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Home / Blog / Special Events / A Hoppin' Overview of Universal Orlando Resort Events in 2025 and Beyond

A Hoppin' Overview of Universal Orlando Resort Events in 2025 and Beyond

by Mommy Frog on February 4, 2025
1590 Orlando Video

Universal Orlando Special Events 2022 - Pinterest

When it comes to putting on spectacular events, Universal Orlando Resort doesn't hold back. Universal Studios Florida has long been home to one of the nation's premier events — Halloween Horror Nights. 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!

We want to provide you this complete guide to Universal Orlando events in 2025 and beyond because the Universal Studios concerts, 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 Jump Start Guide. You'll also find all of the Universal Orlando events listed on our Crowd Calendar, which is the easiest way to see the best times to visit.

Complete Guide to Universal Orlando Resort Events

FEBRUARY - MAY

Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval (Universal Studios Florida) — Feb. 1 to March 30, 2025

This Universal Orlando rite of passage takes place each spring on select dates at Universal Studios. Highlights of this family-friendly event include the Mardi Gras parade through the park and live concerts. With flashy floats created by Kern Studios, the company that has created Mardi Gras floats in New Orleans since 1947, this event is as authentic as it gets (while still remaining kid-friendly)! You can check out authentic New Orleans bands. Plus there are Universal Studios concerts from big names in rock, pop, country and more! (This year, get ready to rock out to T-Pain, Joe Jonas, Kool & The Gang, Juanes, Scotty McCreery, Foster The People, Illenium, All Time Low, Lawrence, Coco Jones, DJ Pauly D and TLC.)

There is always plenty of Cajun food and drinks to fill you up, as well as tons of international offerings so you can taste how countries and cultures around the world celebrate the Carnaval season. Check out our tips for Mardi Gras at Universal Studios for more deets!

Universal Orlando Special Events - Jester Float

Mardi Gras at Universal Studios is included with regular park admission. See all of the partying for yourself!

Butterbeer Season — March 1 to May 31, 2025

Toast to everyone's favorite wizarding beverage and celebrate with seasonal-exclusive Butterbeer treats and specialty merchandise during Universal Orlando Resort's second annual Butterbeer Season. Grab a mug, don your frothy mustache and share a laugh with your hot, cold or frozen Butterbeer in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade. More details will be revealed in the coming weeks!

Grad Bash — April 4, 5, 11 and 25, 2025

High school seniors will have a blast with their friends at this graduation celebration with exclusive, private access to both Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. Plus, they'll enjoy thrilling rides and attractions, street entertainment and more!

Universal Volcano Bay Nights — April 12 and 26, May 3, 10, and 17, 2025

Debuting in 2025, the Volcano God, Vol, is inviting you to splash and play all night long at Universal Volcano Bay Nights. Take in the water theme park's beautiful nighttime lighting as you enjoy reduced wait times on 10 of your favorite rides and unique Universal entertainment, including DreamWorks characters meet and greets, a DJ and games and activities for the whole family! You'll also receive a complimentary Coca-Cola Freestyle souvenir cup and get to enjoy specialty themed island treats and eats. Tickets are now on sale through Universal Orlando Resort! Check out our guide to Volcano Bay Nights for everything you need to know about this wet and wild new event.

Gradventure — May 2, 9, 16 and 17, 2025

Middle school grads will be able to celebrate with their friends as they enjoy complete, private access to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure all night long at this separately ticketed event.

Universal Epic Universe Grand Opening — May 22, 2025

Epic universe - Birds Eye View

In our humble froggy opinion, we consider the opening of a brand-new theme park as a special event. Well at least, it's a special event that doesn't hoppen often — but when it does, it's pretty epic. Universal Epic Universe opens May 22, 2025, with portals to five new immersive worlds. Discount tickets through Undercover Tourist are available now!

JUNE - JULY

Fourth of July — July 4, 2025

Fourth of July is always a hoppening time at Universal Orlando Resort! Frogs can enjoy high-energy bands, live DJs, meet and greets with beloved characters (including characters from "Despicable Me," "Madagascar" and "SpongeBob Squarepants") and patriotic-themed stilt walkers in Universal Studios Florida and Universal CityWalk. The celebration culminates with a special fireworks display over the Universal Studios Florida lagoon. We can't wait to be back this year!

