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A Hoppin' Overview of Universal Orlando Resort Events in 2023

Universal Orlando Special Events 2022 - PinterestWhen 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 wanted to provide you this complete guide to Universal Orlando events in 2023 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 Orlando Planning 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. Note: These Universal Orlando Resort events appear in the order that they are held throughout the year. We don't yet have confirmed dates for all of the events, but we'll be adding them to this page as soon as they become available!

Complete Guide to Universal Orlando Resort Events in 2023 and Beyond

JANUARY

Rock the Universe (Universal Studios Florida) — Jan. 27 to 28, 2023

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 are able to enter the park starting at 4 p.m. On Jan. 27, check out performances from Skillet, Tauren Wells, Bethel Music, Rend Collective, Evan Craft and Katy Nichole. On Jan. 28, you can rock out to music from Zach Williams, Matthew West, Dante Bowe, Anne Wilson, We Are Messengers and Cain.

FEBRUARY - MAY

Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval (Universal Studios Florida) — Feb. 4 to April 16, 2023

Universal Orlando Events - Mardi Gras

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! (In 2022, we rocked out to Sugar Ray and Styx! Leap and I were truly living our best lives.) There is always plenty of Cajun food and drinks to fill you up. Check out our tips for Mardi Gras at Universal Studios for more deets!

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

JUNE - AUGUST

Fourth of July Celebration (Universal Studios Florida) — July 4, 2023

Universal Orlando Special Events 2022 - Fourth of July Celebration

Fourth of July festivities at Universal Studios Florida returned in 2022 and we couldn't have been hoppier! Frogs enjoyed a high-energy band, live DJ, meet and greets with beloved characters and patriotic-themed performers and stilt walkers. The celebration culminated with a special fireworks display that frogs could view from anywhere in the park. All holiday activities were included with admission to Universal Studios. We can't wait to be back next year!

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER

Halloween Horror Nights 31 (Universal Studios Florida) — September to October

Universal Orlando Events - Pumpkin Lord Icon

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.

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. Tickets are currently on sale, and we highly recommend buying tickets in advance. Save some green on a single-night dated ticket by purchasing through Undercover Tourist!

Prepare yourself for Halloween Horror Nights with walkthroughs of some of the haunted houses on our YouTube channel. Check out our favorite house of this year's event below!

Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle — September and October

Universal Orlando Events - Dark Arts

The Dark Arts of Hogwarts Castle projection show made its first (dark) mark in 2019 and plotted a vengeful return to Universal's Islands of Adventure in 2021 and 2022. As darkness falls, Death Eaters (followers of the dark wizard, Lord Voldemort), infiltrate the streets of Hogsmeade as green light and fog permeate the village, right before the images of dark creatures and Voldemort himself cloak the castle walls. The show runs on select nights from dusk until the park closes.

NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER

Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort — November and December

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

Universal Orlando Events - Celestina Warbeck

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 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's 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's 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 — who host an annual concert on select nights at Universal Studios Florida. Guests can also get up close and personal with the Grinch himself for pictures or autographs at Honk Honkers. The Grinch and Friends Character Breakfast also came back last year for the first time since 2019!

Are you planning on hopping to Universal Orlando Resort this year? Which Universal Orlando events in 2023 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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1251–1300 of 1524 comments
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:19 p.m. Colleen Says...

Love that you do the homework for us, so we can enjoy the savings and the parks!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:19 p.m. EJMommy Says...

Can't wait to go back to UOR!!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:19 p.m. Cheryl Says...

I wish I could get the nerve to do HHN! I just hate things jumping out at me!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:17 p.m. KellyK Says...

Thanks for the great info! As always!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:16 p.m. Brandi Says...

Would love to take the family at Christmas!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:16 p.m. Jess Says...

My kids would love the Grinchmas event. Might have to make a December visit!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:16 p.m. Tracy eng Says...

This company has made my trips great. Great prices and easy transactions. Love Christmas anytime! My fav hiliday

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:16 p.m. MelKell Says...

I haven't been to Universal in 24 years! My how it's changed!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:15 p.m. Evelyn Rosado Says...

Hoping to book Universal for the holidays next year.

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:15 p.m. Matt L Says...

Good info, thanks!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:15 p.m. Mandy B. Says...

