels, jump over to Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal Helios Grand Hotel, Universal Stella Nova Resort, Universal Terra Luna Resort, Universal Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Universal Aventura Hotel, Universal Endless Summer - Surfside Inn and Suites or Universal Endless Summer - Dockside Inn and Suites. While they don't offer Unlimited Express, these hotels (and all of Universal's hotels) offer one-hour early admission to a select park. If you stay on-site, you can get a hop on experiencing Christmas in the Wizarding World's holiday magic with Early Park Admission! What's even more magical is to stack your Universal Orlando savings by bundling your hotel stay and tickets, so hop to it!
New Year's Eve at Universal Orlando Resort
If you're looking for something to do when the clock strikes midnight, Universal Orlando offers several different ways to ring in the new year with festivities at CityWalk and throughout the theme parks — which will both be open through midnight on Dec. 31. Head to Universal Studios Florida for live entertainment or Universal Islands of Adventure for hype squads full of music and characters!
Additionally, all of the hotels will host a special New Year's Eve or New Year's Day meal. Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort even hosts a New Year's Eve Spectacular that includes face painting, a balloon artist and a live DJ. This event is complimentary for Cabana Bay Beach guests only. Hard Rock Hotel, Portofino Bay Hotel, Royal Pacific Resort, Sapphire Falls Resort, Helios Grand, Terra Luna and Stella Nova and Aventura Hotel will also host their own celebrations.
Our Top Tips for the Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort
With so much hoppening at Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure (and Universal Epic Universe) during the holidays, you may be wondering, "Which ticket should I get?" We're very big fans of the Park-to-Park option. With the two original parks so close together and a third one just a short bus ride away, it's easy to hop back and forth. A Park-to-Park option offers maximum flexibility to enjoy it all. And it's the only way to experience the Hogwarts Express. So if you want to experience Christmas in the Wizarding World at Hogsmeade, hop right over to extend the merry in Diagon Alley and close out the night in the sparkling streets of Paris, you'll need a Park-to-Park ticket.
If you need some palm trees and sun with your Christmas vacation, you'll need to find it poolside this season. Universal Volcano Bay water theme park is usually open in the winter. Don't let the time of year trick you. It's still plenty warm in sunny Florida (especially for you snowbirds) and the hotel pools are heated. (Check out all of our discount Universal Orlando ticket options, and don't froget, we offer discounts on the Universal Orlando hotels too!)
Ready for Christmas at Universal Orlando Resort this holiday season? Pick the best dates to visit using our Orlando Crowd Calendar. Check out our Orlando planning timeline for a stress-free family vacation during the holidays at Universal Orlando Resort and other destinations. And be sure to add Universal Express Passes to your tickets to skip the lines!
Related: Complete Guide to Universal Orlando Events
Hoppy planning!
