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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!
View Comments

Comments

1001–1050 of 1528 comments
Jun 25, 2019 at 5:38 p.m.
DJX Says...

Yeah!!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 5:35 p.m.
Leah Says...

Hogwarts at Christmas time!!! Be still my heart!!!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 5:32 p.m.
Mary Fountain Says...

"Toadly" awesome info and events!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 5:32 p.m.
Chachabe3 Says...

My dream is to see Harry Potter world during the holidays and to take my mom. That would be amazing.

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 5:31 p.m.
softestbiscuit Says...

It was on my bucket list to visit Universal during Grinchmas and I'm so glad I finally got to a couple of years ago :) now if only I could muster up the courage for HHN!!!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 5:31 p.m.
Jessi Jo Housel Says...

I had no idea there were so many events! I've never heard of the Grinchmas and I want in! I mean who doesn't want to have breakfast with The Grinch!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 5:30 p.m.
Kellie Bender Says...

This is a great breakdown. All the events sound amazing! This will really help with deciding when to visit the park.

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Jun 25, 2019 at 5:30 p.m.
Bryan Mulvany Says...

AWESOME siite!!! ;-)

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Jun 25, 2019 at 5:29 p.m.
Jem Says...

Will definitely go back to Universal again!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 5:29 p.m.
Margaret Erath Says...

Would love to see Harry Potter World, and am a HUGE fan of Blue Man Group!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 5:28 p.m.
Tami Says...

Can't wait to visit Univerisal in September for HHN!!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 5:28 p.m.
CurlyFreys Says...

sad that the Harry Potter Celebration isn't back this year but glad they are continuing the Christmas events.

Nothing like a little holiday magic mixing with some real magic.

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 5:27 p.m.
Andrea Says...

We are extremely excited about our trip to Universal in November. Thank you Underciver Tourist for providing an excellent service with your discounted tickets. I recommend you to everyone I know!

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

Looks like so much fun!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 5:24 p.m.
J.R. Says...

Would love to visit Harry Potter in the Fall or Winter!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 5:22 p.m.
MelissaP Says...

Just went to Disney world for the first time. Couldn’t have done it without all the great tips from undercover tourist!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 5:21 p.m.
Kimberly Y Says...

Looking forward to some events in 2020, hopefully be there during Mardi Gras celebrations.

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 5:20 p.m.
delrahim69 Says...

always wanted to visit Orlando

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 5:18 p.m.
Kelly Scott Says...

We can’t wait to ride the Hogwart’s Express!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 5:17 p.m.
Brittney G Says...

Undercover tourists is a great site! Can't wait to go back to Orlando!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 5:16 p.m.
Cheri K Pelley I wanted Says...

I wanted to do Horror Nights again, but can't go until maybe Christmas, and if I'm lucky. But I've never seen it at Christmas, so that would be exiting too. I'll keep following your tips!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 5:13 p.m.
Amy Says...

Would love to visit! Hoping this year will finally be the year!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 5:12 p.m.
Jessica Kretzenger Says...

Just got back from Disney - can't wait to give Universal a go!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 5:11 p.m.
Heather Mohler Says...

It is amazing how happy this area can make me, no matter what is going on in my life. I can’t wait to go back!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 5:10 p.m.
Mistie a’hearn Says...

We use Undercover Tourist for every vacation we plan! So excited for universal this year!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 5:09 p.m.
Katherine L. Says...

Great information! Just returned from Universal and going back in November. We'll hit the beginning of the Christmas activities!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 5:05 p.m.
Tiffany Says...

Awesome events and excellent info!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 5:03 p.m.
Judith Bayer Says...

Very engaging website. Easy to browse and great photos to capture my attention.

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 5:03 p.m.
realaudra Says...

Looks SO fun! Would love to reunite our family here!!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 5:02 p.m.
MELISSA J DEMASTRIE Says...

Never been to Universal, hope to be there soon!!

Reply
Jun 26, 2019 at 2:05 a.m.
Tara Renfroe Says...

Amazing caring loving hardworking selflessness

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 5 p.m.
DanL S Says...

❤️❤️❤️❤️so much fun!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 4:59 p.m.
Josie G Says...

Love it!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 4:58 p.m.
Chris B Says...

Such a great theme park! The wife and I were just talking about how we need to go back.

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 4:55 p.m.
Salliv Says...

Awesome post - I want to go back now! :)

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Jun 25, 2019 at 4:55 p.m.
DD Says...

Would love to do Halloween one time.

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Jun 25, 2019 at 4:55 p.m.
Amy Bell Says...

Going to Orlando in the fall and would love to visit WDW for MNSSHP and also universal to visit Disgon Alley!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 4:54 p.m.
DanielleTW Says...

I’ve always wanted to go to Halloween Horror Nights!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 4:54 p.m.
Ember Says...

Love Universal, hope to take my kids there soon!!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 4:53 p.m.
Wendy Znelson Says...

I LOVE Undercover Tourist!! We’ve used them to buy our park tickets fur 10+ years

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 4:52 p.m.
Jessica Says...

Can’t wait for my September trip to Universal!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 4:51 p.m.
Isa Says...

Love universal, volcano bay looks cool.

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 4:45 p.m.
Lisa Lawton Says...

So many awesome events! Hoping to get there this year I have never been!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 4:42 p.m.
Deborah Shaughnessy Says...

Looking forward to our next Universal trip!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 4:41 p.m.
PunzelBelle28 Says...

Great content and love your sales!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 4:35 p.m.
Adi Says...

I would love to visit universal studios! I've never been!!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 4:34 p.m.
Chelsea Says...

I would love to go to Halloween Horror Nights for the Stranger Things haunted house again! ❤

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 4:30 p.m.
NOLA_SaintsFan Says...

We have eyes on 2020 to come see Harry and friends at Universal! We will be prepping our brooms for the the trip from Houston! Can't wait!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 4:28 p.m.
Erica Brasic Says...

Thanks for all of the great info!!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 4:27 p.m.
Kori Smith Says...

My family is planning to visit Walt Disney World in 2021 for the 50th Anniversary. We will be celebrating my mother's successful kidney transplant!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 4:27 p.m.
Shelby Says...

Just got back from Universal - so much fun!

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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