As much as I love Harry Potter (and I do!), I cannot wait for Halloween Horror Nights! I always love seeing the creativity they're able to pull off each year. Talk about a dream job!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:15 p.m. Wade E Cowser Says...

Still have yet to visit. Having a hard time deciding between summer and winter to visit.

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:15 p.m. Emily W. Says...

Very cool lineup.

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:15 p.m. Smechs Says...

We LOVE Harry Potter World and Marvel Super Heroes!!! We would LOVE to experience the new Hagrid ride!!! Hoping to get back to Universal soon!!!!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:14 p.m. Cindy Romania Says...

Thanks! This help a lot! Really, November it would be perfect

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:13 p.m. Stephanie Wittek Says...

I didn’t know they had a July 4th event!! Gotta make it to one of those. :)

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:13 p.m. Ryan Partlow Says...

Thanks for the info!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:12 p.m. Chelsea Bonilla Says...

I hope to one day ride the Hogwarts Express!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:12 p.m. thedog Says...

Will be going in July. Love the celebrations and the detail info

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:12 p.m. Sherry in Vermont Says...

Love, love, LOVE Universal Studios! Just went for the first time ever at 56 years old, and I want to go back so bad!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:12 p.m. Renee Manian Says...

Harry Potter World is on my bucket list!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:11 p.m. Mary Says...

Great information, gets you really excited for the rest of this year!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:11 p.m. WhitneyM Says...

We’ve been wanting to try out universal studios!!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:10 p.m. Christy Peckham Says...

We are college touring in August and would love to spend a couple days at Universal Studios with our oldest son! He starts his senior year this fall. My how time flies!!!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:10 p.m. Mike Lambert Says...

Nice blog!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:10 p.m. Marcus Sisconetto Says...

It'd be great to see all the holiday magic going on!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:09 p.m. Doris Taylor Says...

I would love to bring my 3 Grandchildren, they are at the age now were they would remember going, visiting a Christmas would be awesome!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:09 p.m. Gary Carter Says...

We'll be there this September for our first HHN.

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:09 p.m. Christy Says...

Love the deals

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:07 p.m. Kristine K Says...

We were there in March, and the Harry Potter area is amazing!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:06 p.m. Daneen Says...

One of these days I will make it there for a special holiday. As for now, February 2020 will have to do! I will be celebrating my parents' retirements and my big 4-0....so for now, that is celebration enough for me!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:06 p.m. Gina E. Says...

OMG so much fun looking stuff! Thanks for the highlights! <3

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:06 p.m. Rochelle Says...

We’ve never been here. This would be an awesome adventure !

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:05 p.m. Irma Says...

So ready for another trip to Universal Orlando!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:05 p.m. Sefarrell Says...

I can’t wait to head back down there!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:05 p.m. Britt Says...

My kids are dying to go back! It really is magical!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:04 p.m. Natalie Mason Says...

Hope to take the family soon!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:04 p.m. Nonnie Says...

I love your site

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:03 p.m. Bridget Foster Says...

So excited to visit this attraction. It has been WAY TOO LONG since my last visit to Universal!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:03 p.m. MNLorri Says...

Great info!!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:03 p.m. Sandy Says...

Thanksgiving is a great time to visit Universal! The weather is perfect, and you get to see all the Christmas decorations and parades.

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:03 p.m. Katy Heit Says...

I didn’t know all these events. Thank you for all the useful info.

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:03 p.m. Candace Stoneberg Says...

We used UT for our last vacation and I can’t say enough good things. I found a better deal after booking and contacted customer support and they made our deal even better!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 2:03 p.m. Andrea Williams Says...

Very useful info, as always! Thank you for being such an amazing resource for the latest theme park news and discounts!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:03 p.m. RONALD DELARME Says...

groovey

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:02 p.m. Nicole Says...

So helpful, love you guys!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:01 p.m. Matt K Says...

Holidays at Universal are a lot of fun.

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:01 p.m. Victoria Says...

I love using Undercover Tourist for my Disney tickets!!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2 p.m. gremom Says...

Can't wait to experience the new Hagrid adventure!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2:36 p.m. Dana Says...

We are so excited for the new ride and Christmas at Hogwarts!!!!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 2 p.m. Tonya Leckenby Says...

Already planning 2020 trip!!!

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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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