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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

JUNE - AUGUST

Jurassic June

Universal Orlando Events - Jurassic Park Tribute Store

Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the iconic film "Jurassic Park" with some roarin' limited time experiences at Universal Orlando Resort this summer. Pop inside the Jurassic Park Tribute Store at Universal Studios Florida for an immersive retail experience 65 million years in the making. Via a series of impressively themed rooms, you'll first learn all about the extensive pre-production process, then head on to set and come face-to-fangs with some vicious dinos and finally celebrate the film's record-breaking release. You'll not only find plenty of exclusive apparel, hats, key chains, plush and collectibles here, but also some perfectly prehistoric photo ops that recreate iconic scenes from the film!

Over in Universal's Islands of Adventure you can try some brand-new jurassic-themed menu items at Thunder Falls Terrace. Sink your teeth into a new Coconut Cajeta Churro (a caramel infused churro drizzled with coconut flakes and caramel sauce), savor some Prehistoric Raptor Wings (chargrilled chicken wings marinated with olive and spices then tossed in a sweet chili sauces and served with cilantro lime rice, black beans and a plantain chip) and enjoy an exclusive 30th anniversary Fanta Flavor, the "Wild Refresherrrr", starting June 1.

Finally, relive the wonder by attending a screening of the original "Jurassic Park" at Universal Cinemark in CityWalk on June 9, 10 or 11!

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!

JANUARY

Rock the Universe (Universal Studios Florida) — Jan. 26 to 27, 2024

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. Stay tuned for artist announcements!

FEBRUARY - MAY

Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval (Universal Studios Florida) — Select Dates in Spring

Universal Orlando Events - Willow

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 2023, we rocked out to WILLOW, Goo Goo Dolls, Three Doors Down and Patti LaBelle! 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!

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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1351–1400 of 1524 comments
Jun 25, 2019 at 1:45 p.m. llhoff Says...

I would love to see Hogwart's at Christmas!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:45 p.m. Melissa Rhoades Says...

So many fun things to see and do!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:44 p.m. Camile Punch Says...

I hope I win !!!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:44 p.m. Donna Says...

This is awesome help for deciding when to visit

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:44 p.m. Sam Beebe Says...

Christmas at Universal is magical!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:43 p.m. TB205 Says...

This web site is fantastic!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:43 p.m. Natalie Principe Says...

This is so helpful, thank you!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:43 p.m. Kelsey Brown Says...

Would love to visit! It’s been so long since last went.

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:42 p.m. Kayla C Says...

Halloween horror nights is definitely on my bucket list

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:42 p.m. Gibelle Says...

I really hope to go sometime this year to at least experience one of these events!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:42 p.m. TQ Says...

I hope I win a sweepstakes to go!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:42 p.m. Portia Says...

Totally on my bucket list!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:42 p.m. JillB Says...

Looking forward to going one day!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:41 p.m. Lulu Says...

We will be there next summer!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:41 p.m. Myssi West Says...

Really hoping to visit on day, Harry Potter is my grandson's favorite movies.

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:41 p.m. Sandra spare Says...

Single mom limited funds would love to go. Havent been away in 6 yrs. This would be a dream come true.

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:41 p.m. Amanda McDonald Says...

This is a great source of information and has been a great guide for vacation planning! Thank you!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:41 p.m. Jenna Standefer Says...

We love the Macy’s parade at Universal! It truly made our day to see all the floats!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:40 p.m. Keilah Nettles Says...

Excited for our firs visit to Universal this summer!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:40 p.m. Bret Says...

My first visit to universal was in 1999 (6th grade) and my favorite memory was of Fright Nights! It was unbelievable! If you enjoy a good scare then it’s definitely worth attending.

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:40 p.m. Kaitlyn W Says...

Hope they bring back the Harry Potter celebration!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:40 p.m. Diana Oliva Says...

Thank you for this info! Our family loves UNIVERSAL!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:40 p.m. Cindy Kennedy Says...

Universal is less than Disney. would love to take some Disney lovers here

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:40 p.m. Trevor Douthat Says...

The fall is my favorite time at the parks. The crowds are smaller and it's not as hot and it is HHN season!!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:40 p.m. Rachael Driggs Says...

Would love to visit at Christmas time!!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:40 p.m. datadan1257 Says...

I love all of Universal's events!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:39 p.m. Oscar Klaas Says...

Great tips and insight for making magical vacation memories

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:39 p.m. Courtney Beauchamp Says...

Used Undercover Tourist to book a Family Vacation to Universal early this year and it was amazing! Wanting to go back so bad and see it all over again!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:39 p.m. MICHELLE GREENE Says...

Highly recommend Undercover Tourist for all your theme park tickets and planning!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:39 p.m. Julie Says...

Would love to visit for "Grinchmas"!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:39 p.m. Andrew Born Says...

Love all of your content

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:38 p.m. Stephanie D Says...

We went to Orlando in May and read so many articles from your website and even bought our Universal tickets on your website. Great info and great deals. We had an amazing time! Thanks for all the great tips!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:38 p.m. Christina Says...

Sounds amazing!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:38 p.m. Amy Says...

We've never been, but it looks like so much fun! My son can't wait to go!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:38 p.m. Stephanie Lozano Says...

awesome!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:38 p.m. Melissa S. Says...

Y’all! Don’t buy tickets anywhere else! This site is everything ! I’d love my kids to see Universal at Christmastime ????

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:37 p.m. Jason L Says...

Woohoo! :)

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:37 p.m. Aine Says...

Thank you so much for having such a helpful website!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:37 p.m. Mike Staples Says...

My son has been begging me to take him here to see the superhero land and I am thankful that now I have a chance

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:37 p.m. Donna Evans Says...

Would love to go once!!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:37 p.m. Ashley Hall Says...

Omg the Halloween Horror nights sound like they would be so much fun!!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:37 p.m. monica Says...

extremely helpful on our last Disney trip with great cost saving tips as well

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:37 p.m. Ronda Miller Says...

I love all of the tips that you have and the savings! I am planning on going to Orlando in October of 2020.

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:36 p.m. Elizabeth Says...

My next trip to Orlando will nee to include universal!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:36 p.m. Amy Says...

Christmas at the Wizarding World? Talk about magical!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:35 p.m. Kenya Davis Says...

Love all of the information this will make it easy to pick the best time for my family to visit.

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:35 p.m. Chris Daniel Says...

Christmas in the Wizarding World sounds awesome!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:35 p.m. Chris C Says...

Great seeing all the events planned throughout the year.

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:34 p.m. Heather Kozik Says...

Love all the amazing info!!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:34 p.m. Kristie Gill Says...

Can't wait to head to Disney on less than a month! Universal would definitely be an awesome park to go to, haven't been in sooo long!

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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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