AUGUST - DECEMBER

Passholder Appreciation Days — Aug. 15 to Sept. 30, 2025

Passholders will be able to enjoy over six weeks of offers, special events and more during this annual celebration of the UOAP family.

Passholder Appreciation Nights — Aug. 15-16, 2025

Universal Orlando Events - Passholder Appreciation Nights

Who wouldn't want to have Universal Islands of Adventure all to themselves? Passholders will get to enjoy their favorite rides and attractions, character appearances, live entertainment and more when the sun goes down.

Halloween Horror Nights (Universal Studios Florida) — Aug. 29 to Nov. 2, 2025

The biggest Universal Studios Florida event of the year is held on select nights every fall. 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 a 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 is the movie set-quality haunted houses themed around popular TV shows, classic and current films and sometimes even video games or music videos.

Universal Orlando Events - SURR3AL

This event is not intended for children and is a separately ticketed event. In fact, you'll probably need our Halloween Horror Nights guide just to make it through the night. Prepare yourself for Halloween Horror Nights with walkthroughs of some of the haunted houses on our YouTube channel.

Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort — Nov. 21 to Dec. 31, 2025

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

Universal Orlando Events - Celestina Warbeck

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

Universal Orlando Events - Christmas at Hogwarts

The highlight of Christmas in 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 features iconic moments from the films.

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

Cap each night off at Universal Studios Florida during the holiday season with Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's as larger-than-life balloons and floats fill with favorite Illumination and DreamWorks Animation characters. During the parade, guests will see the Minions, Shrek, "Madagascar" characters and more. Santa also attends so he can light up the New York Christmas tree!

Grinchmas (Universal Islands of Adventure) 

Universal Orlando Events - Grinchmas Wholiday Spectacular

For those of you who love the Grinch, there is no finer time to visit Universal 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 also get up close and personal with the Grinch himself for pictures or autographs at Honk Honkers.

JANUARY

Rock the Universe (Universal Studios Florida) — Jan. 23-24, 2026

A separately ticketed special event, Rock the Universe is Florida's biggest Christian music festival. Universal Studios Florida closes at 6 p.m. for the event, but guests with concert tickets can enter the park starting at 4 p.m. We'll update this blog as soon as we know the rockin' acts performing next year!

Are you planning on hopping to Universal Orlando Resort this year? Which Universal Orlando events in 2025 and beyond are you most looking forward to attending? Stop by the comments to tell us below!

Related: Halloween Horror Nights Orlando Survival Guide

Related: A ~Froggy~ Festive Guide to Christmas at Universal Orlando Resort

Hoppy planning!

Keep hopping, Mommy Frog!
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Comments

951–1000 of 1528 comments
Jun 25, 2019 at 8:03 p.m.
Adrianne Schultz Says...

Frogtastic!!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 8:01 p.m.
Desiree Hernandez Says...

Blue man group is the bomb

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 7:48 p.m.
Kenneth Caccamo Says...

HHN is a great time!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 7:48 p.m.
Becky Watkins Says...

Grinchmas and HHN are on my bucket list!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 7:43 p.m.
Nathaniel Says...

So much good stuff. I wish I could go more often!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 7:42 p.m.
Danelle Says...

Universal Orlando YES PLEASE!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 7:41 p.m.
April Says...

Would like be for my 3 kids to experience this, they do great in school and household chores they deserve it ????

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Jun 25, 2019 at 7:39 p.m.
Andrea Baldwin Says...

My 8 year old is dying to go to Universal to see the Harry Potter worlds. She thinks Harry is "dreamy"! ???? We love your site and all the information and savings you provide! ????❤

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 7:32 p.m.
Denise Says...

Love all the updates Undercover Tourist gives. Can’t wait for our Orlando trip.

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 7:25 p.m.
Charlotte Sims Says...

I love Universal studios through the different seasons.

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Jun 25, 2019 at 7:25 p.m.
Elissa Says...

Love this!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 7:24 p.m.
Elissa Says...

