When it comes to putting on spectacular events, Universal Orlando Resort doesn't hold back. The resort has long been home to one of the nation's premier events — Halloween Horror Nights — which returns for its 29th year! If scary isn't your style, you'll find other year-round, family-friendly Universal Orlando events such as Mardi Gras and Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! Our frog family leaps at the chance to experience as many of the annual events as we can, and we know yours will too!

You'll find all of the Universal Orlando events listed on our Crowd Calendar, which is the easiest way to see the best time to visit. Note: The Universal Orlando events appear in the order that they are held throughout the year. We don't yet have confirmed dates for all of the 2019 events, but we'll be adding them to this page as soon as they become available!

Complete Guide to Universal Orlando Events in 2019

January

A Celebration of Harry Potter (Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure) — Not returning for 2019 

Taking place one weekend every January at Universal Orlando Resort since 2014 , Universal Orlando’s A Celebration of Harry Potter elevated the fan's experience by hosting panels of celebrity guests, special events and demonstrations. Unfortunately, it has been confirmed that the Celebration will not be taking place in 2019.

During the event, guests learned the art of dueling in Paul Harris’ Wand Masterclass and demonstrated their knowledge of Harry Potter film trivia. Guests danced like Beauxbatons and battled like Durmstrang. Last year’s exhibitions included the MinaLima and their graphic props used in the films, Harry Potter: The Exhibition and Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter exhibit. Natalia Tena (Nymphadora Tonks), Stanislav Yanevski (Viktor Krum), Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley), Oliver Phelps (George Weasley) and James Phelps (Fred Weasley) were in attendance for the “Behind the Scenes: Harry Potter Film Talent Q&A Session.” There were plenty of magical hoppenings during this event, and we do hope it returns!

February - May

Rock the Universe (Universal Studios) Feb. 1-2, 2019

A separately ticketed special event, Rock the Universe is Florida's biggest Christian music festival. Universal moved the dates of this event from September to February for 2019, and it's bringing another great lineup of popular Christian artists. Universal Studios Florida closes at 6 p.m. for the concerts, but guests with concert tickets can enter the park starting at 4 p.m. and see performances on three stages. (Separate tickets include daytime admission to Universal parks and the concerts.)

The 2019 lineup includes Skillet, Lecrae, Bethel Music, Matthew West and more!

Mardi Gras (Universal Studios) 2019 — Every Night Feb. 9-April 4, 2019

This Universal Orlando rite of passage takes place each spring (usually February through March) on select dates at Universal Studios. Highlights of this family-friendly event include the Mardi Gras parade through the park and 12 live concerts. With floats created by Kern Studios, the company that has created Mardi Gras floats in New Orleans since 1947, this event is authentic as it gets (while still remaining kid friendly)! You can check out authentic New Orleans bands. Plus there are concerts from big names in rock, pop, country and more! Make sure to come hungry, because there is plenty of Cajun food and drinks to fill you up! Check out our tips for Mardi Gras at Universal Studios!

Mardi Gras 2019 Concerts

Feb. 9: Bush

Feb. 16: Gavin DeGraw

Feb. 17: Dan + Shay

Feb. 23: Macklemore

March 2: TBA

March 9:Becky G

March 10: Sean Paul

March 16: Steve Miller Band

March 17: Ziggy Marley

March 23: NF

March 24: Pitbill

March 30: TBA

March 31: TBA

Mardi Gras at Universal Studios is included with regular park admission. After the fun in the park is done, head over to Universal CityWalk, where the party continues at seven venues, including Pat O’Briens - CityWalk’s Mardi Gras headquarters.

See all of the partying for yourself!

Mardi Gras & French Quarter 2019 full lineup not yet announced

September - November

Halloween Horror Nights 29 (Universal Studios) — Select Dates Sept. 6-Nov. 2

The biggest Universal Orlando event of the year is held on select nights every fall at Universal Studios. For horror fans and those of you who just like to be scared, Halloween Horror Nights is not to be missed! The park is transformed from bubbly theme park into a place of terror. "Scare zones" are set up while creatures roam about. Think you're safe? Ha! You might just find a zombie breathing down your neck. The big lure of the night are the movie set-quality haunted houses themed around popular TV shows, classic and current films, and sometimes even video games.

This event is not intended for children and is a separately ticketed event. In fact, you'll probably need our Halloween Horror Nights survival guide just to make it through the night. Tickets go on sale a few months before the event begins, and we do recommend buying tickets in advance!

Prepare yourself for Halloween Horror Nights with this video.

November - January

Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort — 2019 Dates TBA

Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure)

Your holiday wishes do come true! Muggles are able to experience Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley trimmed with festive holiday decorations. Even the shops of the Wizarding World are trimmed! There are also holiday-themed food and drinks, as well as entertainment.

The highlight of Christmastime at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a holiday show taking place on Hogwarts Castle. This incredible experience uses mapped-projection technology to "cast a spell" onto the castle and feature iconic moments from the films. Check out our video of the magical show!

Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's (Universal Studios)

Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's debuted at Universal Studios Florida in 2017 and will return once more. A re-imagining of the park's long-running Macy's Holiday Parade, this extravaganza featured Dreamworks favorites. During the parade, guests see the Minions, Shrek, Madagascar and more. Santa is there as well to light up the New York Christmas tree!

Mannheim Steamroller (Universal Studios) 

This is a concert of modern Christmas music by one of the best-selling holiday artists of all time! The concert typically takes place on weekends during Holidays at Universal Studios Florida.

Get a sneak peak of Mannheim Steamroller.

Grinchmas (Islands of Adventure) 

For those of you Who love the Grinch, there is no finer time to visit Islands of Adventure than during Grinchmas. Seuss Landing is transformed into the wonderful world of Grinchmas with the heartwarming live show, Grinchmas Wholiday Spectacular. The show features some of your favorite Grinch characters. It's also set to music recorded by Mannheim Steamroller.

Guests can get up close and personal with the Grinch himself for pictures or autographs. You can even have breakfast with him! The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast is on select mornings guests can purchase. Grinchmas is included with regular park admission.

We wanted to provide you this Complete Guide to Universal Orlando Events in 2019 because of the parties, festivals and events are some of the best reasons to visit! You will find more resources and tips for planning your Universal Orlando Resort trip inside our Orlando Planning Guide.

Related: Guide to Halloween Horror Nights

Related: Guide to Holidays at Universal Orlando

Hoppy planning!