Love this!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 7:21 p.m.
Jennifer Ortega Says...

Loved finding this new site with all of the important and up to date info that I need to plan my perfect Orlando vacation. Thank you!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 7:19 p.m.
RSRT Says...

Have never been & would love to visit. I think the Macy's parade & cooler temps would be a nice time to go!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 7:11 p.m.
Holly Olsen Says...

I love the hints, tips, and tricks at Undercover Tourist. Would love to try them out in Orlando - we've never been!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 7:06 p.m.
Cynthia B Says...

Love Undercover Tourist! Can’t wait to visit universal!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 7:05 p.m.
Brittany J. Says...

Will be excited to bring the kids when they’re older!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 7:04 p.m.
Says...

looks great!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 7:01 p.m.
JonP Says...

Christmas at Wizard!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 6:59 p.m.
JuNo Says...

Hope to visit Orlando (again!) soon!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 6:57 p.m.
ssh68 Says...

Great info to be able to plan a trip with.

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 6:55 p.m.
Amy Says...

I have never been to Orlando, but we are planning a trip to Universal and couldn't be more excited!!!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 6:52 p.m.
Dawn Hickman Says...

Can't wait to win!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 6:51 p.m.
Maura Kin Says...

Amazing!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 6:51 p.m.
Gretchen S. Says...

We have never been to Universal. Thanks for all the great tips!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 6:51 p.m.
Brook Erwin Says...

I can not wait to visit Universal!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 6:37 p.m.
Michele Dowdy Says...

Awesome site!!!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 6:37 p.m.
Kimberly A Says...

Can't wait to visit, but it may be in 2020.

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 6:32 p.m.
sandy Says...

Will Harry Potter be incorporated into Halloween festivities?

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Jun 25, 2019 at 4:17 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Sandy,

There aren't really any additional decorations or festivities during Halloween, but Diagon Alley and its main attraction, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, remain open during Halloween Horror Nights if you're looking for a spooktacular vibe.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 6:26 p.m.
Wioleta Wojtyna Says...

Great!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 6:22 p.m.
Shiraz Says...

Nice website, always savings!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 6:21 p.m.
Candace P Says...

I love the Mardi Gras parade at Universal Studios!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 6:19 p.m.
Maureen F Says...

Would love to visit during HHN or Christmas!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 6:19 p.m.
dayeager Says...

Thanks for all of the great information!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 6:18 p.m.
Maren K Says...

if you wish upon a star...

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 6:16 p.m.
Lyndsay Ward Says...

I love this website and all that it has to offer!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 6:16 p.m.
Justin Says...

Greatest place on Earth

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 6:09 p.m.
librarygirl79 Says...

I've never been here but would love to go and take my girls too!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 6:09 p.m.
Burt Harris Says...

Great discounts and customer service!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 6:04 p.m.
Angie O Says...

Haven't been to Universal in YEARS! No time like the present, right?!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 5:56 p.m.
Jessica Says...

Love Mardi Gras

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 5:52 p.m.
Illiana Says...

OMG the Christmas at The WWHP looks amazing!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 5:51 p.m.
PeanutNSweetPea Says...

Can’t wait to go back!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 5:48 p.m.
Taloy Says...

So much fun to be had thanks to Undercover Tourist. They do a fabulous job!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 5:47 p.m.
Joyce Buchanan Says...

Fingers crossed ????????????

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 5:46 p.m.
Amanda Paul Says...

Love all the Harry Potter rides!!!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 5:44 p.m.
Honey Chambers Says...

what a great idea!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 5:42 p.m.
Lindsay Says...

The Halloween Horror Nights definitely looks like something my family and I would enjoy. We love to do Halloween themed events.

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 5:41 p.m.
Marie Says...

Awesome

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 5:40 p.m.
Stephanie Malone Says...

I would love to see all of this. I'm 31yrs old and have only been to a place called Styx River when I was about 3yrs old. To visit and be able to bring my son to experience and enjoy it with, well that would the best ever. My birthday is July 25, this would be a great birthday.

Reply

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Undercover Tourist is the leading supplier of online discount tickets to Orlando, Florida-area attractions, including Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld® Orlando, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort and more.

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